Gary Abrojena Gary Abrojena
ISA Certified Arborist and Owner of Evergreen Tree Care
Hometown: Antioch, CA
Why are you riding this year?
Please join me in raising funds for tree research for the benefit of future generations! 585 miles across Oregon with great people to ride with! As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another" - Proverbs 27:17"
Salvador E. Alemany Salvador E. Alemany
Urban Forester
Hometown: McAllen, TX
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Science and technology transfer are crucial in my job, as an urban forester for the Texas Forest Service, delivering facts based on research effectively strengthen trust and respect from customers. Research is vital, and the foundation for technology transfer in order to increase arboricultural consciousness to every sector in society. Moreover cycling and trees are like “CHIPS AND SALSA” naturally inseparable; chip tortillas without salsa no way! and cycling without trees – out of the question! Unquestionably, supporting Tour des Trees is a natural approach to advance urban forestry and arboriculture.
Phil Allen Phil Allen
Brigham Young University
Hometown: Orem, UT
Why are you riding this year?
We all benefit from trees. This event is one way of paying them back.
Doug Anderson Doug Anderson
Arborist
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Help grow our urban forests through research and education! Support a Tour rider today!
Tom Armstrong Tom Armstrong
Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts
Hometown: Front Royal, VA
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
It allows me to spend a week with my
tree family doing two things I truly love, riding my bike and preserving urban shade trees.
Kenny Askew Kenny Askew
Hometown: Friday Harbor, WA
Why are you riding this year?
Having done massage for the Tour, it seems like it's time to ride! I'll still be working on those tortured muscles...
Jeremy Baker Jeremy Baker
The Care of Trees
Hometown: Ashburn, VA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
I love trees. I love bicycling. Why not put them both together and do some good for the community at the same time?!?
Harry Banker Harry Banker
Retired
Hometown: Lavallette, NJ
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Hi-tech told me to
Julia Bartens Julia Bartens
Researcher in Urban Forestry, UC Davis
Hometown: Bad Salzdetfurth, DE
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Trees provide more than we can ask for and they receive comparably little support and appreciation. It's exciting to raise fund to help change this and doing this by riding my bike in great company and beautiful scenery is the icing on the cake. I thouroughly enjoyed my first tour last year and am looking forward to seeing the friends I have made and experiencing every aspect of this wonderful event.
Josh Behounek Josh Behounek
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Phil Bennett Phil Bennett
Arborist
Hometown: Snoqualmie, WA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Trees make cities livable, and full of life. I want to support the sustained growth of trees in cities. I would like to see large, thriving specimen trees in cities throughout the West, which is one of the most tangible legacies I think we can leave for the future generations.
Kristina Bezanson Kristina Bezanson
College Professor
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Trees provide a multitude of benefits for all of us. I am riding to support tree research and to share my passion for the environment with my fellow tour riders.
Brian Bishop Brian Bishop
Hometown: Encinitas, CA
Why are you riding this year?
People and trees, it doesn't get much better.
Greg Cadieux Greg Cadieux
Senior Account Manager, Plastics Industry
Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL
Why are you riding this year?
Participating in a fundraising event like this provides everyone involved an opportunity to challenge themselves on a level that exceeds average expectations. We are the Super Heroes of the TREE Fund!
Mark Chisholm
Arborist
Brandon Collier Brandon Collier
Electrical Engineering Student
Janet Collier Janet Collier
Pharmacist
Logan Collier Logan Collier
Arborist
Quentin Collier Quentin Collier
Student
Hometown: West Linn, OR
Why are you riding this year?
Trees are so cool, I can't wait to ride in the shade.
Terrill Collier Terrill Collier
Arborist
Hometown: West Linn, OR
Why are you riding this year?
I ride to support two of my passions, trees and cycling. I am a veteran of 6 Tours and the Oregon.
Michael Corrente Michael Corrente
UNLV - Landscape Architecture and Planning Department
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
I am looking forward to this as a personal challenge and ready to enjoy the ride!
Mark Crane Mark Crane
Consulting Arborist
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Why are you riding this year?
For the absolute love and care of trees we ride.
Doreen Crenshaw Doreen Crenshaw
Accountant, The Broadbent Company
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
To help spread TREE love.
Stuart Crow Stuart Crow
Max Darrington Max Darrington
Arborist
Hometown: Spanish Fork, UT
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Can't wait to RIDE RIDE RIDE for research.
Scott Davis Scott Davis
Public Works Director
Hometown: Miramar, FL
Why are you riding this year?
Trees are a valuable asset and a worthy reason to ride.
Louise Desjardins
Mary DiCarlo Mary DiCarlo
Fund Development Specialist, TREE Fund
Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL
Why are you fundraising to support the STIHL Tour des Trees?
