Meet the 2017 Cross-Country Riders

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 A – E F – K L – P R – Z
Anne FreyGrace KyleLou CooperRuss Schulz
Becky MitchellHenry DownesMacy HolsingerRuth Waite
Brenda HeathcoatJarel BusbyMaddie KennedyRyan Iafigliola
Brenda O’DellJennifer WellsMark MurphySteve Maliszeski
Cheryl ShattuckJohnny BusbyMary LacksenSue Pratt
David JohnsonJudy NastMeredith FitzpatrickTom Weber
Donna WalkerKaren PowersMichael PowersWesley Shattuck
Kelley WestenhoffMichael WieserWilliam Turner
Kian EllisMonica Busby
Phil Gash

15 Whole Way Riders                       13 Segment Riders                       4 Support/Media Interns


Leader

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Henry Downes, 24
2017 Bike Adventure Trip Leader
Returning 2015 and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Americus, GA

Riding across the country with FCBA in 2016 was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was a graduate student when I began in Seattle, but had decided to become a volunteer with the Fuller Center by the time we finished in Washington, D.C.! I honestly couldn’t pull myself away from the wonderful mission and community that had been such an integral part of my summer experience.

Now, I want to contribute in some meaningful way to helping people have that same experience for themselves. So…here I am, back for more! I’ll be leading the cross-country ride (San Francisco, CA to Savannah, GA), which is sure to be a beautiful route, with lots of good people and plenty of build days. It’s easy to see why I’m thankful every morning that I get to do this for a living!


Riders


monica-busby-300x300Monica Busby, 40
Returning 2014, 2015, and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segments 1, 5-6 Rider
Los Angeles, CA
Fundraising Goal: $1,500

Returning rider since 2014.  I’m hooked!!  Woohoo!!


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bill-turnerWilliam Turner, 66
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segments 1-4 Rider
Harrison, ME
Fundraising Goal: $11,000 – 2 homes in Haiti
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donna-walker-e1453988209478-281x300Donna Walker, 53
Returning 2015 and 2016 Rider
Segments 7-9 Rider
Lafayette, LA
Fundraising Goal: $1000

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Mike W.Michael Wieser, 62
Returning 2014, 2015, and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Anchorage, AK
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

In 2013 after going through a lot of red tape to get extended  time off from work,  I knew it would be impossible to get 9 weeks off to join the 2014 summer FCBA and so I made a life-altering change and quit my job.  I do not regret that decision one bit.  I became hooked on the FCBA on our second build day in Aurora, OH when I met Ms. Roselyn, the owner of the home I was working on, and learned her story.  I knew at this point that my relationship with the Fuller Center for Housing was going to be a lasting one. This will be my fourth year as an all-the-way rider.  I have established incredible friendships the past three years and hope that trend continues.  I enjoy the freedom cycling gives you that you can’t experience with other forms of transportation.  If it were not for the FCBA I would be riding around my home town of Anchorage, Alaska; so why not ride for a greater purpose?  I look forward to the 2017 FCBA and the build days ahead.

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Mary Lacksen, 60
Returning 2013, 2015, and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segments 3-4 Rider
Sparta, GA
Fundraising Goal: $1,000

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bike-photo-mikeMichael Powers, 47
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Summerfield, Florida
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

How could we say no to this opportunity of a lifetime?  Every cyclist dreams of traveling across our beautiful country at one point or another.  For the most part, it has just been a distant thought and has scared the heck of out me.  Can we possibly pedal 3,600 miles?  It just seems like such a difficult thing to do.

Enter the Fuller Center for Housing and this great opportunity to raise money to help eliminate poverty housing worldwide.  We now have this great cause to help raise money for AND the opportunity to bike across the country.  Let’s not forget that I get to ride with my wonderful wife Karen Powers!  Like I said, how could we say no to this opportunity of a lifetime?

Please consider donating to the Fuller Center for Housing.  It is a wonderful chance for you to give some needy families a simple, decent place to live.  Everyone should have that chance, don’t you think?

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karenpowersKaren Powers, 42
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Summerfield, Florida
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

Originally from the great state of Massachusetts, my husband Mike and I currently reside in Marion County, Florida, where we don’t have to wear seven layers of clothing and navigate past overgrown snow banks and treacherous patches of black ice when going out for a bike ride in the middle of winter.

