36 Riders 5 Support Van Drivers 1 Support Van Navigator Extraordinaire
Connor Ciment, 23
2016 Bike Adventure Trip Leader / Engineer
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Americus, GA
I signed up for the Fuller Center Bike Adventure last year because I wanted to do something exciting before starting a career. I ended up finding myself so passionate about the mission of the Fuller Center, and the avenue for service in the Bike Adventure, that I decided to commit this year to service with them. I am extremely excited to be in this role leading a fantastic group of people across the country! I was overwhelmed last summer with how much the experience grew me, and I expect the new challenge of leading will call me to grow even further.
It doesn’t get much better than this: living simply, biking daily, building homes and lifelong relationships. What more could you ask for!? Tailwinds I guess…
Diane Bies, 60
Returning 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Evansville, IN
Fundraising Goal: $1,000
I am an avid year round cyclist here in Southwestern Indiana. I found the FCBA about 4 years ago. It has become a part of my annual tradition. I love riding while raising funds for such an amazing organization. I have also been on two Legacy Build weeks. I can’t say enough about how great it is to help reduce the number of people living in poverty housing. I love being on the Fuller Center rides to share time with the riders, hosts and hostesses, and to work on building projects as we go. I have experienced these rides with my daughter and have found so many new family members here as well. I look forward to seeing friends again and meeting all the new riders. I am anxious to see the differences we can make by serving this year. Please support my ride!
Jenny Sossamon, 45
Spring 2016
Anchorage, AK
Fundraising Goal: $750
Rose Lahti, 55
Spring 2016
Anchorage, AK
Fundraising Goal: $1,000
Biking and helping others…what a awesome way to spend vacation!
Bobbi Jo Hoch, 42
Spring 2016
Melcher Dallas, IA
Fundraising Goal: $750
“If you do what you’ve always done, You’ll get what you’ve always gotten” ~ This ride is me doing something different.
Tom Weber, 73
Returning 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist / Support Driver
Geezerville a.k.a. Broomfield, CO
Fundraising Goal: $750
I am geezerman from Geezerville, CO, and this will be my sixth consecutive year riding with FCBA. I have ridden all of the previous Spring Rides, and ridden or supported the summer rides since 2011. Obviously I am hooked on and love FCBA and their mission, the people I ride with, the churches that open their doors for us, and the people we all help.
My son Matthew and my granddaughter Harper have ridden with me a few times, and my wife Lois has supported with me, making those events extra special.
This 2016 ride is a repeat of the 2011 ride which is the first ride I participated in. On the way to Seattle in 2011, the FCBA van was in an accident, and I was injured and had to miss the first three weeks rehabilitating my shoulder. So this year I will be biking the three weeks I missed, and either biking or supporting the rest of the ride. My mini van will again be used as the second support vehicle.
My blogging has been sporadic the last couple of years, but I will again be trying to blog in 2016. If interested here is the link: geezerlog.blogspot.com.
Peace
Susan Wolf, 61
Spring 2016
Port Byron, IL
Fundraising Goal: $750
Very early one summer morning in 1999 I met a women at an I80 rest stop in the Great Salt Lake Desert. She was part of a group of Germans who were riding across the U.S. This amazing women was in her 60s. Bike riding across the U.S. became a dream of mine. In 2000 I bought my 1st recumbent bike and joined a bike club. I ride almost every day. For 2 1/2 years I rode a century ride at least once a month year round, till I started to question the wisdom and safety of riding in the Illinois cold of January and February. I am a semi-retired social worker who recently finished caring for my elderly father and am looking forward to caring for my future grandchildren. Now I have a summer between family obligations to devote to my dream of riding across the U.S. As a social worker I have worked with homeless people and families, individuals and families surviving domestic violence, and inter city communities trying to stop the violence and build safe communities. I am a Civil Rights Mediator and I truly believe equal opportunity for adequate housing, living wage jobs, and fair and equal treatment and access to and by government agencies is essential to safe, strong neighborhoods and healthy families. I am a member of a Unitarian Church that is very active in social issues.