LIke any science, tree care poses new questions every day. There's no shortage of bright, dedicated scientists willing to tackle the problems. We're raising the money needed to put the researchers to work and to support the educators who will inspire the next generation of environmental scientists. And I can't wait to see Professor Pricklethorn's hometown!
Aaron Dickinson Aaron Dickinson
Arborist/ Territory Manager, Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements
Hometown: Glastonbury, CT
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
A great cause and some of the greatest
people on earth will be there!
Duane Dickinson Duane Dickinson
Hometown: West Rutland, VT
Why are you riding this year?
To support my life long passion to create healthy tree communities!
Hallie Dozier Hallie Dozier
Associate Professor, LSU AgCenter
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Why are you fundraising to support the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I cannot find a better way to show my personal and professional passion for trees. And what better way to enjoy our world than on a bicycle? And I keep thinking that this year I will figure out which came first for me, the bike or the tree?
Doug Drysdale Doug Drysdale
Qualilty Assurance - Credit Card team, USBank
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Great way to draw attention to the importance of Tree care.
Chuck Dykes Chuck Dykes
Hometown: Parkville, MO
Why are you riding this year?
If a man does his best, what else is there?
Jon Elliott Jon Elliott
Hometown: Denver, CO
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
It's a great ride for a good cause. The people you ride with and meet along the way makes the Tour.
Justin Espy Justin Espy
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Why are you riding this year?
I am proud to ride for STIHL Incorporated and support such a worthy cause.
Steve Geist Steve Geist
Plant Pathologist, Swingle Lawn Tree and Landscape Care
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Giving back to the tree care industry that has taken care of me for the past thirty years.
Patrick George Patrick George
Certified Arborist
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Why are you riding this year?
Helping trees outlive humans.
Al Gilens Al Gilens
Photographer/writer
Phil Graham Phil Graham
Utility Arborist, BC Hydro
Hometown: Vernon, BC
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I first rode the Tour in 2003 as a bucket list item that combined my passion for riding and my passion for arboriculture. Now I'm hooked, and I look forward every year to the opportunity to raise more funds for TREE Research and to ride with some of the most amazing people I've ever met.
Christy Grimm Christy Grimm
Project Manager
Hometown: Hood River, OR
Why are you riding this year?
Someday, I want to be like my dad. For now I’m going to work to keep up with him on my bicycle.
Michael Grimm Michael Grimm
Owner
Hometown: Lafayette, NY
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
“Up the hill and into the wind with a smile!”
John Harthoorn John Harthoorn
Forester, Utility Lines Construction Services
Hometown: Watkins, IA
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
The cause is great! The ride is great! The people are great! And I like the challenge of raising the funds and doing the ride.
Greg Hill Greg Hill
Arborist
Hometown: Milton, Ontario
Why are you riding this year?
Urban tree research is important but education and awareness is critical and there is no better way to do it all than to RIDE, RIDE, RIDE with the TREE family.
Mark Hilliard Mark Hilliard
Salesperson, Blue Mountain Equipment
Hometown: Tyler, TX
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
It helps to provide funds for research into helping trees grow better, grow faster and live longer. Another BIG part of this trip is teaching school age kids something positive about trees. They learn about Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen in the process. Can you say Photosynthesis?? Way to go kids, way to go!!!
Garrett Hobbs
Student at Lindsey-Wilson College
Randy Hopp Randy Hopp
Hometown: Modesto, CA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
I am riding this year in remembrance of my wife, Sandy, who was my main support, from beginning to end, on the other two tours I was involved in.
Warren Hoselton Warren Hoselton
Parks Supervisor, City of Toronto
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I am riding to help give back by infusing research, education, intelligence and professionalism into the tree care industry.
Jeff Iles Jeff Iles
Neil Irvin Neil Irvin
Casey Trees
Hometown: Caselberry, FL
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Life is a garden!!! Dig it!
Scott Jamieson Scott Jamieson
Vice President, Bartlett Tree Experts
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
The TREE FUND is one of the few organizations (The Briton Fund is another) that raises money for tree research and the Tour des Trees is our major fundraiser of the year. Trees make the places we all live more livable and research on trees is critical toward that end. The TREE Fund's research also supports the Safe Arborist Techniques Fund which is specially dedicated to saving the lives of arborists who work on trees high above the ground. I dedicate my ride and fundraising efforts to help keep those who work on trees for a living safe. Trees make our world a better place and we must continue to find ways to help arborists stay safe while doing their life's work.
Jason Jones
Consulting Arborist
Hometown: Carbondale, CO
Why are you riding this year?
I enjoy the camaraderie, friendships and experiences I gain riding the tour and look forward to this year’s ride.
