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Lynn developed a passion for the outdoors while growing up on a small farm in Troy, Idaho [pop: 862]. She spent several years working as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service, traveling the world during the off-season. She studied in Pau, France and Anchorage, Alaska before graduating with a dual major from the University of Idaho. This last winter she spent several weeks in Thailand, exploring the northern region on rented motorcycles and rock climbing on the Phra Nang Peninsula. (“...eating fantastic food!” she says.) She loves exploring new areas, being active and meeting new people.
Hobbies: rock climbing, mountain biking, running, surfing, playing guitar
Favorite Bicycle Adventures tour: "Bryce & Zion. Or the Idaho Epic tour for its scenery, tough riding and beautiful landscapes. Plus, that tour went through my hometown."
Best thing about being a guide: "I love seeing the smiles on people's faces while they are biking on beautiful roads. It makes us all happier versions of ourselves."
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures tour: Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana [Glacier-Banff-Jasper tour and Glacer 4-Day tour].
Marty Andrews, Tour Guide
Sandpoint, ID. 7 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Marty has been building his own bikes - as well as friends' - since he was a child. He has worked as a draftsman for engineering firms and in the winter teaches telemarking, alpine skiing, and snowboarding at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho. He enjoys hiking, kayaking, and epic mountain bike rides, preferably long singletrack journeys. When not cycle touring, Marty volunteers for the local bike club doing trail building and maintenance. He also dabbles with photography and is learning how to ride a unicycle.
Kempton Baker, Tour Guide
Issaquah, WA. 2 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Kempton grew up in rural Washington riding and racing anything with two wheels. After motocross became too expensive for the salary of a 19-year-old, he switched to bicycles for good. Kempton's an avid cyclocross and mountain bike racer and road bike enthusiast. He's taken and guided bike tour vacations all over the world - in the U.S., Canada, Spain, Morocco, France, Mexico, Italy and Thailand. Says Kempton, "I can't wait for the list to be twice as long!"
Favorite Tour: Oregon Crater Lake Classic
Why: "Being able to take in the natural beauty of Crater Lake - and experience a day with Mark Wojahn - is something every person should have the opportunity to do."
Favorite place to stay on a Bicycle Adventures tour: The Inn at Spanish Head [Oregon Coast Classic] - "Every room hangs right over the Pacific Ocean. Watching the sunset feels like it's in IMAX!"
First Bike: Schwinn Stingray Junior. "Bright red, of course!"
Hobbies: "I have been a professional musician for 20 years, and try to play my bass every day I'm home. I also love to spend time walking my Border Collie, Jack."
Brad Barnard, Vice President and Owner
Kirkland, WA. 4 years with Bicycle Adventures.
A former bike racer, Brad has been to most of the 50 states, but doesn’t know much about them as his attention was focused on beating the competition. (He believes that Todd Starnes is possibly the worst guide in the company, but the best coach he has ever had.) He’s an avid University of Washington Huskies fan with an English Literature degree and a love for the outdoors and all things sports-related. Brad’s professional background prior to Bicycle Adventures was in operations and logistics. Brad is married and has four children (two boys and two girls.)
Favorite Tour: Oregon Coast Classic. "This coast is ever changing and ever beautiful. I took my honeymoon here and it will always hold very special memories for me."
Favorite Place to stay: "Preferably someplace with a bed!" - The Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, B.C. (San Juan Islands - Victoria Classic)
Favorite Movie: "Revenge of the Nerds!"
Jeff Barth, Regional Team Leader, Tour Guide
Kent, WA. 6 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Jeff grew up in Wisconsin, spent 4 years in Washington D.C., then 8 years in Utah including two back-to-back winters with over 700 inches of snow at the ski resorts! After spending 15 years in health care, he worked another 10-plus years in education as a classroom teacher, then as an administrator. He does staff development training during “shoulder seasons” between cycle tours and teaching skiing. In the winter he is a ski instructor at Crystal Mountain near Mt. Rainier. When not on a Bicycle Adventures tour or teaching skiing, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult sons. Jeff loves getting to know the people that he bikes and skis with. "I have the best job(s) in the world! I love my office!"
