The Team
Jon Ornée
Jon is a jack-of-all adventures, master-of-none 😜. A former elite triathlete, these days he’s more focused on ultra-endurance events. Most recently he swam 54 miles across Lake Michigan with the EPIC SWIM 2020 team.
Last year he was hit by an SUV while cycling. It was a near-death experience that served as a reminder that we only get one shot at this life, we better make the most of it! 4 months after post-crash surgery to put his right arm back together, Jon completed the first-ever swim to North Manitou Island from Sleeping Bear Dunes. 3 days later, he and 4 other cyclists set a new World Ultra Cycling record across the state of Michigan, riding 205 miles in 8:17 (24.7mph avg). His goal, post-crash, is to do at least one thing each month that he’s proud of. Goal for September 2020: Set a New World Ultra Cycling Record Up Michigan with some awesome teammates!
When he’s not scheming his next athletic adventure, Jon is likely making music with his wife for their band Lady & Gentleman, designing wine labels for his company Creativino, connecting with his Health Coaching clients or camping in Northern Michigan with his family. And trying to have as much fun as possible along the way.
To learn more about Jon’s latest (and future) adventures, check out jonornee.com.
Ben Blake
Ben was a part of last year’s World Ultra Cycling record across the state of Michigan, riding 205 miles in 8:17 (24.7mph avg). Ben’s roots lie on the football field as he played college ball at Yale as well as two professional seasons in Klagenfurt, Austria. In his older years he’s found cycling to fuel his competitive spirit. Part of the newly formed Eclipse on Tap cycling team, he enjoys the camaraderie and brotherhood the cycling community offers.
Ben’s day job is as a sales rep for a medical device company. Outside of work and cycling Ben spends his time raising his 5 children, coaching his son’s football teams, and real estate investing. He’s pumped for this next 366 mile challenge!
Nick dehaan
Nick was also a part of last year’s team that set the West to East World Ultra Cycling record across the state of Michigan. He grew up with a passion for outdoor recreation and fell in love with mountain biking during his college years at University of Michigan, frequently visiting the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney State Recreation Area. After moving to Bozeman, Montana in 2003, downhill skiing became the predominant focus, but he’d still hop on the bike during the summer months to stay fit. When Nick moved back to Grand Rapids in 2013, he became interested in triathlon and set a goal of completing a half ironman. In 2017 he competed in two of these but by then had found cycling to be the most enjoyable of the 3 sports and more suited to his natural abilities.
Since shifting his focus entirely to cycling in 2018, Nick has competed in mountain bike, road, and gravel racing, but his primary passion has always just been going for long rides and racking up miles exploring new areas. In 2019 Nick accumulated 20,000 miles with a whopping 355-mile ride in one day when he rode from Grand Rapids to the start of ODRAM (One Day Ride Across Michigan) and back home afterwards. He is well on his way to replicating those numbers this year, with over 14,000 miles to date and this year’s 366-mile South to North record attempt looming on the horizon. Nick rides with the Speed Merchants team sponsored by Rockford Bike Shop.
Sean murphy
Sean is the elder statesman of the team. He was part of last year's World Ultra Cycling record across the state of Michigan, riding 205 miles in 8:17 (24.7 mph avg). Sean is a Physical Therapist at Mary Free Bed rehabilitation hospital serving brain injury and multiple trauma patients. Six years ago he began cycling in an effort to practice what he preaches about the health benefits of exercise. One thing Sean knows because the work he does at Mary Free Bed is that life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. He counts his blessings daily, and knows that he is blessed to have the opportunity to be on this adventure with 7 other great guys.
Sean is the father of three and husband of one very understanding wife that supports him in his crazy cycling adventures. Lastly, Sean wants to send a shout out to his cycling brotherhood in Hudsonville known as Ride With A Mission (RWAM). Riding with his RWAM brethren every week is one of my greatest joys as a cyclist!
ralph buckingham
Ralph is an elite triathlete and Kona Ironman World Championship Finisher.
With the cancelation of most major events this year Ralph turned his attention to local racing, he finished 1st in Season Points at Grattan Race Track’s Wednesday night race series, and 1st in Season Points at the Rapid Wheelmen Ada Time Trials, where he nearly broke a 24 year old record (he came within 5 seconds of it).
When Ralph’s not trying to find ways to go faster, he spends time with his wife and twin babies on walks around their neighborhood or in Grand Haven on the boat.
Joseph lampen
Joe’s a stud MTB rider who won his age group at the prestigious Iceman Cometh Challenge in 2019 (he was a five year Clydesdale Iceman champ before that).
In mid 2018, Joe began pursuing the question “What am I really capable of on a bike?”. After breaking a collarbone in early 2019 and having all but one mountain bike race cancelled in 2020, he’s still finding that out. He enjoys learning the process of developing mind, body, and spirit. While working on strengthening himself, you will also find him encouraging others to achieve their best, and cheering them on – even if they are the competition.
When’s he’s not riding his bike he’s likely on the ski slopes or working on a committee to design the next West Michigan mountain bike trail. A man who loves to be outdoors, and encourage others to try it, too.
Jeremy Sall
Jeremy’s a stud athlete who swam at The Ohio State University. Since graduating, he’s hung the suit and goggles up for a chamois and helmet. He spends most of his time riding these days, although he did join Jon and friends for a 54-mile swim across Lake Michigan this Summer!
justin van beek
When Justin’s not on the road, he’s on the trainer. His draw to cycling has always been enjoying the connections with like-minded people and the ability to see more of the outdoors with them. He might be the greatest cyclist that ever came out of Sioux Center, IA, but Jon would arm wrestle him for the distinction. 😜