As an English teacher, I find myself frequently talking with my 8th grade students about universal themes in literature such as taking a stand for what you believe in, trying to look at things from others’ points of view, and the value of being a part of something greater than yourself. I figure it’s time to back up all of this talk with some meaningful action, and the Fuller Center Bike Adventure seems like the perfect opportunity to do just that.

I am honored to fundraise, ride, and work to support the mission of the Fuller Center for Housing, an organization dedicated to building community, to building understanding, and to building the Kingdom of God, one home at a time. I feel blessed and privileged to be able to participate in the summer of 2017 cross-country ride with my husband/training partner and this inspirational group of fellow riders.
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Mark Murphy, 58
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Roswell, Georgia
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

Hi, this is my first ride and I`m excited to participate in this event.

 

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Anne Frey, 48
Returning 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segments 3-5 Rider
Delanson, NY
Fundraising Goal: $1,500

I’m a biking beekeeper. I love riding, and have gone across, up, down, and around the US. I can answer any honey bee questions you have, if that comes up!

 

 


Kelley Westenhoff, 55
Returning 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segments 1-4 Rider
Reston, VA
Fundraising Goal: $2,750

I rode cross-country with FCBA in 2016, and look forward to riding the first four segments of the cross-country ride in 2017. While I’m looking forward to renewing past acquaintances and friendships and forging new ones, for me best part of the ride is the opportunity to build/repair homes for those who are in need. It’s what unites us as a team. Almost as good is chatting with people along the way about Fuller Center’s mission. It inspires them to open their hearts, their homes, and their wallets. And finally, there’s nothing like seeing this awesome country from the seat of a bike so California, here I come!

 

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Russ Schulz, 73
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segment 4 Rider
Blue Springs, MO
Fundraising Goal: $500

I have been helping with Habitat projects with my church and am an avid bicyclist that enjoys travel and all things outdoors, I enjoy activities that allow me to help others and find it exciting to meet new people. What could be better than this Fuller bike ride with like minded people enjoying God`s glorious creation, experiencing the camaraderie of fascinating people, and adding to someones quality of life.

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Ruth Waite, 59
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Star City, IN
Fundraising Goal: $5,000

I have wanted to go on a cross-country trip “some day” for about forty years. It`s time for some day to get here! I am looking forward to the chance to meet people all around the country, both on the trip and at the places where we stop. I have done several week-long trips, including a couple in which we carried our own camping gear. This will be by first tour that takes more than ten days.


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Sue Pratt, 54
Returning 2009-2016 Rider 
Segments 6-9 Rider
Poway, CA
Fundraising Goal: $2,100

This is my ninth ride with the Fuller Center. Each ride is so unique….the topography, the fellow cyclists, the challenges, the churches and the builds. I love them all. I will be reaching 20,000 miles for the Fuller Center this year and am honored to do so because I know the money raised and the sweat equity it takes to accomplish this feat will be used to make a safe home for a family in need.

 

 

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Cheryl Shattuck, 59
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist 
Whole Way Rider
Derry, New Hampshire
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

I give thanks to God for fulfilling a desire in my heart to embark on this adventure, not only for the ride across America but to have the honor and privilege of living in community and building community as we go.

 


Wesley Shattuck, 65
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Derry, New Hampshire
Fundraising Goal: $5,000

Wanting to serve in and support this mission together with my wife is my goal. I have done local  “James 1:27” ministry (repairing homes, caring for widows and orphans). She has done missions work in Haiti, and for years dreamed of us riding cross-country together. When we found and began sharing about the Fuller Ctr. doors started opening… even coverage for responsibilities and people I serve as part of my job. So, following the admonition of James some 2000 years ago, I am saying “If the Lord wills…” we will go the distance together and I`ll reach my goal of $5K for the Fuller Center.

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Jarel Busby, 14

2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segment 1 Rider
Los Angeles, CA
Fundraising Goal: $500
Looking forward to joining the adventure with my Mom and Dad! Go Busby clan!

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Johnny Busby, 40
Returning 2015 & 2016 Rider
Segment 1 Rider
Los Angeles, CA
Fundraising Goal: $500

“Everyone can be great because anybody can serve! You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love” – MLK

Looking forward to bringing the entire Busby clan to serve our neighbors! Join us!

