2013 TOC Bio Book

Biography Book

September 19 – 22, 2013 Park City, Utah

Tour of Champions Weekend Highlights September 19 – 22, 2013 Park City, UT Lodging: Hyatt Escala Lodge 3551 N Escala Ct Park City, UT 84098 (435) 940-1234

The Hilton Sunrise Lodge 2307 W. High Mountain Road Park City UT 84098 (435) 655-9000

Hospitality Room: Room #508 at the Hyatt Escala for mix-n-mingle throughout the weekend Bike Room & Rides: Friday: 50-mile ride (Park City and Wasatch Valley with lunch at Oakley Park) Saturday: 33-mile ride (Park City and Deer Valley) Bike rentals and mechanics provided by Jan’s in Park City Bike room located in Arches Ballroom at Hyatt Escala Lodge Saturday Excursions & Non-Cycling Options: Temple Square Tour Excursion and lunch (fee applies) Hiking in Red Pine Area and Canyons Bike Park Shopping on your own Daily Meals: Opening dinner on Thursday at Hyatt Escala Lodge Ballroom Friday night dinner on your own (reservations recommended) Breakfast on Friday/Saturday/Sunday at Hyatt Escala Provisions Company Restaurant Saturday closing reception and dinner at the Spur and 350 Main Restaurant with guest speaker Ashley Kumlien

2013 Tour of Champions Statistics 104 Qualifiers attending TOC 37 new Qualifiers attending TOC

New to TOC

19 Team Captains Total raised by those in attendance at the Tour of Champions $1,983,236 Average raised by those in attendance - $19,070 Youngest qualifier is 14 years old and raised $12,205 Oldest qualifier is 77 years old and raised $20,406 Most represented bike teams: Team BP – 11 Houstonian Hammerheads – 10 Calpine Cycling Team – 8 ConocoPhillips – 7 CGGVeritas – 6 Attendees are from: Houston - 90 Austin - 4 San Antonio - 4 Dallas – 4 LaGrange - 1 Amarillo – 1

2013 TOC Roster Eric Bartz John Bednar Marshall Bendalin and Barbara Bendalin George Bernhardt and Timi Bernhardt Chris Berry and Terri Woods Berry Mary Bloom James Bogardus and Whitney Smith-Bogardus Jenny Booth and Patrick Devine Jason Bozic and Carol Hickey Ron Brannigan and Dorie Brannigan Tom Brown and Lori Black David Bumbaugh and Melanie Lacy Michael Calderaro Melanie Capps George Carter and Vickie Carter Jim Casey and Mike Laussade Eric Cioti Marshall Cohen and Jan Cohen Mark Cronin Robert Danek and Heather Danek Shonnie Daniel Craig Davis and Paula Davis Michael Davis and Maureen McCardle Michael Dillard and Paula Lopez Cynthia Dopjera and Jim Doyle Currie Evans and Irene Evans Michael Ferrel Jeffrey Foltz Arie Funk Tim George and Lori George Betsy Gordon and Bill Gordon Steven Goudie and Gary Gross Keith Grothaus and Mary Lou Grothaus John Groweg and Patricia Annette Groweg Kurt Haaland and Brenda Haaland Diana Woodman Hammett David Harris and Sharyn Feller

Harold Harris and Jerry Meyerson Bob Haworth and Janet Haworth Michael Hurd and Lacey Rae Blair Bob Ittner and Linda Ittner Brian Jones Evan Jones Nabil Joubran and Rita Joubran Don Kendall and Mike Parmet Larry Knox and Sheri Knox Andy Kogut Terry Krysl Joe LaFico and Judy LaFico Mark LeBlanc Joe Leone and Dee Leone Carl Lincoln and Margaret Lincoln Mark Livingston and Lisa Livingston Steve Logan and Mary Logan Greg Marcarelli Hans Mayer and Marge Mayer Greg McAuley Karen McConaughey and Robin McConaughey Don McCormack and Joy McCormack Brady McEvoy and Louise Ducote Sophia Menyhert and Joy Menyhert Shane Merz and Michele Merz Jim Mills Charles Mims and Elaine Mims Steve Moskowitz and Robbie Moskowitz Peter Nowobilski Eamonn O'Connell and Brenda Holohan Rachel Partridge and Stuart Partridge Rich Patrick and Margie Patrick Philip Pauzé and Linda Pauzé Brian Payne and David Stowe Juan Pinzon and Gloria Lazaro Bob Pohl Mark Poindexter

2013 TOC Roster Eric Powell and Cynthia Reece Joe Powers and Chris Powers Alan Quintero and Joanne Quintero Lisa Rainey and Bart Rainey Cherri Rapp Jan Rapp Zamir Rauf and Norma Dunn Mike Robertson and Becky Robertson Mike Sailor and Lisa Sailor Larry Sanders and Kim Sanders Jim Sandt and Roxanne Sandt Lalo Sepulveda and Maria Sepulveda Randall Shafer and Sandra Shafer Chris Shaw Margaret Shelton and Mike Randall

Alison Sparer and Jimmy Mulligan Jack Stone and Sandra Stone Mary Butler Summy Justin Sunseri Rick Trevino and Kimberly Corley JD Villaseñor and Stephen Martin David Walker and Heyden Walker Joshua Wheat Brian Williams John Wilson Brian Wing and Robert Park Pieter Wybro and Barbara Montagnino Ellen Yarrell Mike Yates and Monique Nolk Karla Zielke

Staff Brenda Buchanan Lisa Dannenbaum-Shaw Kelly Dooley Kelli Dreiling Clarissa Horner Bill Kovach Mindy LeBlanc

Taylor Mallia Justin Martin Mark Neagli Tony Ralf Barry Turner Leah Weatherl

Eric Bartz

New to Email Address: evbartz@gmail.com TOC What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Oil & Gas Employer: Noble Corp Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of St. Thomas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Cervelo Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

I rode 150 miles, isn't that enough!!! :) Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I read about it on the BP MS 150 website, but I also believe that it was mentioned during our team's introductory meetings that Mindy LeBlanc and others presented.

If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: No referral If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? First year!

What is your connection to MS? I do not have a direct connection to MS; however, my mother has a couple different autoimmune diseases.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I asked people for money....over and over and over again. :) What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I participated in a number of the "recommended rides" listed on the BP MS 150 website.

Are you active in any other organizations? An organization called W.O.R.K. consumes the majority of my time. I also have memberships to a couple of the museums, season tickets to the GEXA Energy Broadway series and sometimes run with the Kenyan Way. Outside of that, I enjoy filling out questionnaires in my free time. LOL Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I posted a link to my fundraising page on Facebook, but I believe that various different emails, each catered to specific groups of friends, family and work associates (be careful with that last one!) is what did the trick.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? A new experience....and Utah is extremely beautiful.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Riding the BP MS 150!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Super-fast learning, like John Travolta's character in Phenomenon or Charlie in the television show Heroes. Actually, I think they have this and I think it is called speed reading classes...but that sounds like a lot of work and I am lazy, so never mind.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I honestly do not know. I did eat Mexican food one time from a not-to-be-named chain restaurant and got food poising. Now there's a memory! So, by process of elimination it is definitely NOT that place.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would most likely spend the first 59 minutes attempting to invent a magical time machine that would extend my hour of free time indefinitely. Then, I would spend my last minute feeling dejected over the fact that I just wasted my hour. LOL Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Probably the first person that I came across (and knew). I see it going like this, "Hey, so-in-so. How are you this morning? ..I saw in the news this morning that it looks like they found a cure for MS? That's crazy, right!?" I think it would go something like that.

John Bednar

New to Email Address: bednarjm@bp.com TOC What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Cleveland Ohio Occupation: Manager Employer: BP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 28, 24 Name of college you attended: Purdue South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS150 information If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Eric Cioti, Team BP Captain What is your connection to MS? MS150 Participant and Club 300 How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Continued additions to fundraising list of donors What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? Only industry/professional organizations Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Camaraderie with other riders, bike ride, scenery When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? 2009 Ran Houston Marathon If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Cure Debilitating Illnesses to allow individuals to live their life without pain What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My wife's cooking..... all types.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Exercise Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My son (currently a resident MD) because of his profession and previous rider/fundraiser in MS150

Marshall Bendalin Guest: Barbara Bendalin Email Address: marshbend@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Phoenix AZ Occupation: Retired Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 43, 42 & 38 Audrey’s Heroes Fundraising Name of college you attended: University of Arizona Coordinator and TOC South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Advisory Committee BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Audrey's Heroes Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300's Committee member & Ambassador Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No

How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From Dorothy Paterson If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: I attended a introduction meeting of Club 300. At that time Dorothy Paterson talk up how much fun their trip to Las Vegas was.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Meeting the people who attend TOC What is your connection to MS? I know people who are living with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Personal contacts What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour du Rouge Are you active in any other organizations? Childadvocates What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Talking to old friends When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Drove to see Mt. Rushmore If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To fly. I could visit my family without have to go thru the airport delays and no more traffic delays.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Cajun.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All my donators for without them a cure for MS would not have been able to be developed.

George Bernhardt

New to TOC

Email Address: george.bernhardt@bakerhughes.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Lincoln Park, New Jersey Occupation: Real Estate Attorney Employer: Baker Hughes Incorporated Marital status: Married Name of college you attended: Texas A&M University, Univ. of Notre Dame Law South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Baker Hughes Express Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

I am new to the MS Society this year Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? At the Club 300 reception in LaGrange If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Mindy LeBlanc - No need to say more!

What is your connection to MS? I started bike riding last year and several friends encouraged me to participate in the MS-150.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I had two main sources of funds. First my co-workers and Baker Hughes' generous matching funds program. More importantly, I had a vendor who volunteered to match my entire original goal of $2,000. We then worked together to encourage several of our other vendors to match his contribution. In all, I had 6 vendors pledge $2,000 and several others make pledges of $500 - $1,000.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Katy Flatland Century, Tour de Houston, Ft. Bend Education Expedition, Ride to the Rescue Are you active in any other organizations? No. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes. I posted a fundraising request on Facebook and provided updates on my training rides.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting new people, learning from more experienced riders on fundraising and riding in the mountains for the first time.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I rode my first century, the

Katy Flatland, on July 21st.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would want to be able to fly. Airfare has really gotten out of hand lately.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? So many choices! My mother's home cooked Italian, Jasper's (Italian) restaurant in Kansas City, Oklahoma Joe's BBQ in KC, Most entrees at Brasserie 19 in Houston, dessert at the Chocolate Bar, my wife's Champagne Chicken.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I had studied Italian for a while, but have not had time to study. I would love to have an extra hour to catch back up.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All of my generous donors who helped make it possible.

Timi Bernhardt Guest of TOC Qualifier: George Bernhardt Email Address: timib@sbcglobal.net Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Bellaire Name of college you attended: University of St. Thomas Occupation & Employer: Mom/wife - self Relationship with TOC Qualifier: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? N/A What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time with my husband and visiting Utah not during winter.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Two years ago I purchased chickens for our backyard. Love it. They provide eggs & entertainment.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To love as God loves. Why? There is nothing better.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? American beef.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Reading.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My mother. She is a polio survivor. She understands how a catastrophic disease affects the person and their families.

Chris Berry Guest: Terri Woods Berry Email Address: chris.berry@bbvacompass.com Hometown: Port Arthur, TX City you currently live in: Katy Name of college you attended: UT of course!!

Occupation & Employer: Real estate lender/BBVA Compass Relationship with TOC Qualifier: husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Not really If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houston Builders What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Great scenery and company!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Made plans and worked with a builder on building a house, never do THAT again!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Spiderman of course!

Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Olives in Spain If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Working out Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? A lady at work (Carol) who has MS.

Mary Bloom

New to TOC

Email Address: mcabloom@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Binghamton, NY Occupation: Civil Engineer Employer: Jacobs Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Harvard Team Jacobs Fundraising South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Coordinator BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Jacobs Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Team Jacobs Fundraising Captain. I have also participated in 9+ MS150 rides in other states where I lived in the past.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From the BP MS150 website. I have been in Tour of Champions with NC Chapter however.

What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Contact everyone I know. Also some funds raised with our office Team Jacobs events What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? No others this year.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. Don't use social media. Just email.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Time with other riders and riding in Utah.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? July - hiked my first "14ers" in Colorado Rocky Mts. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Speak all languages (including sign language).....be able to communicate with anyone anywhere!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Portuguese style calamari in Rhode Island!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleep Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Ken Campbell - his wife was the first person I knew with MS and the inspiration for a first MS Walk team we created decades ago. That was the beginning of my continual involvement with National MS Society.

James W. Bogardus

New to TOC

Email Address: james.bogardus@geokinetics.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Greenwich, CT Occupation: Geophysicist Employer: Geokinetics Inc. Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 13, 18, 22, 26 Name of college you attended: Denison U. (Undergrad) Indiana U. (Grad) South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

My involvement with the MS Society is only as a fundraiser.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I qualified last year to ride in the TOC, but the timing didn't work out. I have looked forward ever since to participate this year.

What is your connection to MS? Friends (both living and deceased) who have MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? about 40% of my funding came from one corporate sponsor (Geospace Technologies) the rest comes from a broad base of generous supporters.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Bluebonnet Express: rider, ConocoPhillips United Way Charity Ride: (Volunteer) Are you active in any other organizations? Only those to which I donate (including regular blood donations to Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center).

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No - I'm am a social media Luddite.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending time with other participants and volunteers. Enjoying the mountains of Utah.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro: 19,340 ft. (summited July 31, 3013). Spent the night after summiting at Crator Camp: 18,800 ft.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Flight - to see the world as the eagles do.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? There are too many "best" food and wine combination to name.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would use an extra hour to spend more time with my family.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? One of my physician friends (who is aware of my interest in and fundraising activities for the National MS Society.

Whitney Smith-Bogardus Guest of TOC Qualifier: James Bogardus Email Address: wsmitty1961@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Equity Trader Employer: Fayez Sarofim & Co. Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 13, 18, 22, 26 Name of college you attended: Southwest Texas State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? My husband What is your connection to MS? I ride to raise funds.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? My husband did.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Blue Bonnet Ride Are you active in any other organizations? Bayou City Road Runners Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Exercise and camaraderie When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? New York City Triathlon 2007 If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Time Travel - wouldn't have to sit on a plane.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Italian in Italy If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Getting a massage Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS? My mother's friend that has MS

Jenny Booth Guest: Patrick Devine What city do you currently live in? Magnolia Occupation: finance/marketing Employer: Booth Ranches Marital status: Other...

Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: NMSU South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houston Oaks Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Every year there is a new favorite memory. Last year it was learning that I could pedal up the big hills!

Are you active in any other organizations? SIRE, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show (benefiting TCH), Neikro Foundation (aneurysm research).

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing Park City and all of my TOC friends.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Yesterday.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I could live on Mexican food for the rest of my life.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Read

Jason Bozic Guest: Carol Hickey Email Address: jason.bozic@nov.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Community Relations Director Employer: National Oilwell Varco Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Rice University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate:

NOV Team Captain

BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: National Oilwell Varco Cycling Team Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

I've been our company's team captain for the past 7 years and our team has raised over $1 million for the MS Society Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? My first TOC was back in 2007 I believe where we went to San Diego and it was an amazing trip and I've qualified each year since then.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Each TOC has its own memories because of the great scenery and the wonderful people that you are with. Probably my favorite group dinner outing was in Albuquerque, New Mexico when we visited an old Hollywood cowboy town, had great BBQ and danced in the middle of the streets - that was awesome! Then for my favorite bike ride, it has to be the San Francisco/Sonoma trip where we rode over the Golden Gate Bridge on a crystal clear day - now that was breathing!

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? It's all about relationships and connecting people and businesses to the cause.

Are you active in any other organizations? I'm very active in many organizations since I manage our company's community relations, but my heart really beats for the MS Society as I am very passionate about finding a cure for this disease.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? I can't wait to catch up with everyone on this trip since I wasn't able to make the last two TOC trips because of schedule conflicts.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? The last time that I did something for the first time was when I climbed Mt. Rainier in Washington State. It was my first mountain climbing experience and it was truly amazing and challenging all at the same time.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? If I could choose any superpower to have, I think I would like to be able to do everything that Spiderman does, but I'm not wearing spandex all of the time...just on my bike...LOL What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'm all about food and trying new things. Probably one of the best dishes that I've ever had was over in Beijing where I had stuffed fish Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My entire cycling team of 130+ members

Ron Brannigan

New to TOC

What city do you currently live in? Spring Hometown: San Rafael, California Occupation: Director, Sales Mgt. Coordination Employer: U of H Downtown Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 27, 29 Name of college you attended: San Francisco State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Started Because We Can BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houston Oaks Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Founder Coordinator Because We Can support group, Club 300, MS Entrepreneurs, MS Ambassador Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Club 300 If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: My wife Dorie worked diligently side by side and on her own to encourage me.

What is your connection to MS? I have MS

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? 3 touch points with 2 emails and regular mail; Garage sale with 22 families contributing Are you active in any other organizations? Houston Technology Center Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? On Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Connecting with people When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Install a garden drip system with timer that worked.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Find a cure for MS cause I am tired of it.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? French If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Exercise Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Wife because she is my life partner and MS have affected her life as well

Dorie Brannigan Guest of TOC Qualifier: Ron Brannigan Email Address: doriebrannigan@yahoo.com Hometown: San Diego, CA City you currently live in: Spring, TX Name of college you attended: University of California at Davis Superstar Committee Chair Occupation & Employer: self-employed marketing business owner Relationship with TOC Qualifier: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes-Chair BP MS150 Superstar Committee What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Hiking, great weather, spending time with truly outstanding people.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? We traveled to Russia in July. We love traveling to new places.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I'd like to be Queen of the Universe. I'd get it all solved. If you know me, you understand.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Sees Candy and my husband's BBQ ribs.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Working out Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My husband. Because I love him, and I want him to be healthy.

Thomas R. Brown

New to TOC

Email Address: trbrown90@compuserve.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: San Antonio Occupation: Engineer Employer: Dow Chemical Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: DOW Team Captain BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Dow Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Steering Team member for Team Dow. Will be Team captain for the 2014 ride How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From various Society messages If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Lloyd Colegrove actually qualified. Lloyd founded Team Dow and was it's captain for 10+ years.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Not veteran What is your connection to MS? None How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Lloyd Colegrove rose the funds. For me I have built up a list of donors over the years and it continues to grow What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I have been on various training rides before the MS150 Are you active in any other organizations? No Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? A relaxing weekend When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Went Snowmobiling If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power to fly. I would like to go where I want easily What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'll eat about anything and have tried most everything as well. Varies too much with the food.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Get more exercise Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Other team members so they know what they helped to accomplish.

Lori Black Guest of TOC Qualifier: Tom Brown Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Occupation & Employer: Radiology Res Coord I, UT Houston Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Boyfriend Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes, as a rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? TeamDow What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? I'm mostly looking forward to the scenic bike ride, and spending time in the mountains. Utah and Salt Lake City are beautiful.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Freeze things, it would just be cool. ;o) Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Tex-Mex or a good steak.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spending time with family or reading/watching TV. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My family and friends, so they will know that there is hope now for the millions of people suffering from it.

