Meet the 2015 Riders

The Riders

Meet the 2015 Summer Riders

History

Spring 2014
Spring 2013
Spring 2012

Lydia Huelskamp, 22
2015 Trip Leader
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Americus, GA
Fundraising Goal: $5,000 – Where most needed

It’s funny to look back and remember what direction you thought your life was going to take.  When I started college in California I thought I was going to be a movie star after I graduated.  Never did I imagine I would take a bike trip across the United States or be the one leading that bike trip!  But things change and I quickly developed a passion for exploring and doing something for more than just myself.  Now, the closest thing I get to a movie star is a few seconds in our FCBA videos.  But I wouldn’t change anything! 

Last summer I had the opportunity to ride the whole way from New Jersey to Oregon.  I signed up for what I thought was just a bike ride, but I soon realized it was something much greater.  I love adventure and the Fuller Center Bike Adventure offers plenty of that.  But what I love even more is that this adventure has a purpose.  When I’m out there on my bike pedaling through headwinds, up mountains, or through a beautiful sunny day it is easier to keep pushing on when I remember why I am riding.  This isn’t the direction I thought my life would take, but for that reason I love it all the more. I cannot wait to experience this journey again and have the opportunity to take others through this amazing experience as well!  Spring ride 2015, prepare to be rocked!

Ryan Iafigliola, 29
Bike Adventure Founder
Returning 2008-2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Americus, GA
Fundraising Goal: $2,000 – Where most needed

Michael Wieser, 60
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Anchorage, AK
Fundraising Goal: $750 – Where most needed

Returning rider from 2014 FCBA all-the-way summer ride.  It was
such a rewarding experience, I had to join my Fuller Center Family again.

Dave Maidt
Laurel, MD
Support Van Driver

Hi, I’m Dave and I’ll be your FCBA support van driver this spring.  I’ll be in “training” as I’ll also be your support van driver for the whole way summer cross-country ride when my wife Diane will be joining as a whole way bike rider. Diane likes to bike and I like to volunteer as a SAG.  Over the past few years, I have volunteered as a SAG driver 5 times for different week-long rides that Diane has ridden.  The idea of combining building/service with sagging for the Fuller Center Bike Adventure sounds like a great idea and I’m looking forward to the adventure.

Sara Dobbs, 52
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Houston, TX
Fundraising Goal: $1000 – Where most needed

I had the privilege of being a day-rider on the final day of the 2014 summer ride and couldn’t wait to sign up for more!  Besides, I’m married to the guy whose picture is featured in the ride announcement, and we’ve been talking about riding the Natchez Trace on a tandem for a couple of years.  I’m excited to realize that dream with Steve, and I’m also really looking forward to the opportunity to give back and serve others during the build day. Oyee!

Steven Dobbs, 52
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Houston, TX
Fundraising Goal: $1000 – Where most needed

Hi! I had the opportunity to participate in the 2014 Summer ride from Atlantic City to Astoria and enjoyed it so much that I am back for more.  I am Sara’s husband and this will be even sweeter than the summer ride because we are doing it on a tandem and I can let Sara do the work. I am really looking forward to the beauty of the Natchez Trace, the food from our host churches, the experience of helping on the build, and the opportunity to spend more time with Warrior Princess and Mike the Mechanic!

Michael Rutherford, 38
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Middletown, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

Hailing from the frozen north, I spend time as a dad, a consultant, and a bike rider (sometimes more indoor than I like). I rode with the Fuller Center last year down the Trace and I had an amazing experience on the road, visiting host churches, and creating new friendships. The need for affordable housing continues and this trip provides a great experience to see the US and spread the word about the Fuller Center and its mission. I look forward to another great year with the team.

Diane Bies, 59
Returning 2013 & 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Evansville, IN
Fundraising Goal: $750- Greenwood/Leflore

I have found riding with the Fuller Center to be an amazing life changing experience. I love to bike but these trips are the best! I am so excited to go to Greenwood again this year and see the progress that has been made in Baptist Town with the Katrina cottages we worked on last year. I visited my grandparents many summers growing up and enjoy going back and helping to make it a better place for someone to live.  There is so much need there.

