Angie Bach (Rustler Committee)
This is my fifth year volunteering with the Bike Rally. One year, I earned myself the nickname of "Mama Duck" and it stuck; I work in the field of Social Services, so it's second nature to be looking out for others (oldest sibling syndrome). I'd always find some way to be fighting for some cause or another. In writing this, I've realized that I spend too much time working, and I fear that I have no hobbies other than watching Home and Garden Television and orchestrating some much needed home renovations. No one has a life more boring than I. This year I'm proud to be a part of the Rubbermaid Rustler sub-committee. I love the Bike Rally more than I love HGTV... But not as much as the real loves of my life-my two, big, old, spoiled dogs getting stuck back in Toronto.
Robert Beerman (Rustler Committee)
My name is Robert Beerman and I feel privileged to participate in the Friends for Life Bike Rally again; I made many friends and had an amazing experience last year. I also volunteer for two other AIDS-related fund raising organizations; CANFAR, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research, and the PWA, the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. One organization is committed to finding a cure for AIDS, and the other is committed to helping those living with AIDS. I am looking forward to another year with the Rustler team!
Richard Belzile
Here he is, smiling extraordinaire, Richard - like Maurice "Rocket" Richard.
This is Richard's second year with Friends for Life and he brings laughter, good cheer, compassion, muscles and clothes! Sinfully heavy bins-for a roadie, but one who definitely pulls his own weight-and those of many other riders. This year - he's bringing his tarot cards.
Sherry Chandler (Rustler Committee)
Sherry first joined the Friends for Life Bike Rally in 2005. When her girlfriend Carol decided to ride and suggested she join a crew, she (now somewhat infamously) said "Okay Honey". They enjoyed the Rally so much in '05 that they joined again in '06, but '07 found them with too many commitments to participate. Hearing about the ride after the fact however, made Sherry very determined to clear her schedule for '08, and even agreed to being on the Rustler Committee; this time when she asked Carol to sign up again as a rider, it was her turn to say "Okay Honey!"
Jason Collette
Jason has participated in the Rally in the past as a cyclist. This is his first year with the Rustlers.
Dylan D'Mello (Rustler Committee)
Hi, I'm Dylan and I'm back for my fourth Bike Rally. Thankfully, I think I'm getting much better at putting up my tent, which was the hardest part of my first three rides. However, the Rally is still the only time I drive a truck, lug heavy bins or have anything to do with a tent (the camping kind anyway). So, if you see me struggling with my fly, please feel free to lend a hand!
Marc Fontaine
Hi, my name is Marc Fontaine. A native of Montréal, I moved to Toronto in 1989 to establish my framing and art studio, Gallery Fontaine, and play an active role in the arts community. I am both honoured and proud to again be a part of the Friends for Life Bike Rally. As a member of the gay community, I have been given many opportunities to support special events by giving of my time and energy. My dream is to one-day see this devastating disease wiped off the face of the Earth. This is my third Bike Rally as a member of the Rustler team, having first participated in 2003.
Brent Everett James (Team Lead)
My name is Brent Everett James and I have been volunteering with the FFLBR proudly since 2001. This is my eighth year on the ride and sixth on the Steering Committee. While there is certainly a lot of time devoted to preparations for the Rally throughout the year - and some long, hard-working sweaty days during the ride - it's energizing. It's incredible. It's amazing. Every year proves to be just as exciting, challenging and rewarding as years previous. I reap so much from this incredible event, both personally and spiritually... it's hard to find the words. I participate with inspired passion, thoughts and memories of dear, dear friends, and the anticipation of new bonds and friendships. Here's to another great ride!
Dwayne James
Dwayne is returning to the bike rally for his third time as a member of the Rubbermaid Rustler team (of which his older and look-alike brother Brent is the Lead). Living and working from home in Peterborough as a technical writer, Dwayne has a fabulous ten-year old daughter who hopes to one day be able to join her Uncle's Bike Rally team. Dwayne's passions include painting, camping, canoeing, and creative writing (in which he excels at pretentiously writing about himself in the third person). Visit Dwayne's web portfolio online here: http://home.cogeco.ca/~dwaynerjames/.
