If you haven't had the chance to check out the comic strip Frazz, give it a look sometime. Frazz, the lead character, is the most respected educator at Bryson Elementary School. He also happens to be the janitor. Frazz is a Renaissance man: an accomplished songwriter, avid reader, philosopher, custodial engineer, triathlete and much more.
Frazz has become independently wealthy from his work as a songwriter, yet still chooses to work as a janitor.
Frazz owns at least 3 bikes. His idea of a good time is a 200 mile bike ride. He has an impressive collection of t-shirts from bicycle companies, bands and colleges (I've seen shirts from Cervelo and The University of Cincinnati over the summer).
The strip uses a large number of cultural references, hitting on classic and contemporary literature, music, the arts, popular culture and more. Frazz acknowledges that he was a bad student but he has done much to educate himself.
The man behind Frazz is Jef Mallett. Mallett lives in Lansing, MI with his wife, pets and a large collection of bicycles. He learned to read from comics, drew a strip while still in high school and has worked as art director, graphic artist, photo editor, copy editor and editorial cartoonist. All in all, a guy after my own heart.
Much like Frazz, Mallett has participated in road races and triathlons. He spent Labor Day weekend swimming across the Straits of Mackinac to raise money for an organization that furthers youth mentoring.
There's a great interview with Jef Mallett on the VeloNews web site.