Stuart Kroonenberg

Who, above all, are your greatest sporting inspirations? My younger brother died of leukemia in 1998, after a truly amazing yearlong fight. The way he fought back and his positive attitude throughout is extremely inspirational. I have also been inspired by Lance Armstrong’s come back from cancer, which happened at about the same time; George Thomas’ comeback; Allen Larson’s comeback and, most recently, Tyler Hamilton’s performance with a broken collar bone in the 2003 Tour de France.

What preparations have you employed for RAAM ‘04?
I have been fascinated with ultracycling for the last few years and, as such, have crewed for and ridden in a few RAAM qualifiers. In 2002, Jim Ryan and I did the Race Across Oregon as a 2-man team, and that is where I met George Thomas and Terri Gooch, who are the promoters of RAO. I have also read several books on RAAM as well as many ultracycling related articles. I also have a pretty good collection of RAAM videos that I enjoy watching.

Ultimate RAAM ‘04 goal?
My ultimate goals for RAAM 2003 are to be the best two-person team in RAAM, to set a transcontinental record along the way, and to be a valuable component to a cohesive team.

Obstacles to reaching this goal?
We will be the best-prepared Team entering RAAM. Nonetheless, there will be many obstacles we will encounter along the way, and I look forward to conquering them all as a team.

What challenges you the most about RAAM?
I believe the greatest challenges will be related to handling the sleep deprivation. Fortunately, I need less sleep than the average person, and I can sleep almost anywhere and almost anytime.

What attracts you the most about RAAM?
I am attracted to RAAM by the many challenges that it presents and the desire to conquer those challenges.

Favorite quotes, either famous or not, that fuel your ambition?
“I am going to keep riding until they have to peel me off the bike.”—Allen Larson, RAAM 2003, about 35 hours into RAAM. (He finally took an hour and twenty-minute sleep break after being on the bike for 42 straight hours!)

“From the time you are born to your last ride in a Hearst, nothing is so bad that it couldn’t be worse.”—Donnie Winkler, a former employee. (This quote has nothing to do with ambition but it does indirectly tell you to keep your chin up and maintain a positive attitude and to persevere.)