David Niederhauser

Favorite bike: My current bike.  2002 Quintana Roo Kilo TT/Tri bike which I've upgraded with an Ultegra drive-train, adjustable Thompson seat post, Profile Design Carbon-X aero bars and nice hard Selle Italia SLR saddle.
 

Dream bike: Give me any good road bike with Dura Ace components for those always fun mountain rides.  I've got my eye on the Orbea Orca or a Cannodale Six13.
 

Why/how I started cycling: At age 43 was tipping the scale at 250+ and needed a good health hobby in a hurry.  I ran throughout high school and college and was in pretty good shape.  I couldn't bare the thought of running day after day destroying my knees so the cross-training sport of triathlon looked appealing.  With triathlon comes cycling.  I love to ride.

First bike - details: In 1976 an age 17, I became interested in serious cycling and bought a green Schwinn 10-speed.  Can't remember many details about the bike but do remember being "tapped" by a car on a ride and crashing.  That was the last time I rode seriously until now.

Current Cycling Motivation: Age defying endurance fitness.
 

Other Interesting Facts: I have completed two Ironman, one half IM, and ~15 sprint/international triathlons.  I love anything that requires pushing my endurance limits.  I am currently 46 and 195 lbs.  I'm in the best shape of my life thanks to the support of my family.  I hope to inspire my children to pursue a life of health and fitness.

Cycling History/Accomplishments: I trained with some serious triathletes in NC when I started cycling.  Not until I met Ralph and the FCP did I realize how far below my limits I had been training.  I've been riding for 3 years but only "seriously" since March 2005.
 

Worst crash: Easter Sunday 2003.  Went out on a solo ride in the afternoon.  Met up with three cyclists from Chapel Hill about 1/3 of the way through my ride.  As I was nearing my exit point of the ride, I was on the back of a fast moving pace-line when a Ford F-350 blow past us.  In an instant, everyone except the lead rider ended up in the ditch on the side of the road.  Serious road rash, cuts and a dislocated finger made for an ugly scene.  My bike was the only functioning bike in the heap.  I rode home the final 3-4 miles a bloody mess.  I was back riding again within a week determined not to be defeated like I was in high school.