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Phil Gash, 76

Returning 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole-Way Rider
Chico, CA
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

I spent my vocational career helping people by educating them. Now, thanks to the Fuller Center I can ride my bike with some wonderful folks. And I can continue to help people improve their living conditions with our one
day stops to scrape old paint, put on new paint, help to stain wood work, help to re-roof a house and other odd fix-it-up jobs. I would appreciate any tax-deductible donation you can make to the Fuller Center for Housing, 701 S. Martin Luther King Blvd, Americus,GA 31719. For further information about the Center’s work, see: Fullercenter.org online.

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Maddie Kennedy, 19
2017 Support / Videography Intern
Nashville, TN

I’m currently a sophomore at The University of Alabama, studying Media Production and Narrative Arts. I’m thankful for the opportunity to join the ride and to be a part of this adventure as we make our way across the country! I’m very excited to use the medium of video to document this story as it unfolds throughout the summer.

 

 

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Becky Mitchell, 20
2017 Support / Media Intern
Austin, TX

I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to photograph and share about the biker’s experiences on social media. It is exciting to be able to build relationships while traveling across the United States. I am eager to see God impact lives in beautiful ways and see more of His wonderful creation.

 

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Kian Ellis, 18
2017 Support / Media Intern
Louisville, KY

I am beyond excited to meet new people and to be a part of a group so dedicated to others. I haven’t traveled very much in my life so I know this will be an eye-opening experience. Life is full of adventure and I’m so glad that I’m able to share this one with everyone else on the team!

 

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Jennifer Wells, 60
Returning 2014, 2015 & 2016 Rider
Segments 4 Rider
Littleton, Colorado
Fundraising Goal: $2,500

I love to ride my bike and help others along the way!

 

 

 

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Macy Holsinger, 29
Returning 2015 and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist and Trip Leader
Whole-Way Rider
Covington, KY
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

Words fail me to describe the honor I feel that God would allow me to spend another summer with the FCBA community! How God has used Ryan Iafigliolia and Millard Fuller’s dream of an annual bike ride to touch so many people and transform so many lives and communities humbles me. Learning to live, work, ride, serve, and play in community is one of the greatest joys in my life. Lord willing, we will learn and grow and work together and bless others along the way and safely arrive in Georgia!



Grace Kyle, 22
Returning 2015 and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist and 2017 Support Team Leader
Homewood, AL

Hi there! My name is Grace Kyle. I am from Birmingham, Alabama and have just graduated from the University of Alabama, where I studied History, French, and Food Sustainability. ( Roll Tide!). I am currently working at a Farm School in North Alabama. I spend my days there milking goats, harvesting vegetables, and cuddling with baby rabbits– every day is a true blessing! In my free time I enjoy hiking, running, traveling and cooking. I look forward to this summer’s adventure from San Francisco to Savannah and to meeting our crew. I sincerely promise to set up the best snack stops along the way and DJ the best tunes for our van rides. Until we meet in May, keep it funky out there!

 



Lou Cooper, 72
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole-Way Rider
The Villages, FL
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

Thanks for visiting my 2017 Fuller Center Cross Country profile page. A coast-to-coast cycling ride has been a dream since 2003. The Fuller Center organization is a way to live this dream and to help raise money for communities to build and repair homes for the impoverished. In addition to fundraising for the organization, the team stops in towns across the country to volunteer with Fuller Center covenant partners to build or repair homes. These “build days” include help with odd fix-it-up jobs such as paint, yard work…
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To follow my training and summer Cross Country ride visit my website: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/directory/?user=LouCooper

I hope that those following my dream will support me with donating a portion of their charity dollars to this organization. This will help me reach my pledged goal of $4000+ For more information about my ride click on the “Sponsor Her Ride” button below.


Meredith Fitzpatrick, 35
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole-Way Rider
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Fundraising Goal: $5,000

Hi everyone! I’m incredibly excited for this journey! I’ve been wanting to trek across the country by bike for over ten years now and now it’s finally happening! I currently reside in Los Angeles with my adorable pup, Bellamie, working as a freelance TV producer.

My most recent projects have been in the reality TV competition space on shows like “The Voice,” “American Ninja Warrior” and “The Biggest Loser.” I’m taking a break from TV to participate in this adventure because it seemed like the right time for me. I just turned 35 in February and I’m looking for the next step in my life so what better way to kick that off then by exploring the vastness of the US by bike and giving back to communities along the way.

