tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post4999717323723375694..comments2024-03-12T10:14:17.359-07:00Comments on Chris Kostman's Rough Riders Blog: Any Bike, Anywhere / Classic Cyclist: Rough Riding in Competitor MagazineChris Kostmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056622357667732064noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-13615315581214322362008-07-10T12:55:00.000-07:002008-07-10T12:55:00.000-07:00Read this in Competitor, and it was a breath of fr...Read this in Competitor, and it was a breath of fresh air! Until just recently I've always ridden my 15 year old Trek 830--may it RIP. Yet, reading the interview made me miss the old warhorse. I might have to resurrect it...<BR/><BR/>I'm in the Inland Empire, so if you guys ever head out this way for a ride in the mountains, look me up. Supposedly the Santa Ana River Trail will be merged with the Green River (or whatever it's called) bike path going out to the ocean. Jamboree0344@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-8452165514641315442008-07-07T16:37:00.000-07:002008-07-07T16:37:00.000-07:00An original, one of a kind person. He's always bac...An original, one of a kind person. He's always backed up his claims and been exactly what he says he is, if not more. He's nothing if not fair. I've had more fun in his races than anything else I've ever done and look forward to participating in his races and rides in the future.<BR/><BR/>- Marlee Bisbey<BR/>Team RAAM crew '94,'95,'96<BR/>Team RAAM finisher '97<BR/>Furnacecreek 508 team finisher '95,'96Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-84082955665591878642008-07-07T16:36:00.001-07:002008-07-07T16:36:00.001-07:00Great job by Roy on CK's story! I have known Chris...Great job by Roy on CK's story! I have known Chris since 1995. I've told him many times that through his events (first Team RAAM then on to the 508 and officiating Badwater), that he has positively impacted my life. His events are not just enduro races for trophies--they are LIFE experiences. I'm a better person for having known him and participated in his events the last decade plus. He's a good guy that has honor. In my tribe, this says it all.<BR/><BR/>Namasté,<BR/>Ron Jones<BR/>Team RAAM 95-97<BR/>Furnace Creek 6x Finisher<BR/>www.ronjones.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-3331650251270500122008-07-07T16:36:00.000-07:002008-07-07T16:36:00.000-07:00For all of us who disliked sports when we were you...For all of us who disliked sports when we were younger there are Kostman's events that are so much more than just athletic ability.<BR/>Thank you Chris.<BR/><BR/>- Matt RuscignoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-19308666381911130832008-07-07T16:35:00.001-07:002008-07-07T16:35:00.001-07:00Roy Wallack was spot on with his feature article a...Roy Wallack was spot on with his feature article about Chris Kostman. I am not at all surprised at Kostman's success at being one of the very, very few people who have carved out a living in the world of ultra-endurance sports for more than 20 years. The enthusiasm he exhibited as a 16 year old still burns within him, which is the reason he has drawn people close to whatever he's doing. I find his arrogance to be very engaging because I know his core being is centered with honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Those who don't know him well could be fended off by his convictions on various topics, and as far as I am concerned, it's their loss.<BR/><BR/>Kostman is not a member of the herd, in that he's not afraid to put himself out there and state a belief, then support it. Taking offense to a person like that is a huge mistake. If you feel it's important to judge someone, then do it on accomplishments and integrity.<BR/><BR/>By the way, if any readers are interested in knowing why Kostman has severed ties with RAAM, an event I created, here's why: The Ultra Marathon Cycling Association purchased RAAM in a manner that brings serious questions to their non-profit status and their internal Constitution. Kostman and others (including me) objected to this. Kostman (and 17 others) decided to run for a UMCA Board seat and the UMCA management basically "doctored" the election to make sure Kostman and other specific candidates were defeated, ensuring the election of six pre-selected (herd) candidates.<BR/><BR/>The current UMCA Board is riddled with conflicts of interest, secrecy, and privacy codes. I find these actions alone to be totally and utterly reprehensible for a publicly run organization and I fully support Chris on his stance.<BR/><BR/>John Marino<BR/>Co-founder, UMCA / RAAMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-6999039910500517732008-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:002008-07-07T16:35:00.000-07:00I got to know Chris a bit better while spending ne...I got to know Chris a bit better while spending nearly 48 hours in a van and at the finish line during the Furnace Creek 508 in 2006.<BR/><BR/>One thing is very unique about his approach to race organizing -- he gives sincere, substantial, personal attention to every single racer and volunteer over the course of the event, in addition to all the work ahead of time. During the event we drove up to every single racer, took photos, and had a conversation with each, and sometimes their crews, too. We stopped and chatted with every race volunteer. On top of all that, he uploads photos and race positions in near real time to a website so that friends of the racers can follow their progress the entire way, no matter where they are on the planet (with web access). This is all without sleep over at least 48 hours.<BR/><BR/>Can you believe he has to turn away many people who are wanting to ride a bike 508 miles or run 135 miles in the desert each year? (largely for safety reasons, for which he is a fanatic) ...<BR/><BR/>- Doug SloanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-19394520683085017792008-07-07T16:34:00.000-07:002008-07-07T16:34:00.000-07:00i love CK.this plane(t) would be a WHOLE less swea...i love CK.<BR/><BR/>this plane(t) would be a WHOLE less sweaty, spiritual, and colorful without my Beloved CK.<BR/><BR/>i could still kick his multi-sport arse, however.<BR/><BR/>;-)<BR/><BR/>thanks Roy...<BR/><BR/>Namaste To All Noble Warriors like CK!<BR/><BR/>- Steve IlgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-17629903393403123202008-07-07T16:33:00.000-07:002008-07-07T16:33:00.000-07:00Great job Roy. You pretty much nailed Chris, and I...Great job Roy. You pretty much nailed Chris, and I understand he likes the story, which just proves your point! Thanks to both you and Chris for the reminder about riding all terrain on one bike - a practice of which I have been an advocate since before I saw my first mountain bike. It could also be reversed to "who needs a road bike?" For example, I have found a mountain bike frame superior to a road frame for on-road touring with a heavy load. And with aero bars it's just as fast. Anyway, with this timely reminder I'll include a chapter on the subject in a new book I am considering. - Paul SkilbeckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558368124745892353.post-31320387892813354592008-07-07T16:32:00.000-07:002008-07-07T16:32:00.000-07:00I found this article very insightful. Though I hav...I found this article very insightful. Though I have met Chris Kostman, and somewhat followed his progress over the last couple decades, I learned more about the guy than I really knew. As noted, he can back up what he says with actions, which can be rare in real life. Even if you do not like his bold self-confidence, there is no way you can refute his accomplishments. I commend Chris on all that he has achieved! - Robert GiacinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com