Gummi Bears and 7-11 Chilli Dogs.
That’s the 2002 Furnace Creek 508 Champion Eric “Ostrich” Ostendorf’s race food of choice. It’s a diet befitting the fun and quirky nature of the 42-year old Hot Wheels toy designer from Torrance, California.
Early in the race, the Ostrich was pedaling in second place and looking comfortable. Eric’s climbing bike is seeing early action, but his secret weapon is reserved for later in the race on mountain descents. An unbelievable 90-tooth chainring graces the Specialized frame, custom built by the Hot Wheels folks. Bigger than most dinner platters, the silver behemoth propels its rider hundreds of feet with each pedal stroke on flat terrain.
The Ostrich is in good hands, with an experienced crew led by PacTour and RAAM good guy Rich “Ski” Kondelewski. Although Eric doesn’t have his sights set on RAAM, Rich might be able to convince him otherwise. The “dinner plate” could serve up one mean trip across the plains states should he ever decide to take the leap from 508 miles to 3,000.
- Greg Pressler
