Leaders
Hi Fuller Center Bike Adventurers, my name is Connor, and I will be leading the inaugural Dirt to D.C. ride! I am a second year Trip Leader with the Fuller Center, having led over 8,400 miles of Bike Adventures since 2015.
It has been an absolute honor and privilege to lead rides this past year, and I have grown closer to the person I want to be through the fellowship of the FCBA community. The opportunity to dedicate myself to a cause that I am passionate about, all the while riding my bike all over the country, has been an incredible blessing!
It doesn’t get much better than this: living simply, biking daily, building homes and lifelong relationships. I am excited to meet the newest addition to my Bike Adventure family!
Riders
This will be my first ride with The Fuller Center, and I couldn’t be happier to have an opportunity to fundraise, ride, and build with those similarly interested in service and biking.
I grew up in a beautiful area of Virginia, and one of my greatest joys was riding my bike. Other than those early experiences and riding as one duty of college employment, I have not been a consistently active rider. I’m just now getting back into riding, and pairing that with fundraising and service in support of The Fuller Center is really a delightful scenario.
I will be one of the first riders to participate in the “new for 2017” Dirt to D.C. ride. The ride will be in September 2017, giving me adequate time to prepare, fundraise, and perhaps even persuade others to join.
In addition to supporting The Fuller Center’s mission, I hope to meet great people and, with any luck, be a bit of a pioneer for friends and family to join a future ride.
Mark Valesey, 65
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Medford, NJ
Fundraising Goal: $750
I`ll be 66 when the ride takes place. My wife says that I am retired, sort of …..
It’s time to ride the dirt from PA to DC. This should be a great week of riding through the mountains. I’m looking forward to meeting the daring souls who venture off the asphalt and concrete with the FCBA. OYEE!
In 2011, I signed up to be a whole way rider for the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure summer ride from Seattle, Washington to Washington, D.C. It was, and remains, one of the best summers of my life. I met some amazing people both on the ride and along the way. I was presented with the opportunity to speak about the mission of the Fuller Center, to work with my hands, and help raise money for poverty housing. As I finish up my last year of graduate school I look forward to riding with the Fuller Center again. It will be a joy to help others in need, make new friends and experience the journey that comes with riding with people who are truly committed to helping make the world better for others.
Melinda Holloway, 55
Returning 2015 Rider
Hammond, Louisiana
Fundraising Goal: $1,000
After riding in a cross-country Fuller Center ride two years ago, I decided I had to do another one! I’m looking forward to being a part of the inaugural Dirt to D.C. ride this fall!
I have recently participated in two Fuller Center Trips to Haiti and one to Nicaragua. I am planning another building trip to Haiti in 2017.
Martha Dysart, 57
Returning 2014 & 2016 Rider
Hayersville, NC
Fundraising Goal: $750
In 2014 I rode the Spring Ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I also did a Global Village build in Haiti and volunteered with Midwives for Haiti.
Dan Hepp, 62
Returning 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Rider
Springfield, Ohio
Fundraising Goal: $750
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. I am excited to be a part of the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure, and to see what God has in store for us on this trip.
Rhonda Wynn, 57
2017 Rider
Mesopotamia, Ohio
Fundraising Goal: $750
Eldon Eigsti, 66
Returning 2015 & 2016 Rider
Buda, Illinois
Fundraising Goal: $750
Paul Andras, 70
Returning 2016 Support Driver
Enon, OH
I am retired after working for the USAF as an engineer for 42 years. I am active with my church, Fellowship Christian Church, and am an adult leader for Boy Scout Troop 316. My wife, Melony, and I now enjoy spending time with our grand-kids. For outdoor activities, we like biking, camping, hiking, and also backpacking in Isle Royale National Park.
Melony Andras, 64
Returning 2016 Support Driver
Enon, OH
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.
History:
Summer 2017 | Spring 2017 | Dirt to D.C. 2017
Summer 2016 | Spring 2016
Summer 2015 | Spring 2015
Summer 2014 | Spring 2014
Summer 2013 | Spring 2013
Summer 2012 | Spring 2012
Summer 2011
Summer 2010