David Bumbaugh Email Address: david.bumbaugh@bp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Oklahoma City Occupation: Engineer Employer: BP Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 21 & 19 Name of college you attended: Oklahoma State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through the Lone Star Chapter NMSS If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding my bike to the top of Pikes Peak What is your connection to MS? Friends, colleagues and their families who have been affected by MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Built on past donors that have sponsored me for many years now. This year I encouraged all of my donors to submit for their company match. I took a tip from another top fundraiser and wrote personal thank you notes for their contributions.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Just the Houston - Austin event Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Minimal, I used some on Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Visiting somewhere that I have never been before and meeting new people.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I entered an ultra-endurance Mountain Biking event scheduled for August 2013.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Time travel would be interesting.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I didn't know this! I am a foodie so this will be a real treat to discover some new places to eat! One recent treat was purchasing some peaches on the roadside at an orchard in Arkansas, they were very juicy and delicious!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? At home with family or friends or pets.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All of my former sponsors to share the great news!

Melanie Lacy Guest of TOC Qualifier: David Bumbaugh Email Address: mlacy24@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Magnolia Hometown: Magnolia Occupation: art teacher Employer: Tomball ISD Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 30 & 26 Name of college you attended: University of Texas How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I was invited as a guest.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? David and I explored Arkansas this summer with mountain biking, hiking, and canoeing in the Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to fly to get places faster and be able to get an overall view of an area.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would stretch and practice yoga.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Pat who has MS

Michael Calderaro

New to TOC

Email Address: mcalderaro@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Pearland Hometown: Mt. Holly NJ Occupation: National Vice President-Sales Development Employer: Mac-Gray Services Inc. Marital status: Lauren Number of children and their ages: 40 Name of college you attended: Western Kentucky University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 member - 2 years out of 3 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Web site If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Eric Cioti What is your connection to MS? Friends who suffer with it How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I emailed friends and relatives. Each week of the 9 week training schedule leading up to the ride I would send them an "epistle" for the week's training including anecdotes about the experience, weather, my stats, pics and encourage them to donate stressing the importance of research to find a cure.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Weekend rides with Pearland Bicycle club Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Tried but to no success What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting the other TOC folks and riding in Utah When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I zip lined with my Grandchildren last year...it was a ball!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Fly - I love the idea of soaring above the ground and seeing beyond the limited vision of those held by gravity What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'm partial to Italian - particularly chicken and pasta If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I'd read more Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Nancy Yohn - my good friend in Atlanta who has struggled with is for years.

Melanie Capps Email Address: melanie.capps@ericsson.com What city do you currently live in? Dallas Hometown: Dallas Occupation: Technology Sales Employer: Erisson Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Univ of North Texas, Univ of Dallas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate:

Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your Bike Team: Team Ericsson Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From the awesome folks at the Lone Star Chapter.

If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? What I enjoyed about last year's TOC were the awesome, scenic bike rides of Colorado Springs and hanging out at the pool afterwards with everyone.

What is your connection to MS? I have friends and co-workers who have MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I was able to raise almost $14,000 this year with the generous support of family, friends and colleagues. A good portion of the proceeds were matched by my company, Ericsson - a steadfast sponsor of the Sam's Club Bike MS ride.

My fundraising secret? Email blasts!!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year?

Hotter-n-Hell Hundred, Blazing Saddles, Tour de Goatneck, Wild Ride Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes - I post my fundraising link on Facebook.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Getting to know other top fundraisers and hearing their stories.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I painted on a canvas for the first time a few weeks ago during a team building activity. Before that, I've only pained on paper - generally with watercolors!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I'm not sure what kind of super power this would be, but I would love to save all the homeless or abused dogs in the world and give them a happy life.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? My grandmother's homemade pasta!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would like to say I would use an extra hour each day to exercise, but realistically, I'd probably use it to sleep!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why?

My friend and inspiration, Danelle. She is vision-impaired, MS-impared US Paralympic Skier who has overcome great odds and triumphed in the face of adversary.

George R. Carter Guest: Vicki Carter Email Address: grc07@msn.com What city do you currently live in? Friendswood , Texas Hometown: Houston Occupation: Retired/ Chemical Engineer Employer: Retired Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: Children ages 43, 38, 32, 30 Name of college you attended: Lamar University Club 300 Committee Chair South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: TOC Advisory Committee BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Cactus & Crude Ride, Midland to Post Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 committee, Ambassador, Club 100 in San Antonio, Volunteer Engagement Team member ,volunteer other Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Ongoing since 2002 If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Hard to say each TOC is unique....

The people I meet at each TOC would be the best memory....

What is your connection to MS? Rider/ volunteer How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Fund raising via email, letters, and phone calls...Personal connection with all the staff and folks with MS.... Desire to ride last MS-150 because disease is cured....

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Tours de Pink, MS training rides each spring Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Junior Achievement of the Mainland, Lamar Chemical Engineering Advisory Board, Homeowners Association President Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Lightly What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing old/new friends and adventures....

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Tomorrow new adventures...

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Heal sick folks...

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Long list....seafood....steaks....Mexican....

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Golf more -- play tennis....help a friend...

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Ilene Norden....original Club 300 MS staffer and individual with MS....

Jim Casey Email Address: casey.jim.p@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Dallas Hometown: Dallas Occupation: software development Employer: IBM Marital status: Cathy Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate:

New to TOC

PlusOne Team Captain

Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your Bike Team: plusONE Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Just getting started working with NMSS Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? My local NMSS chapter informed me when I qualified What is your connection to MS? I have it How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have an incredible family and a great group of friends who support me. My sister and my brother-in-law organize an annual barbecue competition called Meat Fight. Last year, Meat Fight raised over $20k for the NMSS. This year, we're growing our team with a local triathlon shop that is donating free coaching. So I guess my fundraising secret is to ask people not just for a donation, but look for ways that they can be actively involved in the fundraising process.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I did a double century in February, 3 or 4 bike rallys, 2 or 3 olympic distance triathlons, 3 half ironmans, and I'll be doing Ironman Cozumel for the third time this December.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I find face to face is a more effective medium for me. I suck at tweeting.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The ride!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Two weeks ago, I finally figured out how to do a flying dismount from my bicycle.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Easy. Ability to fly. Airplanes and airports are awful.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten?

A seafood plate that I bought at the fish market in Bergen Norway. My wife and I ate it off of a paper plate in our laps sitting on bench where they were unloading boats coming in from fishing. I don't even know what I was eating, but it was incredible If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Just relaxing with my wife Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I'd tell my wife because she's my #1 supporter

Mike Laussade Guest of TOC Qualifier: Jim Casey Email Address: mlaussade@jw.com Hometown: Las Vegas City you currently live in: Dallas Name of college you attended: University of Texas Occupation & Employer: Attorney--Jackson Walker L.L.P. Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Brother-in-law/Role Model Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes. As a rider.

If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? PlusONE What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Blowing up on climbs.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I hadn't actually played beer pong until this last New Year's Eve, because I'd always felt that it took the two things I'm best at and turned them into something less fun. I no longer think that.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power to ride slightly faster than Jim Casey.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'm supposed to say the brisket at Franklin's BBQ in Austin. But, honestly, I made some pretty amazing spaghetti last week.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleep.

Eric G. Cioti

New to

Email Address: Eric.cioti@bp.com TOC What city do you currently live in? Katy Hometown: New Orleans Occupation: Project Manager Employer: Bp America Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 19 and 13 Name of college you attended: University of New Orleans South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP Team Captain and BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Safety Committee Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Team Captain, ride marshal and safety committee member Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions?

Another TOC rider What is your connection to MS? Friend What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Hotter n Hell Hundred Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Tried, not very successful, needed help from daughter What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Riding in hills / mountains When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Two years ago, mountain bike race If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Use of the "force" What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? No way to pick the best, eating is best side effect of all the cycling If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Work on my '68 Camaro Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Wife

Marshall Cohen Email Address: Marshall.Cohen@P66.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Marketing Employer: Phillips 66 Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Bentley University (Boston) Club 300 Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Phillips 66 Team Captain BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Phillips 66 Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Served on the MS Board of Director's for 16 yrs, was founder of Conoco Bike Club and co-captained ConocoPhillips team with Steve Moskowitz. Co-lead with Ready2Roll Cycling - program responsible for helping thousands train for Bike MS and MS150 events.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Repeat participant If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that

person: N/A If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Every TOC is enjoyable - can't forget sharing a $100 margarita with some good friends in Santa Fe, NM. What is your connection to MS? My fortunate ability to help others impacted with the horrible disease.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Ask others and if they have company matching, make it very easy for them to double their donations.

What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? This past year was my 26th consecutive MS150 and after April, my bike typically sits "belly up" in the garage. I am not a year-round rider and usually do not ride in other events.

Are you active in any other organizations? Co-lead for Ready2Roll Cycling, Advisor - ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run, President Homeowner's Association, Director - W Harris County MUD #6.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Visiting with friends, meeting and getting to know some very impressive people, playing in Park City.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Visited 5 countries in 12 days If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would have a superpower that would never require me to sleep. Yes, NO SLEEP! I could go 100% all day and night...just think of the trouble I could get into!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Breakfast on a cruise ship is hard to beat...

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spend it with my wife Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Everyone that has supported me over the years would be contacted at the same time.

Jan Cohen Guest of TOC Qualifier: Marshall Cohen Email Address: cohenmjc@comcast.net Hometown: Brazosport Area, Texas City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation & Employer: Human Resources Club 300 Committee Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife TOC Advisory Committee Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider and Volunteer If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Phillips 66 What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Climbing Mountains and breaking down barriers to end MS. When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Went on a bicycle tour of Barcelona in July.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I have always liked Lightening Bolts, so it would have to be something with the power of light and speed.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Garden fresh vegetables from my Grandfather's garden that he cut for me right at that moment as we walked and talked passing the time.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spend it with my family and friends.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Anyone and everyone!

New to TOC

Mark Cronin Name of your Bike Team: Calpine Cycling Team What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX

Robert Danek

New to TOC

Email Address: Robert.danek@bp.com What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Erie, PA Occupation: Engineer Employer: BP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 6 & 2 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Team BP What is your connection to MS? We have several friends who have family who suffer from MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have no shame. I keep the link on all of my business and personal emails. I send out an email to a vast army of friends/families/coworkers/past coworkers every two weeks with funny training updates. Weekly Facebook, twitter, and Instagram updates with link. I make announcements in my spin classes. I only accept presents in the form of donations.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I ride weekly with my triathlon group, TRIMAC Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Living Waters International (www.water.cc), TRIMAC (Triathlon Team) Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Absolutely. Facebook updates. Twitter updates. Photos via Instagram. All containing links and hashtags.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting the other fundraisers and stealing their ideas.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I started taking swimming lessons a couple of months ago.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Stop time. Not enough hours in the day to accomplish all I want to get done!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Fried Chicken on a mission trip in rural Honduras after a day of water well drilling If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Play with my kiddos.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My fundraising email distribution list. They have been crazy generous the last two years I have been doing this and I would love for them to know that their efforts contributed to the cure!

Heather Danek Guest of TOC Qualifier: Robert Danek Email Address: heatherdanek@yahoo.com Hometown: League City, TX City you currently live in: Katy, TX Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation & Employer: Full Time Mom to Two Girls Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Robert is my husband.

Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes - rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team BP What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? I am really looking forward to meeting those committed to help raise funds to End MS. One of the things that really stood out to me on the ride was the announcers telling riders/spectators specifics about what help was happening with the funds raised.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I went zip lining for the first time this year while on mission in Honduras.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to fly at super speeds. It sure would help me get everybody where they needed to be on time. (If I can just remember to bring all the stuff they need along as well.)

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? The best thing I ever ate was mango fresh off the tree in la Maquina, Guatemala.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would read brainless nonsense undisturbed while laying outside in a hammock. (Which probably would turn into a nap to be really honest.)

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would tell one of my mother's dearest friends Dee Wright, who has been standing beside her brother as he literally fights for his life battling the disease.

Shonnie Daniel

New to TOC

Email Address: shonniedaniel57@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, Texas Occupation: Attorney Employer: Calpine Corporation Marital status: Bruce Daniel Number of children and their ages: 24, 26, and 29 Name of college you attended: University of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Calpine Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

I believe I will qualify for Club 300 for next year!

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Riders on the Calpine team who attended last year and via e mail from the MS Society.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Zamir Rauf and Jim Sandt, both on the Calpine team, encouraged me to qualify.

What is your connection to MS? My mother's youngest sister, my Aunt Sherrie had MS. What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Ready to Roll training series was great!

Are you active in any other organizations? University of Texas Fine Arts Council; Houston Marathon/Half Marathon.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Facebook.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting new people and great rides!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? 4th of July in Boston watching the fireworks over the Charles River with my grandchildren.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Ability to Fly What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? The unbelievably delicious Asian fusion food at UCHI Austin and Houston.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Biking!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My youngest son and daughter who are both medical students and part of our bright hope for the future!

Craig Davis Email Address: cdavis@inexs.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: pretty much the same Occupation: oil and gas guy Employer: INEXS Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 16, 20, 21 Name of college you attended: Indiana University Club 300 Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: CGGVeritas (and The Goats) Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

TOC Committee Member, however I have exchanged the opportunity to attend these meetings in favor of sunning myself in places like Nigeria, India, Algeria, etc - still am looking for a t-shirt for Bob Pohl

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Saw the cool shirts, heard the outlandish tales, and just had to become one of “the players" If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Mark Neagli - good guy - you should meet him sometime If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding in the rain on Martha's Vineyard - the rain is always easier to ride in than those dang hills . . . . .

What is your connection to MS? I have always been frustrated with accepting the sudden onset of MS since it seems to strike people in the middle of their lives rather than as young children or aging adults (note that as a 56 year old I am sensitive to the 'old people' adage) How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Same story year after year - friends, associates, co-workers, and relatives all love to hear about each of us enduring extended and extensive pain, and are willing to shell out good money to support that pain. Doubt I could raise much more than a toast if I asked folks to donate to me spending a week in Maui.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? The infamous Stephen Moskowitz Ready2Roll series, a handful of 'make it up as you go' rides in the country, and some heat training in July.

Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones?

Boy Scouts - Assistant Scoutmaster Memorial Drive Methodist Church Indiana University Geology Department Advisory Board Shakespeare's 'last call' on Thursday nights Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Hmmmm - good idea . . . . .

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Fun ride, good camaraderie, hanging out with friends.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I swear I didn't inhale If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? REAL hill climbing legs What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? BBQ baby back ribs - hard to beat If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? More emails (just kidding) Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My teammates - The Goats we would have to find some other cause that would justify the thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours, dozens of six-packs, and the enduring pain we expend every year supporting the MS Society - I guess it would be tough to find alternative forms of entertainment

Paula Davis Guest of TOC Qualifier: Craig Davis Email Address: paula@davistexas.com Hometown: Indianapolis City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Indiana University Occupation & Employer: Accounts - Southcoast Relationship with TOC Qualifier: married to Craig for 33 years Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No but I would love to one day What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? One of my favorite things to do is hiking. Of course I love to see old friends and meet new ones on these great trips.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Skydiving - On my 38th birthday several friends and I went skydiving. Jumping out of a plane and dropping at high speeds is pretty scary.

Once-in-a lifetime is enough for me when it comes to skydiving.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Flying - I know it sounds funny that I never want to skydive again but I'd like to have flying as my superpower. I love to travel so wouldn't it be great to fly

anywhere you wanted for free and without all the airport hassles.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'm a fish lover - fresh water trout would be great for dinner.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would split the hour up into 3 segments. I'd go hiking for 30 minutes then go to the bar for 20 minutes and lastly take a 10 minute nap. Now that's a perfect way to spend an hour.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My dear friend Anne Brown.

Her sweet 25 year old daughter, Sasha has MS and Anne worries about Sasha's future daily. If that worry could be taken away from Anne then that would be a blessing.

Michael J. Davis Email Address: bayou_biker57@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: North Chatham, NY Occupation: Engineering Consultant Employer: Kinder Morgan Marital status: Maureen McCardle Number of children and their ages: 40 / 32 Name of college you attended: Syracuse University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Standard Tube Fundraising Coordinator BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Club 300 Committee Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Name of your Bike Team: Team Standard Tube Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Committee How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Previous TOC's If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding through Garden of the Gods last year.

What is your connection to MS? First ride in 1990, and then my cousin was diagnosed in 1991. I now ride for 12 warriors fighting this disease (family, co-workers and friends) that I have met over the last 22 years.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Team Standard Tube hosted the First Annual MS150 Golf Tournament at Hidden Oaks in March. Our sponsors, the live auction, putting contest and sale of mulligans brought in thousands of dollars for our team. I also raised over $1,000 through the NCAA Tournament brackets for basketball. The rest was generous support from friends and co-workers through a relentless e-mail campaign.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I went on a couple of training rides before the MS150, and haven't been back on the bike since. My 10 year old Sidi shoes blew out between Bastrop and Austin, I guess I need to get a new pair before Park City?

Are you active in any other organizations? Not at this time Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Pool time after the bike ride on Friday.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Pedaled a mirage drive kayak to Pine Island in August, 2011.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power to deflect bullets; my wife and inlaws are all crazy.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Prime rib on the smoker at Lake Livingston.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Get a full body massage.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My cousin Greg, who was diagnosed in 1991 and is now confined to a wheel chair.

Maureen McCardle Guest of TOC Qualifier: Michael J Davis Email Address: momccardle@comcast.net Hometown: Bossier City, LA City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Louisiana Tech Occupation & Employer: Oil Trader, Petrocom Energy Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? N/A What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? To meet everyone.

Park City is known for it’s outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Seafood If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Exercising Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My husband due to his involvement with the MS Society.

Michael Dillard Email Address: michael.dillard@lw.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Dallas Occupation: Attorney Employer: Latham & Watkins Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: SMU South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I sent an email before the end of the year giving people a chance to donate for tax purposes before year end, sent another email just before the ride and then sent a follow up email after the ride with a description of my experience and a picture of me at the finish

Paula Lopez Guest of TOC Qualifier: Michael Dillard Email Address: pmlopezdillard@sbcglobal.net Hometown: Las Cruces, NM City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: NMSU Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes

Cynthia Dopjera Guest: Jim Doyle Email Address: cdopjera@harperpearson.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Schenectady, NY Occupation: CPA Employer: Harper & Pearson Company, P.C. Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Siena College, Loudonville, NY South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Our team dinners are always the best!

What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? email requests and great support from friends and business associates.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending time with friends and team mates.

Currie Evans Guest: Irene Evans

New to TOC

Email Address: currie.evans@kochind.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Memphis, TN Occupation: Marine Shipping Employer: Koch Supply & Tradinhg Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 23, 21 & 18 Name of college you attended: Mississippi State Univ.

