Last but certainly not least, allow us to introduce Martin, the nature-loving adventurer with a passion for motorcycles and an affinity for the great outdoors, particularly the thrill of dune riding. When he's not chasing soccer balls on the field, you'll likely spot him carving through the sands of adventure.
Motorcycles are his trusty steeds, and nature is his sacred sanctuary. But it's the dunes that hold a special place in his adventurous soul. The sensation of conquering the sandy hills, the crisp wind in his face, and the vastness of the dunes stretching out before him - this is where Martin truly thrives.
With every twist of the throttle and every kick of the ball, he's writing his own thrilling story of adventure, passion, and the boundless joy of the great outdoors. And the Rally for Rangers Mongolia 2023 is sure to add another gripping chapter to his story with sands and adventure aplenty.
The motorcycle bug bit him in 1984 when he was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia, West Africa. Riding amidst the challenges of unpaved roads and changing seasons, Graham's initiation into motorcycling was nothing short of a thrilling ride.
The idea of adventure riding was introduced to him while traversing Mali, where he crossed paths with the iconic Paris Dakar Rally. This electrifying encounter set his spirit on fire, a spark that still burns bright. Graham's ride of choice now includes a BMW F800 GSA and a KTM 350 EXC-F – machines built to conquer uncharted paths.
From BDRs (Backcountry Discovery Routes) to Baja and the rugged terrains of West Virginia, Graham finds solace in the embrace of the open road. Born and raised in the captivating landscapes of Richmond, VA, his heart found home in the allure of the world. With a life that's been lived around the globe, he's woven his experiences into every twist of the throttle.
Beyond the road, his journey extends to the skies. A former military pilot turned airline captain, Graham's passion for flying is matched only by his love for two-wheeled exploration. And amidst it all, two remarkable adult children stand as a testament to the legacy he's building.
As he gears up for the Rally for Rangers Mongolia 2023 adventure, Graham is not only seeking to ride, but to give back. His enthusiasm extends to working with fellow riders and the Mongol Ecology Center, a testament to his deep-rooted commitment to a greater cause.
Introducing Donald E. Johnson, whose retirement has become a canvas for his passion-driven adventures. A man of few words, but with a zany humor – he responded to his application by saying that he rides motorcycles only because his wife lets him.
As he looks ahead to the upcoming ride, his excitement is palpable. Eager to connect with fellow riders and share the open road, Donald's warm spirit promises to light up the journey.
Beyond the world of motorcycles, his devotion extends to family. A proud father of a daughter and a doting grandfather to a young grandson, Donald's love forms the cornerstone of his adventurous life.
His zest for exploration extends to the great outdoors, both in snow and sunshine. When the white landscapes beckon, Donald finds his thrill in snowmobiling, carving his way through the pristine trails. And when the snow melts, his adventure bike becomes his faithful companion, ready to conquer new horizons.
His riding journey began with an old orange Yamaha AG175 2 stroke, gifted by his dad in the late 1970s when he was just 14. Since that exhilarating start, Steven's passion for riding has taken him through various terrains and bikes, from enduro and trials to road and now adventure riding.
Currently cruising on a Suzuki DR650 and a DL1000 V-Strom, Steven's love for riding remains as vibrant as ever. While life's demands might not always allow him to hit the road as often as he'd like, his passion for two-wheel adventures is unwavering. With skills that are more than just beginner's luck and a thirst for exploration, he's ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way.
Steven is more than just a rider; he's a compassionate soul drawn to meaningful causes. The Rally for Rangers concept has captured his heart, and he's eagerly anticipating the Mongolia 2023 adventure. The thought of combining his love for riding with the noble cause of protecting the environment through park rangers is a dream come true for him.
When he's not conquering the road, Steven resides in the sunny landscapes of Queensland, Australia, alongside his supportive wife and two grown-up daughters. The Croft family is no stranger to hard work, as they run their own businesses specializing in steel products.
Starting with an old Honda XR100 on a Northern California ranch, Domenic’s thirst for adventure, freedom, and speed was born. An XR250 soon followed, and the all-important motorcycle license came shortly thereafter. From the humble XR’s, to a Harley Davidson, a couple of those orange bikes, and way too many KLR’s,
Domenic has ridden 10’s of thousands of miles on various motorcycles while exploring and working to improve at every turn. Always having had a passion for helping others and making a positive impact, Domenic eventually became a Firefighter EMT, and most recently landed at a medical drone delivery company called Zipline.
Domenic would eventually spend time in Rwanda and Ghana to support the expansion of life-saving operations in those regions, and would embark on some East African mini adventures on small TVS motorcycles that wholeheartedly embodied the phrase “safety third”.
So, what do you get when you combine a passion for travel, motorcycles, and affecting positive change? The Rally for Rangers! Domenic was ecstatic when he first heard about the Rally while on the Death Valley 350 last year, and instantly knew it was something that he had to be a part of. National parks and public lands, and those that support and protect them are so vitally important, and the opportunity to assist in that mission is an honor. Domenic’s first Rally for Rangers was in Peru last year, but Mongolia awaits for 2023!