Favorite Tour: Canadian Gulf Islands
Why: "This tour is truly in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Traffic is light, locals are friendly, and lodging is incredible. There are so many beautiful views, some from the water and some after short hikes.
A story: "Here’s a story from last summer that illustrates the Gulf Islands…We are on a ferry when Orca whales are spotted. The captain slows the ferry so that we can watch the whales as they parallel the boat. It is a sunny day with crystal clear blue skies; we are on the water with lush, green, tree-covered islands in the background, snow capped mountains in the distance, and then a bald eagle flies over our heads – perfect!"
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures trip: The ride into Cattlepoint in American Camp on San Juan Island. "It's always breathtaking. I have had guests who have toured all over the world say that this ride is one of their top five!"
Kyle Bennett, Tour Guide
Portland, OR. 7 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Kyle has spent the past seven years as an adventure travel leader, educating and entertaining guests on trips all over the world. A former altar boy and the son of a toy salesman, Kyle attended the University of Missouri’s journalism school on an Evans Scholarship — a full-tuition award for academically accomplished golf caddies.
Since graduating, he has worked both domestically and abroad in various capacities of food and retail management for fairs, special events, and even the circus. Incredibly witty, Kyle excels in telling hilarious stories that sound fictional, but are, in fact, true.
Thomas Bennett, Tour Guide
Eugene, OR. 7 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Thomas worked as a geographic information systems specialist for the Peace Corps and is now earning a master’s degree in environmental planning at the University of Oregon. He enjoys surfing, reading, gardening, cooking, hiking, rock climbing, and riding a unicycle. Once he completes his degree, Thomas plans to pursue a career in community based resource management while continuing to work in the realm of eco-tourism.
Diane Bowlin, Tour Guide
Seattle, WA. 6 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Diane has a degree in geophysics and is a Master Gardener, and she enjoys sharing her expertise with guests. She loves backpacking, traveling with her husband and sons, skiing, snowshoeing, tennis, and cooking with foods from her organic garden.
Lizzie Diehl, Tour Guide
Seattle, WA. 3 years with Bicycle Adventures.
There’s little that Lizzie loves more than a good road trip. In 2008 she and two teammates from her college rowing team set off two-wheeling from New York City to Seattle – and promptly fell in love with bicycle touring. When not on her bike, she sings in a band, works in her garden, and manages a home furnishings consignment store.
Karie Downing, Tour Guide, Adventure Advisor
Snoqualmie, WA. 2 years with Bicycle Adventures.
After earning a BA in Environmental Sociology, studying in South Africa and traveling in Europe, Karie discovered a passion for exploration and finding new places to play outside. This led to a post-graduate life working with kids on low ropes courses, teaching mountain biking, rock climbing, snow-shoeing, and getting dirty. In an effort to postpone growing up, Karie now plays with bigger kids, guiding Bicycle Adventures' tours. Karie is inspired by the beauty of the regions we travel to and loves creating a playful, active and rewarding experience for guests.
Favorite Tour: "San Juan Islands. Or Columbia Gorge."
Why: "Very few expect to see the mighty Columbia River Gorge and find world class kite-surfing, rock climbing and raw geologic features in the landscape. Similarly, the San Juan Islands are a feast for the eyes when you peer through the evergreen trees to see soaring snow-capped mountain ranges and volcanoes amongst alpine-dotted islands. The views always feel like the first time when seeing them with someone new."
Best thing about guiding: "Experiencing the week together. Having someone just as excited as you are to take that photo, eat the amazing food, charge that hill, and celebrate at the top! Guests go from strangers to friends in only one week."
Favorite book: White African, Louis Leakey's biography
Favorite drink: "Besides coffee? Mac & Jack’s. Or Australian red wines. Okay...I can’t pick just one."
