Silk Route

2008 Rider Profiles   


Full Tour Riders

Daniel Longo Daniel Longo
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver


Fred Promoli Fred Promoli
www.childrensfoundation.org/cf/programs/promoli
My sore butt memories have faded enough since the 2003 TdA that I am back for another cycling challenge: Paris to Beijing. My career in physical and outdoor education has kept me active in a wide variety of sports, presently in Toronto. I will be carrying an autographed football in support of the Tony Proudfoot Fund . Tony is a former Canadian Football League star, a sports broadcaster and my former colleague at Dawson College in Montreal, who has contracted Lou Gehrig‘s Disease (ALS). His struggle will help to inspire me during the rough parts of this trip. Let‘s “Carry the ball for Tony.” I also ride in recognition of the Children’s Foundation in Guelph, Ontario, my home town . This organization provides scholarships and recreational enrichment experiences for youth.



Nicole Richardson Nicole Richardson
I am a 27 year old Property Development Manager from Brisbane, Australia. I took up riding as a sport in February 2007 after I decided to do something worthwhile and sign up for a 400km charity cycling challenge through Mongolia…oh, and after having not laid finger (or bum) on a bike in over 7 years! The trip to Mongolia was an experience and personal challenge I will never forget and has convinced me beyond doubt that the best way to experience travel and the essence of another culture is from the seat of a bicycle through out of the way places yet to be overrun by mass tourism. So I intend to take time out in 2008 to do just that. I will be taking part in both the Orient Express and the Silk Road Expeditions and am really looking forward to meeting other like-minded people taking part in what I am sure will be an experience of a lifetime!

Graeme Scrivener Graeme Scrivener
Stewart Sinclair Stewart Sinclair
There is a Chinese proverb that states even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step.

For me it will certainly be a journey of discovery, and a chance to follow in the footsteps of people like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Marco Polo.

I know that it will be difficult at times both mentally and physically, but will be in relative luxury compared to those greats of the past. I am looking forward to it very much.

Manon van Kleef Manon van Kleef

Sectional Riders

Bill Dodds Bill Dodds
www.bill2007b.crazyguyonabike.com
I’m 51 years old, live in Newcastle, England, and I’m involved in local campaigns to improve cycling.

I’m cycling round the world in bite size steps. I’ve cycled the length of Britain and across the US. Last year I rode from Istanbul to Ashgabat (check out my journal www.bill2007b.crazyguyonabike.com ).

I usually travel alone, but last year I enjoyed my time with TDA riders so much, I’m coming back for more - riding through the heart of Central Asia (from Ashgabat to Kashgar).
Thomas Vorauer Thomas Vorauer
'My name is Thomas, I am from Austria and 42 years old. I have been traveling by bicycle for almost 10 years, mostly by myself. I cycled from Vienna to Tbilisi, this year I continue to Samarkand with TDA. Cycling in a group is a new experience for me, that I am looking forward to. Unfortunately I have 4 weeks only but I hope to continue the tour to China soon'

James Weil James Weil
My home is Westport, Connecticut. When I turned 50, I decided I’d better get serious about maintaining my health. So I committed to taking annual trips that would force me to get back into condition. Over the past few years I’ve biked across the U.S. and trekked in many incredible places, including Peru, Bhutan, Africa, and New Zealand. The trips have become an important part of my life: stretching me physically, nourishing my soul, and providing forums for great fun. It gets harder every year to get back in shape; my body protests loudly, and this year is no exception. But I look forward to the Silk Route, and who knows, maybe this year I’ll learn how to love the hills.

Why I’m doing the trip: To strengthen my body, nourish my soul, and have fun.

Staff Riders