Kevin Jones Kevin Jones
Utility Arborist / Sales, ACRT Inc.
Hometown: Akron, OH
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Urban forests add value to their communities in a number of ways that are very tangible (besides aesthetics). The TREE Fund supports research that will improve the urban forest as well scholarships for students in the field. As an arborist, this is one of the best things I could ask people to support.
Robert Jones Robert Jones
Exports Shipping Clerk at STIHL, Inc.
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Why are you riding this year?
It’s an honor to represent STIHL Inc. in this event.
Dana Karcher Dana Karcher
Hometown:Bakersfield, CA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
The Tour des Trees is a great way to give back to an industry that gives so much to our communities through arboriculture!
Chuck Kellen Chuck Kellen
Field Testing Technician
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Why are you riding this year?
This is my first full tour. I am excited to be a part of this event and proud to represent STIHL.
John Kirchner John Kirchner
City Forester
Andy Kittsley Andy Kittsley
Urban Forester, City of Orlando
Hometown: Clermont, FL
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Tree research is critical to our urban forests. I ride - we all ride - to raise the money to help fund this research.
Tammy Kovar Tammy Kovar
Biologist/Arborist
Sharon Lynn-Weese Sharon Lynn-Weese
Hometown: Coubourg, ON
Why are you riding this year?
I’m an avid cyclist and a passionate gardener (having a landscape diploma). Riding a bicycle through communities planting trees, educating people about the importance of trees for our very existence, and teaching how trees can enhance our landscape is a cause very close to my heart.
Dick Maloney Dick Maloney
Arborist
Hometown: Liberty Corner, NJ
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Plant Trees, ride bikes…it’s cool.
Mike Matthews Mike Matthews
Hometown: Sea Girt, NJ
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
It's not a mistake that it's called a tree of life.
Jack McCabe Jack McCabe
Hometown: Atascadero, CA
Why are you riding this year?
People are healthier, wealthier and more happy when they live among large, well maintained trees. The research funded as a result of the STIHL Tour des Trees gives people better information to grow safe, healthy trees in their communities.
Grady McGahan Grady McGahan
Executive Director
Shirl McMayon Shirl McMayon
Hometown: Park City, UT
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
As a TdT rider, it’s two birds with one stone – riding my bike and helping to benefit the urban forest!
John McNeil John McNeil
Urban Forester
Hometown: Burlington, ON
Why are you riding this year?
May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face.
John Misemer John Misemer
Owner
Michael Neal Michael Neal
Manager of Forestry APS
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
This will be my second full tour. The Oregon Tour was, to say the least, intense! This year promises to be all downhill compared to last year. The ride for me is all about the cause: rasing money for tree research and scholarships for the next generation of arborists. Plus I really want to ride with Randy Miller.
Todd Nedorostek Todd Nedorostek
Arborist
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Why are you riding this year?
The Tour allows me to focus on two passions I have in life, riding and spreading the message of how important trees are to our environment.
Brian Noyes
Hometown:North Stonington, CT
Quote:
I am looking forward to ride Mt. Hood and Hood River.
Thomas Ordway Thomas Ordway
Forester
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Why are you riding this year?
Hopefully #9 will be just as fine as all the others. Thanks in advance Terrill for all your work in this ride. Looking forward to seeing everyone again!
Charles Owen Charles Owen
Horticulturist
Hometown: Parma Hts, OH
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Looking forward to the challenges and the opportunity to talk trees.
Steve Parker Steve Parker
Hometown: Townson, MD
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
For the past eight years, I leaf out and return to my Tree Family, I will be once again whole.
Susan Paul Susan Paul
Reference Librarian, Lorain County Community College
Hometown: Aurora, OH
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I thoroughly enjoying riding to benefit tree research and I enjoy the Tour des Trees riders.
Frazer Pehmoeller Frazer Pehmoeller
Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts
Ward Peterson Ward Peterson
Arborist, Davey Resource Group
Hometown: Aurora, OH
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
Trees and Bikes make a great combination, I want to support both.
Jeff Picher Jeff Picher
Territory Manager, Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements
Hometown: Branchville, NJ
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
As a representative for Rainbow Scientific Advancements, I understand and support the need for research and the development of improved and safer products for the tree care industry. This will be my 5th year in the TDT and can’t wait to reunite with my fellow riders to explore new places and make new friends.
Pam Pinkley Pam Pinkley
Office Manager, Interstate Batteries of Fox River Valley, Inc.
Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL
Why are you riding this year?
Cyclists from all walks of life come together to combine their love of the ride with the challenge of the event…all to support a great cause. I'm proud to participate!
Professor Elwood Pricklethorn Professor Elwood Pricklethorn
Certifiable Arborifessor
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
To spread the word that the trees that we see are much more than just trees, you see.
