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
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
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
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
Arborist
Hometown: The Plains, VA
Reason for riding the Tour this year?
The Tour des Trees allows me to combine my love of trees with my passion for physical fitness. The funds raised go directly to research projects aimed at improving the health of trees in our urban environments.
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...
Steven Asplundh
Hometown: Bryn Athyn, PA
Why are you riding this year?
Great Ride!
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
Retired
Julia Bartens
Researcher in Urban Forestry
Hometown: Davis, CA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Tree research is important on so many levels. The TREE Fund supported part of my graduate studies and I feel it's time to do my part to keep research going.
Josh Behounek
The Davey Tree Expert Company
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
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.
Jacques Brunswick
Theater Management
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Why are you riding this year?
Louise and I are thrilled to be riding the Tour des Trees again!
Greg Carver
Hometown: Coppell, TX
Why are you riding this year? Looking forward to the 2012 TDT.
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
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!
Kathleen Craig
Ph.D. student, Mathematics
Nathaniel Craig
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
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
Accountant
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Why are you riding this year?
This will be my fifth Tour des Trees. I am looking forward to training for this event, seeing all the of the Family Tree once again, and spreading TREE love.
Ginny Crow
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Maisy Crow
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Shirley Crow
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Look out Portland! The Crow/Craig Clan is about to descend upon you!
Stuart Crow
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
RideRideRide
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
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
Yoga Teacher
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Why are you riding this year?
I support tree research so much, this will be my eighth Tour des Trees.
Mary DiCarlo
Profession: Fund Development Specialist for the TREE Fund
Hometown: Glen Ellyn, IL
How many times have you ridden in the Tour des Trees?
It's my job to run the Tour, and this is my fourth.
How did you hear about/get involved with the Tour des Trees?
My boss suggested I get involved.
Do you have friends/family members/coworkers participating in the Tour?
My TREE family grows each year. I can't wait for each reunion.
Why are you riding this year?
To give me an excuse to get off my phone.
What’s your favorite memory of past Tours?
Launching the 2010 Chicago Loop Tour from Millennium Park with the support of “Team DiCarlo”.
Others should ride the Tour this year because:
You won’t find a better group of people to spend a week with. The physical challenge will make you feel like you really accomplished something. And the money you raise will have a tangible impact on the future of the world’s urban forests.
Aaron Dickinson
Consulting Arborist
Hometown: Glastonbury, CT
Why are you riding this year?
After 22 years in the field of arboriculture, I felt that it was time that I gave back to the industry by supporting the research that I have relied on for some many years to grow as an arborist. Tour des Trees is a great way to raise awareness
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
Associate Professor
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Why are you riding this year?
I am wild about trees and bicycles! Riding the Tour des Trees is a great way for me to give back, to be green" and to see our beautiful country!"
Doug Drysdale
Chuck Dykes
Hometown: Parkville, MO
Why are you riding this year?
If a man does his best, what else is there?
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.
Steve Geist
Plant Pathologist
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Why are you riding this year?
This is my 15th consecutive tour. In the 29 years that I have worked in field of arboriculture this is the most meaningful event that I have ever participated in.
Patrick George
Certified Arborist
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Why are you riding this year?
Helping trees outlive humans.
Al Gilens
Photographer
Hometown: Gladwayne, PA
Why are you riding this year?
The health of humans depends upon the health of trees; if we support either, we must support both.
Kathy Gilmour
Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Phil Graham
Utility Arborist
Hometown: Vernon, BC
Why are you riding this year?
The Tour started out as a "bucket list" item for me in 2003 but as soon as I rode that tour I was hooked. This year I welcome other riders to my back yard (almost) the Pacific Northwest.
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
Owner
Hometown: Lafayette, NY
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
“Up the hill and into the wind with a smile!”
John Harthoon
Utility Lines Construction Services
Hometown: Watkins, IA
Why are you riding this year?
This is my fourth Tour and I know it will be the best!
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
Sales
Hometown: Tyler, TX
Why are you riding this year?
The TREE Fund is a GREAT cause and the ride to raise attention for trees is a productive effort. Help us out, if you will!
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
Parks Supervisor
Jeff Iles
Hometown: Ames, IA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Clearly, TDT week is the best week of my entire year. Besides, I love the smell of bicycle chain lubricant in the morning!
Neil Irvin
Casey Trees
Hometown: Caselberry, FL
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Life is a garden!!! Dig it!
Scott Jamieson
Vice President
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
There is nothing more inspiring than someone who has overcome personal adversity with a positive attitude.
Kevin Jones
Utility Arborist / Sales
Carole Jordan
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Chris Jordan
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Looking forward to seeing Oregon by bike.
Claire Jordan
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Ride, Ride, Ride, Woman Alive!
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!
