Location: Iowa

UltraCyclist Killed in Iowa

Randy Van Zee of Sheldon, Iowa was killed on Friday, April 4, 2008 when struck from behind by a car on a county road near Sheldon.

The driver was 21-year old Sarah Johnson of Archer, Iowa, who was cited for not having insurance and for failing to stop in a safe distance. The collision is still under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

In 2004, Van Zee participated as a solo cyclist in the Race Across America (RAAM), riding 2,958 miles from San Diego to the New Jersey coast in 11 days, 16 hours and 26 minutes. After crashing his bike in Ohio, Randy rode the rest of the route with a broken pelvis. He became only the 169th person to finish solo RAAM.

In 2007, Randy won the Gut Check 212, a 435-mile bike ride across South Dakota, one of only three riders to complete the ride, finishing in 36 hours and 45 minutes.

Randy Van Zee, 56, is survived by his wife, his mother, three children and six grandchildren. His funeral is Tuesday in Sheldon.

Read more: Obituary, Des Moines Register, KTIV-TV, Sioux City Journal, , UltraRob’s Adventures, Velonews

Warning: The comments on the Des Moines Register article are not for the faint of heart – just amazingly callous and mean-spirited.

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About The Author

By Randy Rasa, editor/webmaster at Kansas Cyclist, the web's premier Kansas cycling information site, featuring authoritative guides to Kansas cycling clubs, bike shops, organized bike rides, touring, trails, and much more. [learn more]

2 responses to “UltraCyclist Killed in Iowa”

  1. David Veatch says:

    Wow. The comments are ridiculous. Just the same old tired arguments against cycling on the roads, and the vitriol is returned with nearly the same vehemence from the cyclists as well.

    I can’t imagine how it would feel were I one of those Van Zee left behind, and I came across that bile.

    Be safe out there…

  2. Susan says:

    Unfortunately, David, those types of comments are all too common when cycling, cars and the road are the topic. But I’m sure you already know that.

    My condolences to the Van Zee family.