Jason King
Hi my name is Jason King. This is my fourth year with the Friends for Life Bike Rally, but my first year on the crew; the previous three years I was a cyclist. I'm not sure what else people want to know except watch out for me in camp... I have a habit of surprising people. So this year I hope I can do it again. If you want to know more, just ask, I'll be going out for some of the training rides. See you all on the road!
Rejean LeClerc
Rejean has recently moved to Toronto from Moncton, New Brunswick. This is his first Bike Rally.
Dennis Longmire
I am 53 years old, born in Barrie, raised in Toronto. This is my second year on the Bike Rally having participated last year on the Route Marker crew. I am also a client/volunteer at PWA.
Peter McKenzie
This is my third year with the roadies. First year I was a last-minute addition, now the Bike Rally is one of the highlights of my year (well except for the 6 am wakeup calls).
Michael Mohammed
Hello, my name is Michael and this is my third year with the Bike Rally. I am excited to rejoin the Rubbermaid Rustlers after a short hiatus, and look forward to having some time off from my job as a Grade 2 Teacher. I'm also looking forward to spending some quality time with my partner Brent. I hope to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones. Here's to a great week!
Jennifer Moore
Jennifer joins us from Ottawa. This is her first Bike Rally but has heard many great stories from cousins Dwayne and Brent!
Scott Moore
This is my second year participating in the Friends for Life Bike Rally as a Rustler. I'm excited to again take part in such a monumental event. It will be a great challenge and I look forward to all the new friends I'll make on the trip to Montreal.
Chris Nicholson
This is my fourth year on the Bike Rally, and this year, in addition to my role on the Rubbermaid Rustler team, I have been working with a small but dedicated team to produce FINISH LINE, the official publication of the Friends for Life Bike Rally. The first edition will be available in late September. So, this year, in addition to schlepping bins, I'll be shooting pics for the magazine and working with our volunteer writers to ensure FINISH LINE kicks ass! With great anticipation of meeting again with my Friends for Life, I await. (Oh, and sometimes I channel Yoda.).
Evaldes Santos
In the summer of 2007 I had one of the most amazing times of my life, volunteering for the Friends for Life Bike Rally. I believe that small steps like this are multiplied, resulting in an overall impact that makes a positive difference.
David Shoemaker
Returning for a second round - with a solid year of experience filling rider's stomachs on the food crew - this year David transitions to dragging their crap (I mean possessions) around from site to site as a Rustler. All the physical activity is surely going to be beneficial towards his planned exodus to Australia in the fall as there are golden tans and 'Aussie Bum' physiques to be admired and emulated. Somewhat drunk on the idea of wielding ‘The Power of Possessions', he plans to take full advantage of any truck space to fit his ridiculous amount of clothes, costumes, hair products and small pets.
Nobuhiko Takagi
Nobuhiko has been in Canada for more than five years and is so glad to take advantage of this great opportunity in his life. He has run marathons for his best friend who has suffered from an HIV infectious disease and looks forward to involvement in the Friends for Life Bike Rally. He is pretty tiny, adorable like a Chihuahua with huge blue earwax; he might not be strong enough as a Rustler, but he really, really is a BIG MAN! He is really excited to meet you all.
Douglas Wallace
My name is Douglas Wallace. My friend Angie has introduced me to the Bike Rally; she thinks her life is boring. I'm looking forward very much to participating in this venture, and proud to support this worthwhile cause. I bring a background of volunteerism and experience in social services, predominantly assisting people living with HIV and AIDS. You'll find me swimming every day this week. This starts sounding like a dating ad: "I also enjoy meditation, gardening, long walks on the beach, classical music, cooking, and romantic candlelit dinners. I'm a very sexy, youthful looking 54, and too single for words."
Joanne Zevenhuizen
Hi, my name is Joanne and this is my third year with the Bike Rally. I first heard about it in 2005 at Montreal. I am a very proud Dutch-Canadian who loves to travel and meet new people. I am happy to have the opportunity to participate again in this year's Rally!
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