Q&A with Yuri “U Boat, Uncle Shirley, Squirrel Pelts” Hauswald

GU ATHLETE: Yuri “U Boat, Uncle Shirley, Squirrel Pelts” Hauswald
SPORT: Endurance Mountain Biking – 1st overall 2007 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Laguna Seca
BIRTHPLACE: Los Angeles, 1970
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Petaluma, California
WEBSITE: www.bikemonkey.net (look under “Bios”)

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
Becoming a Pro rider after finishing 9th at the 2006 Solo 24 Hour World Championship.

Any superstitions about competition?
I wear a puka shell necklace in honor of my father; I always shave my legs the day before an event with my wife’s razor.

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Sportsmanship, humility and a good sense of humor.

Song that best fits you?
Bob Marley’s Wake Up and Live.

If you weren’t racing bikes, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t already also a school teacher, I’d work for my brother-in-law as a wine maker.

If you were a flavor of GU, which would you be?
Espresso Love with an additional 3 shots of espresso.

What’s the most creative way you’ve carried your GU?
In my man purse.

How do you reward yourself after you reach a key goal?
With a double double cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger.

Personal causes you’re involved in?
I help out with the Nor Cal High School Mountain Bike League, ABC Trash Rides, Bike to School Day, and I run the annual bicycle safety rodeos for the local school district.

Three things people don’t know about you?
I hate whole tomatoes. I played lacrosse in college. I didn’t pick up a bike until I was 25 years old.