Our Crew
Scott 'Ranger' Burdette
Job: Crew Chief
Hometown: Northridge, CA
Occupation: High School Math Teacher
I'm excited about being Crew Chief for Team JDRF this year. I have crewed for the team in 2005 and 2006 so excited about the new role. I'm always up for an adventure and have been on several road trips/hitchhiked through majority of lower 48, bicycle toured the Pacific Coast of US in 2001, hiked the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail from the Mexican border to Canadian border solo in 2000. I enjoy four-wheeling, mountaineering, cycling, shooting and hanging out with family and friends. My goal in life is to experience as much of the world as possible with special people.
Roger (YRB) Erickson
Job: Crew
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Occupation: Investment Analyst
I've been on a bicycle pretty much my whole life from the paper route to now Randonneuring and Ultra Cycling. I've always been fascinated by what one can accomplish powered by something other than fossil fuel. I've ridden events with Bernie Barge, supported him on the Furnace Creek 508 and count it an honor to crew for this team. I've been across the country on a bicycle and down the California coast numerous times. Another chance to get out and see the US of A in a non-traditional manner is always fun and I want to contribute to a good, fun, competitive race which raises funds for an important cause -- JDRF.
Anise & Harry Evans
Job: Crew
Hometown: Castaic, CA
Occupation: Finance Director & Student
My son, Harry and I are really psyched up for this "once in a lifetime opportunity" to crew for Team JDRF. Diabetes and children causes are near and dear to me. My father passed away from complications of diabetes. I used to work for Medtronic Minimed, and learned a lot about the disease. Now I work for MGA Entertainment, a toy company. My company has graciously donated toys to be distributed to children along the route. It will be fun to distribute toys and watch smiling kids along the way. Harry is a student at College of the Canyons in Valencia. He loves surfing, skateboarding, music and cars. Go Team JDRF!
Harold 'Duke' Leedy
Family status: Widower - 3 children,
5 grandchildren, 2 great-grand children
Job: Crew
Hometown: Browns Mills N.J.
Occupation: Retired
I started taking bikes apart and putting them back together in childhood. I build my own bikes, and donate some of them to friends and neighbors. I currently enjoy riding with the Outdoor Club of South Jersey on a regular basis. My first love is motorcycles. I've been riding for 58 years since the age of 10. I started competing in Enduros at 15, and in 1997, traveled solo 8,000 miles touring the U.S. Although no longer a competitor, I am still an avid rider. Also, hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing play a huge part in my life.
This is my 2nd year as a RAAM participant. In 2006, I crewed as a mechanic / driver / navigator. I'm very excited to participate in the 2007 RAAM.
Linda Metcalfe
Job: Crew
Hometown: Duncanville, TX
Occupation: Metcalfe Family Chief
I have been involved in cycling one way or another for the last 30 years. At one time, when I was much, much younger, I raced competitively for the 7-11 Ruffles Team. A short time after that I began working as a bicycle mechanic at a local shop and did local races and tours. I retired from competitive cycling in 1987 in order to raise our two children, Steven and Lauren, and to help Mark in all of his cycling endeavors. In 2005, I was crew chief for Mark's solo RAAM, and even though he wasn't able to finish, it was a memorable experience. I still ride, (with Mark on his slow ride recovery days!), and when we become empty-nesters, I may decide this long distance riding stuff isn't that bad after all!
Lauren Metcalfe
Job: Crew
Hometown: Duncanville, TX
Occupation: Student
I have been a competitive gymnast for 14 years and recently retired from the sport after rupturing the ACL in my right knee. Right now, I am preparing to begin my college career in the fall at Texas State University, San Marcos. I will be studying Communication Design which covers graphic, advertising, and web design. I crewed for my dad when he did solo RAAM in 2005 and this year I thought I would help crew one last time before I leave home for college.
Holly Meyer
Job: Crew / Massage / Cheerleader
Hometown: Kaukauna, WI
Occupation: Hair Stylist
I'm back! This will be my second year crewing / massage for Team JDRF. Last year was an "experience of a lifetime" and an adventure I loved. Before the race was over I told Tim and Brenda, "You better be doing it again, and if ya are, I'm coming!" For the past year I have been working for Lifetime Fitness at their full service salon and spa. After RAAM, I decided to take some cycling spin classes at Lifetime to see what these riders do every day. Well, I got hooked on it myself. Besides attending spin classes, I enjoy running, going out to the lake and visiting my family and friends. Road trips are my favorite thing to do. Just to get away, even if it's only an hour drive away. I'm ready and so excited for RAAM this year. I had so much fun last year and can't wait to live it again!