South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: CGGVeritas Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through the MS society If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Greg Marcarelli What is your connection to MS? Have an Aunt and friend with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Lots of emails and phone calls.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Ready2Roll and two or three other organized rides. Will try and support the Tour de Pink.

Are you active in any other organizations? Boy Scouts of America, Memorial Drive United Methodist Church Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Did not.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Exploring the Salt Lake area. Meeting other folks affiliated with fund raising efforts, MS and the MS society.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Mid August 2013 (couple weeks ago). Zip line

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Fly. See more of the world.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Hard to narrow down all the outstanding food I have been fortunate enough to eat down to one which is the best.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Photography Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Aunt and couple of friends with MS. So they might partake of the cure. Second would be all the people who have supported my fund raising so they would know their contributions made a difference.

Michael Ferrel

New to TOC

Email Address: michael.ferrel@epenergy.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Employer: EP Energy Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 16 and 20 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: EP Team Captain BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: EP Energy Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Co Captain Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Team Meeting What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Red White and Bike

Jeffrey Foltz Email Address: jwfoltz@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Richmond, TX Hometown: Richmond, TX Occupation: Retired Employer: n/a Marital status: Janet Foltz Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Previous attendance If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Going mountain biking for the first time EVER in the hills around Lake Tahoe.

What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? My email "signature" in Outlook has a message and a link to my MS fundraising page. I also do a lot of direct email and phone work to contact almost everyone I know. In

short, I ask EVERYONE. The worst that can happen is they'll say "no", but often say "YES"!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Ready 2 Roll training series.

Are you active in any other organizations? Gulf Coast Wing and Houston Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. Also a member of the Board of Directors of the Wings Over Houston Airshow.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes, Facebook. Mostly pictures from the training rides, but my fundraising progress posts whenever someone makes a donation.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Getting together with fellow Club 300 members again and enjoying the beautiful Park City scenery.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Flew a PT-26 aircraft last June.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to eliminate all sickness. Selfexplanatory.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? There's too much good food out there to have a favorite. I like (almost) all of it.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Flying. It's my decompression chamber.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? The people that I ride for who have MS. But then again, they'd probably already know about a cure

Arie Funk Email Address: Afunk2011@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston/ La Grange Hometown: Tel Aviv Occupation: Jeweler Employer: Armari Fine Jewelry Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 40, 38,30 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Phillips Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? Many friends and people I know with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Lots of emails.....

Are you active in any other organizations? Susan G. Komen

New to TOC

Tim George Guest: Lori S. George Email Address: tim.george@valero.com What city do you currently live in? Boerne Hometown: San Antonio Occupation: Engineer/Manager Employer: Valero Energy Marital status: Lori Number of children and their ages: Kamryn, Jordan Name of college you attended: Texas A&M, UTSA

Velo Valero Team Captain

South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Velo Valero Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

New Team Captain for the Valero cycling team, Velo Valero. Lori volunteers with the MS Society.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Tony Ralf Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No because I'm new to this Facebooky thing. I'm getting instruction from my daughter.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting the top fund raisers, relaxing in the cool mountains, bike rides and seeing Park City in the fall.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Every day. Each day is an opportunity to grow and learn - you just have to look for it.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Super Empathy... with the power to get people to see both sides of an argument. Too many problems today are a result of ignorance and unwillingness to understand and tolerate a different point of view.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Emeril's in New Orleans, but right now I'd just like some pizza from Grimaldi's - light on the sauce.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Morning/be quiet/think/reflect Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Lori

Betsy Gordon Email Address: Betsy_gordon@oxy.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Louisville Occupation: Senior Business Development Assistant Employer: Occidental Petroleum Corporation Marital status: Bill Number of children and their ages: Ashley 29, Austin 26, Cassidy 24, Kristin 23 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: TeamOxy Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Making new friends and meeting others as passionate as I am about ending this disease What is your connection to MS? I was diagnosed with MS after nearly 20 years of various diagnosis How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Beg, steal, borrow, repeat Are you active in any other organizations? Greater Houston German Shepherd Dog Rescue Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Posted on Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Reconnecting with people I met last year and meeting new ones!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I left North America for the first time in 2010 and went to the Netherlands If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation! I hate traffic and think of all the time we waste just "going" somewhere What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Burgers on the grill and homemade vanilla ice cream If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Playing with my dogs!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Husband and kids. They have been through this with me every step of the way

Bill Gordon Guest of TOC Qualifier: Betsy Gordon Email Address: bill@bgordon.org Hometown: Houston, TX. City you currently live in: Cypress, TX Occupation & Employer: Sr. Engineer, Glenmount Global Solutions Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Hubby Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? TeamOxy What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting people and making new friends.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Volunteered for this past years BP-MS150, stuffing so many rider bags!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The best superpower I could have (according to my wife), is the ability to make jewelry, fashion accessories (purses, shoes and the such) to appear out of thin air!

Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? That's a tough question. I think 'Eggs and Crackers' on a lazy Sunday morning with a nice hot cup of coffee.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? If I had an extra hour a day, I think I would either spend it playing with my puppies or meditating. Maybe spend 30 minutes on each. I don't really do enough of either right now.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My loving wife, but I have a feeling she would get the news before I do.

Steven Goudie

New to

Email Address: stevengoudie@earthlink.net TOC What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands Hometown: The Woodlands Occupation: Hairstylist Employer: Brian of London Marital status: Ami Goudie Number of children and their ages: 6 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: National Oilwell Varco Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Website as well as team captain If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Jason Bozic, captain of National Oilwell Varco What is your connection to MS? As a business owner in the hairstyling field I have come across clients who have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have a large number of clients who donate. I also have a raffle that consists of gift cards to the salon. I also have a friend who donates a trip to the Cayman Islands that I also raffle off.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I participate in most of the training rides and also Tour de Pink Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I did set up through Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? I am looking forward to the bike ride and to meet

some of the top fundraiser.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Time travel. It would be great to go back and re-live some great moments What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? La Bernadin in NYC If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spend time with my family Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My clients that have MS. They have been the most supportive and appreciative of my fundraising

Gary Gross Guest of TOC Qualifier: Steven Goudie Email Address: gary@momstoolbox.com Hometown: Chicago IL City you currently live in: Spring Texas Name of college you attended: University of North Texas Occupation & Employer: Financial Advisor -- Merrill Lynch Relationship with TOC Qualifier: friend Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider of MS 150 - 7 years If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? NOV What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Scenery, terrain, weather and relaxed pace When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Last summer, tandem paraglided off of Mt. Alyeska in Anchorage AK Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Thin crust pizza from little mom & pop shops in suburban Chicago.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Exercise

Keith Grothaus Email Address: kgrothaus1@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker Employer: Caldwell Companies Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 28 and 24 Name of college you attended: University of Cincinnati South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: CGG Veritas Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From Craig Davis about 10 years ago If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Craig Davis. Craig has a passion for fund raising that is contagious If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Seeing the Whales in Victoria! Driving to the top of Pike's Peak last year with 4 beautiful ladies!!!

What is your connection to MS? Friends and co-workers with MS

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Emails, snail mail, phone calls, putting it all out there!! I ask a lot of people to support the effort.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Cy Fair Chamber of Commerce, Chairman, Cy Fair Education Foundation, Board Member, ACTS Retreat Director, St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church Choir Director Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I used Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending time with my beautiful wife of 34 years!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? My daughter was married last August and that was the first time I walked a daughter down the aisle and paid for a wedding!!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would fly so I could go visit my daughter and her husband who live in Maryland What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My wife’s cooking of course!!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Talking and hanging out with my wife, daughters & son-in-law Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Leslie Martone because she is a good friend who has MS

Mary Lou Grothaus Guest of TOC Qualifier: Keith Grothaus Email Address: momgrothaus@gmail.com Hometown: Wiesbaden, Germany City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Cincinnati; U of Oklahoma Occupation & Employer: Speech-Language Pathologist; Alief ISD Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No - just lots of hugs What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time with my wonderful husband of 34 years!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I went to my 40th high school reunion! Does that count?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To adopt all of the dogs in the world that don't have homes!

Park City is known for it’s outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? At a restaurant called Damian's Cucina in Midtown Houston!!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Skyping with my daughter who is now married, and lives in Maryland.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My director of special education in my school district, who has MS.

John Groweg

New to TOC

Email Address: jgroweg@att.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Jr. Mech Engineer Employer: Tellus Oilfield Marital status: Patricia Annette Groweg Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Lone Star College South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Holt CAT Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 100 (Valero) Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? NMSS email What is your connection to MS? Relative: Spouse of person with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Indirect personal connection/network of friends touched by MS. Mother-in-Law's friend contributed $10K. Connection has family member with MS. What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Volunteered at BP MS150 Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes, Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Cool, dry mountain air!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? 2012 speeding down deserted, winding coastal road in a sports car in Victoria BC Canada If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Duh, the ability to cure disease!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? German, Indian, Thai, Persian If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Workout, ride Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife.

Patricia Annette Groweg Guest of TOC Qualifier: John Groweg Email Address: agroweg@att.net Hometown: Seguin, Tx City you currently live in: Houston Occupation & Employer: n/a Relationship with TOC Qualifier: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Visiting new places When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? 2012 speeding along deserted coastal road in a sports car in Victoria BC Canada If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? remyelinate my spinal cord Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Thai Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My husband

Kurt Haaland Guest: Brenda Haaland Email Address: kurthaaland@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Mount Prospect, ILL Occupation: Engineering Director Employer: DCP Midstream Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 23, 21, 17 Club 300 Committee Name of college you attended: University Of Illinois South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Team BP & Velo Valero Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 - BP MS150, Club 100 - Valero Alamo Ride, Ride Marshal for both rides Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Previously attended If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Bicycle riding through the beautiful sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods What is your connection to MS? My wife Brenda has MS What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? BP MS150, Valero Alamo Ride to the River What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The beautiful Utah scenery If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would have the ability to travel in time both backward and forward. I would right my mistakes and change bad things from the past. I would make a ton of money by knowing stock market and sporting event outcomes. Back to the Future, baby!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Chicago deep dish sausage pizza at Lou Malnati's in Elk Grove, IL If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Relax and do nothing! The days go by way too fast and I need to find a way to slow them down Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, my family and my donors

Diana Woodman Hammett Email Address: diana.woodmanhammett@calpine.com New to What city do you currently live in? Houston TOC Hometown: Houston Occupation: Attorney Employer: Calpine Corp Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 18 and 22 Name of college you attended: UT South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Calpine Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes What is your connection to MS? I have had several friends and co-workers with MS. What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Many training rides.

Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? HLS&R International Committee; Association for Corporate Counsel

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Cool weather!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Rode a road bike with clips training for the MS 2012.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Le Pic restaurant in Valence France.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Cardio exercise of some kind.

David Harris

New to TOC

Email Address: davemh333@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Wealth Manager Employer: U.S. Capital Advisors Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 12 and 19 Name of college you attended: Swarthmore College South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

First year riding.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have lots of generous clients.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None.

Are you active in any other organizations? AIPAC, ADL, Musiqa, Da Camera Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Mentioned it on Facebook.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Fresh air.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Last week chartered a sailboat and explored the Aegean coast in Turkey.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To fly to save on airfare.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I go to France often and have had some great meals in Paris.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Listening to music.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife because she's the first person I tell everything.

Sharyn Feller Email Address: sharynfeller@yahoo.com Guest of TOC Qualifier: David Harris Hometown: NYC City you currently live in: Houston Occupation & Employer: Retired fashion executive Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? NO What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time in a new place.

Harold Harris Email Address: hhmediate@hotmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, Texas Hometown: Toledo, Ohio Occupation: Care Manager, Counselor, Mediator Employer: Self-employed Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 38 & 41 Name of college you attended: Wisconsin & Tulane Club 300 Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your Bike Team: Anadarko Petroleum Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 committee member, Leadership committee member-Services & Programs, Care Manager for the Care Management Program How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? The first year I rode (2001) I made the 300 Club, as it was called then, & TOC was talked about.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding to a winery in Victoria, BC & having lunch outside in a beautiful setting with table cloths, china & crystal.

What is your connection to MS? A cousin of mine passed away from MS in the 1950's.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Being focused, persistent, polite & an educator.

What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Novemberfest, Self-designed training rides Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones? Houston Community Service Club, Shadow Crest Homeowners Association Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Relaxing with friends in a beautiful location.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Pass a kidney stone in June 2013.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Home cooking. My wife is an excellent cook.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spend it with our grandchildren.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? The MS patients that I work(ed) with as this would give them the hope they have been looking for.

Jerry Meyerson Email Address: jerry@pcm.net Guest of TOC Qualifier: Harold Harris Hometown: Bellaire, Texas City you currently live in: Bellaire, Texas Name of college you attended: THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Occupation & Employer: Club 300 Committee SOLUTIONIST; ABC DOORS HOUSTON/AUSTIN Relationship with TOC Qualifier: AMIGOS Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? RYDER trucks to transport my bike that I ride If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? CONOCO PHILLIPS What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting the Historic Ute bands and learning to play the

Uncompaghre.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I have done some of the MOST INTERESTING BP MS 150 RIDES. I did the first ride to Austin on my tricycle. The next year they started the BP MS 150 ride. I did the ride in one day with no training wheels on my stingray bike with a banana seat. The early rides bells and horns were not allowed to alert others as you approached. I had baseball cards hitting my spokes.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would create the MOST INTERESTING MS 150 RIDE from Houston to Austin. All participants could only ride their Unicycle. Each rest stop they would serve beer. That much riding there are only 4 words to say. “Stay Thirsty My Friend” What is the best food you’ve ever eaten?

JAMES CONEY ISLAND HOT DOG AND BIG BOWL OF CHILI PIE If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would ride west 24 time zone and gain another day. That much riding I would definitely stay thirsty.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why?

I would tell the Most Interesting Man in the World.

He would no longer say “When I am Thirsty” He would say “MY FRIEND- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. LETS ALL DRINK AS WE HAVE FOUND A CURE”

Bob Haworth Guest: Janet Haworth Email Address: rhaworth@upstreamenergy.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Marketing Employer: Upstream Energy Services Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: University of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Gardere Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Mindy If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Bob Ittner - He is awesome If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Rooftop bar in San Diego What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Lots of email contacts What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Camp for all, Tour de Houston Are you active in any other organizations? Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No, just email What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Mountains, cool air and being with the Ittners.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Ate a Firehouse burger at Lanksford Grocery If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Fly. Duh.

Michael Hurd Guest: Lacey Rae Blair Email Address: Michael@standardtubeco.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Houston, TX Occupation: Steel Pipe Sales / Marriage Minister Employer: Standard Tube Co. Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University Standard Tube Team Captain South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Club 300 Committee BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Standard Tube Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Team Captain of Team Standard Tube, Club 300 Committee Member, Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? This will be my 4th TOC and I have made so many memories and met so many new friends that it would be hard to say what my favorite memory would be. I still remember my first year in Boulder when a group of us went to the Avery brewery and had one of a kind beers that they didn't even sell. Scottsdale I hit the royal flush at the Indian Casino and we had a great time by the pool. Last year there was a cop convention at the hotel and we partied with the lady cops that worked prostitution stings. And it goes on...

What is your connection to MS? It started with me riding for my friend Leigh in 2010, my sister was diagnosed in 2012, and then with all of the people I have met through the MS Society I have many connections.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? If you build it they will come What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? I have never been to Utah, so I am very excited.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I already have superpowers so I can’t ask for another.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? When we were in Scottsdale Me, Josh Wheat, and Stuart and Rachel Partridge went to this great restaurant and had this fantastic seafood tower. Last year in Colorado Springs a group of guys went to the Broadmoor and had steak and lobster.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? If I could figure out when it was happening, I might use it to get something done I have needed an extra hour of free time.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would tell my boss, his wife and my friend Leigh has been living with MS for almost 30 years and I would like them to live the rest of their lives without the daily struggles of MS.

Bob Ittner Email Address: bittner@texasgulfbank.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Midland Occupation: Banker Employer: Texas Gulf Bank Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: Nicki 38, Caroline 28, Braxton 27, Catherine 25 Name of college you attended: UT-Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin

Name of your Bike Team: Gardere Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I heard that the Tour was going to San Diego from the MS Society and that got my attention because I had been in the Navy in San Diego and loved the City.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: N/A If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? We have enjoyed them all. It is always fun to meet new people, see old friends, and reconnect with the wonderful MS staff.

What is your connection to MS? We have friends with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Many people have supported me for the 10 years I have ridden which is fantastic support. We send letters with a personal note and stamped envelope, use e-mails, and personal solicitations.

What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Camp for All, Tour de Houston Are you active in any other organizations? I am president of Archway Academy the largest recovery high school in the U.S. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Have not.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing Park City for the first time and reconnecting with friends from past TOC trips.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Stayed with good friends in South Fork, Colorado.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would like to see some things done differently in our federal government.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Most memorable: tomatoes caprese in Cortona, Italy.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? It varies: might be having people over, reading for pleasure, working in the garden, answering e-mails or calling friends Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would call Jackie Guiloff, Karla, and Rita to share the good news.

Linda Ittner Guest of TOC Qualifier: Bob Ittner Email Address: ittnerlinda@att.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Shreveport Occupation: Asst Director Employer: Lamar High School Alumni Assoc Marital status: Other..Bob Ittner.

Number of children and their ages: Other..28, 27, 25.

Name of college you attended: LSU When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? In November I Kayaked in Key West.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To lose weight without dieting or exercising!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Margherita pizza in Italy If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Reading!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All our friends at the Lone Star chapter of the MS Society! So they could see the result of all their hard work!

Brian Jones Email Address: jonesbrianc@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Mesquite, TX Hometown: Santa Monica, CA Occupation: Technical Security Specialist Employer: Social Security Administration Marital status: Yvonne Jones Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of California at Irvine Fundraising Coordinator for South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Diamond Offshore Drilling Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your Bike Team: Plano Cycling Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Volunteer at MS events, Club 100 member.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Aware of TOC from my prior participation in seven Bike MS events.

What is your connection to MS? I ride on behalf of four wonderful women (two I went to high school with).

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? A lot of begging and pleading.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I ride in several bike rallies throughout the year including the Mesquite Rotary Ride, Wild Ride against Cancer, Tour de Goatneck and Hotter N' Hell.

Are you active in any other organizations? I am a member, and officer, in the Knights of Columbus, Council #13158.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I used Facebook to solicit donations and keep people updated on my progress.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? To meet other top fundraisers and see how they raise such large amounts.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Last August myself, and two other friends, drove to Colorado to follow several stages of the US Pro Cycling Challenge. This was the first major stage race I had ever been to.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I have a tattoo of the Superman emblem on one arm and a tattoo of Thor on the other. I would take the powers of either one.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? There is nothing better than a home cooked meal.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? By doing one of the three 'r's: Reading, riding or relaxing.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My longtime friend Diane Beck. She is the reason I started doing the Bike MS event.