This ride is definitely very special! The work we do and the fellowship we share are just great.  The Trace is a beautiful place to ride and the churches that host us along the way are amazing! God has blessed me ins so many ways.  I appreciate this privilege to serve and share and enjoy a great ride all at once. I hope you will share too.

Kevin Clark, 44
Clinton, KY
Fundraising Goal: $750- Waukegan, IL

United States Navy Veteran. Former construction worker. Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church, Clinton, KY. I’ve been married to Kari, my best friend, help-mate, and love of my life for 24 years. I have three incredible adult children and have been blessed to add two wonderful daughter-in-laws to my family. I am also dad to a four year old Maltese and a two year old Boxer. Cycling is my therapy, serving God is my passion. My favorite Bible verse is Ezra 7:10; Know-Live-Teach!

Tom Weber, 72
Returning 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Broomfield, CO
Fundraising Goal: $5,000- where most needed

Geezerman from Geezerville, CO is back, and I will be bringing my vanilla Oreos, chocolate milk, and looking for the best chocolate malts on the Trace. Besides riding my bike, my most favorite thing in the world is to snuggle up with my dog, Hobbs.

This spring ride will be my 5th year, and my 9th ride with FCBA. I am looking forward to riding with old friends, meeting another great group of riders, and helping more families in need of affordable housing.

Diane Buckley-Maidt, 59
Laurel, MD
Fundraising Goal: $1,000- where most needed

Hi! I’m Diane. I am doing the summer Fuller Center cross country ride as a whole way rider and decided to do the spring ride as a training ride. See my summer ride profile for more information.

Patrick Roberts, 51
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Searcy, AR
Fundraising Goal: $750.00- where most needed

This will be my 2nd year to ride the Natchez Trace spring ride. I really enjoyed the ride last year and getting to know the great people on the team. I look forward to serving those in need of housing and meeting new people along the way!

Eric Perry, 39
Bettendorf, IA
Fundraising Goal: $1,250- where most needed

My wife Anna and I wanted to challenge ourselves to something bigger than either of us had ever done before. This will be our first time riding with the Fuller Center. I love seeing that many of the other riders on the trip are returning which makes me confident this will be a great experience! I look forward to the physical challenge and also to raising the funds that will help those in need all while being an ambassador and spreading the word about this housing ministry. 

Anna Perry, 35
Bettendorf, IA
Fundraising Goal: $1,250- where most needed

Last year was an amazing year for my husband Eric and me! We got married and renovated a house into a home! After a year full of personal progress, I am looking forward to starting 2015 with focus on improving the lives of others! I missed our riding terribly last year, so I’m looking forward to pushing my limits for such a great cause. I work as an orthopedic physical therapist and love how each day is an opportunity to help others. Outside of work we like to ride our bikes on and off road, play outside depending on the season (snowboard, kayak, hike, etc), traveling (usually focused around one of our hobbies) and recently started dabbling in photography. We live in Bettendorf, IA and love spending time on the Might Mississippi.

Laura Larson, 53
Returning 2011 Fuller Center Cyclist
Traverse City, MI
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

I love cycling, adventure, and serving others. I’m a returning whole-way rider from back in 2011- this time will be awesome the awesome route of the Natchez Trace. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Ruth Ann Hamilton, 69
Returning 2012 Fuller Center Cyclist
Springfield, IL
Fundraising Goal: $2,000- Haiti

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired teacher. Having ridden the Spring Ride in 2012 and a fundraiser ride in 2013 and 2014 for an orphanage in Haiti, John and I thought what better way to celebrate turning 70 than to do both rides. We so believe in the mission of the Fuller Center and enjoy being a small part of helping to provide affordable housing all over the world. Looking forward to making new friends and renewing old friendships.

