Short Biographies of our team members:
Name:Jim Diehl
City:Ankeny, Iowa
Family: Wife: Ellen, Daughter: Sarah (who is married), Son: Evan (who is going with me. He will be a 2nd yr med student at Iowa, Daughter: Melinda ( she will be a jr. at ISU)
Bike: I bought a hybrid last year and this year traded it for a Lamond road bike.
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): I am a Respiratory Therapist and I work at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? This will be my 2nd RAGBRAI
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? It was a challenge that my son made to us last year. I had never done anything like it before.
Who do you know on our team and how? Everyone is new to me. I have met Doug and 2 Matts
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? As a Respiratory Therapist I am very much for getting the message out about stop smoking
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) All of it except the hills.
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? I have not done any.
Are you ready for the HILLS? NO!!!!!!!! I hate hills.
Anything else? picture in my profile. The DSM register interviewed me about why I did RAGBRAI in their 50+ supplement. It should be out soon.
Name: Doug Hesseltine
City: Des Moines, Iowa
Bike: Trek 1500 Road Bike
Family: Tammy, Keely-14(riding with the team), Kellen-15 (Ridding on the Dream Team for the second year)
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): I'm a Sr. IT Analyst at Principal Financial Group, I love off-roading with my jeep, I am also the founder and co-owner of Web Host Galaxy web service. I love music and enjoy going to listen to bands in the Des Moines area. I also do volunteer work for the Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC). My most recent work with them is helping to promote the 80/35 music festival in Des Moines. I was in the Navy for six years as an electronics technician on two different ships and two shore stations. I also enjoy photography and Astronomy although I am not a current member of the local Astronomy club DMAS. I am about four hours away from obtaining my pilots license...Actually maybe more than four because I have been too busy to finish and I probably need to re-do Hmmm, what else. I know I am missing something. I really want to go sky-diving...Maybe we can do that somewhere on RAGBRAI :)
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on: Three
Why do you ride RAGBRAI: I enjoy the challenge and it helps motivate me to get out riding more because I love riding but I'm just too busy sometimes.
Who do you know on our team and how: My daughter and her best friend Stephanie Nowels.
Why did you join Team Kick Butts: I was looking for a team to join and saw a post on a message board. Oh and because I hate smoking so I'm all for getting the word out to QUIT!!!
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI: meeting new people even though I may never get to see them again. It's fun to get out and ride and be a part of something so big...Oh, and the FOOD!!! Should have put food first.
Any other large organized rides you enjoy: I have ridden Cycle For Sight the past few years.
Are you ready for the HILLS? Bring'em on!!! I've gotta psych myself up for them although I not near as ready as I want to be.
Anything else? Not really. I have used up enough space.
Name: Tyler Youngers
City: Sheldon, IA
Family: Parents- Tom and Lisa, Four sisters- Laurie, Megan, Erin and Allison and One brother- Chris
Bike: Road bike, bought it on ebay last spring. It is a Dawes and has served me well being as I am beginner and not sure about getting into cycling intensely or not. Maybe RAGBRAI will make my mind up...
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): I go to school full-time at St. John's University in Collegeville, MN but while I am home for the summer I work a variety of jobs. I work in the meat department at Fareway in Sheldon. I work with mentally handicapped individuals in NW Iowa with Hope Haven services. I am co-directing the Sheldon's community musical (Bye Bye Birdie) that will be performed over labor day weekend and I work on the family farm whenever I am needed.
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? I went one day last year... so technically this will be my first one?!
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? After 60 miles of fun last year, I couldn't help but think a 471 mile trek would be just as, if not more, fun.
Who do you know on our team and how? Just Cheryl Buntsma. I have not met her in person, but I have talked to her on the phone quite a few times about the ride. And.... smoking stinks!
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? My mother helped me hook up with this team because she is the O'Brien County public health nurse and has been in contact with Cheryl.
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) Meeting people, getting in shape and the FOOD!
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? Nope, not this year.
Are you ready for the HILLS? Well I thought so... until I had to climb one in the wind the other night. That is when I formed a strong dislike for hills. and headwind.
Name: Mrs. Cheryl Buntsma
City: Orange City
Family: Hubby - Handsome John Buntsma and beautiful and charming Katie Buntsma
Bike: Well, it's not a "Mary Poppins" bike! How I can't wait to see my favorite bike on the road this year!!!!