Evan Jones Email Address: ej4311@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Oak Park, IL Occupation: Independent Consultant Employer: Self Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 28, 34, 34 Name of college you attended: Knox College

Plano Cycling Team Captain

South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin, Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Name of your Bike Team: Diamond Offshore Drilling Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

Along with one of my sons and his co-worker, founded and grew Team Diamond Offshore to over 40 riders that raised over $90,000 this year.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My first of course. Amelia Island Florida, the warm welcome I received, and the fun time on the beach.

What is your connection to MS? My niece has MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I ask EVERYONE for a donation. Most people up to 3 times. Nicely of course. :-) I also warn people when they give me their business card that they will be hearing from me come MS fund raising time. They smile. But they are forewarned. Nicely of course.

What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? ....... 3,500 miles a year .....

Are you active in any other organizations? My family.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? I refer to the TOC as Adult Summer Camp. Great times with great people. I always have a wonderful time, make new friends and learn something about MS. When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Last week I fiber-glassed the bottom of paddle boat. Last spring we went to Japan to a traditional Japanese wedding, then toured S Korea. Last year I learned to wake board - at the age of 62. and .... I am tired. I am going to take a nap now.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Korean BBQ in Seoul.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My niece so she could look forward to raising her two little girls without the cloud of MS.

Nabil Joubran Email Address: nabiljoubran@yahoo.com City you live in: Houston Occupation: Civil Engineer Hometown: Houston Employer: Pepe Engineering Marital status: Rita Joubran Number of children and their ages: AJ (14) Tanya (13) George (12) Name of college you attended: Texas A&M South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston - Austin Name of your bike team: Fugro Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? 2nd How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Friends What is your connection to MS? My wife suffers from MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Please share your fundraising secrets. Yes! I’d have to ask my wife about that one!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Ready to roll Are you active in any other organizations? Yes! The Society of American Military Engineers. As a family we are also very involved our Maronite Catholic church in Houston Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Not on purpose! Rita and I got our fair share of newspaper coverage this year! The interview the Chronicle did with us helped our fundraising quite a bit

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I went to visit the south of Lebanon (where Lebanon meets Israel. It was quite the experience.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? it’d probably have to be to make my wife the happiest woman in the world and ending all diseases.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would use it to be with my wife and kids Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS? My wife , no doubt!

Rita Joubran Email Address:ratroutj@hotmail.com Hometown: Houston City you live in: Houston Occupation & Employer: Domestic engineer/casa Joubran Relationship with TOC participant: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS/ MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? FUGRO (and the rock) What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time w my husband and others who share our same goals When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I spent an entire month with my in laws half way across the world with my kids, WITHOUT my husband.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Peace in the world and in all families What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Sushi but that’s not a fair question because I love food!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Laughing with my husband Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My husband and kids. They have suffered every bit as much as I have.

Donald R Kendall Jr. Email Address: dkendall@kenmontcap.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Northampton, MA Occupation: Managing Director Employer: Kenmont Capital Partners Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: Hamilton & Tuck School of Business South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Club 300 What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS

Michael Parmet Guest of TOC Qualifier: Don Kendall Email Address: mparmet@pcm-cpa.com Hometown: Kansas City, Mo. City you currently live in: Bellaire, Texas Name of college you attended: Rice University Occupation & Employer: Parmet, Chapman & Madsen, P.C. Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Buddy, fellow rider on my team Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Ride - 8 years!

If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houstonian Hammerheads What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Beautiful Park City! Great hiking, biking, and clean air! Great fellowship that I've enjoyed the last 7 TOC's.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Held the hand of a close friend as he passed away. The spiritual connection cannot be replicated.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power to return Youth to those who don't see their own young spirit anymore. If I can't be "Youngman", I want to be able to fly.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Black winter Truffles! Right out of the ground, in France, with the Dogs and Truffle hunters, cooked with Fresh Quail Eggs.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Share it with Friends.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Cousin Kathy. Most positive person who believes she will see a cure in her lifetime.

Larry Knox Guest: Sheri Knox Email Address: knoxl@comcast.net What city do you currently live in? Richmond, TX Hometown: Nashville, TN Occupation: Geologist Employer: BHP Billiton Club 300 Committee Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 33, 29 Name of college you attended: Vanderbilt University, U. of Missouri South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team SWN Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Committee member, Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS literature many years ago If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? There are too many for just one. It would not be fair. Here's a few: Movie Ranch in Sante Fe, Both rides in Nashville, Listening to how some became involved in the BP MS 150 when in Nashville, The Ride from San Francisco, The Dinner at Estes Park, Many more...

What is your connection to MS? Relatives by marriage, relatives of friends.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Over 80 great supporters and a 100% match of all contributions

by BHP Billiton.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Camp for All Hilltop Ride, Texas Gran Fondo, Katy Flatlands

Are you active in any other organizations? No. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing all the great folks again.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? May, 2008 - Skydiving with Navy Seals If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Flying. It would be the most versatile with which to help.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Too many great meals to pick one.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Ride my bike or work on my photography.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, Sheri. She has sacrificed and supported my MS rides and work unquestionably for all 13 years.

Andy Kogut Email Address: ajk1965@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Miami Occupation: self-employed Employer: BMK Music Services Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 16 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Team Granite Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Meeting a cross section of people that have committed themselves to fighting MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Begging and realizing that some friends have just don't think the way I do about charity.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Sleep and escape If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Manipulate time so I could redo mistakes as they happen, plus help me pick football games What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Killian's in Pearland If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Cleaning my house Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Mindy and I would ask "now what"?

Terry Krysl Email Address: tjkrysl@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Rawlins, WY Occupation: Accounting Analyst Employer: Marathon Oil Company Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Marathon Oil Co-Captain & U. of Wyoming, U. of St. Thomas-Houston Fundraising Coordinator, Superstar Name of your Bike Team: Team Marathon Oil Committee Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Co-Captain and Safety Coordinator - Team Marathon Oil, Superstar Committee, Ride Marshal Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Originally through the fundraising information on the BPMS150 web site What is your connection to MS? Originally sister-in-law and brother of close friend living with MS, co-worker living with MS, have met others living with MS though MS150 activities How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? ask, ask, ask; invite everyone you know with the opportunity to Join the Movement through e-mails with information on the disease and on those I know living with MS; periodic e-mails to prospective donors with photos from training rides and other BPMS150 activities Are you active in any other organizations? My church Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes - Facebook posts on training rides What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Chilling out in the Rockies When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? about a month ago - joined a hiking Meetup group; not very exciting I know but it was the last item I recall If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Understand women so I don't get myself in trouble; understand and be more willing to live God's will for me What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? mom's lasagna If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? How would I or how would I think I would? - probably would not use it very productively but I would hope I would get more sleep.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would probably tell my friend whose brother has severe MS.

Joe LaFico Guest: Judy LaFico

New to TOC

Email Address: jlafioc@att.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Chicago Occupation: Real Estate Employer: Kennedy Wilson Holdings Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: Texas State South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? After raising over $20,000 Keith Grothaus told me that I

would more than qualify for TOC. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Keith Grothaus What is your connection to MS? I did not have one but when I started to ask for money I found out that I had a Nice once removed with MS so she became my MS buddy.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I just asked, and asked, and asked and oh yes just asked.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? Yes The Sunshine Kids Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No but I will next year.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? To meet people that have the same interest and having fun with them. Grow a better network of individuals that are looking to help people.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Last year, I skydived for the first time If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To cure MS and cancer What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? The best food I've ever eaten would be in Fredericksburg Texas, quail stuffed with sausage with a béarnaise sauce in a little restaurant just on the outskirts of town If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would just tell people.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I believe I would get on my knees and thank the good Lord that he helped with the cure. Will because I believe that money alone will not find a cure it will take a greater power than we have on earth.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Guest Speaker, Ashley Kumlien Athlete and activist Ashley Kumlien grew up well aware of the challenges of living with MS: her mother, Jill, was diagnosed in 1980 shortly before Ashley was born. In 2009 Ashley established MS Run the US and in 2010 ran from San Francisco to New York to raise awareness of MS and funds for MS research. In 2013, Ashley formed a relay run across the U.S. with 23 participants. To follow their journey and learn more about Ashley, please visit her website at http://www.msruntheus.com/

Mark LeBlanc Email Address: mleblanc@ascende.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: College Station, TX Occupation: Consultant Employer: Ascende, Inc. Marital status: Mindy Number of children and their ages: 16, 2 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Houston Oaks/The WellFit BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Group Team Captain Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Name of your Bike Team: WellFit Group / Houston Oaks Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I've been involved with NMSS since 1991.

Past: Member of BP MS150 Steering Committee, Safety Committee Chair, Team Captain Committee, Director of MS150 Houston to Austin (1992) / Current: Ride Marshal, Team Captain, Ride Director Gran Fondo: Tx TMCO (MS fundraiser), Advisor for Clay Walker's Band Against MS Ride (MS awareness & fundraiser) Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Known for a long time If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Guest of Jerry Meyerson years ago. Otherwise, just increase fundraising over the years.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Each year riding with different individuals and sharing the experience and stories... no matter how difficult the ride!

What is your connection to MS? I have no family members with MS but I have many friendships that have developed due to my involvement with the MS150.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Working on large fundraising projects where the beneficiary is MS; emails; phone calls What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Oh boy.... Ready 2 Roll Training Series, Tour de Pink, Bike Around the Bay, CFF Cycle For Life, Ride 2 Recovery, etc.

Are you active in any other organizations? CFF, Pink Ribbon Foundation, LLC, TMCO Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Friendships When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Wine trip to Russian River Valley this summer If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To get from one location to another in a blink of the eye.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? All food If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? To catch up...

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I wouldn't have to... all my MS friends would be breaking out the cuvee!

Joe Leone Guest: Dee Leone Email Address: txleone@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio Occupation: Vice President Employer: Shell Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: Caltech Name of your Bike Team: ConocoPhillips Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Past Experience If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? That's hard. The dinner at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs was a fantastic event.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Just ask, Generous friends, Company matches What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, United Way Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Visiting a new area of the country that I haven't seen.

Carl Lincoln

New to TOC

Email Address: clinc239@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: San Francisco Calif Occupation: Retired Mech Engineer project Manager Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 40's Name of college you attended: Univ of Calif Berkeley South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houston Hammerheads Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: Margaret Shelton What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Have a loyal group of 100 or so people that support me and this year my dad matched every donation 50 cents on the dollar from heaven to put me over $15,000 What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Relating to other fund raisers If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would cure everyone with MS

Margaret Lincoln Guest of TOC Qualifier: Carl Lincoln Email Address: margaret.lincoln@gmail.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Rice University Occupation & Employer: Retired from Frost Bank Relationship with TOC Qualifier: spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Relaxing and enjoying good company When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Zipline 2010 Whistler Canada, or hiking up Chimney Rock at Ghost Ranch, 2012, or biking around Leadville at 10,000 feet, Summer 2012. I recently learned how to adjust garage doors and repair drain pipes in the attic.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to say the right thing at the right time.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? France, 2013, or Italy 2008.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Drinking good coffee with a good friend Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Jean Kopp, in memory of her husband, Marty.

Mark Livingston Guest: Lisa Livingston City you currently live in? Bellaire, TX Name of your bike team: Houstonian Hammerheads

Superstar Committee

Steve Logan Email Address: slogan@stopllc.com New to What city do you currently live in? Houston TOC Hometown: Houston Occupation: professional Employer: Satellite Tracking of People LLC (STOP) Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: boy 13, girl 11 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M Univ.

South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: EM Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? New member to club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS society What is your connection to MS? My wife (Mary) has Primary Progressive MS What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Being with my wife, meeting people with common cause, etc When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Superman zip-line - this past June If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Family

Mary Logan Guest of TOC Qualifier: Steve Logan Email Address: mary@logan-interests.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Georgetown University Occupation & Employer: Capital Royalty LP (private equity) Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting the dedicated riders and volunteers (I have MS).

Greg Marcarelli Email Address: greg.marcarelli@cop.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Huntington Beach, California Occupation: Procurement Employer: ConocoPhillips Marital status: Divorced Number of children and their ages: Three Girls, all Doggys Name of college you attended: California Maritime Academy South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: The best one - ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Been riding in the MS 150 for 23 years straight - Ben a 300 club committee member, at the time of the few 300 club members to be a Ride Marshall (3 years), Have influence numerous friends and co-workers over the years to ride and number of them have become top fundraisers. Been a 300 club member for more years than I can remember and one of my personal achievements Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS Website What is your connection to MS? I have a two close longtime friends who have MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year?

When you been doing this for as long as I have you develop some very good and generous support from coworkers and friends. I am very grateful to have such people in my life. I am thankful for my friendship I have with Steve Moskowitz who makes this event possible.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Pink is a must! Little Heros, Fourth of July Bum your buns, any ride to support the Brookwood community. Are a few of the main ones I ride in.

Are you active in any other organizations? The mules and ConocoPhillips bike club.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Not so much What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The cooler temps - I am truly tired of sweating bullets each dam summer here.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Bought tools to remove the real cog on the back wheel of my bike to be able to clean it properly.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Ride fast - real fast so I can get to the lunch stop and end and be cleaned up to greet everyone coming in and enjoy a nice glass of wine while doing it What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Sushi in Japan!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Train my dogs Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Urbano and his wife - who has been struggling with MS for 25 years.

Hans Mayer Email Address: hansmayer@aol.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Stettin, Germany Occupation: retired Marital status: Marge Number of children and their ages: 51,49,46,46 Name of college you attended: Washington University in St. Louis South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Conoco Phillips

Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 and generally as an advocate for MS education Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I think this is my 12th year to qualify and participate If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: myself, as I don't recall who first referred me If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My first TOC was in Sedona, a great group. Otherwise, no single TOC stands out; they have all been memorable in different ways.

What is your connection to MS? I have a good friend with MS who has been my pedal partner for years. I also have some family members with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? There are no secrets. I simply contact a lot of people who know me and appreciate the effort I make to achieve my fundraising goal. I set the goal as high as possible and then I ASK, either via email or I prefer hardcopy letters which don't get lost as email sometimes does.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? Houston Folklore and Music Society, Houston Holocaust Museum, Hillel at the University of Texas, the MDG (men's discussion group) Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Comradeship and meeting new people with similar commitment to our goal. Preferably doing so with good wine, good food and good cycling.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Marge and I met with Pete Seeger, my long time folk music idol, in his home this past April. That was a highlight.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Peace in places that know no peace. Better yet, peaceful relations around the world. Why - because it does not exist today in too many places.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My wife's cooking, at home.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Read good books and listen to music.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My pedal partner, because she has lived with this too long and deserves to know the joy of conquering MS.

Marge Mayer Guest of TOC Qualifier: Hans Mayer Email Address: margemayer8008@aol.com Hometown: Brooklyn, NY City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Houston Occupation & Employer: retired and enjoying life Relationship with TOC Qualifier: spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Retired volunteer What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The beauty of the area and spending time with fun loving people.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? This summer we are going to travel to the Scandanavian Countries.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Home cooking.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would do something different every day.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Hans' peddle partner.

Greg McAuley

New to TOC

Email Address: gmcauley@calpine.com What city do you currently live in? Pearland, TX Hometown: Round Rock, TX Occupation: Engineering Executive Employer: Calpine Corp Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 21, 16, 11 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M Univ, Univ of Phoenix South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Calpine Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Fundraising is my only current involvement.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? My employer informed me.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? A combination of donations from those in my professional network, Calpine team contributions, and personal donations enabled me to raise the 12k minimum.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Numerous triathlon races including the 112k bike portion of Ironman Los Cabos.

Are you active in any other organizations? I am an active participant and running coach with Team in Training (part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I used Facebook and Twitter.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Riding in the mountains in Utah and hanging out with other high capacity donors.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Completing Ironman Los Cabos (1st Ironman distance triathlon) in March 2013.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power to heal so everyone, especially children, have an opportunity to live a good life.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Greek food in Athens.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Reading God's word and swimming.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Paul Hanagriff who has been battling MS for about 10 years.

Karen McConaughey

New to TOC

Email Address: karenmcconaughey@msn.com What city do you currently live in? Cypress Hometown: New Orleans Occupation: Compensation Analyst Marital status: Single Transocean Team Captain Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Louisiana State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Transocean Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Team Captain, Club 300 member, and Because We Can member Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? When I started volunteering for the BP MS 150 in 2002.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: It's always been my goal to get as much money as possible. Fortunately, I got donations exceeding $12,000.

What is your connection to MS? I have MS. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I used Facebook, but I never got any donations.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting the other TOC participants and playing tourist in Park City.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I rode 152 miles in the 2013 BP MS 150. I have never ridden the whole ride in the past. This was my first year. Last year I rode 95 miles and that was the most I have ridden.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I don't need any superpowers. I would like to be able to run again.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Well, I'm from New Orleans. That's not a fair question. It was stuffed (with crab meat) flounder with hollandaise sauce.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would probably waste it.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister, Robin, would be the first person I would tell. She has been very supportive and does a lot of stuff for me that I can't do myself.

Robin McConaughey Guest of TOC Qualifier: Karen McConaughey Email Address: r.mcconaughey@att.net Hometown: New Orleans City you currently live in: Cypress Name of college you attended: Louisiana State University Occupation & Employer: Veterinarian-VCA Antech Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Sister Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Transocean What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting other participants When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? In 2002 ran my first marathon What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Cajun/creole food in New Orleans If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Work in my yard Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister who has MS

Don McCormack Email Address: domdandy@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Ft. Worth Occupation: Treasurer and CAO Employer: Rosetta Resources Marital status: Joy McCormack Number of children and their ages: Hannah (9) Ian (7) Evelyn (3) Name of college you attended: UT Arlington South Central Bike MS events in which you participate:

Finance Committee and BOT

BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Conoco Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Board member, Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Other riders If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding to the top of the ski mountain in Santa Fe What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Generous friends, company match, held a party with MS heroes What other non MS rides have you participated in this year?

Tour de Pink Ready2Roll Are you active in any other organizations? YMCA Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Just barely What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting new top fundraisers, kissing babies and shaking hands When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Raising $1 billion in capital in April If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Fly-never worry about traffic jams again!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Mama Mae's homemade vanilla ice cream If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I'd ride a bike Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? One of my MS Heroes. I would set up a conference call with all my friends with MS

Joy McCormack Guest of TOC Qualifier: Don McCormack Email Address: mccormsckjoy@hotmail.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Texas A&M (Whoop!)

Occupation & Employer: McCormack household Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Lucky partner Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Club 300 Committee Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider TOC Buddy Program If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Conoco What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Reuniting with all my cool cycling buddies and seeing Utah for the first time!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Last week...the entire family trekked to Montana and we hunted for huckleberries, cycled to Whitefish Lake, rode over the Going-to-the-Sun road and rafted down the Flathead River.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I do have superpowers, I'm a Mom...watch me multi-task!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Conchineal in Marfa, Tx If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? SLEEP Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Our donors. It is because they donate, we can find a cure!

Brady McEvoy

New to

Email Address: louiseducote@gmail.com TOC What city do you currently live in? Austin Hometown: Austin Occupation: high school student Employer: n/a Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Tacodeli Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From my friend Sophia Menyhert How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I sold homemade mint-chocolate-chip cookies, crocheted and sold hats and asked everyone I know for help!