“I grew up in Northern California and started riding adventure bikes in 2008 while raising my two daughters in Bend, Oregon. I have always cherished the outdoors – flyfishing, skiing, hiking, biking, and camping. Back country riding has become a focus for me - riding six Backcountry Discovery Routes, making numerous annual treks to Baja, and touring the Rockies.
We have toured 31 U.S National Parks and National Parks in Europe, Patagonia, and the Galapagos Islands. Now we’re on to Mongolia! I am blessed to have my wife, Kim, by my side on her KTM or BMW during our moto travels.
This will be no exception. My Rally for Rangers goals are to experience more of the world’s geographic wonders and to promote good stewardship of these gifts we have been given and to support the rangers that work tirelessly to protect and preserve their parks and resources. Delivering motorcycles to the rangers and improving their accessibility to the far reaches of the parks will be a gratifying and unforgettable experience.”
“I was born into a car, boat, and racing obsessed family in Northern California. From slot car tracks in the garage to dirt track sprint cars at Hangtown Speedway, our family spent almost every weekend at the track or on the water.
So when, on a cold winters’ night in the kitchen of our home in Bend, Oregon, I told my husband, Tony, that I thought our lives needed more adrenaline and that we ought to get motorcycles, it didn’t come as a surprise – to him or our families. He was fully IN! Six months after that fateful night in the kitchen, we were riding the Oregon BDR. I was 42 when we started riding, but I feel like it’s been a lot longer – in the best way!
With the very good fortune to be living in Bend, we spent the majority of time riding off-road in all kinds of conditions. It’s still my favorite type of riding and Roscoe (my KTM450EXC) has been, mostly, kind and forgiving of my abuse. I’m 56 now, but when I’m on Roscoe, I feel like a kid again. It’s the best feeling to be dirty, tired, and covered in mud! I love riding solo, but my favorite riding partner is my husband, and we are fortunate to share a lot of fun and adventure.
My favorite place to ride is Baja, and we’ve been up and down and over and back many times. I was lucky to find my husband and best friend when I was 18 years old and, after 33 years of marriage, there is no one I’d rather be with. We have two precious daughters together; they encourage our riding adventures and understand that when we’re in the backcountry “no news is good news”.
Our whole family shares a passion for the outdoors and especially for National Parks – we’ve been to over 30 and had the awesome privilege to hike the John Muir Trail with our youngest daughter. We had hoped to participate in Rally for Rangers last year but were unable. This year, after having to wait, we are more excited than ever. We are very honored to have this opportunity to support National Parks in Mongolia and look forward to sharing a rare and special experience with other like-minded riders. This is going to be AWESOME!!!”
Born in the heart of southern Missouri and nurtured on the outskirts of St. Louis, Aaron's roots are intertwined with the very essence of resilience and determination.
Following his calling, he journeyed through Chiropractic college, only to embark on an even greater adventure with his beloved Danielle. Together, they ventured to Wilmington, NC, where Aaron set up his practice and laid the foundation for a beautiful family. With three children aged 21, 19, and 17, his commitment to nurturing lives extends far beyond his professional role.
Yet, Aaron's heart beats in tune with the ocean's rhythm. His dedication radiates through his involvement in the local board of the Surfrider Foundation. Organizing and participating in over 50 charity fundraisers and group events, he's become a catalyst for positive change, one wave at a time.
But that's just one current in his ever-flowing river of passions. In 2008, he ignited his entrepreneurial spark and founded a boutique car shop. Over time, what started as a mere vision has transformed into a testament to his unwavering dedication.
As the milestone of 50 approaches, Aaron's soul seeks new avenues of purpose. The Rally for Rangers beckons, offering a perfect alignment of his myriad talents and passions. Through motorcycles, family, charity, and cars, Aaron's journey reminds us that purpose is a path worth seeking.
At 71 years young, he's embracing retirement with an insatiable appetite for adventure and a love for motorcycles that's been roaring since he was a mere 13 years old. Back then, he hopped onto an 80cc Yamaha and taught himself the art of riding – a skill that has since become an integral part of his vibrant life.
Lester's journey is one filled with milestones – a proud father of three and a joyful grandfather of two. Among his prized possessions are his cherished motorcycles – a 92 R100GS, a 2021 Honda CRF300l, and a 1995 Ducati SSCR. These bikes aren't just machines; they're his tickets to freedom and exploration.
In the realm of adventure, Lester thrives on taking the road less traveled. Late to the game, perhaps, in some arenas like single track dirt Moto riding and surfing, but his spirit remains unfazed. He's determined to master these pursuits and counts himself blessed to have the health and stamina to do these and more.
Yet, Lester's vigor goes beyond bikes and boards. A lover of the great outdoors, he finds solace in hiking and the serenity of swimming. His passions have taken him to the windswept waters, where he's been a windsurfer for over 30 exhilarating years.
Professionally, Lester's journey has been equally impressive. With half a century spent as an elevator mechanic and dedicated member of the IUEC, he's been elevating more than just floors. As the founder and President of Apple Elevator Company in Oakland, California, his leadership has been elevating lives.