Ryan Verchota
Accomplishments:
- Complete the silver Rush 50-miler in Leadville
- Was a guide at the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
What was your experience like as a guide at the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
On a seven-day notice I was asked to guide a below the knee amputee Aalkdy to finish his 24th consecutive Chicago Marathon. While he initially was shooting for a 4 hour marathon, the day proved to be a much harder challenge and we finished in under 7 hours. To me it is about giving back and inspiring others to achieve their goals.
What is your favorite event to compete in?
Running the Rim2Rim2Rim in the Grand Canyon. Not a sanctioned event but I did this in May 2017 and was the most epic way to see a wonder of the world while running 50 miles.
PR you’re proud of?
5:41 @ Earth Day 50k
Number of shoes you go through a year?
6 pairs of trail shoes and 2 pairs of road shoes
Rachel Wills
Accomplishments:
- Two-time Dirty Kanza Finisher – and beating the sunset in 2019
- Racing with Chicago Women’s Elite Cycling for two seasons on the road
- Being invited to race for the first all women’s elite gravel racing squad The Meteor // Intelligentsia
Why did you start cycling?
I swam through college, so buying a bike and registering for a triathlon seemed like a logical transition. After a few years and a couple Ironman races, I realized I liked riding the most, and have been acquiring {and riding} bikes ever since.
Favorite race?
Dirty Kanza 200
PR you’re proud of?
Barry Roubaix 100 – 6:18
Average weekly mileage?
200
