Age: 47 City: Chandler
Occupation: Software Architect
Type of Riding: Road/Mountain/Racing
How many years riding: 40
Average weekly mileage: 75
Favorite cycling event: My own personal ride from Chandler to Tucson, taking the back roads through Florence
Favorite piece of cycling paraphernalia: My Team Copaxone shirt as it represents my battle with MS. Copaxone is what keeps me on course to slow down this progressive disease
Zaniest Cycling Moment: At age 8 riding my bike across extremely dangerous roads to buy my Mom’s Christmas gift. She loved the gift and I got a good dose of discipline that day
Favorite Cycling Book: No books, but I do love the movie Triplets of Belleville, great bicycling fun movie
Favorite Quote: The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. Vince Lombardi American football coach
Must have cycling snack: RCA Cola and bananas
Cycling accomplishments: Tempe Ironman 2009, MS 150 2010 (3/27-28), Bartlett Lake Triathlon 2009, Harvest Moon 2009 ½ Ironman
Greatest Challenge: Tempe Ironman 2009, I had no idea what my mind and body could endure until I actually finished that race. It made me think how much I limit myself when I say “I can’t” or give in to what others think is a ridiculous idea

Giving back: Van Meter has had relapsing Multiple Sclerosis for 27 years. He is involved with an advocacy group that contacts those struggling with MS and encourages them to continue to move forward with their lives. For him, bicycling represents a portion of that process of moving forward.

- SBerliner