Jeff Gabriel, 62
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Palm Beach, FL
Fundraising Goal: $750
I got into cycling a few years ago when my daughter began doing triathlons. We moved to Florida from Illinois two years ago and since then I’ve really increased my cycling. I was searching the internet for cross country cycling rides and came across the Fuller Center. I was really excited to see an option of riding with a Christian organization for a worthy cause. Since I am working full time, I can’t do the summer ride but the spring ride works out fine. Looking forward to the entire experience.
David Skinner, 49
Spring 2016
Omaha, NE
Fundraising Goal: $750
Hello! My name is Dave and I live in Omaha Nebraska. I’m originally from Indianapolis; but have lived in Omaha since graduating college from Purdue in ’88. The last three years of biking I have focused more on miles. Going from 500 to 1000 and this year to over 1500 miles. For me, that is a big accomplishment. I decided for 2016 that I needed something more. I wanted experiences over distance. I wanted to be a part of something and give something if possible. I found this ride when searching on the Internet and knew this was what I was looking for in a ride and experiences. This is definitely something out of my normal comfort zone. But to live life fully; I think you need to push yourself. Plus being Catholic, the Pope has definitely challenged us to put ourselves out there for the poor and those in need. For me, this is that step.
Phil Gash, 75
Chico, CA
Spring 2016
Fundraising Goal: $750
Retired from the physics department of Cal State Chico. Have been cycling for about 25 years, the first 22 on an upright and the last 3 on a trike. Enjoy the scenery at a bike’s speed and the companionship of other riders. Am taking this trip because I have not seen much of the northwest or the states east of the Miss river.
Peter Perkowski, 30
Lake Hiawatha, NJ
Returning 2013 Fuller Center Cyclist
Fundraising Goal: $1,000 to Nepal
Hi, no matter how life treats me, helping others and riding a bike are two things that bring me renewed joy in life each day. Past rides I’ve done with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure have been some of God’s greatest blessings in my life. I’m thrilled to be back again!
Jack Hughes, 88
Springdale, OH
Returning 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Fundraising Goal: $750
Donna Walker
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Support Vehicle Driver
Lafayette, LA
Fundraising Goal: $750
I have been a cyclist since the early 90’s. The spring ride of 2015 was my first Fuller Foundation Ride. It was an amazing journey. It was great to share the experience of riding with the mission of the foundation. The people that were part of the ride as well the members of all of the communities who hosted us were great. I just bought this great new van and decided it would be fun to experience the ride from the other side so I am part of the support crew this year. It is going to be a great week.
Mike Rutherford, 39
Middletown, OH
Returning 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Fundraising Goal: $750
Riding with the Fuller Center is about being a family passionate for serving others. The riders bond over the week riding across the nation and we have a great opportunity to serve and to spread the message of hope through decent housing. What a great opportunity to minster, ride, and enjoy time with the Fuller family. I’ve been riding with Fuller for three years and it is the highlight of my biking adventures for the year. I encourage you to join use either on a bike, helping out along the journey, through financial support or praying for us on our journey. Oyee!
Dan Hepp, 60
Springfield, OH
Returning 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Fundraising Goal: $750 – Clark County Fuller Center for Housing
Hi, I’m Dan, a life long cyclist and advocate of helping others. I’ve been on several construction mission trips, countless cycling tours and enjoy the challenge of putting the two together. This will be a renewed adventure for me and my wife Cindy who will be a SAG driver for the fourth time. We are both excited to be a part of the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure to see what God has in store for us on this trip.
Ruth Ann Hamilton, 70
Returning 2012 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Springfield, IL
Fundraising Goal: $5,000 (combined goal with John) – Haiti
I am a wife, grandmother, and retired teacher. John and I rode the Spring Ride in 2012 & 2015. We find it to be a great way to incorporate our love of cycling with helping others to have affordable housing. We are pleased to be a small part of what the Fuller Center does worldwide. We look forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones!