John Hamilton, 69
Returning 2012 Fuller Center Cylist
Springfield, IL
Fundraising Goal: $2,000- Haiti

I am a husband, father, grandfather, and retired United Methodist Minister. I enjoy golf, cycling, reading, and traveling. Affordable housing is critical to world stability, transformation, and peace.

Michael Rae, 58
Mentor, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

Retired Federal Agent and former Assistant US Attorney. Graduate of Cedarville College in 1978. Former high school history teacher. Biked across the US in 2013 and will do the Northern Tier in 2015 if all goes well. Not fast riders but steady riders.

Martha Uhler, 64
Mentor, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

I am recently retired from my position as student activities coordinator at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. As student activities coordinator, I assisted the various student clubs and organizations with their programming and special events, as well as facilitating student leadership workshops.

This ride interests me because my significant other and I are planning to bike across the U.S. (Seattle, WA to Bar Harbor, ME) this summer so we thought participating in the Fuller Center ride would provide a good training ride. In addition, the concept of joining a Christian mission to help in the rehabilitation of houses for those in need sparked my interest. Even though I have never actually constructed anything, I look to learn how to use tools in the construction process. I’m also a team player and look forward to assisting in anyway and wherever my help may be needed. In addition, the Natchez trail goes through a part of the country that I have never seen so it will be a fun experiencing it from my bicycle seat!

Jim Sperk, 67
Mentor, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

As a veteran of more than 30 multi-day bike tours, I am excited to tour the Natchez Trace, an area of the country I have not visited previously. I hope to use my experience in home repairs to benefit others in need.

Bob Hibma, 76
Returning 2014 Fuller Center cyclist
Sibley, IA
Fundraising Goal: $1,000- where most needed

I am a retired farmer in Northwest Iowa. I started riding a bike after I was 60 years old and have grown to love biking and have had the privilege to ride on several bike tours. Last summer my wife and I took our daughter to Chicago for pick up on the Fuller Center Summer ride from there to the Oregon coast. I rode the segment from Chicago to Sioux Falls, SD while my wife drove our personal van as support. I have never been on a ride where everyone is so loving and caring for each other. It was a great experience and I am looking forward to being part of the team that is riding for a purpose down the Natchez Trace.

Matt Rivers, 50
Returning 2014 Fuller Center cyclist
Columbia, SC
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

This will be my third ride with the Fuller Center team, and my second time on the Spring ride along the Natchez Trace. I’ve long been a supporter of organizations like The Fuller Center for Housing, but now consider myself to be completely “Fuller-ized.” The story behind the organization and all the great work they do are a testament to how a handful of dedicated people can make a huge difference in the lives of many people.

I’m looking forward to a week of camaraderie with my fellow riders (eat, sleep, pedal), the opportunity to meet great people in churches along the way, and, most importantly, the chance to contribute time and money to great cause.

Renee McCullough, 59
Returning 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Gaithersburg, MD
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

I did the first segment of last year’s summer ride and was profoundly impacted by the experience- so much so that it was difficult for me to say goodbye to the people with whom I rode and who showed me such bountiful love and support. I wasn’t quite ready for the spring ride last year due to recovering from a broken jaw so I am really looking forward to it this year. I am so very thankful that God led me to this ministry and has given me the opportunity to participate in it and serve Him and others through it.

Dan Hepp, 59
Returning 2014 & 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Springfield, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- Darke County, OH

Hi, I’m Dan, a life long cyclist and advocate of helping others. I’ve been on several construction mission trips, multiple cycling tours but only put the two together twice. This will be a renewed adventure for me and my wife Cindy who will be a SAG driver for the third time. We are both excited to again be a part of the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure to see what God has in store for us on this trip.

Paul Richards, 20
London, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

My name is Paul Richards, I’m 20 years old, and from London, Ohio. I’m currently a full time college student majoring in Agricultural Business. This year will be my first participating in the Fuller Center Ride. My girlfriend, Macy, and I will be joining our friend Dan Hepp on this journey. I’m excited to join this group on the Natchez Trace and cycle through this terrain, in addition to helping the less fortunate, and serving the Lord.