Are you active in any other organizations? Last year I participated in A Legacy of Giving's "Coats and Cans" drive and my class won the award for collecting the most cans of food.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I used Facebook to reach out to friends of my grandparents and to post photos of my rides.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Hanging out with my beautiful girlfriend, Sophia Menyhert!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I'm only fourteen so I'm always doing things for the first time. Yesterday I started practicing with my school's cross country team for the first time and I've never done that before.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would have the power to remove MS from the world.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My mom's cornbread.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleep.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Sophia Menyhert, my girlfriend, because her mom has MS.

Louise Ducote Guest of TOC Qualifier: Brady McEvoy Email Address: louiseducote@gmail.com Hometown: Dallas City you currently live in: Austin Name of college you attended: Johns Hopkins University Occupation & Employer: SAHM Relationship with TOC Qualifier: mother Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time with Brady, Sophia and Joy. When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I'm not sure about the "last time," but one that stands out in my mind is watching my child get on a bus to Houston knowing he would be coming back to me via bicycle. . .yikes!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Rid the world of MS, of course!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Tomatoes from my garden.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Read a book.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Joy Menyhert, because she has had MS for fifteen years.

Sophia Menyhert Email Address: jzm@mindspring.com What city do you currently live in? Austin, Texas Hometown: Austin, Texas Occupation: Student Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Too young, I'm in High School South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Taco Deli Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I heard about TOC through the MS Society If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My favorite memory from my past trips was when my father and I climbed Camelback mountain together. It was so amazing and magnificent!

What is your connection to MS? My mother has MS. I ride for her.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Besides pestering family and friends for donations, I played my violin at venues around Austin. I raised about 800 dollars that way. But the most creative way that I raised money was I baked (from scratch) and sold red velvet cakes. This season I made 135 cakes, raising around 4,200 dollars.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? The Rosedale Ride, Spokes n' Spurs, Pedal Through the Pines.

Are you active in any other organizations? Austin Pets Alive. APA is a non-profit organization that rescues animals that are on the euthanasia list. My family fostered a little Chihuahua mix dog named Seymour, and two little kittens named Blue Ivy and Revel. I also painted the dog kennels at APA's new shelter.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? My mother used Facebook.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending a nice relaxing four days with family and friends in Colorado Springs!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Ballet is my main passion, and at my most recent ballet intensive (intense ballet summer school) I had the opportunity to partner. Partnering is when a male dancer and a female dancer work together in a partnership. This was VERY exciting!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Time travel! (big Doctor Who fan) What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? The best dish I have ever had was shrimp risotto in Lisbon, Portugal at the Four Seasons. It was unbelievably good.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would use it to either read. I want to get into a good book, but never have the time.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My mother.

Joy Menyhert Guest of TOC Qualifier: Sophia Menyhert Email Address: jzm@mindspring.com Hometown: Montreal City you currently live in: Austin Name of college you attended: McGill University Occupation & Employer: Hotel Consultant Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Mother Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? I have ridden in 3 previous MS 150s If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? I didn't participate this year What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending four wonderful days with Sophia who worked so hard to make TOC. When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Learned to dance Bollywood style a couple of weeks ago!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Flight so I could travel.

Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Sophia's Red Velvet MS 150 fundraising cakes!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Volunteering for Austin Pets Alive Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? In this order...Sophia, Steve my husband, and Tony Ralf.

Shane Merz Guest: Michele Merz Email Address: smerz@alum.mit.edu What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Norman, OK Occupation: Consultant Employer: MRE Consulting, Ltd. Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 15 Name of college you attended: University of Oklahoma, MIT South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team MRE Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? Relative: Child of person with MS

Jim Mills Email Address: jmills@houstonian.com What city do you currently live in? Missouri City Hometown: Beaumont Occupation: Hotel General Manager Employer: The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 1 Name of college you attended: The University of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From friends If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Spending time with my TOC friends What is your connection to MS? I have a several friends with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Lots of emails and asking Are you active in any other organizations? American Leadership Forum Class XXX Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing my TOC friends If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? With my family Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Glen Goodpasture. He suffers with MS and is a longtime friend.

Charles Mims Email Address: ruhroh09@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, TX Hometown: Born in Greensboro, NC Occupation: Geophysicist Employer: Common Resources III, LLC Marital status: Master (JUST kidding... Elaine) Number of children and their ages: Boys, ages 20 and 17 Name of college you attended: UNC-Chapel Hill South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Anadarko Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Via the MS Society when I qualified for the first time (2012).

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: N/A If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? I'm cheating; here are three instead of one: Meeting/ visiting with other TOC participants, touring the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in 2012 plus hearing the testimonials during dinner that same evening.

What is your connection to MS? My father lived with MS for nearly 40 years.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? The key to my success: threats of photos showing me in spandex

cycling shorts -- WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!

All kidding aside, periodic friendly reminders from early Feb to late April did the trick. Donors were a combination of individuals and companies (increased my focus this year on corporate donors). I also provided matching funds.

What other non-MS1 rides have you participated in this year? N/A Are you active in any other organizations? Various societies related to my profession: Houston Geological Society, Geophys Soc of Houston, Amer Assoc Petrol. Geologisists, Soc. for Expl. Geophysicists Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Three things actually: visiting with other participants, learning about the latest MS treatments / therapies, and enjoying a visit to Utah with my wife, Elaine.

W1111hen was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Making a significant (for me) "at-risk" equity commitment in a private company and realizing success from that investment.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Superhuman foresight and wisdom, combined with the powers of reason and persuasion. It would be incredible to convince others (& myself) to set aside petty concerns and biases and focus on what really matters (fill in your own "blank" here).

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I really love Thai food...

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Nothing is free in this world, especially time.... but if I had an extra hour, I would spend more time with my family and friends.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? After informing anyone I know who has MS, the next time I visited NC, I'd probably visit my Dad's grave to let him know that his hope was finally realized.

Elaine Mims Email Address: ecm1691@comcast.net Guest of TOC Qualifier: Charlie Mims Hometown: Potsdam, N.Y. City you currently live in: The Woodlands, TX Name of college you attended: SUNY Buffalo & UNC-Chapel Hill Occupation & Employer: Personal Trainer; Core Fitness Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Anadarko What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Riding and meeting folks When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? March 2011, Ran in the Woodlands 1/2 Marathon.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To Fly - to visit anywhere in the world at any time.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Hubbell and Hudson steaks in the Woodlands, TX If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Get more sleep!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Anyone who had MS!

Stephen Moskowitz Email Address: Steve.e.Moskowitz@cop.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Facility Manager Employer: ConocoPhillips Marital status: VERY Happily Married, 39yrs Number of children and their ages: 33, 30, 25 Name of college you attended: Rice University ConocoPhillips Team Captain and South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Safety Committee BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Safety Committee (Founding member) Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Previous years If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? So many... - Hans Mayer's perfect flip over his handlebars in Sedona, - Cruising on the quiet parkway in Nashville, - Rustling cattle and Bob Pohl's catch in Arizona, - Saturday lunches on the streets w/ my wife, - Friday night dinners w/ COP/PSX team How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? LOTS of friends make modest pledges, Procrastinator fee raises big bucks from riders who pay training series fees late!-) What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Ready2Roll Cycling Training Series, Tour de Pink Are you active in any other organizations? Facility Mgmt Assoc, Brotherhood (Men's Group) at my Temple What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Riding, relaxing and seeing all the veterans and the new TOC riders.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? July 28 - went to the waste/recycle site. The new part was tossing my glass blocks into the glass container in the rain. I was muddy, making a BIG mess & breaking LOTs of glass but I wasn't in trouble nor had to clean up - felt like heaven!-) If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? None - I'm really happy w/ my life like it is and this could really throw things out of whack!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My mom's cooking, especially her desserts but NOT the tongue she made us eat a few times!!! 2nd place currently goes to Uchi.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? My days go by so fast I wouldn't notice the extra hour...

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My cycling distribution list. They have worked hard to raise money and raise awareness to find a cure.

Robbie Moskowitz Email Address: robbiegm@aol.com Guest of TOC Qualifier: Stephen Moskowitz Hometown: Houston, TX City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: University of Texas at Austin Occupation & Employer: Retired teacher from Alief ISD Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? ConocoPhillips

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time with old and new friends and enjoying visiting a place I have never been to before.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? 2/3/2013-I held my 1st newborn granddaughter, Alexandra, for the 1st time. I felt bonded to her as if she were my own child. It was, and is, incredible!! 6/7/2013-I retired from my teaching career after 34 years. More time to spend with my granddaughter!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would eradicate diseases such as MS, Cancer, Heart Disease, Crohn's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and many others. Too many of my friends and family have been affected and are suffering or have lost their lives to these diseases.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spending more time with Stephen and catching up each day with each of my children and granddaughter.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would tell my husband, Steve, because he has worked so hard for over 20 yrs. raising $$$ for the MS ride to Austin and helping so many other people prepare. Then he would know how to contact over 2,000 people on his email list to spread the news!

Peter Nowobilski Email Address: nowobilski@earthlink.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Chicago Occupation: Engineering Employer: BP Marital status: Dorothy Number of children and their ages: 23, 21, 17, 15 Name of college you attended: Northwestern and Purdue Universities South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Team BP, Shaw Systems Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Read on website and heard from friends If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: Tony Ralf, George Carter If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding in Colorado last year.

What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Emails to personal network, Company matching used.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Pink Are you active in any other organizations? Not currently.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No, have not.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Good company and hill training rides When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Last month. Two week-long stops for business, travelled by plane around the world going east.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Not needed. Extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people working together for a common purpose. I enjoy being part of such endeavors.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Gaucho, London If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? More time with wife and family.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friends with MS -- they are in most need of this.

Eamonn O'Connell Guest: Brenda Holohan Email Address: oconnelle@bp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Cork, Ireland Occupation: Engineer Employer: BP Marital status: Brenda Holohan Number of children and their ages: 15, 19 Name of college you attended: Cork, Ireland & Imperial College, London South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: TeamBP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Just top fundraiser.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through 300 Club and previous participation.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding over the Golden Gate Bridge and up the Californian coast road. Dinner at Imagery winery.

What is your connection to MS? I have a friend whose brother has MS and have lots of donors who have relatives and friends with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year?

I have lots of good friends who support me. I keep sending reminder e-mails of encouragement to my sponsors and they respond. My company also does matched giving / matched effort and I take full advantage of this.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year?

As a ride marshal I have done quite a few of the MS approved training rides leading up the April Houston to Austin ride. Ones I really enjoyed were: Pedal through the Pines, Bike for Mike and an early season ride in Baytown where you cross the river on the ferry Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No just e-mail What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Cool weather, meeting more top fundraisers, enjoyable rides and having quality time with my wife.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it?

In July I went up for election to the board of directors of our condo Home Owners Association.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Ability to cure diseases. If you do not have your health doing many of the things you like becomes a challenge.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Seafood from a restaurant in Scotland called to Tolbooth in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Difficult question: either exercise or sleep depending on how crazy the week has been.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sponsors with friends and family with MS.

Rachel Partridge Email Address: rachelhpartridge@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Denver, CO Occupation: Reservoir Engineer Employer: BP Marital status: Stuart Partridge Number of children and their ages: Club 300 Committee and 3 amazing step kids - 17, 8, and 6!

TOC Advisory Committee Name of college you attended: University of Texas - Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Committee Member Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I first heard about the Tour of Champions at the Club 300 Fall Welcome Social in 2009.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? We had an amazing steak dinner with fellow TOC-ers in Scottsdale (and won and lost big at the casino!); I loved the beautiful HILLY bike rides in Boulder and Scottsdale (especially the 10 mile downhill stretch in Scottsdale after a solid 15 miles uphill); and I loved meeting lots of new friends!

What is your connection to MS? A close friend of my family struggles with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Email! I email practically every person I have ever emailed in my life - it never hurts to ask, and I'm always amazed at the people who come out of the woodwork with stories about how they have been touched by MS. What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? The Ready 2 Roll Training Series and the Katy Ram Challenge.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I fundraised on Facebook using the National MS Society app.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting new friends, reuniting with past TOC-ers, and exploring Park City for the first time!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Amazing steak in Scottsdale, Arizona; amazing fish and chips in Scotland; incredible lobster in Anegada, British Virgin Islands!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Read a good book!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My family friend who was struggled with the disease for years.

Stuart Partridge Guest of TOC Qualifier: Rachel Partridge Email Address: stuartdpartridge@gmail.com Hometown: Elgin, Scotland City you currently live in: Katy, TX Name of college you attended: Moray College Club 300 Committee Occupation & Employer: Subsea Intervention Specialist, Manatee Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team BP What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Fresh caught salmon at Redoubt Mountain Lodge, Alaska; lobster in Anegada, BVI.

Rich Patrick

New to TOC

Email Address: singingengineer@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Katy Hometown: Pampa, Texas Occupation: Civil Engineer Employer: PSI Marital status: Margie Number of children and their ages: 39, 35, 30.

Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From Steve Moskowitz.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Steve is the captain of our Conoco team.

What is your connection to MS? Relative: Spouse of person with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? just be asking friends and business acquaintances.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? Tallowood Baptist Church, American Society of Civil Engineers Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing the scenery.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Ride in the MS 150 in 2007.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To never grow old.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Steak If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Riding my bike.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife, Margie, because I love her so much and she has MS and I want her to be able to be more active physically because that's what she likes to do.

Margie Patrick Guest of TOC Qualifier: Rich Patrick Email Address: tornpatrick@aol.com Hometown: Houston, Texas City you currently live in: Katy, Texas Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University Occupation & Employer: Retired Spanish teacher/Sub/KISD Relationship with TOC participant: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? I am looking forward to spending time with those who have made such a tremendous effort to help fight multiple sclerosis.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? In 2009 I went parasailing in Cabo San Lucas.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would like to be able to give more of my time to those who are physically or emotionally hurting.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Pulled pork smoked by my oldest son.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?

Playing with all nine of our grandchildren

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why?

I would tell my friend, Debbie Bertrand, who has had two stem cell transplants to help her with her ms.

Phil Pauzé Guest: Linda Pauzé Email Address: ppauze@comcast.net What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands Hometown: Fort Lauderdale Occupation: Bike Rider Employer: Retired Marital status: Linda Number of children and their ages: 48, 46, 44, 42 Name of college you attended: Auburn University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: ExxonMobil & Valero Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Past Chair, Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? When I was notified in 2005 that I qualified.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My favorite memory(s) are the wonderful people who I have met on the TOC and who have become some of my very best friends.

What is your connection to MS? None How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I am "old school". I mail our letters to all donors by the USPS. I think it is more personal than an email.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO Are you active in any other organizations? Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO Steering Committee, The Woodlands United Methodist Church, the North Houston Emmaus Community.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. People keep asking me if I "text" and I keep asking them "what's that".

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Having fun and getting reacquainted with old friends.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Walk to Emmaus.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would find the cause and then the cure for MS. If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Hanging out with my lovely wife, Linda.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My donors as a group. They deserve the credit. It takes money and they are stepping up.

Brian C. Payne

New to

Email Address: bcpayne@bcpayne.com TOC What city do you currently live in? West University Place Hometown: South Bend, IN Occupation: Geoscientist Employer: Hyperdynamics Corp Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 4 and 5 Name of college you attended: Miami University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Phillips 66 Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? 300 Club Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Various Marketing Material What is your connection to MS? When I first started riding the MS150, a friend mentioned that her mother had MS. That person was my pedal partner the next year, and that's when I really learned what MS was all about! (And when I started my streak of 300 Club years!)

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have lots of good friends who see my devotion to the cause, and give freely. And of course I'm always looking for new supporters and I enjoy talking about all the new developments in treating MS. It's great to show people what our fundraising efforts for MS have accomplished for the entire MS community!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I ride every Wednesday night and Saturday morning year round... And whenever else I can find a few hours to get out!

Are you active in any other organizations? West University United Methodist Church Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Facebook is always good for campaigning!

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Besides the ride in beautiful Utah? That would be meeting some of the other top fundraisers and networking.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? With two young boys, there is something new every day!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Invisibility! Why not?! Of course, only for the purposes of good, not evil...

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I could never limit it to just one thing, but I guarantee the top ten are all red meat and fish...

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Riding...

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would call up my very first Pedal Partner, Vicky Bernard! She is the reason I have done this year after year, and why I won't ever stop until there is a cure!

David Stowe Guest of TOC Qualifier: Brian Payne Email Address: davidwstowe@gmail.com Hometown: Parker, CO City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Colorado School of Mines Occupation & Employer: Chemical Engineer - Phillips 66 Company Relationship with TOC Qualifier: friend/member of peleton Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? MS150 Rider since 1999

If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Phillips 66 What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Good food and a couple of good rides in Park City. I've been there to ski, but am really looking forward to seeing it in the summer.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Telepathy If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleep. I have two children, so a couple years' worth of sleep debt to work off. . .

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Melissa - she's been dealing with MS since 1998.

Juan Pinzon Guest: Gloria Lazaro Email Address: Pinzonja@hotmail.com What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Bogota, Colombia Occupation: Engineering Team Lead Employer: OXY USA Ltd Team Oxy Team Captain Marital status: Gloria Lazaro Number of children and their ages: 16, 11 Name of college you attended: Universidad de America Bogota South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Oxy Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? NMSSociety Website If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Testimonies of people living with MS and the way R&D scientists inspired us to continue helping this cause!

What is your connection to MS? My uncle Ramiro (Costa Rica), MS survivor.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Wine Tasting, Bingo Night & silent auction were a success this year. In Lieu of birthday presents, friends and relatives donate directly to my link.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Pink Are you active in any other organizations? SPE, AADE, Boy Scouts Troop 925 Katy.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how?

TV: Univision Channel 45 Houston and Mega TV Houston. Participated in formal interviews in morning shows for the Spanish speakers, promoting the big event and ways more participants and sponsors can join us.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meet new friends and hear our progress to find the cure When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Ride on Segway with my Family on a city tour in Prague, Czech Republic.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Control the elements, levitate myself!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? All kind of us!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleep!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My uncle

Bob Pohl Email Address: bob@funoftx.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Partner General Manager Employer: Furnishings Unlimited Club 300 Committee Chair Marital status: Married TOC Advisory Committee Number of children and their ages: 20 and 17 Name of college you attended: Sam Houston State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Ambassadors and Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? 300 Club If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Chaun Roberts If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Boulder!

What is your connection to MS? My Mother had MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I keep an excel spreadsheet What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? No Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing friends and having a great ride.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Fly If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Relaxing Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My family

Mark Poindexter

New to TOC

Email Address: mark.poindexter@shell.com What city do you currently live in? Humble Hometown: Humble` Occupation: Wellness Manager Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 23 & 18 Name of college you attended: Stephen F. Austin State University Shell Team Captain South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Shell Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Been involved with BP MS 150 since 1991. Started the KBR/Halliburton and Shell teams.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Bike Around the Bay What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Getting out of the hot humid South Texas weather for a few days and spend some time with other riders.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would like to be able to fly so that I'm not

waiting in Houston traffic or lines at the airport.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister as she has MS.

