Jim tuned into Adventure Rider Radio one day when he heard a story that caught his attention. The guest described a unique conservation organization leading an expedition to deliver motorcycles to wildlife rangers in Bhutan. The trip sounded exciting, purpose driven, and possibly a little dangerous.  

Jim’s first thought was ‘I wish I could do that; that trip sounds incredible.’ His second thought was ‘Why not try?’ 

So, this is him trying.  

Jim applied to the Rally for Rangers Laos expedition on short notice and with a long shot of being accepted. He was pleasantly surprised when he was asked to join.  

Previously, Jim was a Wilderness Ranger with the US Forest Service for several seasons in the White River National Forest. Since then, he has tried his hand at several careers, joined a startup, won some, and learned some. He is currently searching for the next meaningful way to spend his time. He is hopefully optimistic that the Rally for Rangers mission will scratch his itch for both purpose and adventure.   

This is Jim’s first Rally for Rangers and his first time riding off road. Hopefully it’s not his last. 

I grew up in Maryland and now call Chicago home (though I’m not home too often). I helped found and operate an outdoor adventure summer camp for children, in Colorado, before retiring a few years ago, and since then have enjoyed more frequent motorcycle trips — in the US and especially abroad. I also enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking and international travel with my wonderful wife and our two adult sons. I am inspired by the Rally for Rangers mission and look forward to participating in my first rally, in Laos, this year. 

From the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. not overly experienced on a motorcycle but looking forward to riding with my dad on this trip, and excited to get out more here in Oregon in preparation. It will be my first real multi-day ride and first in a foreign country. Excited for the adventure. 

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. But don't hold that against me, I learned an incredible appreciation for nature here. I've spent time living in and riding motorcycles in Portland OR, Chico CA, Brooklyn NY, Atlanta GA and currently reside on the South Shore of Boston MA.
I'm an avid hiker, runner, and camper and am so in love with our state and national parks here in the US. I fell in love with two wheels, as early as I can remember, starting out with BMX bikes and taking advantage of motors whenever possible. I love riding, all kinds of riding, and do by best to get as many hours in the saddle as possible.
I studied finance in college and have built a career in software sales in financial services, primarily working with startups that serve financial advisors with automated solutions.
My amazing wife and 3 daughters encourage my motorcycle habit and great outdoor adventures and I'm forever grateful for their support.

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. 

Following his first Rally for Rangers, Mongolia 2023, he also joined Mongolia 2024, 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. 

Bill Marsh is a father of three living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.  He works in the packaging industry as a Key Accounts Manager for Hood Container and is a graduate of Michigan State University.  He has travelled much of the continental US via motorcycle and enjoys international travel.  Bill enjoys many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, golf, and especially exploring on a motorbike. 

This is Bill's second rally.

Lester Appel is the owner, operator, and President of Apple Elevator Company, a California corporation. As the founder of the company in 1983 Lester brings decades of trade knowledge to his firm.

Lester is a 72 year old father of 3 and grandfather of 2.

Born in Chicago Illinois, Lester grew up in Illinois and went to High School in St.Louis Missouri before moving west to Oakland California in 1978.

While currently living in both Oregon and Arizona as a retired member of the IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constrctors) he continues to operate his Oakland California based company which employs his son, now in line to some day take over the business. Lester’s hobbies include motorcycles, windsurfing, snowboarding, hiking and gardening. He is a recent participant in the 2023 Rally for Rangers in the Gobi Desert and looks forward to the upcoming ride in Bhutan. 

This is his third rally.

Brewer, third-time Rally for Rangers rally participant, punster, historian, explorer, outlaw, imbiber, adventurer, cultural attaché, small dog owner, motorcycle enthusiast, philosopher, spiritual guru , and smart ass have been all words used to describe Jason Oliver. Most often by himself or when authorities are present.
Jason Oliver's first foray into motor bikes was as a twelve year old in 1984 with a fourth hand Sears 2.5hp mini bike. He loved that thing. It had a metal plate that pressed against the rear wheel as a brake, it was sweet. Then came the 1977 Honda XL75 and the 1978 Honda XR80, alongside a slew of mopeds and scooters(Honda, Jawa, Tomos, ect). Anything he could work on while knowing absolutely nothing about mechanics.
About 15 years ago he sold his beloved 2001 Kymco People 50 urban destroyer (aka The Silver Bullet) and moved from downtown Washington DC to the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. He immediately bought a used Suzuki DRZ 400 dual sport and began exploring the area which was an eye opener (to ride legally!!). His life changed again when he bought his first twin cylinder bike in 2016. He went down the rabbit hole of bigger is better and bought a BMW R1200 GSA. He put some serious miles on it. Crossing the country multiple times, an unofficial Iron Butt challenge, and taking it some places where he shouldn't have but managing to get out every time! Jason still loves large twins but his current favorite bike is a 2023 Honda CT125 Trail bike!
If Rally for Rangers has taught him anything, it's that small bikes are a ton of fun and are way more practical in the real world than behemoths. He considers himself blessed to have both small & large displacement bikes, but if he had to choose, he'd pick a smaller bike like the ones donated by Rally for Rangers.
Michael (Mike) Emrich, now 75, has been riding since he was only 12 years old. He had traveled by motorcycle around the United States, twice to Alaska and Baja, Canada, Mexico, South America and Newfoundland. He began riding with Rally for Rangers in 2022 on the Bhutan rally. Since then, he joined the Namibia 2023 and Black Hills 2023 rally at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
In 2019, Michael embarked on an awe-inspiring journey from Cusco, Peru to Ushuaia, Argentina, covering a staggering 8,700 miles. Over half of the trip was spent conquering dirt, sand, gravel, and muddy roads. It's no surprise that Michael is still in top-notch shape and always ready for new challenges.
"Retirement has given me the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate than myself and help with protect and save some of our environment and resources. Rally for Rangers provides the unique experiences of visiting those who you are helping while exploring the country your donation is helping. You also meet people who have similar goals. The group of people you get to travel with are amazing and so helpful."
He has been married for 54 years with two beautiful children aged 48 and 45. He holds a BS from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, CA. in Industrial Technology. In, 1975 he founded Solarponics, Inc an Atascadero, CA based Solar Energy, Radiant Heating and Energy Related Design and Installation Company.

Nasanjargal (Nasaa) is a petroleum engineer with over 25 years of experience. He currently serves as the COO of Petrovis Energy Group LLC, one of Mongolia’s leading energy companies. Under his leadership, Petrovis has proudly supported Rally for Rangers since 2018, providing essential support to rangers working in national parks across Mongolia. This is his fifth rally in Mongolia.