One of the greatest things about being involved in the cycling industry is getting to know incredible people from all over the world.  Through one of my other cycling inspirations (Ryan van Duzer), I connected with Dex Tooke who is one incredible endurance cyclist.  Today I got to finally meet up with him and spend some time together.

Dex has completed the Race Across America (RAAM) twice and in doing so is one of only 6 people over 60 to ever complete this ultra-challenge.  On top of this he’s competed in countless ultra-endurance cycling races and just recently came in third at the Texas Time Trial 24 Hour Ironbutt….completing 344.5 miles in 23:43.  Insane.

There are a lot of heroes and people to look up to in the world of cycling, but it’s people like Dex who inspire me the most.  I was just interviewed this week for a new online magazine called Not Another Hill (which will launch soon) and when asked about what cyclist I look up to, it was Dex Tooke at the top of my list.

Dex is an incredible athlete, a super nice guy, and lives by many of the same principles and values that I do.  When I’m in my 60′s, I hope to be half the cyclist he is.

Dex also happens to be the star of one of my favorite cycling photos of all time.  Here he is climbing Monument Valley during RAAM 2011.  Photo by Dan Joder.

Here’s to real cycling heroes and all the good people found in the world of cycling.

Dex Tooke is one wild man ultra endurance cyclist, and now he’s putting on his own challenge to bring out other ultra cycling maniacs to join him.  You might remember Dex from a post we did that featured him a while back.  He has taken on the Race Across America (RAAM) a few times now and last year he became the sixth rider over 60 years of age to complete the event.  Dex is also the rider featured in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful cycling photos in the world.  Have a look at this incredible Monument Valley RAAM photo.

Dex has created the first ever No Country for Old Men (NCOM) ultra bicycle race which begins and ends at Kokernot Park Alpine, Texas.  This race is going to be anything but easy and likely to attract only an elite few.

The six time station, 382.6 mile race kicks off at 8:00am Saturday, October 13 and the route includes over 13,800 feet of vertical climbing.  During the race, riders will cycle through Big Bend National Park on Ross Maxwell Scenic Road……one of the Country’s most beautiful roads and winds through rugged, primitive country.

This race is limited to 20 people and invitations can be obtained by contacting Dex at dex@str.rr.com.

A Word from Dex:

The National Park Service has limited the race to 20 participants (relay teams represent one participant).  You do not have to immediately submit your registration, but because of the limited field, I would appreciate it if you would let me know as soon as possible if there is a reasonable chance you will be competing.  Anyone that Races in this year’s NCOM will automatically have a reserved slot for next year’s race.  Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of one of the most exclusive races in the ultra world.

There will be awards for the overall winner in 5 different categories.  Each Racer will have the option of purchasing a “No Country for Old Men” finishers jersey autographed by all Racers.  In the tradition of Race Across America (RAAM), please bring a t-shirt from one of your previous races.  Everyone will have the opportunity to exchange t-shirts with others competitors.

Dex will have an updated website for the race soon, but for now more information can be found on their Facebook Page.  Feel free to also leave a comment below with any questions you have or contact Dex directly.

Our Make it Happen Monday series here at Loving the Bike is designed to help kick-start your week and set you off in a positive direction.  Sometimes they may be motivational type posts and at times we like to feature inspirational people like the dude we’re highlighting today.

Art Jones got into road cycling in February, 2007.  He had just finished rehab on a knee injury and was looking for a way to get his body in better shape.  It was his brother-in-law who suggested cycling to him, and he decided to give it a shot.  Sounds like a fairly typical story so far, huh?  Well the one difference between Art and many other cyclists who get started in the sport is that he’s blind.  This adds just a little degree of difficulty now doesn’t it?

Art’s brother-in-law, Ivan Morgan, had a tandem bike and when he suggesting cycling to Art he meant for him to travel with him on his bike.  Ivan had just started riding with the Major Taylor riders and immediately introduced Art to the group as well.  Soon after, he was starting to do long distance rides including an event for the American Diabetes Association….oh yeah, did I mention he’s diabetic as well?

Still in 2007, Art met Dave White from the Cycling for Sight bicycle group and began riding with them as well.  Before the year was over, he had successfully taken part in a 230 mile, three-day ride.

Why is Art Loving the Bike?

“To me it is a great filling being on the bike doing what I love to do.  I love passing the cars and I love passing people while they are riding next to us.  I really love going fast on a bike.  I say that we have been up to about 31 miles an hour on a straight away.  It feels so good to me knowing that I can go that fast.”

What’s Next?

I’d say that Art has already accumulated a bunch of success on the bike, but he’s far from being done.  This year he plans on finishing the California Triple Crown – completing 3 double centuries in one year.  He’s already got one double under his belt this year, and is determined to keep going to become the first blind person ever to complete the triple crown.

He also has the goal of completing the Race Across America (RAAM) as well, but his focus is currently on achieving this summer’s mission first.  He’d like to gather a team of blind cyclists to complete the RAAM with him and in doing so, “make the world see us as a team that can do anything on the bike”.

There are so many inspirational cyclists out there in the world, and for today I wanted to introduce you to Art and add him to the list.  He’s certainly Making it Happen.

Photos c/o Odale Baker, President and Founder of Major Taylor Cycling Club San Diego