UltraCyclist of Distinction Russ Loomis by Merry Vander Linden, UMCA President

Russ Loomis

In 2010, Russ Loomis was the first person to become an Ultra Cyclist of Distinction. It is the highest award an ultra cyclist can earn. To achieve this honor, a cyclist must demonstrate outstanding performance in three out of four consecutive years and must gain distinction in at least two UMCA programs over the course of the four years. Russ met and far surpassed these requirements in the following manner:

• In 2005, he logged 5899 miles in the Year Rounder program, earned 126.44 Ultra Cup Competition points, and RAAM qualified at the Adirondack 540.
  
  
• In 2006, he logged 5666 Year Rounder miles, earned 132.56 Ultra Cup Competition points, and RAAM qualified at Boston-Montreal-Boston.
  
  
• In 2007, he logged 5187 Year Rounder miles, earned 91.52 Ultra Cup Competition points, and RAAM qualified at the Adirondack 540.

However, achieving the Ultra Cyclist of Distinction Award requires more than pedaling a bike well. The rider must also demonstrate significant service – the equivalent of one week of full time volunteer work - to ultra cyclists during at least one of the years. In fulfilling this requirement, Russ was again an over-achiever. In 2005, he donated 10 hours of his time to planning and administering the NE 12/24. In 2006, he spent 48 hours as a contributing editor writing stories for UltraCycling magazine, 40 hours leading HUB Rides, and 8 hours working at the Quad State Double. In 2007, he once more dedicated 48 hours to writing stories as a contributing editor for UltraCycling and 40 hours to leading HUB rides.

Russ continues to serve the organization tirelessly as a contributing editor to UltraCycling and as a member of the UMCA Board of Directors, where he currently holds the office of vice president, is a member of the Finance Committee, and chairs the Programs Committee.

Russ lives in Ashfield Massachusetts with his partner Kathy, his son Garrett, and Kathy's son Nick. He also has two daughters, Heather and Sarah and two grand daughters, Hannah and Lindsae. Russ works as a furniture maker is his own shop and teaches a master furniture making course that he started 15 years ago in order to share his knowledge and keep the art alive. Please join us in applauding Russ for his outstanding performance in the sport of ultra cycling and in thanking him for the many, many hours he has devoted to working for the betterment of the UMCA.