Mine's a FELT - it's much faster than the rider!
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): I am the tobacco prevention coordinator for five counties: Sioux, O'Brien, Osceola, Lyon and Plymouth. I'm busy stamping out cigarettes, cigars or bar hopping these days, with the new Smoke Free Air law. Actually I ah, well, ya, mmmmm, that's is what I do - oh, and try keep track of my husband and college bound daughter. SCARY!
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? I think this is my 4th -I'm not a rookie so I get to pitch my tent whereever I want! Oh, take that back - sleep on the bus, if I want!
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? I think it's the greatest ride of your life! Seriously, after slogging out 1000 training miles all by myself (almost all) every year, this is a dream. It's much safer and every mile is a festival on wheels! I love to be in shape too - this year - well, that's debatable!
Who do you know on our team and how? I had the privilage to ride with the ACS last year and met lots of great riders and organizers - Holdefer, you're one - and just loved it. We had such a great time - of course I slept in an airconditioned RV - so this year, well, I just might hate everyone and trash my bike at the end. Doubt it though as it looks like a great group of FUN people and just tell me to cork it if I get out of line!
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? I'm the woman.
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) Oxygen debt. NO, it's the people and the smiles and of course the bikes you see these people try to ride, FOR THE ENTIRE ROUTE!!!!:-) Fender man is not going this year is he? I know Flinstone Peddles will be riding - King of the Mountains man!:-)
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? Okoboji ride, Plymouth County Bike Club does weeklies and weekends. Everyone should try the Wabash Trace Ride - it's wonderful 50 miles crushed rock (Mary Poppen's bikes work great!) down to Shanendoeh and 50 miles back the next day! Fun.
Are you ready for the HILLS? Cherhuffnpuff, no, I don't think so! I found out Sat. my bike is only geared for flat or downhill rides. Does anyone know of a good bike to borrow?
(Include a picture if you can!!) Here I am - do you see me?:-) Oh, I'm riding my bike but guess I must have been traveling downhill and you missed me!
Anything else: One week to go! Can't wait till we are all at Mo. Val!
Name: Nathan Nissen
City: Marion, Ia
Family: Parents Mike & Janelle, Sister Sarah (17)
Bike: Trek 1000 SL
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): During the fall I attend the University of Northern Iowa where I'm majoring in marketing and am a walk-on to the cross country and track teams. This summer I am working for the city of Cedar Rapids Parks Dept. cleaning up and maintaining the parks.
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? This will be my first and I am very excited to participate in it!!
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? I enjoy challenging myself and it has always been something that i've talked about doing, but have yet to do it. With that said I figure, why not try it earlier in my life while I'm young? that way i will be able to at least say I've done it.
Who do you know on our team and how? To be honest, it's going to be a new experience completely for me. I have never been on RAGBRAI and I don't know anyone on our team so I am excited to make some new friends along the ride. I came upon this team though through the RAGBRAI forum just looking for anyone to ride with so I am not by myself the whole way. I am very happy to be invited to ride with Team Kick Butts!
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? I was looking for a group of people to ride with so I could have someone else to enjoy the trip with.
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) Seeing parts of Iowa I have never been to and making new friends along the way.
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? The Tour De France haha, just kidding! maybe in my future!!
Are you ready for the HILLS? I think the REAL question is... Are the hills ready for me?! But I'm really hoping they don't kick me in the rear!!
Name: Carolyn Nading
City: Ames, IA
Family: Bill and Thomas
Bike: Trek 1000
Work: Assistant Registrar at Iowa State University
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? This will be my second time.
Who do you know on our team and how? Todd Holcomb; however it was fun to briefly meet Doug, 2 Matt's, Jen, Jim & Cheryl during the team meeting a few weeks ago.
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? Todd found the team and I got connected through him.
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? Meeting people and feeling that sense of accomplishment of completing the ride each day.
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? no
Are you ready for the HILLS? Are you kidding?
Name: Kay Kinseth
City: Algona
Family: My husband Gary who is drinving support for us for part of the way I have two grown children, Bethanywho is a lawyer in Rochester with her husband Brett a chemist, and Greg works in Jordan Creek and lives in Grimes.
Bike: Specialized road bike
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): I like to scrapbook and stamp. I also am very involved in the ACS and its work. I am an elementary teacher. I also work part time during the summer months as a DJ/newsreporter for the local radio station.
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? I think seven. Only one was riverto river.