Eric Powell Guest: Cynthia Reece Email Address: espowell@att.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Tularosa, New Mexico Occupation: Tax Attorney, Retired Employer: Formerly ExxonMobil Former ExxonMobil Team Marital status: Married Safety Committee Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Multiple South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: ExxonMobil Cycling Team Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Member of Safety Committee (10+ yrs.); Member of Gran Fondo Texas TMCO Steering Committee, which donates 1/2 its net proceeds to the NMSS. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Past Participant.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Too many great memories to just list one!!

What is your connection to MS? Close friend with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Asking friends and family, share research success so they know fund-raising is making a difference.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Steering Committee of the Gran Fondo Texas TMCO charity bike ride.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No but hope to include in future fund-raising.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending time to visit with other TOCers, meet with old friends and start new friendships.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Seeing many new areas of the country now that my wife and I are retired.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Create a cure to MS. Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My "Pedal Partner" Diana who has been living with MS for close to 50 years.

Joe Powers Guest: Christina Powers Email Address: powers@powersbrown.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Austin Occupation: Architect Employer: Powers Brown Architecture Marital status: Chris Number of children and their ages: 23 and 21

Name of college you attended: Southwest Texas State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houston Builders Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Former team captain of the Houston Builders, and still volunteer to help with the team.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I sent lots of emails.

Are you active in any other organizations? I am active in a variety of professional organizations.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I sent email fundraising requests through LinkedIn. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? I enjoy the social events and the bike rides.

Alan Quintero

New to TOC

Email Address: aquintero@aggienetwork.com What city do you currently live in? Cypress Hometown: Cypress Occupation: Sr. VP - Americas Employer: Transocean Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 5 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Transocean Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From the rewards email after the event.

What is your connection to MS? I have friends and coworkers with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Through direct and email contacts with friends and coworkers. Also, Transocean matches my fundraising in my name.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Only training rides for the MS 150 Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes, Facebook. I signed up through the participant center and allowed Facebook to post my progress on my page.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting fellow riders and fundraisers and spending a weekend with my wife without kids!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Just this summer we took a vacation to Costa Rica where I went off road ATV'ing and zip lining for the first time.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Fly! It sure would make the trip to Austin easier than riding a bike...

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Cuban pork loin, rice and beans, and yucca. A blast from home.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Exercising.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Trace Sherer, my good friend from High School who has MS... (although he'll probably know before me!)

Joanne Quintero Guest of TOC Qualifier: Alan Quintero Email Address: QUINTEROJOANNE@GMAIL.COM Hometown: Parsippany, NJ City you currently live in: Cypress, TX Name of college you attended: Montclair State University Occupation & Employer: Retired Director Risk Management Relationship with TOC participant: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting others who support such a great cause. Spending some time with my husband and no children! Exploring Salt Lake City.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Moved to Europe (December 2011) then moved back (December 2012). It was my first time living outside the United States.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Transport myself (and others) from one place to another. Why? - then my husband and I wouldn't spend so much time on airplanes!

What is the best food you've ever eaten? My grandmother's homemade traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would spend it with my family.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? This is tough because I would be more likely to broadcast it on my Facebook page so many people could spread the news.

Lisa Rainey Email Address: blrainey2@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Horton, Michigan Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Michigan State University Houstonian Hammerheads South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Team Captain BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Houstonian Hammerheads Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Team captain for the Houstonian Hammerheads - this year’s second highest fund-raising team! Our team of 117 riders raised more than $480,000!

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Hard to just pick one favorite memory. We've been to Sonoma, Santa Fe, Nashville, Boulder, Scottsdale, Colorado Springs - each trip something memorable happens! Riding my bike over the Golden Gate Bridge is certainly one of my favorite memories though!

What is your connection to MS? I have several friends and team mates with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I asked a lot of people to support me - I learned long ago to ask every person I know. You never know as well when you will meet someone with a close connection to MS that is happy to support you - if you just ask!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? We ride somewhere almost every weekend!

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I primarily use email and ask people face to face.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Visiting Park City - we've never been to Park City before.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Riding my bike!

Bart Rainey Guest of TOC Qualifier: Lisa Rainey Email Address: blrainey2@sbcglobal.net Hometown: Horton, Michigan City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Michigan State University Occupation & Employer: Sentinel Trust Company Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Houstonian Hammerheads

Cherri Rapp Email Address: cherri@rapp-lcc.com What city do you currently live in? Austin, TX Hometown: Estelline, TX Occupation: QuickBooks Consultant and Business Coach Employer: Self Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Wayland Baptist Univ, Univer of Texas South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team GLO How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? At the MS ride for top 300 club in Fayetteville many years ago.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: I am not sure who it was that told me about the TOC that was going to Sonoma Valley, but I as at lunch after the Fayetteville ride, and was very interested. It was my first year as a top 300 club member.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The MS 150 Ride on the first day from downtown San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge and up the Pacific Coast.

What is your connection to MS? None How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have lots of clients, and send out a letter each year to over 200 people. Also, my sister Jan and I started a golf tournament for the MS 150 ride in Austin 3 years ago, and without bike teams help the last 2 years, we have made it into a really nice tournament that cleared over $25,000 last year.

Are you active in any other organizations? I work with the Hutcherson Flying Queens Foundation, and am treasure of the organization. This raises money for my college basketball team from Wayland Baptist College. Wayland was one of the top teams in the nations during my playing years, I want to give back to that school and team that gave so much to me.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? A little. I am on Facebook and have gotten a few donations thru that social media.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The Mountains - I love the mountains.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Built a new house, and it was an adventure.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Texas Steak - I love to eat a great steak. My dad was a cotton farmer and he raised cattle as well. So we always had beef. I now have a Green Egg Grill, and can make the BEST STEAK, if I have a good piece of meat to start with.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Playing Golf, my favorite sport.

Jan Rapp Email Address: jsrht@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Dallas Hometown: Estelline, Texas Occupation: CPA Employer: self Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: UT Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team GLO Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From other people who had previously attended If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Riding from downtown San Francisco through Sausalito and up the California coast.

What is your connection to MS? I have a number of friends who have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I wrote a letter that I sent out to friends and clients that included a photograph of my pedal partner who has MS with me. I also helped to put on a golf tournament to raise additional funds.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing friends that I have made on past TOC trips. I especially enjoy the people who work in the MS offices, they are great people.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Went on several zip lines in Costa Rica. It was incredibly fun!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To help other people to know the power of forgiveness What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My favorite meal ever was called 'A Night of Discovery' at Flemings in Austin. It was a silent auction item at our MS fundraiser golf tournament in 2012. We had Ahi Tuna Tartare, Black Truffle Risotto, Filet Mignon, and Peach Sorbet with great wine.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? To work out Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My pedal partner Julie Byrnes. She has suffered with MS for almost 30 years.

Zamir Rauf Guest: Norma Dunn Calpine Team Captain

Email Address: zamirr@calpine.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Occupation: Finance Employer: Calpine Corp Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 15 and 17 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Calpine Team Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 and Committee member & sponsor for the Calpine Team Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Meeting some of the people that are making a difference by raising a ton of money for a great cause. Also, it was a great bike ride What is your connection to MS? None directly How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I aggressively hit up Calpine's Corporate relationships.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Several training rides Are you active in any other organizations? Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No

Mike Robertson Email Address: Mrobertson@wbamarillo.com What city do you currently live in? Amarillo, TX Hometown: Amarillo, TX Occupation: General Contractor / Engineer Employer: Western Builders of Amarillo Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: Other. 34, 29, 27.

Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University Western Builders Team South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Captain Bike MS: Ride the Rim, Canyon to Palo Duro Canyon Bike MS: Pedal los Pueblos, Northern New Mexico Name of your Bike Team: Western Builders Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 30 in Amarillo Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through the Amarillo MS office If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? I really enjoyed the visit it the Olympic Center. The presentation on MS research and drug development was outstanding.

What is your connection to MS? Bike MS and several friends who have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Primarily through business associates and contacts.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I have been training for an Ironman competition in Mont-Tremblant, Canada and therefore have participated in a number of triathlon events.

Are you active in any other organizations? I serve as an elder in my church, and participate in several industry organizations.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Only email. I do not use or participate in face book or twitter What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Getting away and relaxing. I will have completed my Ironman and will enjoy resting When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? August 18, 2013 - Ironman Mont Tremblant Canada If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Ability to heal sickness and be a peacemaker What is the best food you've ever eaten? Great seafood or steaks. Italian food while riding bikes through the Italian Alps If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Probably in training or reading and studying Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My partner’s wife and dear friends at church.

Becky Robertson Guest of TOC Qualifier: Mike Robertson Email Address: Robertson731@suddenlink.net Hometown: Amarillo, Tx City you currently live in: Amarillo, Tx Name of college you attended: Texas Tech University Occupation & Employer: House Wife Relationship with TOC participant: Wife of 40 years Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Volunteer What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Resting, relaxing and sharing in the experience with Mike When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I ran a half marathon in 2010 Park City is known for it's outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you've ever eaten? Food on our Australian trip was great but we have eaten so much good food it is hard to single out only one.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Finishing the things I don't get finished.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Friends at Church

Mike Sailor Email Address: mike.sailor@adp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: St. Louis Occupation: Sales Employer: ADP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 3 Name of college you attended: St. Louis Univ., Washington Univ.

South Central Bike MS events in which you participate:

BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

My wife Lisa has MS. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? In and Out Burger, double double animal style Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Lisa

Lisa Sailor Guest of TOC Qualifier: Mike Sailor Email Address: lisasailor626@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Louisville, KY Occupation: MS Ambassador Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: Other...

Name of college you attended: SE Missouri State South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? MS Ambassador and on the Leadership Council Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? How can you NOT hear about it? Everyone wants to make it!!

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Our first TOC in Nashville (2009) speaking to the group about bridging the gap between riders and those with MS. What is your connection to MS? I've lived with MS over 20 years.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Lots of emails, personal letters and challenges on Facebook. I challenged my high school friends on Facebook to donate $20, $1 for each year I've spent using a wheelchair due to MS. We raised well over $1000 that way. It doesn't hurt that Mike's company does matching donations either.

Are you active in any other organizations? I volunteer at the Harris County Jail helping women who are being released within 30-90 days so that they don't re-offend.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending time with those that are so committed to raising funds for something that is so personal to me. Sharing this time with my hubby is a bonus too.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? We just moved into a high rise in downtown Houston. After 34 years of living in the 'burbs it has been quite a change but we couldn't be happier.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I'd rock a cape with the Initials "SD" for SUPERDOCTOR!! Because I would have the cure for not just MS but ALL neurological diseases.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Easy. A place called August in New Orleans, LA If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? With my new grand baby, Isabella Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I always have the same answer to this question. Our 3 kids. They grew up with a mom with MS and they have been my biggest supporters. That will be one big party with a lot of drinking going on to celebrate!!

Larry Sanders Email Address: larry.sanders@cgg.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Dexter Iowa Occupation: CPA Employer: CGG Services US Inc. Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: UH Clear Lake South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: CGG Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No What is your connection to MS? Coworkers spouse and other employees with MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Cooking. I cook brisket, ribs, turkeys, and pork loins to sell.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? NO What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Hanging out with the other GOATS who qualified.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Played dollar slots in Vegas and won.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Steak. Nothing better than cooking a steak over an open mesquite fire at the ranch.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Pray more.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife.

Kim Sanders Guest of TOC Qualifier: Larry Sanders Email Address: knacol35@yahoo.com Hometown: Palestine, Texas City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Sam Houston Occupation & Employer: Title Administrator Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? CGG What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Seeing other TOC members from last year and getting laughy taffy from Kelli.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? R & R

Jim Sandt Email Address: sandtj@Calpine.com New to What city do you currently live in? Houston TOC Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas Occupation: Vice President - Income Tax Employer: Calpine Corporation Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 32-29-26 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Calpine Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? In 2012 I had the opportunity to attend TOC as a guest of Zamir Rauf and now it’s in my blood!!

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Ask, ask and ........ then ask again. Hit up friends, family and business contacts to support a great cause. It's surprising how many people will be more than glad to throw in a $100 or more. After the ride, I always send a "trip report" along with pictures of the ride.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Roxanne and I participate in approximately 40 rides including R2R, MS 150 training rides and other organized rides. Still haven't done the "Hotter Than Hell" yet Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? In 2013 I dabbled in using social media to raise contributions from family and friends we don't see often and had great success. In 2014 will use it more.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting old and making new friends and... what cool routes we will be riding on Friday and Saturday.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? April 2013 we finished the Houston to La Grange leg 2 hours earlier than in 2012. It couldn't be the tail wind could it?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Ride faster than Roxanne.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? You know, this group is from Texas. It has to be Mexican and an ice cold margarita. But a brisket smoked for 18 hours sounds pretty darn good.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Clean my office. It’s a mess!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Team Calpine riders to let them know all of their efforts finally paid off.

Roxanne Sandt Guest of TOC Qualifier: Jim Sandt Email Address: Roxxsan@comcast.net Hometown: Denver, Colorado City you currently live in: Houston, Texas Occupation & Employer: Self Employed Jewelry Manufacturers Rep Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Calpine What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? I am so honored to be able to attend the TOC! I'm very much looking forward to meeting the other participants, but most of all, haven ridden many miles in Colorado on a mountain bike, I have never had the opportunity to ride a road bike in the mountains!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Almost 2 years ago I got on a road bike for the first time with the intention of riding in the BPMS150. I honestly thought it was one of the dumbest things I have ever attempted to do, ride 150 miles on a bike, except for para-sailing behind a snowmobile!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Not having an imagination I Googled and was very surprised to find the top 25 superpowers were all self-centered but one, healing. Selfishly I considered the other 24, but rethinking, healing any living thing would bring an amazing change to the world.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Hands down! Pan fried chicken fried steak with boiled potatoes all doused with milk gravy. My grandma taught me how to make this.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would ride my bike or go to the gym. But if it was rainy dreary day I think I would take a nap.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would tell Peggy, my husband's co-worker, who I ride for in the BPMS150. She has MS and I can't imagine how this news would affect her.

Lalo Sepulveda

New to TOC

Email Address: gsepul@comcast.net What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Edinburg, TX Occupation: Mechanical Engineer Employer: Dril-Quip Inc. Marital status: Maria Sepulveda Number of children and their ages: 17, 12 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Dril-Quip Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Just participate in the bike ride and pass on the word to others about what the society does to help people living with MS. Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I heard about it last year as my fundraising started growing through your website.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: My inspiration has been my sister in law who was diagnose in 2011 and motivated me to reach this goal. She has been the force behind my fundraising, and who I have to thank for sending me to Utah What is your connection to MS? My younger sister-in-law was diagnosed in 2011 and motivates every year to continue riding and raising funds.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Through family members, a burger meal fundraising event as well as matching contributions of employers.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Our team normally participates in the MS recommended rides around the Houston surrounding areas.

Are you active in any other organizations? None Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? If so, how?

Yes, through Facebook but with little success in terms of contributions.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The camaraderie among other riders who share the same vision.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I can't remember anything as satisfying as what this fundraising provides.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To power to heal the many MS patients due to the misery that they go through during the final stages of this disease.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I real open to any foods and their respective taste. So don't really have a favorite. I like them all.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Practicing my hobby which is accordion

playing.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Ohh, for sure would be my wife to plan something special to break the good news to my sister-in-law.

Maria Sepulveda Guest of TOC Qualifier: EULALIO SEPULVEDA Email Address: MSEPULVEDA1268@GMAIL.COM Hometown: SAN JUAN, TX City you currently live in: HOUSTON, TX Name of college you attended: STVT Occupation & Employer: Cash Management Analyst - Invesco Relationship with TOC Qualifier: spouse What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Learn more about the association and having a good time.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Few years ago, on a trip to Cancun, Mexico my niece pushed me to do a tour with sharks and it was the best experience. I'll never forget it!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Healing - Take away the pain and suffering.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Mexican If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Shopping Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? First, I would thank God for answering my prayers and then I would tell my parents. Two years ago my youngest sister was diagnosed with MS.

Randall Shafer Email Address: randall.s.shafer@conocophillips.com What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Harborcreek Occupation: Petroleum Engineer Employer: ConocoPhillips Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 30, 29, 28 Name of college you attended: Penn State and University of Chicago South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: ConocoPhillips Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society?

No other involvement Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? At packet pickup got the talk If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The friendship and camaraderie What is your connection to MS? I have a Friends and Co-workers with MS, and seems each year there are new cases that I find out about.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Very generous people who have sympathy for the old guy and his bicycle What other non MS rides have you participated in this year? Tour de Houston

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes, but have never had much success with it.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spend some time with other TOC'ers When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Ziplining in Mexico jungles last January in the rain!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Ability to cycle up Pikes Peak, because it is there.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Pato en Mole Poblano at Hugo's Houston.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? To learn Spanish. My wife is a native Spanish speaker so I should learn it!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Keith Lynch a co-worker. A great guy who has lived with MS for more than 20 years.

Sandra Alonzo Shafer Guest of TOC Qualifier: Randall Scott Shafer Email Address: sandra.shafer@sbcglobal.net Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador City you currently live in: Houston, Texas Name of college you attended: Culinary Institute LeNotre Occupation & Employer: Chef Sandra Alonzo Shafer Relationship with TOC Qualifier: wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? I participate If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Conoco Phillips What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? I am truly excited about meeting amazing people!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? As I turned 50 this year, I decided to take care of a very old bucket list item, I went to work at a Michelin Star rated restaurant in France. That was a first and perhaps a last for me! 80 hour weeks and French chefs are really mean too!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to have a super garden that can provide great veggies and fruits for people that can no afford them. Obesity is a problem, just like a MS and Cancer, but not many people cares about the people that do not have good foods to eat!

Park City is known for it’s outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? One summer I ate my way in Paris at the three top restaurants: La Tour D'argent in Paris with the most amazing collection of wines, Le Grand Vefour, where Napoleon used to dine and L'atelier accompanied by two of the best sommeliers in USA. If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Volunteering and Volunteering. There are so many causes and places that needs hours of volunteers to serve more people every day.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My husband he has a couple of coworkers that suffer MS.

Christopher Shaw Email Address: cshaw@shawsystems.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Executive Management Employer: Shaw Systems Associates Marital status: Lisa Shaw Number of children and their ages: Christopher - 12; Sheridan - 9 Shaw Systems Team Captain Name of college you attended: University of Houston TOC Advisory Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Shaw Systems Cycling Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Former Valero Ride Chair and Co-Chair; multiple committees; BP MS 150 Club 300 Committee & TOC Committee Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Former VP San Antonio Office convinced me to go to first TOC after raising funds and I was hooked. San Diego If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? So Many! Started with first TOC and renting Sailboat w/ Steve High, Lisa and others. Hanging with the Raineys and Livingstons drinking wine as well as last year on Kelli Dreiling's bed with her and others laughing our asses off! Ha! That sounds weird! I'll just leave it there.