Dick Rideout Dick Rideout
Urban Forestry Policy Advisor, Wisconsin DNR
Hometown: Madison, WI
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I love trees, I love cycling and I love cycling with Tree People - It's the perfect combination. This year's tour begins my second decade of riding to raise funds for urban tree research and education and to endow the Bob Skiera Memorial Fund. And I plan to continue to Ride On past 80, just like Al Gilens!
Don Roppolo Don Roppolo
Arborist
Hometown: Pleasant Prarie, WI
Riding for the combined future of urban trees and tree care professionals.
Peter Roy Peter Roy
Utility Manager, Lucas Tree Experts
Hometown: S. Paris, ME
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
To support the TREE Fund and to educate people along the way about trees. What better way to spend a week riding your bike and raising money for a great cause.
John Saylor John Saylor
Municipal Arborist
Courtney Schumm Courtney Schumm
Arborist
Hometown: Akron, OH
Why are you riding this year?
2012's epic cycling tour is not only a great way to highlight the importance of urban forestry and raise money for the TREE Fund, but also promote the health and dedication of our industry professionals through cycling some of Oregon's most challenging terrain.
Paul Sellers Paul Sellers
Senior Arborist, NSTAR
Hometown: West Falmouth, MA
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
This has been a great challenge, both physically and professionally. It's provided me with an opportunity to ride with great people and spread the word of arboriculture!
Jim Skiera Jim Skiera
Executive Director
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Why are you riding this year?
It's a pleasure to be riding in the Tour. The research funded to date helps increase the longevity of urban trees and improves the quality of life for people in cities around the world.
Mike Skivington Mike Skivington
Retired Arborist, Lewis Tree Service
Pete Smith Pete Smith
Urban Forester, Texas A&M Forest Service
Bill Spiewak Bill Spiewak
Consulting Arborist, Bill Spiewak & Associates Consulting Arborists
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
After returning last year, after six years of rest, I recalled the incredible experience of the Tour des Trees. People across the country are charged up by trees and we get the opportunity to bring our energy to them and their communities, places that I have never seen. The camaraderie of the riders, the fitness challenge, the back roads tour of a small section of our country, and the inspiring benefit to trees, make this an extraordinary event; One that I do not want to miss, provided I am up for the challenge...and I am.
Dave Staats Dave Staats
Supervisor Parks & Forestry, City Of Upper Arlington
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I rode last year for the first time. It was a great experience. Sharing our knowledge, planting trees and riding bikes. What could be better.
Steve Tabler Steve Tabler
Respiratory Therapist, Willis Knighton Medical Center
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I came on the Tour des Trees last year because I had had a blast riding bikes with folks who were going. This year I'm also going because I found out that the TREE Fund does a lot of good in the country. Although not in the tree business myself, rubbing shoulders with such a great bunch of arborists has instilled a love of nature and conservation. So there you go.
Gloria Thibodeau Gloria Thibodeau
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Why are you riding this year?
A tree that stands alone, a thing of beauty; a tree that stands in the forest….our future!
Sara Turner Sara Turner
Hometown: Washington, DC
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Looking forward to my first Tour ride and connecting with others passionate about trees.
James Urbanowsky James Urbanowsky
Hometown: Fredericton, NB
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
The Tour is an awesome way to combine public outreach, exercise and the love of trees.
Sam Van Maanen Sam Van Maanen
Sales
Hometown: Pella, IA
Why are you riding this year?
Great people, great cause, great ride…
Craig Webb Craig Webb
Hometown: Auckland, NZ
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
When I told my wife that I was planning on doing this she said ‘at least your mid-life crisis isn’t about a sports car or an affair'. I didn’t know that those were options, but I am really glad that I chose to do this because it gets me back on a bike.
Derrick Wells Derrick Wells
Arborist Representative, Bartlett Tree Experts
Kristin Wild Kristin Wild
Corporate Communications, Asplundh Tree Expert Co.
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Why are you riding the STIHL Tour des Trees?
I believe in supporting the TREE Fund's mission and if I can be away from my computer for a week, exploring some of North America's back roads and communities with my tree-loving, cycling buddies, all the better! The Tour is also a personal fitness challenge that I look forward to each year!
Robert Williams Robert Williams
Consulting Arborist
Hometown: La Conner, WA
Why are you riding this year?
As I sat musing there came a voice… Hey you, listen, trees have been taking care of us for tens of thousands of years, yet we are still figuring out how to take care of them. Wake up! More learning, better care. No question…so get on yer bike.
Mark Younger Mark Younger
Arborist
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
I'm looking forward to representing Team Illinois for the third year in a row to help reach our 2012 goal to raise funds for tree research and education.












The TREE Fund mission: