A: Before I answer your questions I wanted to say that I am flattered that you would ask me for an interview. I look at what you are doing with these interviews and must say that it is a pleasure rather than an annoyance to read them each month. You are connecting different Iowa communities/personalities and improving cycling in general. Allowing people who don't race an inside look at the dynamics that go on in the sport, and how they can get more involved in cycling. I thank you for that.

“No sale is ever final here, because I'm here, I'm Bill Reichardt and I own the store.” (Ed. William ‘Bill’ Reichardt passed away last Tuesday, June 1, 2004.) Some of you might have heard that before. Well I was one of the lucky grandkids that grew up with it. I guess you could say that I do come from a long line of athletes. I don't know my family history very well I do remember some of the many stories that get told at the dinner table or in bars. On my fathers side (Reichardt heritage) my great grandfather was a professional boxer, probably where I get my smarts. Bill, my grandpa, is the MVP of all time for the fullback position at the University of Iowa. He went on to professional football for the Green Bay Packers. This must be where I get my legs from. Bill claims to have broken the pedals off a bike when he was biking passed the Old Capital in Iowa City. Bill married Sue the prettiest women on campus. My father, Doug was to be the starting Quarterback for Iowa his junior year, but blew out his knee in the first game. He has been my lead out man from the beginning of the cycling season and a huge inspiration to me. I can’t say enough about how proud I am of my father, and what a role model he has been; look out for him this year during the time trials. Bill, Doug, and Duke(uncle) hold state champions in handball. From my mother's side (Witt’s), my grandpa (Glen) was a fighter pilot during World War 2 and married a fiery red head (Dee Dee). My mother Debbie was a swimmer for the U of I, and also a cheerleader for the football team. Go figure, a cheerleader and a quarterback hook up and make a great couple. My oldest sister Kristin, was a great swimmer in high school and is going to do her first triathlon with me this year. My other sister, Katie is a natural and has to many accolades to list but here are a few: year after year soccer state champions, Mom was the coach, state champion in track, and soccer for Dartmouth College.

A: Well I have been a USA Cycling cardholder since 3/26/04. So about 1 month from Cat5 to Cat3. But I did do two races this year on a day pass. My aspirations with cycling all come down to one huge event! Ragbrai ( hahaaha) I am training hard core for it. No, my aspirations aren't for myself, but for the sport in general. I have been in cycling way to short to understand any of my true goals. My strengths get stronger and my weaknesses become strengths each week so I don't know what to expect. I just want to have fun with it. I do aspire to get the word out about this great sport, because it is absolutely ridiculous that the newspapers don't do a better job covering cycling/triathlons/adventure racing/ etc... You know, I hear way to often how there is "nothing to do in Iowa". Here's an idea, Des Moines Register/Press-Citizen put something positive in the paper like these sports, and list them in the SPORTS SECTION, not in the Life section! You have people shedding blood, sweat, and tears next to a picture of “Old lady Doris” and how well her garden is growing this year. I would love to see the papers step up. There is a large base of cyclist in Iowa just look at Ragbrai. I mean come on, The Des Moines Register started and sponsors Ragbrai. You would think at least they would cover cycling races. If you write it they will come.

A: Well, my favorite moment in cycling is the sprint finish. It all comes down to this! You can see it! It is right there! The finish line is in your grasp. All that work throughout the race comes down to this moment. Are you going to be a winner or loser? Oh the sprint is a great moment. But my fav. discipline is the "race of truth". The time trial is YOU and all YOU. Plus I am a triathlete and this is my background. Last year I wasn't very good, this year I am probably a better triathlete then I am a roadie.

A: From what I hear if you have done any of the Tuesday DSM rides or the Tuesday/Thursday rides in Iowa City (College Green Park @ 5:30pm) then your already a racer. Keep you eyes and ears wide open, because everyone out there has something helpful to say. They might not always say it the nicest way so you better get a jump start on growing some thick skin. There is a tremendous amount of talent in Iowa so don't get down on yourself. If you do better with a plan and want to accomplish many goals throughout the year then I recommend a coach. I thought about it this year and realized that I have had a coach for every other sport I have been involved in so why not this one. For road/mountain cycling or getting in shape look up Donny Quixote QCP-Trek For Triathlons/road I recommend JJ Bailey who just got back from Triathlon Worlds with 6th place in his age group and 5th American overall. http://www.jj-bailey.com

If you are a triathlete in or around Iowa City check out University of Iowa Triathlon Team

A: I think that Donny Quixote is doing great things for cycling. You have to go check out all the different events that are going on with QCP. If you live in or around Des Moines, show up at one of the events. This is just the first year for QCP and things are only going to get better. This is my first team and many teams will say I took my time picking one. There are many great teams here in Iowa City including: Cyclingfarm.com, ICCC (Specialized/Mercy), Atlas, etc..., but I felt that I would make the biggest impact with QCP. They needed a sprinter and I guess I am one. Another factor that influenced me to join was my spring break trip that I planned to go down to Tucson, AZ; It ended up being the first annual QCP-Trek training trip. These guys are great and all working towards different goals throughout the year, but when we race together there is only one goal.