volunteers showcase: group 4

Group 4 of our 2010 volunteers includes a man with 24 years of service plus riding as well as the unforgettable "Lobster Girl". Read about these people and other volunteers below:

Name: Garet Hickman
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? I started volunteering in 1987 as a young, wet-behind-the-ears EMT that loved Colorado and couldn’t afford a real vacation. It was so much fun that I kept coming back.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? I have worked on the Radio Support/Medic/Roving Marshal team since I started on the staff. I spend my day cruising the route making sure that all are safe.
What is your favorite RTR memory? I have had so many great times on the ride that it makes it difficult to name only one. The staff, cyclists, daily adventures and beautiful Colorado scenery are the things I enjoy the most.
What piece of advice would you offer a first-time RTR participant? Train enough to make the week fun, rather than work. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Be mindful of the safety rules, they are there for a reason. And, most importantly, have fun on this great adventure across the beautiful Rocky Mountains!
What Colorado town is your favorite? Colorado has so many beautiful areas that it is difficult to name just one. If I had to pick, I guess it would have to be Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley.
Name: Mark Sinclair
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? Thirteen short years.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? Signs – banner truck and aid truck.
What is your favorite RTR memory? Visiting small towns.
Why do you keeping coming back each year? To get out of town and see Colorado.
What piece of advice would you offer a first-time RTR participant? Don’t start the day late.
What do you do in your spare time? Sleep.
What Colorado towns are your favorite? Any outside the Denver area.
Names: Stephanie Sinclair
Nickname: Lobster Girl
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? This is my 7th year.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? Banner truck, Aid Station Marshall, Baggage.
What is your favorite RTR memory? My first year with “The Big Sag.”
Why do you keeping coming back each year? Extended family reunion.
What piece of advice would you offer a first-time RTR participant? Start early, enjoy the scenery, wear sunscreen!
What do you do in your spare time? Just started a new job!
What Colorado town is your favorite? RTR has taken me to so many towns that I probably would not visit, I love them all.
Name: Penny Stiers
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? This will be my 23rd year volunteering for RTR.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? Radio/Medical.
What is your favorite RTR memory? Too many to say, I've enjoyed all of my years!
What piece of advice would you offer a first-time RTR participant? Take your time and smell the Rockies!
What Colorado town is your favorite? All of them.
Name: Brent & Terilynn Taylor
Nickname: Frog and Lady Frog
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? This will be the 6th straight year of the Leap Wagon (Sag 4) giving folks in need a hop up the hill or into the next town. This is the third year officially for Terilynn to join us. Brent rode in 1990 and 1991.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? Always been assigned as a Sag driver, as well as registration which we like because we get to meet a large portion of the riders.
What is your favorite RTR memory? Overall, and as a rider, I really loved the ride to Greeley in 1990. EVERY participant had their name on signs or painted on the road by the townsfolk who were out in droves miles from town along the route cheering us on. Del Norte in 1991 was special, too. As a volunteer I really loved Chama, NM.
Why do you keeping coming back each year? Don't want to lose the spot on staff! This is a great getaway week to hang with friends old and new, see great scenery, and enjoy the spirit of volunteerism. In that last regard, by volunteering we're helping these communities through Post-News Charities. It just feels great.
What piece of advice would you offer a first-time RTR participant? In June the days are long. There is just no reason to rush. You came on the ride for the challenge, sure, but also for the great mountain scenery. So take it slow; get off your bike to rest your butt and to take some pictures; linger at the rest stops and make new friends; and last, enjoy the host communities.
What Colorado town is your favorite? Telluride. Some very pleasant memories 1977, music/festivals and the breathtaking scenery (San Juans!).
Name: Don and Linda Waller
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? Linda - 16 years; Don - 14 years was a rider in '94 and 95.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? Road Marshals and Aid Station Attendants; In 2007 Don drove the "Meat (meet) Wagon" for Dave Jackson, he can keep the job.
What is your favorite RTR memory? Linda - My first year as a volunteer, we wore jersey cow t-shirts and hats, what a hoot; Don - The big sag from Estes Park to Grandby.
Why do you keeping coming back each year? Because the volunteers are a big family, and it's a big family reunion!
What do you do in your spare time? Linda - During the ride? I like to talk to the cyclists, take a break and eat a meal; Don - Most anything outdoors.
What Colorado town is your favorite? Salida.
Name: Kimberly Terrell-Siefken
How long have you been volunteering for RTR? Once before in 2000.
What roles have you played as a volunteer? Aid Station/Marshall.
What is your favorite RTR memory? The whole 2000 experience, it was our honeymoon trip.
Why do you keeping coming back each year? Well, I don't.
What do you do in your spare time? What spare time? Full-time job, four kids. Need I say more?
What Colorado town is your favorite? Steamboat, Grand Lake.