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? I like to bike and to meet the people. Biking makes me feel great.
Who do you know on our team and how? Sara and Scott Curtis Robin Meyer We are all from the same town. I rode with team ACS last year.
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? because ACS wasn't having a team as they did last year
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) THE FOOD!!!!!!
Are you ready for the HILLS? I have riden from Misouri Valley before. I don't think unless you live there or in the mountains that you can ever be ready.
Name: Robin Meyer
City: Algona Ia
Family: Mark, Gavin (14), Tatum (12)
Bike: Good enough for me :-(
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): Working out, kids' sports and activities.
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? This is my first!
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? To cross it off my "Bucket List"
Who do you know on our team and how? Sara Curtis, Kay Kinseth - and met Cheryl via web conf call recently
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? Recommended by Sara & Kay and it's a great cause!
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) Seeing
Iowa after having lived in Phoenix AZ for the last 20 years, plus meeting new people & the food!
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? Not in Iowa - YET!
Are you ready for the HILLS? Scared, but no turning back now!
picture: (Note from Doug - Lost your picture in works stupid email filter - will get it posted soon)
Name: Tim Holcomb
City: Orlando, Florida
Family: DeAnn, Daniel, Drew, & Sean
Bike: Woodrup - Reynolds 531C tubing, Shimano Durace components
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): Having Serious Fun at tCreative, Inc. a creative marketing services company,
specializing in brand development, print and collateral material. Oh, training and competing in triathlons and playing soccer and wakeboarding with my boys.
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? This is be my first
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? Growing up in Tipton I have always dreamed of being able to ride the entire event. Shortly after moving to Orlando in 1985 to attend the University of Central Florida to wrestle, the program was cut and I decided to turn to cycling and triathlons and have been riding ever since. Through the years, I have had the pleasure of attending the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the 88' selection camps, a top 10 national ranking in sprint triathlons, riding for top regional cycling teams, training and riding with some of the best riders in the nation. I can't think of a better way to spend a week of my life than in the heartland of America riding my bike with thousands of others who share the same passion.
Who do you know on our team and how? Todd Holcomb, do I have to admit he is my brother? :-)
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? Joining the team is a great opportunity to be part of something special that not only has purpose
but is also for a good cause.
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?) Hmmmm, so many to choose from. I would have to say the people and food. And the personal triumph of human spirit to ride almost 500 miles in 7 days.
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? Cross Florida
Are you ready for the HILLS? Climbing is my middle name! For a flatlander from florida I have spent several years training in the mountains of east Tennessee. Hills obviously being the key word here.
(Include a picture if you can!!) ATTACHED
Name: Sara (Better late than never) Curtis
City: Algona
Family: Spouse - Scott, Kids - Sam (15), Sonny (13), Sophie (9), Sawyer (7)
Bike: A lovely purple Trek
What do you do when you're not biking (work and other): I work for PAK Empowerment (state funding for 0-5 year olds) part time and substitute teach. I like to run, read, and attend the many events of the children.
How many RAGBRAIs have you been on? Just last year.
Why do you ride on RAGBRAI? It has always been something I wanted to do since seeing my brother and a friend do it when they were in high
school. I just never got around to it until the opportunity came up last year with the American Cancer Society team. What a great way to do
two things I was really interested in!! Some year I will ride the whole thing, but my kids have a big swim meet on Saturday that I can't miss.
Who do you know on our team and how? I bike every morning with Kay Kinseth and Robin Meyer and am good friends with Wade and Gayles from Mason City. I also met Cheryl last year, we were on the ACS team together but let's just say we never met on the road... I think I'd have
a little trouble keeping up! I'm excited to meet everyone else.
Why did you join Team Kick Butts? Because I was on the ACS team last year, and feel strongly about "kicking butts" (the smoking kind, of
course!)
What's your favorite part of RAGBRAI? (or anticipated favorite?)Meeting different people.
Any other large organized rides you enjoy? Haven't done any others.
Are you ready for the HILLS? What hills???!! (It's a mental block, I refuse to think about them, they suck the life out of me!)
(Include a picture if you can!!) I sent a couple that are posted on the website (no names, I don't quite know how to do that!) but there is a
couple of the ACS team and one of my husband Scott and I. (He will join for Tues, Wed, and Thurs.)
Anything else: At this time next week, we will have survived that ominous second day that I keep hearing about. Bring it on!!!!!