What is your connection to MS? My story's like others - was very fortunate and rode first for the challenge. Had the epiphany about how great God has been to me and needing to do more. So very connected in so many ways now. I firmly believe in my mission from HIM to make an impact!

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Ask and be genuine and passionate! There is so much "noise" in the charitable request space. You have to differentiate yourself by being passionate and genuine and people will open their hearts.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? US Sailing and US Cycling. Mostly Kid activities.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Reconnecting with so many people. I see many of the folks on this trip only once a year and it's like we haven't missed a beat. I guess it's just a great quality of individual with steady compasses When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Does wrecking my TT bike a few weeks ago count? Boo! If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Being Invisible. And not for the nefarious reasons that one might think. If I had that, I could handle all the things that all the other superpowers could handle.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Sounds a bit conceited but my answer is a beef tenderloin that I butchered, seasoned and cooked with a killer bottle of some sort of Bordeaux style red.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? The same way I try to use all 86,400 seconds of every day! You can't keep them. Use them in the best way possible.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife so she can find another job? Too selfish? :-) I would say, my donors so they could know how much of a difference they made.

Margaret L. Shelton Email Address: sheltonm4007@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Austin Occupation: accounting professor Employer: new: University of St Thomas Marital status: Married Club 300, Safety and Finance Number of children and their ages: Kalli 24, Cody 21 Committee Name of college you attended: Rice Univ: BA, UH: MBA & PhD TOC Advisory Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: ConocoPhillips & Audrey's Heroes Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club300, Hall of Fame, Safety Committee, Finance Committee, TOC Committee, Club300 Committee, miscellaneous task forces Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Originally, from the MS Society staff If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My craziest memory was from the San Diego TOC -- Mark's room, Jacuzzi tub, bubbles, friends -- ask if you dare!!!!!

What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year?

Knowing and reaching out to a zillion people. Persistence. A series of 3 donation requests, trying to reach those who have not yet made a donation. Continued communication during the year. Handwritten personal thank you notes. Donor appreciation party.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year?

Ready2Roll training series, occasional recommended rides, Tour de Pink Novice rides, Tour de Pink Are you active in any other organizations? Pink Ribbons Project as Tour de Pink ride director Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No -- I spend too much time on the computer already What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The people: MS Society wonderful staff and the top fundraiser community When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? This spring, Mike & I put together a 10' by 12' storage shed in the backyard -- successfully without too much bickering! :) If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Unending strength of body.

So that I can continue to be fully involved in all the things I enjoy: teaching, volunteerism, fundraising, cycling, Pilates, water exercise, travelling.

I already have an unending positive and enthusiastic mental state!!!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Always Mexican food -- could eat it morning, noon, and night If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Move towards my new goal of being a gym rat - the Weekley YMCA has so many cool things going on.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Mare Behnk -- my sister in law who lives in Brazil and who was my initial inspiration for my involvement with the MS Society.

Michael Randall Guest of TOC Qualifier: Margaret Shelton Email Address: Mister75@aol.com Hometown: Houston City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: UT at Austin Club 300 Committee Occupation & Employer: Accountant at Envibe Inc Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Ride Marshal If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? CoP What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Seeing friends, Mountains and Speakers When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? May 16, 2013. Witnessed my 21 year old son, Cody, graduate Basic Training, to become an Army Soldier!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to HEAL. Not heel..... The world has so many sick and injured.

Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Lobster that I caught in Grand Cayman!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Probably sleeping, I don’t sleep easily, or well...

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Kevin Prewitt, he has MS.

Alison Sparer Email Address: alison.sparer@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Las Vegas Occupation: Interior Designer Employer: Paradigm Design Group Marital status: Other...

Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of Colorado at Boulder Club 300 Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Standard Tube Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Committee Member, Walk MS Houston Steering Committee Member Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I first heard about it through a Club 300 Kickoff If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Calf-scambling with Bob Pohl and Steve Moskowitz in AZ, never-ending bike rides in the desert with Karla Zielke, Indian Casinos and 80's rock bands with Mike Hurd and Josh Wheat, hiking through Garden of the Gods, pumping iron at the Olympic Training Center in CO....How could I possibly pick a favorite?!

What is your connection to MS? I have MS and have had the opportunity to learn and grow from others who have it as well.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Through very generous friends and families. I sent out multiple emails, set up my personal page and this year I created a Facebook page that donors could follow for real-time updates and photos from the ride.

I also created a raffle for all of my donors. For every $10 donation, their name was entered into a raffle. I laminated a photo of the winner's face and pinned it to my back so that they could "ride with me to Austin". It made for

some great photo opportunities!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Hmmmmm....none! My bike told me it needed a rest Are you active in any other organizations? An Interior Design Networking Organization Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes! Facebook was my buddy! I made a page and called it Alison Rides To Austin What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Exploring beautiful Utah, catching up with old TOC friends, making new TOC friends, and being inspired to do bigger and better next year!!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? We visited Chicago for the first time this past May - great city!!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would have the superpower of having all superpowers. How super would that be?!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? One of the best meals I've ever eaten was in the Israeli desert in a Bedouin tent. Amazing rice, pita, meat, and hummus eaten without plates and utensils.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sleeping in!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I'd yell it from the rooftops!

Jimmy Mulligan Guest of TOC Qualifier: Alison Sparer Email Address: mulligan.jimmy@gmail.com Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Colorado Springs Occupation & Employer: Flow Assurance Engineer, BP Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Boyfriend Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes - rider If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Team Standard Tube What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? The opportunity to meet the top fund raisers and discover what drives their motivation and dedication to the cause.

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? The last time I did something for the first time was this past April, when I participated in my first MS150.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I'd like to be able to fly so that I could cut out the Houston traffic.

Park City is known for its outstanding restaurants. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'm quite partial to pizza on the East coast; it's simple, but amazing if it's done right.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spend some time laying by the pool.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My girlfriend, Alison...since I've known her, this has been something she's dealt with in a very positive way. I strongly feel she deserves to have the impact of this disease removed from her day to day life.

Jack Stone Guest: Sandra Stone

New to TOC

Email Address: jstone1958@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Akron, Ohio Occupation: Sr. Construction Project Manager Employer: Calpine Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From MS-150 WEBSITE What is your connection to MS? Bike Rider Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes Facebook What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Yes absolutely What is the best food you've ever eaten? Good seafood and steaks If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Rest Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Someone with MS

Thank you TOC Advisory Committee for your guidance in planning the 2013 Tour of Champions!!

George Carter Marshall Bendalin Mary Butler Summy Jan Cohen Steve High Rachel Partridge Bob Pohl Chris Shaw Margaret Shelton Karla Zielke

Mary Butler Summy Email Address: mbutler@graniteprop.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Leipsic, Ohio Occupation: Commercial Property Manager Employer: Granite Properties Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 30's Team Granite-Petrobas Team Name of college you attended: Kent State University Captain, Club 300 and TOC South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Advisory Committee BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Granite-Petrobras Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 and TOC committee member.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? I have had the privilege of attending since 2002.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Each one was a favorite...

What is your connection to MS? I have a Friend or Co-worker with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Granite has been a huge supporter of finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. We formed our team in 2003 and at one time participate in the then three Texas rides. We have a lot of support from our vendors and tenants, who share the same desire to find a cure for this disease.

Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones?

West Houston Chamber of Commerce - Board Member Women Driving Business - Committee - West Houston Chamber of Commerce IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management). I serve on local and national committees.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Visiting with all of the wonderful people who work so hard to raise money and support this event.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To be able to ride my bike forever for MS. If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? With my husband and family.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Tim Bodron who lost his brother to MS.

Justin Sunseri

New to TOC

Email Address: jmsunseri@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: New Orleans Occupation: Software Developer Employer: Calpine Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University of New Orleans South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Calpine Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I'm not involved with the National MS Society otherwise.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through the website.

What is your connection to MS? My father has MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I got my vice president to twist the arms of our vendors.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Too many to name. I am doing the Hotter than Hell in August.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? A little bit but not much. I posted on Facebook a few times.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? The rides and I plan on playing some golf while I'm up there If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I guess I would want the power of flight so that I could go anywhere at any time.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I'm from New Orleans. It's really hard to say.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Read a book Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would tell my mom so that she could make sure my dad got the cure.

Rick Trevino Email Address: rick.trevino@cgg.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Tyler, TX Occupation: 3D Sales MGR Employer: CGG Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 2 Name of college you attended: Tyler Junior College South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: CGG Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Fund Raising Goats Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Thru MS when I raised enough funds my second year to qualify.

If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: Craig Davis and the Fund Raising Goats. Craig has been a 300 club member for several years.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The rides, the venues and the people! Great sunsets, great food, great fun and a hurricane warning on Martha's Vineyard!

What is your connection to MS? I ride because I enjoy cycling. I am able to maintain my commitment because it is something I enjoy.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Blackmail!!!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? NONE, but i have supported riders in the Wyoming and Colorado MS rides. One day I may ride in those. I have been threating to for years.

Are you active in any other organizations? No. Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. My fundraising is by word of mouth.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? A ride, a hike, a picnic and time with Kim and friends.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I can't say!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? None, too much responsibility!!!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Fois grais on a filet mignon at Elway in Denver. As my dad used to say, "it was larapin good."

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Organizing, BBQing, golfing, with my daughter, with Kim, if it was in the morning-cycling, at night with a glass/bottle of wine.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My daughter Jes because she is a doctor now.

Kimberly Corley Guest of TOC Qualifier: Richard Trevino Email Address: kimberly.corley@shell.com Hometown: Conroe, TX City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: Sam Houston and Rice Universities Occupation & Employer: Shell - Business Development Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Wife Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Getting together with friends in a beautiful place and having fun!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Bird hunting in Argentina for the first time on our honeymoon last fall. Bird hunting's not new - but it was a first for bird hunting in Argentina. It was a blast!! (pun intended) If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? It's not a superpower in the comic book sense, but the power to heal would be my first choice.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Lump crab Mac'n Cheese at Pappa's Steakhouse...yum!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Keeping in better touch with friends and family.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Several of the friends we know who either have MS, or have family members with MS.

JD Villaseñor Guest: Stephen Martin Email Address: jd.villasenor@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Woodlands Katz’s Deli Team Captain Hometown: The Woodlands Occupation: Sales ‘; Employer: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Marital status: Rhonda Number of children and their ages: 9,6,4,2 Name of college you attended: Texas A&M South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Katz's Deli Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Heard about TOC through members of the Society.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? My favorite memory of a past TOC was the finish line in the middle of the desert in Arizona. A great sight and memory.

What is your connection to MS? My father and sister have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I threatened to unfriend on Facebook anyone who wouldn't pledge. I also made it mandatory to pledge me this year.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I did, I used Facebook.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Skiing When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? A month ago I watched an episode of the Bachelorette for the first time.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To know what my wife really meant when she tells me something What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Chicken If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Writing an epic poem Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My Dad, and then probably my mom. It is a disease that has transformed our family and changed the way we do things. To be able to cure my dad and my sister would be a dream come true.

David "Safety Dave" Walker

New to

Email Address: peglegtx@gmail.com TOC What city do you currently live in? Austin, TX Hometown: Austin, TX Occupation: Engineer Employer: National Oilwell Varco Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: Son 18, Daughter 15 Name of college you attended: The University of Texas at Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Tacodeli Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Ride Marshal program Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? From friends who have attended the T.O.C. If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: #1 fundraiser Steve Sellner invited me (and my wife) to attend.

What is your connection to MS? When I started riding the MS150 ten years ago, I did it for the cycling. Since then I have met a bunch of folks with MS and learned a lot more about the disease. The Nat'l MS Society is definitely a worthy cause!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Plenty of charity rides in the Austin area Are you active in any other organizations? Board member of Please BE KIND to Cyclists, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging harmony and tolerance between drivers and cyclists.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Visiting with my incredible young teammates Brady and Sophia!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Before this year's MS150 I rode my bike 100 miles from Austin to Enchanted Rock in one day, where I met friends that hauled my camping gear. I pretty much HAD to make it to the park, and I did. It was a wonderful camping trip!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The best thing for me would be the power to regenerate; I lost a leg in an accident when I was a teenager, and having it back would be great. But then I'd be a different person, and probably take more foolish risks, so maybe that's not such a great idea!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten?

Indian food, in India, is divine! Mediterranean food in Lebanon, amazing! Turkish food in Istanbul - phenomenal! (getting the idea? I LOVE international flavors, especially while travelling) If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Getting more exercise, catching up on correspondence, cleaning my desk / garage / house, or maybe just catching up on my sleep :-) Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My dear friends with MS: Carolyn, Ethel, Gloria, Ellen, etc -- they have suffered a long time, and I'm sure relief would be welcome.

Heyden Black Walker Guest of TOC Qualifier: David Walker Email Address: heyden@utexas.edu Hometown: Austin, Texas City you currently live in: Austin, Texas Name of college you attended: University of Texas at Austin Occupation & Employer: Planner, Black + Vernooy Relationship with TOC Qualifier: spouse Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Celebrating with my husband When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Ziplining in West VA, last year If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Have all people treat each other with respect What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Indian food in New Dehli If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Reading Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My kids

Joshua Wheat Email Address: joshuawheat@yahoo.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Financial Advisor Employer: Valic Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Sam Houston State Club 300 Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Standard Tube Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Was able to be brought as a guest in 2011 to Scottsdale by my teammate Michael Hurd. Had such a great time I wanted to make it back on my own. I was able to qualify last year as well as this year.

If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: My good buddy Michael Hurd encouraged me to qualify for TOC as well as join him on Team Standard Tube's first MS 150 back in 2010. It's been an awesome four years and I am looking forward to many more.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? There are too many to choose from!

What is your connection to MS? Starting out I did not have any connection with MS. I rode the MS 150 as a personal challenge. Over the years I have met many extraordinary people that have been affected by MS. Those connections made along the way have inspired me to stay involved.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I was able to raise $12,000 this year by honing my fundraising skills. I am fortunate to have an aggressive company match which helped me get to my goal in addition to efforts from both family and friends.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? I rode the Hotter than Hell for the second time this year in addition to the Ready 2 Roll training series.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? I used Facebook to contact friends in order to raise money as well as updating my status with donations.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? I am looking forward to re-connecting with all of my TOC buddies as well as learning from others about new ways to raise money.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I recently tried to ride a tandem bike with my girlfriend... I don't think I'll be doing that one again!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would like to be able to fly... I would never sit in traffic again!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Nothing beats a brisket smoked to perfection.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? More Sleep!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would tell.....EVERYONE!

Brian Williams Email Address: williadb@bp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: San Juan Bautista, Calif Occupation: Project Manager Employer: BP Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 13 Name of college you attended: University of California Berkeley, BS/MS South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team BP Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? 17 years of riding in this MS150, 1995 to now, less 3 years when we lived abroad. Club 300 for most of that.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through MS newsletters and friends who have participated.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? I think it was 1998, the year of the storm and cold on day 1. I remember riding out from Tully Stadium with Greg Marcarelli into rain and lightning, then sitting in a van to warm up at the lunch stop in Belleville. And then, seeing the sun come out and feeling the warmth, having a wonderful remaining day and a half ride into Austin.

What is your connection to MS? I have a sister-in-law with MS. I ride for her, as well as other friends and acquaintances afflicted.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Approaching my normal list of generous friends and co-workers, while expanding my supporter list with co-workers I've met in my new team.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None, other than general fitness rides.

Are you active in any other organizations? Boy Scouts Troop 641, Asst. Scout Master.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Riding in a beautiful part of the country with some good friends.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Jumped off the bow of a large sail boat into the ocean 15 feet below. Adriatic Sea, July 18 2013.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Super VO2 man, allowing me to ride and to run at the pace I used to have when I was much younger. Enabling me to finish my quest of completing a marathon in all 50 states sooner!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I've enjoyed great food of many types in a number of places. But I always enjoy a fine rib-eye at Pappas Steakhouse for a special occasion.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Go for a run, or play in the pool with my son.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister in law (who is afflicted) and my wife (who most understands and is a great supporter of my MS ride every year).

Loran Wilson Email Address: wilsonj5200@sbcglobal.net What city do you currently live in? Katy, TX Hometown: Crosbyton, Texas Occupation: Engineer Employer: BHP Billiton Petroleum Marital status: Other... Kelly Number of children and their ages: Other... 24, 23, 21, 21, 19 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team HOTT Wheels Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? It is my 2nd year at TOC, and by being a top fundraiser If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The group dinner and hearing all the stories of progress in finding a cure for MS. What is your connection to MS? We have a close friend at our church that has MS. How did you raise $12,000 or more this year?

My company has a matching program for all the money that I raise, so my fundraising is doubled. I also had a few larger donors.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Cycling weekend in Leakey, TX, Southwest Tandem Rally in Palestine, TX, Bluebonnet Express, Katy Flatland Century, Santana Tandem River Cruise Tour Paris to Amsterdam Are you active in any other organizations? None Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Used Facebook this year and last year.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Meeting other Top Fundraisers and hearing their stories about how they raise the funds.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? This week (late July 2013), we are on vacation in France and we went to Normandy area to see the D-Day beaches and American Cemetery. It was very moving to see firsthand the locations where the D-Day events took place, and to hear of all the lives lost.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? It would be that of 'healing' to help heal and cure those who have MS. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Paris, France (if you mean not in Park City) If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Rest or relaxed social time.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? our close friend who has MS, to celebrate with him that he will be cured.

Brian Wing Email Address: bpwing@wingjetcenter.com What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands Hometown: Massena, NY Occupation: Sales Employer: IPR Industrial and Wing Jet Center Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 7, 5 and 2 all boys Name of college you attended: Colorado and Rice South Central Bike MS events in which you participate:

Katz’s Deli Team Captain

BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Katz's Deli Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I simply try to run a good team along with my Co-Captain JD in hopes that we will collectively help raise oodles of money to help find a cure.

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Was invited for the first time 4 years ago. I didn't go and was told that was a mistake. So, this will be my third year now and I love it.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The riding is always fun and tough.

What is your connection to MS? Had friends with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Each year I agree to wear a tutu if I raise more than $25,000.

Yes....I wear a dress for the entire ride. Next year I will need to raise the bar as JD agreed to shave his head....and he let me do it!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Katy Flatland, a few triathlons, etc.

Are you active in any other organizations? I try to stay active with the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and Operation Grateful Nation. One supports the arts and the other supports disabled veterans.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Nope...I don't understand the hashtagging stuff. In fact, I may flip out the next time I hear "hash tag".

I decided a while ago that Facebook isn't my thing so I stopped.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Spending time with the friends I have made during this event as well as the friend I am bringing and my teammates When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Wow....I like to do new stuff all the time. I rode my first century ride last month.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would like to control the weather. I would always have a tailwind and JD would have a headwind....

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I have been to a lot of wonderful restaurants with my wife, parents and friends.