Robin Phelps
Job: Crew
Partial Route: IL to Finish
Hometown: Carrollton, TX
Occupation: Electronic Technician
I am a huge fan of endurance sports. My husband, Val and I managed the RAAM Time Station in Durango, CO in 2005 and 2006. Val is my favorite riding partner and together we completed the Last Chance 1200k in 2006. I have also completed a 100 mile endurance run. I'm very excited about the opportunity to be part of the crew for Team JDRF during RAAM 2007.
Jessica Roemhidt
Job: Crew / Massage / Cheerleader
Hometown: Mankato, MN
Occupation: Massage Therapist/ Esthetician
Mudflap is back for more! This will be my second year crewing with Team JDRF. Currently, I am working at Raydiance Salon in my hometown and taking continuing education classes at every opportunity I have available. My most recent study of interest is energy work aka Reiki. I also work for my father at his construction company during the summer and have no hesitation to jump in a big truck and drive down the road. Hence the name that was given to me last year as 'Mudflap' when I jumped into the seat of the RV and started rolling down the road. I keep busy with both jobs and thoroughly enjoy them. I am pumped for RAAM 2007. Can't wait to assist the riders, see everyone from last year and bring cheerleading props so Holly and I can put a smile on everyone's face!
Linda Schroedl
Job: Crew
Partial Route: Start to KS
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Occupation: Dining Room Services
I am so thrilled to be a part of Team JDRF and can't wait for the opportunity to be a part of this great team. My younger sister (and only sister), Brenda is a rider on the team. It will be amazing to see her in action and to help each rider and crew member out during this amazing race. I have heard the stories and adventures so now it's time to see it first hand. I have been employed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 23 years so the Husker spirit is definitely in me! I have three active teenage boys. Love sports myself and can be seen as 'Runza Rex' on some weekends.
Sean Scott
Job: Crew
Nickname: "Chubby Bunny"
My first love is my family, I have a wonderful and supportive wife and a beautiful 5-year-old son. Second is off-road motorcycle racing, I have been racing off and on for 27 years. I have competed at the national level in endurance off-road racing (cross-country). Cycling has been a passion but used more for conditioning and pleasure than competition.
I have worked as a search-and-rescue volunteer in Mountain and High Angle rescue and it led me to orienteering and mapping. I now teach GPS mapping and GPS tracking on occasion to various organizations throughout Northern California. I promise to find all the Starbuck's we might need along the route. My number one goal in this event is to assist in any way I can and to ensure that EVERYONE makes it to Atlantic City SAFE while having the time of our lives.
Rudy Serna
Job: Crew
Hometown: West Hills, CA
Occupation: Sr. Principal IT Project Lead
This will be my 3rd year crewing for Team JDRF and supporting JDRF in the process. I was first introduced to RAAM through Tim Skipper, whom I work with at Medtronic Minimed. I enjoy spending my free time with my wife Gail; and our 2 daughters, Hailey and Caitlin. I think crewing for RAAM is an adventure and it teaches you how to deal with the unexpected. It is one way the see this great country of ours.
Scott, Haley and Matt Skipper
Job: Crew
Occupation: Students
Triplet children of team captain, Tim Skipper. Scott and Matt joined Team JDRF last year and are excited to make the return crossing again this year. Sister, Haley wanted to see what all the fun and excitement is about and has decided to join the adventure and crossing this year. Their dad, Tim is dedicating this year's race to them.
Vickie Tyer
Job: Crew
Hometown: Grandview, TX
Occupation: CPA
I watched the first ABC broadcasts of RAAM years ago and I have been intrigued with cycling and RAAM ever since. I spent over 20 years as a professional rodeo trick rider and Roman rider traveling the country and having a great time and accounting for nothing. I hold a gold card in the PRCA. I retired 10 years ago to a real job, a CPA for an investment enterprise in Fort Worth with a real pay check leaving me time for a real hobby - cycling! When I heard about an opportunity to see RAAM first hand as part of a crew - well, sign me up, I'm ready to go.