Cindy Hepp, 59
Returning 2013 & 2014 Support Volunteer!
Springfield, OH
Van Driver

Hello, my name is Cindy Hepp, one of your SAG drivers. This is my 3rd time being part of the Spring ride team. I look forward to seeing my old friends on the team and those I have made at the host churches along with making new friends along the way. I love to bike, travel, serve others, see new people and places, and enjoy other people’s cooking. Each year we get to do a different work project and see another aspect of Fuller Center for Housing. I want to let my light shine before men, glorifying God, and to enlighten others on how they too can get involved. Look for my husband Dan who will be bicycling. He is a great encourager and can help any novices on the ride.

Maryrae Kearney, 72
Returning 2013 & 2014 Support Volunteer!
Springfield, OH
Van Driver

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.

Alyssa Koziol, 25
Greensboro, NC
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

Hi there! My name is Alyssa. I am originally from Indianapolis but am currently spending time in North Carolina. In a few months I will make the journey up to Alaska where I will work as a bicycle tour guide; then I plan to follow my dream to become a massage therapist. The past few years I have explored the C&O Towpath and part of the west coast on my bicycle.

During college, I volunteered at a homeless shelter where I opened my heart to strangers and heard stories of struggle and triumph. After much research, I couldn’t get the Fuller Center out of my head. I have decided to take to the saddle once again and bring hope and joy to those who need it most! Will you join me? I have a feeling we are in for a life-changing adventure 🙂

Macy Holsinger, 27
Covington, KY
Fundraising Goal: $750- Darke County, Ohio

Combing serving Christ through serving people, meeting new friends, fellowshipping with old friends, working together as a team, and cycling seems like an ideal combination and way to spend a week!

Annette Syrus, 52
Springfield, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

Hello, my name is Annette Syrus and this is my first time riding with the Fuller Center. I have supported the ministry the past couple years, but this year am putting my faith and support into action. I am looking forward to joining a few friends and family on this Adventure in bicycling and ministry, and meeting new friends along the way. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Ben Rivers, 55
Returning 2013 & 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Columbia, SC
Fundraising Goal: $750 – Peru

God works in mysterious ways. I thought I was just going for a bike ride along the Natchez Trace- that was nearly two years and 1,000 “FCBA” miles ago. Through these adventures my eyes have been opened to the need for adequate, affordable housing. The work of the Fuller Center is critical to meeting these needs by providing safe, simple, and economical homes. I am thankful that I can use my capabilities, skills, and resources to support such a great organization.

This will be my fourth ride with the Fuller Center and I am looking forward to cycling with my brother, fellowship, and serving others through our gifts and efforts. I encourage you to support the FCBA any way you can- join a ride, sponsor a rider, or volunteer to support an adventure along the way. Working together, we can end poverty housing and make a difference for many families!

Virginia Hughes, 60
Ipswich, MA
Fundraising Goal: $2,000- where most needed

My inspiration for this Natchez Trace journey is my dad. He has participated in this event for the past few years. I look forward to meeting all the dedicated participants and learning more about the Fuller Center for Housing. I live in New England so it will be very difficult to get any miles on the road before this event, so I am working hard on the indoor cycles. Looking forward to meeting everyone and raising funds for such a great cause.

Karen Welsh, 60
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 in unknown territory for me 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.

Tom Hamilton, 63
Libertyville, IL
Fundraising Goal: $1000 (and beyond)- where most needed

Housing/shelter is an essential foundation of 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 am in full time practice as a mental/behavioral health counselor (psychotherapist or cycletherapist). Love riding and love helping people!

Jeff Gabriel, 61
Palm Beach, FL
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

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.

Jack Hughes, 87
Returning 2013 & 2014 Fuller Center Cyclist
Springdale, OH
Fundraising Goal: $750- where most needed

I have ridden in the last two spring rides and have served as an additional sag wagon. At 87, I hope to again be the oldest rider in the group. This year I will have my daughter, Virginia, riding with us. I know both of us will find this ride and the people we ride with to be a life changing event.