Born in 1979, Czech Republic and immigrated to Canada at age 9 with father, mother and brother
Early childhood consisted of hiking and cross country skiing
At the age of 6 planned a 25km hike in the local mountain region. Brought along a close friend and completed the hike in 7hours. The need for adventure and exploration perhaps began with this first epic outing.
At the age of 10 enrolled in Tae Kwon Do (Martial Arts) attained black belt and trained for 6 years.
At the age of 16 started cycling by doing small overnight rides which eventually led to mini tours.
Cycled from Toronto-Lake Placid (650km) in 3.5days during the March break. Unexpected cold front came in and temperatures from day 1 were anywhere between -10 to -27.
Following High School cycled from Toronto-Key West, FL (3000km) in 25 days. Self supported and alone.
At the age of 19 competed in my first ultra cycling event. The RSD 24h challenge, 1998. Finished 1st in my age group and tied for 1st overall
MEMORABLE MOMENT: I was 16 at the time when I set out for Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains. It was day 3; I had covered about 150km in -10degree weather and, as the sun went down, the temperature dipped down to -27. I made the decision to ride all night long in order to stay warm. I had with me only a mesh tent and a sleeping bag rated to -5, so the thought of lying there and risking frostbite was not very appealing. Rode all night until the following afternoon. I was on the road for 36 hours straight. Little did I know I would come back to this very place 10 years later and qualify for the world’s toughest race, RAAM.
"I am proud to dedicate my entry in RAAM to all children with cancer."
You can help me and the entire Team RACE movement bring the joys of childhood to brave kids living with and beyond cancer. 100% of donations raised through my effort will go to special camps that distract children from the rigors of cancer treatment and recovery by surrounding them with activities, friendships and opportunities that might otherwise be preempted. Your donation will not only inspire my Race Against Cancer Everywhere but make a tangible improvement in the quality of life for thousands of heroic kids.
