His passion for the sport and his helpfulness to others are why John Lee Ellis was elected Ultracyclist of 2004 by the UMCA members.

When I called John to congratulate him, he said: "This is quite an honor, and I very much appreciate the UMCA members' votes! Ultracycling - the long miles, the friendships, and the organizational work - holds a special place for me, as does the UMCA and my fellow members."

John Lee Ellis (left) Ultracyclist of 2004 congratulated by John Hughes Carol Garnand photo

What makes John Lee exceptional is the way he helps and inspires others. "He was the person who first encouraged us to participate in the Mileage Challenge. He responds cheerfully and patiently to each and every question we pose and sends us beautifully written descriptions of his weekend rides, never failing to put a big smile on my face." -Crista Borras

John Lee started ultra cycling by participating in the National Points Challenge in 1988 (now the UMCA Mileage Challenge) and it remains remains one of his passions. John Lee chairs the UMCA Mileage Challenge, processing hundreds of ride submissions each year, writing informative rider notes and tabulating the stats.

Bill Bryant, the President of the Randonneurs USA has ridden several of the Colorado brevets that John Lee organizes. "John Lee's a fine long-distance rider who always keeps his sense of humor no matter how tough the miles become. He has the enviable combination of excellent athletic ability, intelligence, and determination. Even when the distance to the finish line seems too long, the temperatures too hot, and the headwinds too strong, John Lee is a great guy to ride with. Perhaps small in physical stature, he has the heart of a lion and is afraid of nothing."

John Lee rides daily; on the snowiest days he'll head out on the mountain bike for a pre-breakfast ride. Then he and his wife, Pat Heller, will spend the day cross-country skiing. Throughout the year he likes to do at least one long ride every weekend. Last year he rode 10,749 miles in the Mileage Challenge, the second highest total for 2004.

Ellis riding the Last Chance 1200K which he organizes John Hughes photo

Last year John Lee served as Vice President of both Randonneurs USA and the UMCA.

Bill continues: "His efforts off the bike are legendary, too. John Lee works tirelessly to help others pursue their two-wheeled passions. He always makes extra time for the new riders to bring them along gently in order to avoid the common rookie mistakes the rest of us made. He also helps new ride organizers avoid common pitfalls so that their new events are better than they would have been otherwise."

"John Lee serves on the Board of the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club (RMCC) and the committee that develops the comprehensive yearly ride schedule." says Charlie Henderson, president of the RMCC. "John Lee has put together a series of populaires, brevets and the Last Chance 1200K to help develop distance riders. This series is the second largest in the USA."

Danny Chew, media, and John Lee Ellis, official, on RAAM '04

The Ultracyclist of Year honors a UMCA member who demonstrates:

1. Athletic excellence in RAAM and/or RAAM qualifiers and/or ultra programs such as the John Marino Competition and/or Mileage Challenge and/or Records; and,
2. Volunteer support of the sport as an event organizer and/or official and/or crew member and/or coach at multiple events; and,
3. Leadership and consideration for and helpfulness of other riders.

Seven candidates for 2004 were nominated by Board of Directors Nominating Panel:

John Lee Ellis, 52, Louisville, CO. Second-highest mileage (10,749) in the 2004 UMCA Mileage Challenge; Colorado brevet organizer; vice president of the UMCA's Board and of RUSA; RAAM official.

Terri Gooch, 40, Corvallis, OR. Co-director of a six-month time trial series, two training camps, and Race Across Oregon; part of the first Mixed Two Person Team to finish the Race Across America; crewed for her RAAM crew chief at the 508.

Nancy Guth, 54, Stafford, VA. Won the John Marino Competition (JMC) Overall Female award in 2004 (for the third time); contributing editor to UltraCycling

John Jurczinski, 47, Holderness, NH. In 2004 first in five John Marino Competition (JMC) events, qualified for RAAM twice, won the 12-hour competition and the overall JMC.

Paul Kopit, 62, Sunland, CA. In 2004 became the first rider to complete 100 of the California Triple Crown double centuries; actively supports double centuries and riders.

Jeff Landauer, 37, Roseville, CA. Third in the California Triple Crown Stage Race; crewed RAAM for Andrew Otto; third at Furnace Creek 508; volunteer at California doubles.

Randy Van Zee, 52, Sheldon, IA. Rode RAAM 2004 to provide mobility to the poor through the work of Hope Haven International Ministries (HHIM). HHIM collects, refurbishes and distributes pre-owned wheelchairs in 97 countries worldwide. Finished RAAM despite saddle sores, failed neck muscles and a cracked pelvis.

Congratulations to all of the candidates; each racer's nomination signifies his standing in the sport.