I’ve also never worked on a construction site before and I’m excited to learn all about it! I can’t wait to meet the incredible team that FCBA has created and begin this exciting journey!

 


David Johnson, 54
Returning 2015, and 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole-Way Rider
Avondale Estates, GA
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

I am a returning to complete the entire ride this year. The goals and concepts of the Fuller Center are consistent with the way I choose to live my life. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a group that is trying to make a difference.

You start out this process with finding a group to ride with; by the end of you journey, you have forgotten about the ride and are mostly concerned with trying to help someone and make a difference in their life. I look forward to sharing this experience with others.

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Brenda Heathcoat, 51
Returning 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist
Segments 5-9 Rider
Pensacola, FL
Fundraising Goal: $2,500

Hello, I’m Brenda Heathcoat. I’m so excited to be back with the Fuller Center For Housing. I knew this past summer I’d be back. I’m so looking forward to this incredible journey of building people and houses through the Love of Jesus. May my heart and feet endure, with JOY, the path that’s before me.

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Steve Maliszeski, 32
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole Way Rider
Minot, ND
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

First real long term and long distance ride! Very excited to be doing this through the Fuller Center. I am an avid cyclist and always ready for adventure. I have been in North Dakota for 2.5 years and enjoyed open roads and clear skies. Prior, I have lived in Ohio but have visited 45 States, on my way to 50! I look forward to joining everyone for a great ride, great work, great purpose and great times!



Judy Nast, 72
2017 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole-Way Rider
Lady Lake, FL
Fundraising Goal: $10,000

I am so excited to be riding the Fuller Center Bike Adventure. There are a number of reasons why this ride  is so appealing. It is Faith-based, how could one go wrong on relying on God?  It has a purpose of helping people, communities, to obtain affordable housing.   This ride is about riding as a team, meeting so many people along the way.  Working toward completing the ride and hopefully completing a home.  There will be several days of the trip which will be dedicate to helping with a build.

I started riding week long rides in 1988 and have done at least one long distance ride every year since.  Undoubtedly this will be the longest ride.

Its a privilege to ride for housing. for helping families, giving them a hand UP.   I hope that all of you will consider giving a donation, no gift is too small or too large.   The fuller Center takes pride in keeping expenses low, so at least 97% of your giving goes to housing.



Tom Weber, 74
Returning 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Fuller Center Cyclist / Support Driver
Segment 9 Rider
Geezerville, a.k.a. Broomfield, CO
Fundraising Goal: $500

I am Geezerman from Geezerville, CO, and this will be my seventh 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. Peace

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Ryan Iafigliola, 31
Bike Adventure Founder and Ride Orientation Leader
Returning 2008-2016 Fuller Center Cyclist / Trip Leader
Segment 1 Rider
Americus, GA
Fundraising Goal: $5,000

Every year, the time I get to spend on the Bike Adventure is some of my favorite days of the year. What I love is the opportunity to join together with a group of dedicated and determined volunteers embarking on an adventure in God’s service together. It’s not just an adventure of a life-time, it’s a journey that ripples change into the world all while changing ourselves.

I have come to especially appreciate the impact of these rides because my role at the Fuller Center is to work hand-in-hand with all of the international programs. I have seen first hand things that should make anyone cry…and thanks to all of the riders and donors I have also seen how the Fuller Center gives real people reason to cry for joy. That’s what this is all about.

I am so looking forward to seeing what God will do through us on the ride this year!

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Brenda O’Dell, 57
2018 Fuller Center Cyclist
Whole-Way Rider
Purcellville, VA
Fundraising Goal: $4,000

Hi, my name is Brenda and I am super excited to be a part of the Fuller Center Bike Adventure!!!   I have longed to do bike touring so riding across country doing something I love while helping others is a dream come true.

I am thankful every day for all that I have and I try to never take my blessings for granted.  There are days, especially on cold winter nights, when I lay in bed thinking how fortunate I am to have a warm, cozy place to call home.  I realize that not all people can say that, there are so many in our own country who live in deplorable, substandard and derelict housing.

I have signed up for the FCBA to do what I can to help others obtain safe, comfortable housing.  Funds raised by FCBA go towards refurbishing and or building housing for those in need.  Please consider joining me in the fight against poverty and homelessness by making a donation???  Your dollars will give to others what you and I already have, a place to home.


 

 

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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