My go to food when I want to splurge and be really happy is a 3-piece spicy chicken from Popeye’s with mashed potatoes and a biscuit. Only thing better is a 4 piece.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? With my boys playing sports. There is never enough time to do all the things I want to with them.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? JD...it matters to him more than anyone else I know

Robert Park Guest of TOC Qualifier: Brian Wing Email Address: rwpark@dow.com Hometown: Plymouth New York City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: Texas A&M Occupation & Employer: Project Mngr. Dow Chemical Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Work and Riding Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Yes If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? Dow Chemical Team What are you most looking forward to on this TOC Hills and scenery When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Taught my youngest daughter about scuba diving this past weekend and took a hike with her at the Nature Conservancy in Ft. Davis Texas.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Run like the wind - for the sheer joy of it!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? A Brazilian sea food dish called Moquesha containing lobster, shrimp,

rice, powdered Yuca root, dende oil, onions, etc.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Work on my plants and perfect my wine making Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My neighbor so she can relate it to her sister who has a daughter with MS

Pieter Wybro Guest: Barbara Montagnino Email Address: pieter.wybro@gmail.com What city do you currently live in? Katy Occupation: Retired Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 31, 33 Name of college you attended: University of Virginia South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: ExxonMobil Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Through team captain If you were referred by someone (or if someone encouraged you to qualify), please tell us about that person: Eric Powell, team captain of the ExxonMobil cycling team told me about the TOC and encouraged me to qualify.

If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Hiking in the Valley of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

What is your connection to MS? I have several friends with MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I matched my donors contributions.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Several Houston area organized rides Are you active in any other organizations? I am active in the Texas Mariners Cruising Association.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No. What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Indonesian

Ellen Yarrell Email Address: Ellen@eayatty.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Fort Worth Occupation: Lawyer Employer: Self Club 300 Committee Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: Other...30 and 33 Name of college you attended: UT Austin South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Bikebarn Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300; lecture series

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Always knew!

If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: Not really If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Finishing Waves to Wine!

What is your connection to MS? Fundraiser How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I use email and arm twisting!

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? None Are you active in any other organizations? If so, which ones?

State Bar of Texas, Houston bar association, Inns of Court, Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, American Academy of assisted Reproductive Attorneys Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? No What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing and spending time with friends!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? Hiked the Himalaya to base camp last October If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Vision to see into the future!

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Too hard to answer If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Being outside Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? All of my supporters who pledge each year!

Mike Yates

New to TOC

Email Address: mike.yates@apachecorp.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Henley on Thames, UK Occupation: Geophysicist Employer: Apache Corporation Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: University College, Cardiff South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team Apache Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? I'm a 7-time Club300 member, I think, and closing in on the hall of fame, hopefully next year!

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? MS Website What is your connection to MS? Dave Martell, my neighbour and high school geography teacher was my first connection; a healthy man when I started at high school, and in a wheelchair by the time I left.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? I have a great network of supporters through 14 years riding the MS150, and even though many of my original supporters now ride the MS, I add new ones every year.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Bulldog ride, Katy Flatland, Groundroll6 everybody is somebody at Groundroll!

Are you active in any other organizations? I take kids flying as part of the EAA Young Eagles program that gives children an up close look at flying and the world of general aviation. When possible, I also volunteer for Elves and More, building and distributing bikes at Christmas.

Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Nope, just email. Lots of email.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Riding with friends in a beautiful area, and a weekend away somewhere new.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? This summer, in June, I took a mountain flying course and then flew myself, my wife, our dog and a friend up to Steamboat, Colorado, for a week of outdoor pursuits.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Hmmm - an immunity to saddle-soreness, perhaps?

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Fresh lobster in Zanzibar!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Ride more, take the dog on longer walks, relax at home with my wife.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Cara Hollis, so she doesn't have to worry about being there for her daughter as she grows up.

Monique Nolk Email Address: monique@nolk-yates.com Guest of TOC Qualifier: Mike Yates Hometown: Toronto, Ontario City you currently live in: Houston, TX Name of college you attended: University of Amsterdam Occupation & Employer: Hewlett Packard - VP, Operations Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Husband Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? I drop off and pick up the boys If you are on a team, what is the name of your team? n/a What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting new group of people When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? I have no idea - which means it was a long time ago If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Never stop laughing What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Lobster dinner in Zanzibar If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Hiking in the hills or on the beach Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My husband - his dedication to this ride has been incredible and an inspiration to many around him.

Karla Zielke Email Address: karla.zielke@ihs.com What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Lake Jackson Occupation: Solution Architect Employer: IHS Inc. Marital status: single Number of children and their ages: 0 Club 300 Committee Name of college you attended: Texas A&M TOC Advisory Committee South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Name of your Bike Team: Team MatDan - Matthews Daniel Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Club 300 Committee, Adopt-a-Highway coordinator, Family Discovery Camp Carnival coordinator

Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No, #5 How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Dr. George Hutton If you were referred by someone, please tell us about that person: Dr. Hutton is my neurologist. This Fall he will be inducted into the Fundraising Hall of Fame for individually surpassing the $100,000 mark.

If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Hiking in Boulder with new friends who carry wine in their backpacks or maybe cursing our way through the bike ride in Scottsdale with Gerald and Alison. SOME of us only cursed in our heads and chose NOT to vocalize our thoughts.

What is your connection to MS? I have MS How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Besides the normal asking for donations from 300 of my closest friends and family and held a 'Make Your Creative Mark on MS' crafting party, sold handmade upcycled glass flowers, operated a photo booth and donated my pay, sold Super Bowl Squares for MS and held a garbage sale. Ooops, I mean Garage Sale where we actually sold previously used lipstick, previously used deodorant and a half box of Efferdent. We sold a lot of other things but those items display the limits at which we will go to in the name of creating a world free of MS. What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Just MS training rides this year Are you active in any other organizations? Caring Critters Animal Assisted Therapy, Summit for Soldiers Suicide prevention and PTSD Awareness campaign Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Sort of, I advertised my party, the Super Bowl Squares and the garbage sale on Facebook.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Being inspired to raise $14,000 next year When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? In December I ran a half marathon. I had tried to train for others in the past and my body broke down before the actual run. This time I did not train very hard and was able to finish. It wasn't pretty though.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Remember how Superman flew around the Earth and turned back time, that would be cool.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Turkish food when I was visiting Crete If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Man this sounds lame - sleeping! If I could be more rested there are so many other things I could do every day.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My family, they worry about me too much.

Staff Brenda Buchanan Email Address: brenda.buchanan@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Houston Occupation: Development Employer: National MS Society Number of children and their ages: Emily 3 and Little Bit due Dec. 26 Name of college you attended: University of Houston South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? The BP MS 150 has raised nearly $18M in 2013, a new fundraising record. Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach a new fundraising milestone, helping those affected each day by MS. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Seeing everyone and getting to know the new attendees. Always come back from this trip very motivated, due to the networking and camaraderie that happens over the 4 days.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spending it with my family.

Lisa Dannenbaum-Shaw Email Address: lisa.shaw@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Katy Hometown: Houston Occupation: Manager Employer: NMSS Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 9 and 12 Name of college you attended: U of H South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Name of your Bike Team: Shaw Systems Besides being a top fundraiser, in what other ways are you involved with the National MS Society? Kemah Walk MS Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Husband If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Too many to tell and if I did I would be in trouble :).

What is your connection to MS? The amazing people and wanting to make a difference.

How did you raise $12,000 or more this year? Motivated the teams to raise lots of money.

What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? Texas State Time Trial, Tour de Gruene Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Yes

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Connecting with all the great people!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would fly and read minds.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? On me-reading!

Kelli Dreiling Email Address: kelli.dreiling@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? The Woodlands, Texas Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Employer: National MS Society Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: two kids (6 & 11) and two step kids (30 & 25) Name of college you attended: The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!)

South Central Bike MS event: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin How are you involved with the National MS Society?

Besides being on staff for the BP MS 150, I’m fundraising for Walk MS presented by KBR in The Woodlands on Sat., Oct. 26 at Rob Fleming Park. I rode the 2004 BP MS 150 on the Anadarko team with my friends Pat Perry, Gerald Merfish and Stuart Burbach (all TOC alum) What is your favorite TOC memory? Mountain biking in Sedona in 2000 and getting a marriage proposal from the local tour guide (ask Mark about the red rocks) What is your connection to MS? Lots of great friends and my sister who was diagnosed with MS in 2000, two years after I went to work for the National MS Society Did you use social media in your fundraising efforts this year? Will use Facebook to let my friends know that I’m fundraising for Walk MS The Woodlands What are you most looking forward to on TOC? TOC is like a big family reunion and I look forward to it every year. TOC not only gives us a chance to thank our top fundraisers for the incredible things they do for the Society but it also creates a deeper connection that lasts throughout the year until the next TOC. If this is your first time to TOC, welcome to the family!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I climbed my first 14er on August 1 in Colorado (Quandary Peak) with my best friend from high school. It took us 8 hours round trip and was quite the mountain top experience!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To be able to stop people from doing evil things (especially to children) What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Does bundt cake count as food? J My last really great meal was in Cincinnati at Moerlein Lager House.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Read with my kids Who is the first person you will tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My sister, Carla

Kelly Dooley Email Address: kelly.dooley@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Spring Hometown: Dallas Occupation: NMSS Development Director Employer: NMSS Marital status: Married Number of children and their ages: 5 and 2 months Name of college you attended: University of Oklahoma South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Sharing a room with Barry Turner and almost strangling him b/c of his snoring noises What is your connection to MS? Uncle has MS Are you active in any other organizations? OU Club of Houston and AFP of Houston If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To know what my wife is REALLY thinking.....

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Can’t beat a steak, cigar and a glass of Knob creek on ice If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Spend time with my family.....

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My uncle Kirk Dooley

Clarissa Horner Email Address: sc_toc@nmss.org Hometown: Garland, TX City you currently live in: Austin, TX Marital Status: Married, Raymond Horner Number of children and their ages: Kate Isabella, my almost 2yrs old. and baby girl Horner #2 due December 15th Name of college you attended: The University of Texas at Austin Occupation & Employer: Partner, Two Chic Event Productions Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Cheering squad and support for my husband and his bike team.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Meeting the big group of new TOCers this year, and experiencing the camaraderie and spirit of the group – it is infectious!

When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? A few weeks ago I did some mechanic work – helped my husband replace an exhaust manifold on our Jeep.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To teleport, so I could travel all around and visit friends and family in other cities…. Of course it’d have to make sure others could travel with me.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? I still talk about the blue cheese topped steak I had at a little steakhouse in Marble Falls, TX. It was better than most of the big chain steakhouses I’ve been to.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Sounds lame, but I really like sleeping and could use more of it!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My friend Kelly, although I’m sure she’ll find out before I do. Really looking forward to that conversation; what a great day that will be!

Bill Kovach Email Address: bill.kovach@nmss.org Guest of TOC Qualifier: staff Hometown: Poland, OH City you currently live in: Houston Name of college you attended: University of Cincinnati Occupation & Employer: CFO - National MS Society Relationship with TOC Qualifier: staff Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Staff What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Getting to know the wonderful volunteers and fundraisers that the South Central Region is blessed with When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? One month ago. Bought a second home in preparation for that day when I can retire and live close to grandchildren If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to heal. The power speaks to the reason. There is so much that could be done.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? A steak at Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa. Second would be various Hungarian meals prepared by my mother.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I would sit and read for pleasure. I read so much at work that reading for pleasure seems to be a luxury that I don't take time for.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My wife Peggy. It would change her world.

Mindy LeBlanc Email Address: Mindy.LeBlanc@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas Occupation: Development Manager Employer: National MS Society Marital status: Mark LeBlanc Number of children and their ages: Addi Grace age 2 Name of college you attended: Texas Tech Name of your Bike Team: STAFF Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you're a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? I love all the memories meeting new friends and seeing old ones. This group is like a big family.

What is your connection to MS? I have a cousin with MS as well as many friends living with MS. Are you active in any other organizations? My husband helps many different organizations like CF, and cancer.

We also support Compassion International and our church, River Pointe.

What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Cooler weather, beautiful scenery and getting to know all our new friends better When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? We went to the wine country this summer and left our little girl for 9 days!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The Power to Heal those who are sick. Disease robs people from living. If I had one more Superpower, I would want to help those who were without food, especially children.

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Tough one but we had some fantastic food at a restaurant called

Partake in CA where we got to taste food paired with wine.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? To EXERCISE! Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I would use Facebook so I could reach as many people as quickly as possible.

Taylor Mallia Email Address: taylor.mallia@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston Hometown: Philadelphia Occupation: Development Employer: National MS Society Name of college you attended: Texas A&M University Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? The moving sidewalk in the Denver airport with Dorothy Paterson, Karen Nakfoor and Mark Neagli!

What is your connection to MS? I have several friends that have MS or have a loved one living with MS. What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Celebrating the incredible success of these amazing fundraisers!

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? I made tiramisu this summer. It was delicious, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power of healing ... let's end MS once and for all.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? So many things come to mind, but I'm going to choose my mom's beef stew. There's just something about it that makes all the stressful things in life disappear.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? I'd spend that hour outside with my dog, so that maybe she'll let me sleep through the night. :) Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? I think about that conversation a lot. I would call my friend to let her know that her MS is not going to stop her from seeing her daughter grow up. Can't wait for that day!

Justin Martin Email Address: justin.martin@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Dallas Hometown: Houston Occupation: Development Manager Employer: MS Society Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? Yes How did you hear about the Tour of Champions? Our top fundraisers here in Dallas.

What is your connection to MS? High School Friend diagnosed in 2007 What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Having the Dallas representatives interact with other top fundraisers in the region.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? 2 months ago, I tried a 7 day, full body cleanse.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To heal the sick upon touch. There are so many diverse illnesses that keep this world down, I think that would be the single power that could do the most good, worldwide.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Filet Mignon at Bob's steak and chop house If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Playing with my dog.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? To be fair to all those with whom I have a connection with, I would tell Facebook in order to spread the news to everyone...QUICKLY!

Mark Neagli Email Address: mark.neagli@nmss.org Hometown: Bellaire, Texas City you currently live in: Houston, Texas Name of college you attended: Stephen F. Austin State University Occupation & Employer: Executive Vice President National MS Society When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? Recently I ate crow, ask Kelli Dreiling about why and how it was. She has 18 million reason why it was fun!

What is the best food you've ever eaten? Definitely the smaller local neighborhood restaurants throughout Italy on our last two visits there. Nothing like family enjoying the local folks and food together. Ciao!

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Taking my grandson (Carter) to the park or on a bike ride.

Tony Ralf Email Address: tony.ralf@nmss.org Hometown: Sydney, Australia City you currently live in: San Antonio, Texas Occupation & Employer: Fundraiser; National MS Society Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Staff What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Fun When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what was it? The Spring of 2013. Fired two clips from a fully-automatic machine gun at the FBI shooting range, after graduating from that organization's Civilian Academy course.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? To know what a person is thinking, not just what they are saying.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Thai.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Playing all of my vinyl records on my 'rescued' 1960s record player that has huge speakers...bigger is better, sorry about that all you mini cube speakers!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My mom, so she knows my sister, Pauline's death was not in vain.

Barry Turner Email Address: barry.turner@nmss.org What city do you currently live in? Houston, TX Hometown: Jasper, TX Occupation: Development Director Employer: National MS Society Marital status: Single Number of children and their ages: 0 Name of college you attended: Stephen F. Austin State University South Central Bike MS events in which you participate: BP MS 150, Houston to Austin Bike MS: Sam's Club, Round Up Ride, Frisco to Texas Motor Speedway Bike MS: Cactus & Crude Ride, Midland to Post Bike MS: The Mother Road Ride, Chandler Oklahoma Bike MS: Louisiana, Hammand, LA to McComb, MS Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, San Antonio to New Braunfels & Back Is this your first year on the Tour of Champions? No If you’re a TOC veteran, what is your favorite memory of a past TOC? Collectively my favorite memories over the last 12 TOC events have been the time I’ve spent with our fundraisers, their guests and my fellow staff members and each of the beautiful and unique places we've gone. Some of my single favorite memories were our 2003 opening dinner at the Monterey Bay Aquariam and watching a full moon rise over the bay, 2004 whale watching trip in Victoria, B.C., 2005 Friday ride on Martha's Vineyard that unfortunately was cut short due to a hurricane, 2008 closing chuck wagon dinner in Sante Fe on a western movie set and cycling the Natchez Trace in 2009. And the list goes on.

What is your connection to MS? I have a cousin that has MS. What other non-MS rides have you participated in this year? NovemberFest Metric Century, Texas Independence Bicycle Tour, Clay Walker's Band Against MS Ride, Tour de Houston, Gran Fondo: Texas TMCO, Tour de Pink What are you most looking forward to on this TOC trip? Reconnecting with friends, making new friends and producing another fun filled and motivational trip for our guests.

When was the last time you did something for the first time and what was it? On July 31st I flew my new Golden Retriever puppy, his name is Jager, from Dayton, OH to Houston. Buying a plane ticket for a dog was a first.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I think my superpower would be the ability to not gain a single ounce while being able to eat all of my favorite foods and drink all of my favorite wines as often as I like.

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? My mother's fried chicken and Chris Shaw’s beef tenderloin and sautéed mushrooms If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Since my superpower is only a fantasy and I have a tendency to not practice as much restraint as I need to when it comes to my favorite foods and wines, I would say I would use my extra hour a day cycling so to burn off those calories.

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? Ilene Norden. Ilene was the first person I met who had MS, she recruited me when I first applied for a position with the NMSS, she was a coworker for several years, she founded The 300 Club, now known as Club 300.

Leah Weatherl Hometown: Duncan, Oklahoma City you currently live in: Dallas, Texas Name of college you attended: Oklahoma State University Occupation & Employer: VP Development, NMSS Relationship with TOC Qualifier: Staff Do you also participate in the Bike MS or MS 150 Bike Rides as a rider or volunteer? Staff What are you most looking forward to on this TOC? Spending time with the cream of our Bike MS crop from around the region and learning about how our collective efforts are making an impact on those living with MS AND the work of the NMSS! If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would wish for the ability to teleport...No more traffic, or paying for airline tickets, seeing my family and friends who are scattered all over the country at the drop of a hat. Who wouldn't want that?

What is the best food you’ve ever eaten? Smoked Trout Hash at Cafe Pasquals in Santa Fe. I went three times in three days!

I also ate my way through Tuscany and loved everything about that Italian food extravaganza!

Pad Thai at a road side stand made by hand in Chang Mai, Thailand.

If you had an extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it? Daily massage please! And if someone could pay for it too that would be great!

Who is the first person you would tell when we find a cure for MS and why? My mom. As a person living with MS myself, my mom has been on this journey with me from the beginning and I can only imagine the joy and relief she would feel when I tell her "We did it! ---MS is done".

Thank you TOCers!

NMSS Staff

Thank you to our 2013 TOC Sponsors!!

2012 TOC Colorado Springs