Derek Edwards, Tour Guide
Portland, OR. 5 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Derek grew up in the Pacific Northwest where he was introduced to cycling at a very young age. He got truly hooked at age 12, when his father took him on the 200 mile Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic - on a mountain bike with knobby tires! After college graduation and time spent in the corporate sales world, Derek took a break to travel extensively and came back to pursue his true passions: leading tours for Bicycle Adventures, working with a solar and green roofing design + build firm, traveling...and skiing as much as possible during the winter.
Favorite tour: "The race trips we have been working hard at putting together have been an absolute blast!"
Why: "Being able to ride the same amazing roads as the Amgen Tour of California and USA Pro Challenge Colorado athletes on the day of the race, combined with great lunches and support is amazing. These trips change every year based upon where the professional race takes place so it’s always new and fresh. Not for the faint of heart but well worth the effort! We explore some of the truly best cycling roads that the U.S. has to offer."
Favorite place to dine on a tour: "All of the restaurants in the San Juan Islands!"
Favorite place to stay: Laurel Point Inn in Victoria, B.C., Canada [San Juan Islands/Victoria and Canadian Gulf Islands tours]
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures trip: "The road up to Mt. Rainier on the Volcanoes of Washington Tour for its stunning scenery and challenging miles."
Randall Foster, Tour Guide
Seattle, WA. 4 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Randall grew up in Missouri, a rather surprising place to gain a love for cycling. Following college and dual degrees in Psychology and Poetry, he headed to New Mexico and then Washington State. Randall's degrees have led him to jobs as varied as psychiatric case manager, bicycle mechanic and tour guide, software tester and concierge to the stars. Be sure to ask him about his Robin Williams story.
Favorite tour: Southern Oregon & Crater Lake
Why: "Fantastic scenery, long climbs and an amazing descent leaving Crater Lake. And I love the Bear Camp Road climb on that tour."
Favorite place to stay on a tour: Timberline Lodge, on Mt. Hood. [Columbia Gorge tours]
Go-to guide lunch: Roasted chicken fajitas
What's special about a Bicycle Adventures tour? "Bringing people from all parts of the country and all walks of life for a big bicycle party!"
First bike: Mongoose BMX
Cycling nickname: Scandal
Hobbies: Mountain bikes, trail building, snowboarding
David Gillin, Tour Guide
Seattle, WA. 10 years with Bicycle Adventures.
David’s zest for adventure was fueled by a 20-year career as a globetrotting TV reporter on the West Coast. He won six Emmys and covered stories from Europe to Asia and Alaska to the Caribbean. Prior to joining Bicycle Adventures, he also worked for Nike in corporate communications and as a public relations specialist, focusing on crisis communications and media training.
Born and raised in New York City, David is a graduate of Dartmouth College and has a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio State University. He is also an award-winning poet. When not riding his bike on a Bicycle Adventures trip, David enjoys participating in organized cycling events throughout the country, such as Hotter ‘N Hell 100, TOSRV, RAGBRAI, El Tour de Tucson, Amtrak Century, STP, RAMROD, Santa Fe Century, Tour de Palm Springs, Solvang Century, etc. He enjoys sampling microbrews and following college football.
Favorite tour: Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
Why: "Exceptional food and lodging, plus a myriad of cycling options to satisfy every taste."
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures Trip: Avenue of the Giants (California Redwoods tour)
Best memory from a tour: "Being an official witness as a couple got married on the layover day of a California Redwoods trip."
First bike: Ross 3-speed
Favorite movie: The Third Man
Favorite book: Anything by Elmore Leonard
Brad Gordon, Tour Guide
Hood River, OR. 4 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Brad is the Renaissance Man of Extreme Sports. He's pioneered an exhilarating new sport - 'Snowkiting' - in the Pacific Northwest; in Bicycle Adventures' off-season, he runs a snowkite teaching school. When Brad is not gliding across new snow, he's thinking of fresh new ways to keep guests entertained. (Hosting his own one-man outdoor cooking show and writing songs to chronicle individual tours are two of his favorites.) Prior to his guiding/sliding/showbiz career, he spent 13 years offering great customer service as a grocery store manager.
Favorite tour: San Juan Islands/Victoria
Why: "Once you get on the Islands it's just so relaxed and tranquil, the food is world class, and everyone else up there is there for the same thing...to enjoy another Pacific Northwest summer!"
Favorite place to stay on a Bicycle Adventures tour: Skamania Lodge (Columbia Gorge tour)
Go-to guide lunch: Wild green salad with black cherries, feta, mangoes, avocados, lime, green onion and seasoned rice vinegar
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures tour: "Hands down: entering Zion National Park."
Tracey Gramenz, Tour Guide
Tacoma, WA. 5 years with Bicycle Adventures.
After growing up in the small town of Sequim, WA, Tracey flew far from home - to Willamette University, 6 hours away. After obtaining degrees in Sociology and Spanish, her flights became more frequent and farther reaching: to date, Argentina, Spain, Italy, India, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Morocco, Portugal, Mexico and New Zealand, with extended cycling tours in several of those countries. Although searching out the world's natural highlights has captured her heart, Tracey also loves spending time in her NW home where she tries to maintain her garden, takes cello lessons, and fixes snacks for her neighbor kids...and her own adorable baby boy.
Favorite tour: Glacier/Banff/Jasper. Or Crater Lake. Or Bryce/Zion.
Guide go-to lunch: "I love making a pesto, quinoa and smoked salmon salad. Or basically any dish involving quinoa."
Favorite ride: "I love riding the Canyon Drive in Zion National Park. I've ridden in at dawn just as the sun begins to illuminate the sandstone. Stunning."
Jill Hewins, Regional Team Leader, Tour Guide
Tucson, AZ. 11 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Jill has a Masters Degree in Higher Education, and has been guiding wilderness backpacking, biking and travel journeys since 1986. She's worked as a Program Director, Trip Planner, guide and staff trainer. In Bicycle Adventures' off-season, Jill guides backpacking adventures in the Grand Canyon. She has biked across the US and Canada in one 8,200-mile trip and plans yearly personal adventure trips across the world. Her picnic lunches are legendary.
John MacIntyre, Tour Guide
Kent, Washington. 7 years with Bicycle Adventures.
John was born in Long Island New York; his family moved to Washington State when he was 4. As an adult, he spent 24 years as a computer scientist before changing careers to become a Personal Trainer. Says John, "I simply traded one complex system for an even more complex system!" He has been a lifelong vocalist and currently sings with the Cascade Foothills Chorale. He enjoys cooking and has recently been able to devote more time to exploring the culinary arts. Cycling is one of his first loves, and has played a major role in his life. "No matter what else is happening, there are always rides to enjoy and miles to train."
Favorite tour: Oregon Crater Lake
Favorite ride on a tour: The Aufderheide Scenic Byway
Best thing about guiding: "Sharing my love of the Northwest and cycling with people from all over the nation."
First bike: Varoom Stringray
Favorite book: Asimov's Foundation Trilogy
Jessica Marcotte, Tour Guide
Portland, OR. 3 years with Bicycle Adventures.
A swimmer-turned-cyclist, Jessica played water polo in high school and college. To pay her way through a degree in Cultural Anthropology at Oregon State, she taught swimming lessons and coached swim team and water polo. But after graduation, she discovered that, as she puts it, “…it’s hard to find a pick-up water polo game, so I began to play around with triathlons.” Triathlons introduced Jessica to long-distance biking, and though she still does a few triathlons each year, cycling has become one of her passions.
Favorite tour: Bryce Zion
Why: "Because I love to talk about the geology and cultural history of the area. Also it is breathtakingly beautiful!"
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures trip: "Two: riding through the Redwoods and the ride coming into Zion National Park."
Best thing about guiding? "Getting to meet new people and encouraging them to take a step just outside their comfort zone. I enjoy watching people find they can do more than they thought they could."
Memorable experience from a bicycle tour: "I have really good memories of my San Juan Island trips last year. There is just a simple joy on the islands that’s easy to lose yourself in. But my favorite moment was on a San Juan Islands family trip where we went to Zip San Juan and flew through the trees on the ziplines. I have never had so much fun!"
Favorite vacation destination: "Anywhere with a beach and some waves that I can surf. Costa Rica is great; Hawaii is awesome - and I even surf on the Oregon Coast when I can."
Chad Maurer, Equipment Operations Director
Olympia, WA. 19 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Born in Iowa amongst the corn fields, one of Chad's earliest memories is seeing the Rocky Mountains for the first time. He was only about 3 years old, but says, "I knew our family was headed in the right direction!" He spent a lot of time in the outdoors growing up: hiking, fishing and hunting with my parents. As a youth, soccer was his favorite sport. "I was like a junkie for the black and white ball, chasing it constantly, 5-7 days a week." During college, music became another interest and over the years Chad has played bass guitar in a number of different bands. In his 20’s and 30’s his passions turned toward travel to foreign destinations as well: Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. "These days, the wilderness is my temple and I like to get my spiritual 'fix' as often as possible. Weekends, you are almost guaranteed to find me out 'on the trail.' ”
Favorite tour: Volcanoes of Washington
Why: "It has it all: Amazing scenery and challenging rides on low traffic roads. Plus, there’s just something about these volcanoes that is … beyond words."
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures trip: Icefields Parkway (Glacier-Banff-Jasper and Banff-Jasper tours)
Favorite book: "Who can pick a favorite? Maybe Friend of the Earth by TC Boyle."
Favorite vacation destination: "Impossible to pick a favorite. If you are a parent, do you have a favorite child?"
Aaron Michalson, Tour Guide
Portland, OR. 2 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Aaron grew up in Southern Oregon where he learned to appreciate exploring the outdoors and riding bicycles. He went to college in Eugene, where he worked in bicycle shops, learned the basics of outdoor leadership and teaching and played drums in his first rock-and-roll band. Ditching the band after college, he bicycled from Canada to Colorado along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, wrestling grizzlies and coyotes en route, fending off harsh desert heat and getting himself hooked on exploring the world by bike. In 2010 he spent 8 months in Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras on an Interexchange Grant, building pedal-powered machines for nonprofits, teaching English and environmental education and learning a bit of Spanish in the process. When he's home in Portland and not on the bike, you’ll find Aaron on the slopes on his tele skis or running the trails.
Favorite tour: San Juan Islands - Victoria.
"I love the two-fingered wave on Lopez, riding the idyllic ferries and seeing the snow-capped Cascades against the deep blue Pacific with sailboats darting about."
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures tour: The Lost Coast [California Redwoods Classic tour]
Most memorable experience from a bicycle tour: "Riding down Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park at dusk during a full moon in July."
First bike: "A 'fixie' with 12 inch wheels (I was 3.)"
Hobbies: Cycling, running, rafting, climbing, camping, skiing, guitar, ukulele and drums.
Nathan Moore, Tour Guide
Christchurch, New Zealand. 8 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Nathan has been guiding and catering to travelers in New Zealand for more than 17 years. He is fluent in Japanese and has worked with a wide range of international travelers, from tourists to film crews. He loves making sure everyone is well taken care of — Kiwi style. He is an ex-semi-pro rugby player (“footie” to Nathan) and is eager to share his love of the sport with guests. He is a Christchurch native.
Randy Resch, Tour Guide
Issaquah, WA. 2 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Randy came from a hard union labor job of ten years to guiding tours for Bicycle Adventures. Says Randy, "It’s a dream come true! I started riding bicycles two short years ago and quickly fell in love. Bicycling is now a huge part of my life and I love to share my enthusiasm with others." Randy is a bike racer when he's not guiding, and also enjoys a good game of Ultimate Frisbee, hiking and 'thrifting.' On tours, he loves meeting the guests and hearing their stories.
First bike: K2 cross bike
Favorite ride on a Bicycle Adventures trip: "Timberline Lodge to The Dalles on the Columbia Gorge tour! You go from a snowy mountain where people snow ski the glacier year 'round into the gorge where its 90-plus degrees!"
Favorite place to dine on a Bicycle Adventures trip: The Bay House Restaurant [Oregon Coast Classic tour]
What makes a Bicycle Adventure special: "I find that my trips start with a hand
shake and a hello, and end in hugs and tears."
Nate Ripperton, Tour Guide
Sausalito, CA. 6 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Originally from the east coast, Nate eventually moved to Seattle, then San Francisco, and fell in love with the left coast. His degree in ecology helps guests connect with the environment on his trips. He is drawn to progressively epic bike rides and adventures. He enjoys connecting with people and swapping stories of past adventures, while creating new ones. Always willing to try something new, some of Nate’s more eccentric hobbies include unicycle riding and playing bagpipes.
Favorite Bicycle Adventures Tour: "Whichever one I’m doing!"
Second Favorite tour: New Mexico Classic Plus - "Fantastic scenery, unique lodging, great riding, and good local restaurants."
Go-to guide lunch: "One I stole from [tour guide] Jeff Barth - whole wheat sesame pasta, spinach and strawberry salad with feta cheese."
Number one ride on a Bicycle Adventures trip: "Day 1 of the New Mexico Classic Plus: riding up to the Vallez Caldera and down into White Rock. It's like a mini-Yellowstone, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. Or Day 2 of Hawaii in Puna along the old red road by the coast with the ocean breaking on the lava, and a canopy of palm trees over the road."
First bike? "A friend’s Miyata, 2 sizes too small with sew-up tires and down-tube shifters."
Favorite movie: King of California
Favorite book: The Power of One
Memorable moment on a bicycle tour: "Riding with a guest in Zion Canyon in the late afternoon. She was in such a state of awe and disbelief, looking at the colors on the canyon walls that she almost ran off the road about a dozen times."
Julie Robinson, Adventure Advisor
Olympia, WA. 9 years with Bicycle Adventures.
A Washington native raised in Forks, Julie came to Bicycle Adventures after more than 14 years in sales and customer service, including work at the Starbucks Corporation and amazon.com. She enjoys running and rides regularly with the local cycling club's fixed-gear group.
Teri Smith, Tour Guide
Tualatin, OR. 7 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Teri grew up in Alabama, Idaho and California. She ran cross-country and track in high school. After attending Boise State University, she moved to Oregon where her love for all things 'outdoors' grew into an unbridled passion. When she isn't working, you'll find her on a trail somewhere, smiling. Her two boys, Charlie and Jalen, are living out their own dreams - respectively, in Montana and Oregon.
Favorite tour: "Just one? New Mexico (Classic and Classic Plus tours), Southern Oregon & Crater Lake Plus, Oregon Wine Country, Washington Epic...so many...all for different reasons."
Favorite tour dining spot: Cafe Pasqual's [both New Mexico tours]
Favorite place to stay on Bicycle Adventures' tours: Sun Mountain Lodge, in Winthrop, Washington [Washington Cascades Epic tour]
First bike: " A Hasbro 'Inchworm' - I fell in love with wheels early in life!"
Favorite book: Ishmael [Daniel Quinn], The Power of One, Lone Survivor
Hobbies: "Hard for me to pick favorites! Skate skiing, mountain biking, running, cooking, hiking, snowshoeing...."
Best thing about guiding: "Bicycle Adventures' guides are given the autonomy in the field to provide flexibility and options to our guests. That freedom allows us to provide a 'best vacation' experience - and makes our job fun."
Todd Starnes, Owner and President
Sammamish, WA. 4 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Self-proclaimed Worst Guide in the Company, Todd loves getting lost on tours and meeting as many guests as possible, though the two don't always mix. Todd has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., South & Central America and Europe in his former careers as a sports scientist and sports marketer. He has a degree in Sport Science from Seattle Pacific University and an M.B.A. from the University of Washington. He grew up in South Dakota and left as soon as possible to pursue college, travel, and his favorite sports: bike racing, skiing, running and triathlons. Finding himself a much better trainer than athlete, Todd coached bike racing and triathlons at both national and international levels. He continues to volunteer his time coaching at a local high school. Todd is married and has two daughters.
Favorite Tour: San Juan Islands. “I am always amazed at the diversity of the San Juan Islands. I never get tired of the ferry ride, and having such a great place so close to a city like Seattle is a special treat.”
Favorite Place to Stay: Lake Moeraki, New Zealand. “Where else can you see glow-worms and six foot meat-eating eels?”
Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams
Go-To-Guide Lunch: In-N-Out Burger
Maui Starnes, Tour Guide
Sammamish, WA. 2 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Maui Starnes has been guiding for Bicycle Adventures for two years - primarily local tours in the Seattle area, as she prefers the local cuisine and pursuit of local wildlife.Her entire life has been spent in the Pacific Northwest; she has a keen sense for the trails and knows our dog parks intimately. When not guiding, Maui enjoys a good stick and a romp in the creek next to Bicycle Adventures' World Headquarters. Prior to guiding full-time, Maui was a stay-at-home puppy. Herding comes naturally to Maui, so keeping everyone together on a tour is a top priority. She hopes to one day travel to New Zealand and demonstrate her herding skills with the native sheep dogs.
Favorite Tour: Volcanoes of Washington "...it's close to home and has some great hiking!"
Favorite Place to Stay: Lakedale Lodge. "They love dogs and have a great lake to play in."
Favorite Movie: "Duh.... Lassie."
Go-to Guide Lunch: Peanut Butter Treats
Laurie Stephens, Regional Team Leader, Tour Guide
Hood River, OR. 9 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Laurie grew up mostly in the Northeast, but has lived in Africa and France, and traveled to Central America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Ecuador with her husband and two boys. A triathlete and marathoner, Laurie also teaches telemark and cross-country skiing. They live in Hood River, Oregon, and enjoy hiking, biking and skiing on Mt. Hood and the Cascade range in Oregon and Washington, and travel further afield whenever they can escape from the boys’ sports schedules. Somewhere in there, she manages to squeeze in bicycle tour guiding as well!
Favorite tour: Big Sur, for its amazing scenery, great riding and excellent food
Favorite place to stay: Lakedale Lodge
Favorite movie: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ("Am I dating myself here?")
Go-to guide lunch: grilled sourdough sandwiches stuffed with fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes and served with carrot ginger soup
Mark Wojahn, Tour Guide
Hillsboro, OR. 18 years with Bicycle Adventures.
Mark's life has always been crammed with games, sports and music. He ran cross-country and track throughout high school and college; after college, it was marathons and road races. Outdoor recreation is his passion: he spent 18 years working with children in a variety of youth camps and has run a bevy of skiing programs for over 20 years, including seniors' cross-country and snowshoe programs. When not guiding tours or teaching snowsports, Mark's time is spent ice dancing or ballroom dancing. He loves to learn something new, he says "...especially when it is physically and mentally challenging." An avid photographer, he gets credit for many of the images appearing in our website. Mark has led more than 200 Bicycle Adventures trips, and is famous for his beautiful recorder music and his purple marionette, Sylvia.
Favorite tour: Crater Lake. And the Columbia Gorge.
Why: "I have great experiences like my Senior’s Cross Country ski week in the Crater Lake area, so I really feel at home there. And I am excited for what the guests will see and experience each day. There are great rides and super scenery. The Columbia Gorge trip has very diverse environments along with a raft trip and hiking. I like the variety of activities for the guests and the potential for a more relaxed pace."
First bike: "Red. I found it by the Christmas tree."
Favorite book: Mark Twain's Letters from the Earth