Eric Goetz, “The Instigator”

Always on the hunt for adventure, Eric's dreams of his next tour begin before his current one ends — illusions of grandeur turned reality when he carves up the map. From San Diego to Washington DC, Rome to Barcelona, Glacier Park to Yuma and Toronto to Rhode Island (On a mountain bike with only a sleeping bag, cash and a tool kit of essentials), incredible experiences fuel a lifetime of memories: Screaming downhill at upwards of 55 mph. Climbing for nearly a marathon. “Seeing” the desert floor. Tracing 136 miles of the Blue Ridge in a single day--fully loaded. Eight centuries in as many days. Covering countless miles and meeting even more personalities. All in pursuit of the important truth: Which of the world's Dairy Queens makes the best Blizzard? What dream is next? Germany, Costa Rica, Alaska, or New Zealand? All in good time.

Eric resides on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Aaron “A.D.D.” Kobilis

Rarely able to sit still, Aaron is a guy who thinks a week-long vacation sitting on a beach while drinking frozen drinks sounds like hell. From snowboarding excursions in Utah to rainforest horseback rides in Costa Rica to tours of europe staying in run-down rooms above bars, he's always up for an adventure trip. To him, that's the ultimate in mind-clearing relaxation. After years of mountain biking, and a several year hiatus from the sport, he returned to cycling full-force, but this time, instead of the thrill of the off-road jib, he discovered the high of logging mile after high-speed mile on asphalt roads in the Washington, DC area. The highlight of his day is the 15-mile training ride most mornings before work along the Potomac River. He's looking forward to spending 3 weeks outdoors, breathing the air, taking in the sights, using his body instead of sitting at a desk, being with friends, and clearing his head.

Aaron resides just south of Washington, DC in Alexandria, Va.

Ian Youngstrom

For the past 4 years I have lived in Portland, Oregon. Before that I lived in Maryland ('93-'01), New Jersey ('90-'93), Michigan ('83-'90) and Colorado ('75-'83).

I have done only a handful of big rides including a week travelling around the Finger Lakes in NY, a big organized ride across Iowa, and a ride with my brother from Portland to Helena, Montana.

The last time I went on a bike ride organized by Eric we went up the block to get Slurpies and play a couple games of Tempest in 1982. I had fun doing that so I figured it was time to join him on another ride. I have a feeling I will have just as much difficulty keeping up with him now as I did then.

Jason Youngstrom

My name is Jason
I live in Salt Lake City
It's a great place to live
It's very pretty
most of the time I work
at a garden in town
I like to hike
in the mountains around
Or I ride my bike
in the hills, up and down
I share my life
With a kid, a dog
and a wonderful wife
We live in a brick house

Kelly Flowers, "Veteran Rider"

Long-time cyclist...all of 4 months...I had no idea that there was so much to riding a bike. It seemed simple enough, sit on the seat, hold onto the handlebars and rotate the pedals...who knew there was so much gear, proper fitting and form. I'm learning much with each ride as to my ability and my potential.

I'm loving testing my limits on the road, and reaching the top of the next hill, only to tuck and fly down the back side. I see, smell, hear and feel so much more traveling on a bike than I could in a car. It's gonna be a great experience, I can't wait!

Lauren Barbour

Lauren, too busy planning her next meal, has yet to write her bio... but has said it's coming soon.

Matthew Rider

I'm 30 years old with a nine year old son and a three year old daughter. I've lived in the Portland Metro area since I was three (with a two year period spent in Olympia, WA). I rode my bike a lot as a teenager, I think the ability to be alone and explore without a driver's license was part of the appeal for me. I got into bike racing with a friend of mine when I was in high school but only raced for a year. I had planned on continuing with racing but got mononucleosis the fall after I rode and when I got back on the bike the next spring I was frustrated by how slow I was. A few years ago my brother got a road bike which got me riding again. I've managed to find enough time lately to train and race and have been having a blast with it. I raced a local cyclocross series last year and am really excited about the season starting soon.

Melba Black

Cleverly crafted words never quite got posted.

Tim Cripps: Pain + Pleasure = Peace

Pain: Mile 80, a seemingly never-ending climb — legs burning.

Pleasure: Cruising down an open road with the sun on your back, the wind on your side, and a handful of your friends (hopefully behind).

Peace: Total serenity — the kind of happiness that only those who have felt it before can truly understand. The gratifying reminder that no goal in life is easy...because if it was, what fun would it be?

Originally hailing from Rochester, NY, Tim now resides in Arlington, VA.

Todd Lindeman

Will join the ride in Portland, ride like fire, and try this "biking" thing out on a trusted Trek 520.