John Hamilton, 70
Returning 2012 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Springfield, IL
Fundraising Goal: $5,000 (combined goal with Ruth Ann) – Haiti
I am retired. My wife, Ruth Ann, and I enjoy riding to raise funds for special projects in Haiti. We rode the Fuller Center Spring Ride in 2012 and 2015. We believe that affordable housing is very important. We look forward to renewing friendships and making new friends with similar goals.
Alice Little Caldwell, 61
Spring 2016
Augusta, GA
Fundraising Goal: $750
As a pediatrician, I am particularly interested in children and their families having safe and comfortable homes. I also enjoy riding bikes, going on adventures, facing new challenges, getting to know new people and seeing different places, and working for a united cause.
Michael Oliphant, 65
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Hendersonville, NC
Fundraising Goal: $750 – Nicaragua / Haiti
Recently retired, I taught at Brevard College for 7 years and Warren Wilson College for 4 before that. I taught mostly business courses, but I also organzed bicycle tour courses. My last course in May 2015 was a 3 week paddling trip on the Savannah River with 12 students and 2 professors. I did nonprofit housing development before that. I have been to Haiti with Fuller twice (2014 & 2015) and did Habitat work in Nicaragua, Guatemala and Jamacia years ago. I took student groups to Americus and Koinonia and met with Millard Fuller and went to Sunday school with Jimmy Carter.
Renee McCullough, 60
Returning 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Gaithersburg, MD
Fundraising Goal: $750 – where most needed
Hi! I’m Renee’, from Maryland (though still an Oregonian at heart, even after being away – except for a few short trips – for nearly 40 years). I am a medical research librarian/manager for a federal agency, enjoy outdoor activities, cooking, and good books, and have several roles in my church, one of which is missions coordinator. In working with missions projects, you hear the phrase “Pray, give, and go” a lot. All three have been part of my past FCBA experiences in ways beyond my expectations. I started long-distance cycling with two-day rides on the C&O Canal in 2006 and the impetus to do something I didn’t think I could do – but decided to try anyway. This was certainly the case with my first FCBA segment ride in 2014, in which I literally prayed my way up a four-mile climb. Like others, after that experience I wanted be part of it again and to challenge myself more with both the 2015 spring ride and three segments of the summer ride. Meeting such a physical challenge is an awesome experience in itself, but exponentially greater when combined with the unparalleled opportunities to help others, to build relationships, to pray for others and be prayed for by others, and to lift each other up literally and figuratively. I am blessed to be part such an amazing endeavor and to “pray, give, and go” on the Spring ride this year.
Monica Busby, 39
Returning 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Los Angeles, CA
Fundraising Goal: $750 – Middle Tennessee Fuller Center for Housing
This is my 3rd Year riding for Fuller Center. I am HOOKED! This will be my FIRST Spring Ride, however, and I would like to honor this ride in raising monies for my Fuller BFF Lindsey Bawcom and the Nashville Fuller Center Fam! Excited to see what TN & MS has to offer…hopefully some real country, not the Hollywood movie scenes we have here in Cali! Woohoo! Let’s do this!
Graham Houston, 58
Returning 2010, 2011 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Kansas City, MO
Fundraising Goal: $3,000 – Greater Kansas City Fuller Center for Housing
I have been supporting the affordable housing movement since 1996 when I participated in my first Habitat 500 Bike Ride, Louisville KY to Atlanta GA. This will be my 4th Fuller Center Bike Adventure experience; my first Spring Ride. And I am stoked to join with other passionate cyclists to raise money and awareness for the Fuller Center for Housing!
We started the Fuller Center of Greater Kansas City MO in 2009, in 2016 we have a total gut rehab project and a list of Greater Blessing Box projects that is growing. The needs are substantial in our community. Biking and building is my way of bringing valuable resources to our work. Thank you for supporting me with your generous donation!