John Kirchner
City Forester
Andy Kittsley
Urban Forester
Hometown: Clermont, FL
Why are you riding this year?
Safe and healthy trees require science based care. The TREE Fund, via the Tour des Trees funds university level tree research. I ride to raise these funds.
Tammy Kovar
Biologist/Arborist
Hometown: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Why are you riding this year?
As an arborist I feel it is my responsibility to draw attention to the benefits of trees and tree research.
Joe Lentz
Vegetation Management
Hometown: Easton, PA
Why are you riding this year?
Bike riding is an addiction, great fun and a great cause
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
Arborist
Hometown: Liberty Corner, NJ
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Plant Trees, ride bikes…it’s cool.
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.
Jefferey May
Hometown: Greenville, TX
Jenna May
Hometown: Greenville, TX
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
Executive Director
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
The Tour des Trees has truly changed my life. I would not be the person I am today had I not become involved in it four years ago. My community, my cycling ability, and my love of trees has grown exponentially from my exposure to the group.
Jason McKinley
Photographer
Hometown: Stanford, KY
Why are you riding this year?
Wind is fuel…breathe to ride.
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
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
Owner
Michael Neal
Utility Arborist
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
As the Chairman of the TREE Fund, I think it is important to participate in the premier fundraising event of the organization. Combining my passion for trees with the healthy fun of this bike ride will allow me to give back to the industry.
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.
Jimmy Olsen
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
I'm here for support.
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
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
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.
Dan Patterson
Investor
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Friendship, fitness and seeing a new part of the country up close and personal.
Susan Paul
Reference Librarian
Hometown: Sheffield Village, OH
Why are you riding this year?
I am looking forward to riding the Tour des Trees for the second time. I loved the tour last year--it was a great time with great people.
Frazer Pehmoeller
Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts
Hometown: Poughquag, NY
Why are you riding this year?
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the outdoors with some passionate tree lovers
Ward Peterson
Arborist, Davey Resource Group
Jeff Picher
Territory Manager
Hometown: Branchville, NJ
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
I am representing Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements. A leader in Plant Health Care products and Research.
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
Certifiable Arborifessor
Hometown: Maple Hill Ontario
Do you have friends/family members/coworkers participating in the Tour?
YES indeed. I am looking forward to riding with many of my Wood-B Associates and fellow branch managers.
Why are you riding this year?
To spread the word that the trees that we see are much more than just trees, you see. Is there a better way to see the USA ?
Dick Rideout
Urban Forester
Hometown: Madison, WI
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
My Tour des Trees family is literally a life-saver for me and for community trees.
Don Roppolo
Arborist
Hometown: Pleasant Prarie, WI
Riding for the combined future of urban trees and tree care professionals.
Peter Roy
Utility Manager
Hometown: S. Paris, ME
Why are you riding this year?
For the love of trees and cycling
Peter Sanford
Social Worker
Hometown: Dallas, PA
Why are you riding this year?
Because I live to ride, ride to live!
John Saylor
Municipal Arborist
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Why are you riding this year?
I look forward to riding in the STIHL Tour des Trees each year. It gives me a great opportunity to support tree research and give back to the profession that has provided for me, my family and my community over my career.
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
Arborist
Hometown: Falmouth, MA
Why are you riding this year?
Great ride, great friends, great cause!
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
Utility Arborist
Hometown: Rochester. NY
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
A small cog in the effort to promote tree research.
Pete Smith
Urban Forester
Hometown: Bryan, TX
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
What a great way to see a new part of the country and raise funds for a great cause - trees!
Bill Spiewak
Consulting Arborist
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Why are you riding this year?
The Tour des Trees is an awesome life experience that combines the love of trees with fitness.
Dave Staats
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Great opportunity to do things I enjoy, trees, cycling and meeting new friends.
Tim Sullivan
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Why are you riding this year?
Could be the best ride ever and there have been some very special rides to date.
Stephen Tabler
Respiratory Therapist
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Why are you riding the Tour this year?
Give trees a chance!
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!
Ben Tresselt, III
Senior Director of TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association / Arborist / Business Owner)
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Why are you riding this year?
Looking forward to this Tour!
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
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
Sales
Hometown: Pella, IA
Why are you riding this year?
Great people, great cause, great ride…
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
Certified Arborist/Arborist Representative
Hometown: Hampton, SC
Why are you riding this year?
I'm psyched to be a part of the 20th Anniversary Ride!
Kristin Wild
Corporate Communications
Hometown: Lansdale, PA
Why are you riding this year?
There are so many reasons I keep doing the Tour des Trees. Of course, improving tree health, tree care and tree worker safety are all good. And there are always old friends to reunite with and new friends to meet. I always love to see, feel and smell America at a bicycle pace and finally, the Tour is a great incentive to get in better shape.
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
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: