The Spoke'N Four Crew
"I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you"
"I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you. That’s the mantra of everyone who has truly cared about anyone. It’s the mantra of mothers for their children, sisters for brothers, friends who see a friend in crisis. We’ve all had to find the resilience to push through adversity and doubt. We’ve all toiled and planned and perseverated to protect the people we care about. These are shared human experiences. This lies at the heart of being crew." ~Pete Kopuchura
Lynn Vilker - Lynnie Lou
Crew Chief
Wife to RAW rider Jeff Vilker, Lynn is excited to do what ever it takes (within reason) to get these riders from Oceanside to Durango, CO. When not learning what it takes to plan and crew for RAW, Lynn is mother to Jack and Maddie, works for an analytic software company, volunteers with a local community theater, Advises the high school Model-UN team and loves to read and listen to live music.
Jack van der Veen- Jack-O
Bikes are the source of life for Jack, that’s hardly a surprise after spending his early years in the cradle of cycling, Belgium. Transplanted to Ojai, California as an adolescent, the bicycle was his one constant. Road racing, mountain biking, touring, BMX, clunkers and anything in between, they all led to working in some of the best bike shops and winning bike races for 10 years. As a category one road rider, he eventually slowed enough to tour the planet by bike on an epic three year tour of forty countries. Upon his return home, finally a grown up or a responsible adult, he got a dream job in the tech industry (He lasted exactly four weeks). These days he rides about 160 miles per week in and around central California, fitting work in when he can.
Kathy Sullivan - Sully
I'm a retired RN who absolutely loved my profession during the 44 years I practiced. Since I'm an adrenaline junkie in nursing, I find it spills over in my recreational life. I love all sports, both as a participant and fan. My passion is biking, but I dabble in many others. I also love to volunteer for sporting events not only to help the athletes but to also see amazing athletes. I've had the privilege to volunteer as the head of the bike escorts for the Madison Marathon, pacer for the Leadville 100 run, crew for Bricko at Ironman Switzerland, and various other jobs for Ironman WI and Kettle Morraine 100 mile run. I can't wait to be part of an outstanding crew for our amazing Team!
Camille Wirkus
Camille is a senior at Iowa State University studying dietetics. With her mom and boyfriend racing in RAW, she had to be a part of the fun. After Camille graduates she will complete a dietetic internship before becoming a registered dietitian. She hopes to work either in a clinical setting or in eating disorder recovery.
Although Camille is part of the crew, she does have a passion for exercise. Camille competed dance up until college, where she changed passions to running. After racing a few half marathons and a full, she decided to switch sports once again. Now, Camille spends her time training for triathlon with the Iowa State Triathlon club were she serves as president. Later this summer she will be competing in collegiate nationals.
She is especially excited to watch her mom race as she is a huge inspiration for Camille. Her mom continues to show Camille what it means to be a strong minded, strong willed and strong legged woman.
Kipp Vilker - Kipp! Kipp! Kipp!
Hello! I'm Kipp. Cousin of rider Jeff and proud to be supporting him and crew chief Lynn on this journey. I am a University of Wisconsin alumni and currently work for an environmental consulting firm as a civil engineer in Santa Barbara, CA. I love the beach, soccer, volleyball, surfing, swimming, biking, camping...Anything outdoors. Fan of the Packers, all things Badgers, Liverpool, and the Grateful Dead.
Joey Hassett - Joey
When asked what he would bring to the Badassador’s RAW team he said: “I have been recruited to provide a little performance nutrition knowledge, some mediocre wrenchin’ skills, prepare palatable meals, take some blurry pictures, and maybe even dish out a few laughs here and there…”
Joey recently obtained his Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Iowa State University, spent some time with the athletic program at the University of Missouri providing sports nutrition education, and is now currently completing his dietetic internship at the Veterans Affairs Hospital of Central Iowa to obtain his hours to become a Register Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Following his internship Joey will attend the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs to obtain a masters in sports nutrition and food sustainability. In the future Joey plans to work with elite level endurance athletes and/or special operations military members.
Despite his involvement with his educational endeavors Joey has spent a large part of his life training and competing in triathlons across the country and World. However, he has recently taken that passion and enjoys putting it towards helping others improve their performance through the power of nutrition and meal preparation. Alongside his passion for nutrition and health Joey has a love for everything bikes, photography, and his family. He looks forward to providing support for the team and the memories that will be created.