Tom Hamilton, 64
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Libertyville, IL
Fundraising Goal: $1,000 – Global Builders in Haiti
Housing/shelter is an essential foundation in any hierarchy of needs. So combining my passion of riding a bike and helping others get basic needs met is nearly perfect. I am a retired United Methodist minister and in full time private practice as a mental/behavioral health counselor (psychotherapist or cycletherapist). Love riding and love helping people!
Karen Welsh, 61
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Libertyville, IL
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
I am a psychotherapist who loves to ride her bike. Tom and I have been known as “hill slugs”, cycle-therapists, and crazy for riding so many miles and spending so many hours on our bikes. I am looking forward to riding The Natchez Trace and at the same time volunteering for such needed, worthy services. I am also looking forward to meeting and riding with other biking/volunteering enthusiasts.
Micheal Regan, 52
Spring 2016
Wheaton, IL
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
Patrick Heck, 52
Spring 2016
Evansville, IN
Fundraising Goal: $1,000 where most needed
As I get older, I find myself first describing myself by first listing my age! 52 year old who became a dedicated believer at 22. Avid techie who also loves spending time on the bike. Always looking for ways to make a difference in the name of Jesus. Husband, father, and small business owner (information technology). Average between 2,500 and 3,500 miles each year on the bike. Love working with others towards a common goal.
Marlene Young, 54
Spring 2016
Minneapolis, MN
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
I did my first 100 mile ride two years ago and so enjoyed being outside all summer training. This looks like the perfect next step! I look forward to the beautiful scenery, new relationships and the challenge. I love being outside in nature, I love moving, and I love all things to do with home/hospitality. This ride includes all three. I want to give back from the great bounty God has given me. What an excellent way to do that!
Ginny Hughes
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Ipswich, MA
Fundraising Goal: $750 to US projects
Excited to be a “returning rider” I still don’t consider myself a cyclist but sure do enjoy cycling with this wonderful group and for a worthy cause. Looking forward to April!
Allen Slabaugh, 28
Returning 2011 & 2012 Trip Leader / 2010, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Rider
Marion, NC
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
I’m excited to have the opportunity to join the spring ride again! I had the opportunity to lead the very first FCBA Spring Ride back in 2012 and am looking forward to seeing how it has grown since then. I can’t wait to meet everyone and to revisit a lot of the amazing church hosts that are on this ride!
Maryrae Kearney, 73
Returning 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Support
Support Van Navigator Extraordinaire
Springfield, OH
Cindy Hepp and I provided SAG support for the last two year’s Natchez Trail Ride. It was a real blessing and a top of the mountain experience. I’m so looking forward to serving the team again. I have been bicycling all my life! My husband and I like to choose our vacations close to bike trails. We have three children, one deceased, and six grandchildren. I am a volunteer with our local Jail Ministry, vising with inmates one-on-one. It is a privilege to partner with the Fuller Center and to witness the construction of better homes for those in need.
Bob Himba, 77
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Sibley, IA
Fundraising Goal: $1,500 where most needed
I didn’t start riding until I was 60 and now that I’m retired and have more time and I have had the privilege to ride on several tours but none as much as the Fuller Bicycle Adventure as it is riding for a purpose. Of all bike tours in have ridden none as like the Fuller ride where everyone is like a close family and looks after each other.
Wayne Wilson, 69
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Cleveland, TN
Fundraising Goal: $750 Fuller Center of Middle Tennessee
Enjoy cycling and helping a good Christian organization.
Tony Campbell, 68
Returning 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Allenton, MI
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
Since 2001 my wife Mary and I have been traveling in our motor home (living in it full time the last 10 years) and building with Habitat for Humanity’s RV Care-A-Vanners and the Fuller Center RV Builders. I also enjoyed several week-long rides in Michigan and Ohio.
To celebrate my 60th birthday in 2007 I decided to bike the Natchez Trace Parkway on my own. Who knew that the following year I would be riding cross country with the first FCBA. Only 8 of us did the whole way that year – now there is a limit and a waiting list!
Since riding cross-country in 2008 I’ve been able to join FCBA for a day to a week most years, but never the full Spring Ride. So I’m looking forward to this adventure, seeing friends from past rides and meeting new riders. What a fun way to raise funds and awareness for the mission of eliminating poverty housing.
Kert Emperado, 34
Returning 2013, 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Philadelphia, PA
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
I’m back for more! Hi, my name is Kert. I live and work in Philadelphia. This year will be my first time participating in the Spring Ride; roughly 400 miles from Nashville, TN to Jackson, MS. My fundraising goal is at least $750.00.
My love for Fuller Center and the Bike Adventure:
I initially participated in 2013’s whole way ride from Savannah, GA to Vancouver, BC, with the Fuller Center and really loved the biking, building, and most of all, serving people along the way. It was a trip of a lifetime. In 2014, I returned to ride from Atlantic City, NJ to Sioux Falls, SD, which was a rewarding and unforgettable experience once again. In 2015, my ride was from Bayfield, CO to Porltand, ME. Each year is very different and very similar in many different ways, and it is all amazing!!! I can’t get enough. I’ve also participated in the fall ride near Atlanta, GA, called The Silver Comet (which is the name of the trail) in 2014 and 2015.
Darrell Gabbard, 63
2016 Spring Rider
North Little Rock, AK
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
Recently Retired.. Excited to be a part of a great cause. Relatively new cyclist, it has been a real passion for me the last 6 months. But my true passion is meeting and helping others.
Richard Manny, 67
2016 Spring Rider
Sheboygan, WI
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
I am an avid bicyclist and have ridden 19 years on the Habitat for Humanity 500 bike ride. I just retired from the pastoral ministry after 39 years of service. I am looking forward to riding on the Natchez Trace!
Nicole Bies, 24
Returning 2013 & 2014 Fuller Center cyclist
Evansville, IN
Fundraising Goal: $750 where most needed
Hi Everyone! Something about the Fuller Center’s message always seems to bring me such meaning and purpose that I am back for more. I have a passion for service, sharing stories, and living life to the fullest. I look forward to being reunited with my old FCBA pals and meeting new riders!
Melony Andras, 63
2016 Spring Ride
Enon, OH
Fuller Center Support Van Driver
Melony enjoys any excuse to be outdoors. As a child her family camped every weekend from spring to fall and all August every year in Canada. Even her wedding 39 years ago to Paul was held outdoors at a local state park. Paul and Melony camped with their children through the years and still take an annual backpacking trip to Isle Royal National Park. They purchased bicycles last fall and hope to do more cycling.
Paul Andras, 69
2016 Spring Ride
Enon, OH
Fuller Center Support Van Driver
Paul Andras, 69, is retired and had worked for the USAF as an engineer for 42 years. He is active with his church, Fellowship Christian Church, and is an adult leader for Boy Scout Troop 316. Paul and his wife Melony now enjoy spending time with their grand kids. For outdoor activities, they like biking, camping, hiking, and also backpacking in Isle Royale National Park
Leah Spurlin, 35
Returning 2014 & 2015 Fuller Center Cyclist
Bowling Green, KY
Joining for Saturday / Sunday
I have been a part of the Fuller Center family for several years now. I got the opportunity to complete the whole way trip in 2014, the Silver Comet ride in 2014, and for a week in 2015. This is an incredible ministry that not only changes the lives of those who are served, but also the riders. There are so many amazing things to say about this ministry, but one of the most important things this experience has showed me is how to serve. I am excited about joining – if only for a couple of days!
Sue Rutherford, 67
Spring 2016
West Chester, OH
Support Vehicle Driver
Recently retired nurse who is anxious to help the Fuller Center for Housing cause in a supportive way. I love to travel but my biking experience is limited. I am anxious to be a part of this Spring ride which will allow me to spend time with my awesome son, Mike. I look forward to getting to know and, hopefully, being an asset to other team members.
History:
Summer 2015 | Spring 2015
Summer 2014 | Spring 2014
Summer 2013 | Spring 2013
Summer 2012 | Spring 2012
Summer 2011
Summer 2010
