Years of service: 14 - Founding Member

My commitment with Tour de Hope began in 2010, when Mike Darby pulled me, Keith Steiniger and John Warren aside after one of our local organized bike rides and said, "I've got this crazy idea for a new bike ride in Kansas City. I think we can do this better. Let me tell you what I'm thinking!" And, like virtually everything else Mike asked me to do, when he offered me the opportunity to help him bring this vision to reality, I said, "Hell yes! Let's do it!" Even as I approach the age of 75, I ride as often as I can, year round. The sport has brought me more joy, more physical challenges, more genuine friendships, more epic memories and more 'life' than anything else I've ever experienced.

What I ride: 2016 Pinarello Rokh, 2014 Pinarello Marvel

Years of service: 14 years - Founding Member

My involvement with TDH was due to being involved with Mike Darby when he had the idea that we could put on a Charity event to benefiting a local Charity and that we could make the event unique, different, and better than any other. My involvement in Cycling actually started a few years prior when Mike Darby (see a theme) said we needed to ride 100 miles around Lake Tahoe to raise money for LLS. While I ride far less than I did in the first 5-7 years, I still enjoy it, and being involved in helping put on the Tour de Hope event each year is still a passion to continue to carry on the Legacy of Mike Darby.

What I ride: 2016 Trek Madone

Years of service: 7

I worked for Mike Darby since 1988 and was the GM at Coach's when we lost him in 2017. I had been a part of TOUR de HOPE from the beginning and helped Mike with everything he was working on, so when we lost him, I felt it was important to continue the work he had started. I truly loved what The Hope Center was doing and joining the board was just another way for me to celebrate Mike and his friendship of 20 plus years. He was much more than a boss to me. He was truly a friend and mentor and I learned so much from him over the years. I never even owned a bike until COVID and I actually had the time. I only have one bike, but I love it and riding the open road.

What I ride: 2017 Raleigh Revenio

Years of service:

Mike was a childhood friend. Our friendship rekindled later in life through cycling when Mike asked me to join him in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ride in Lake Tahoe with his “you know you want to” catch phrase. Mike later Mike asked me to join the Tour de Hope board

Mike was so so special in many ways and influenced everything that he was involved with. He was never the loudest but quietly persuasive.

What I ride:

Years of service:

I met Mike during training for Tahoe Ride 2012 with Team in Training for LLS. He always impressed me with his positive attitude and care for others. When he asked me to join the board a few years back I of course said yes. Knowing his vision to support the underprivileged here in Kansas City and seeing his passion made me want to be a part of this event. Giving what I can to those that deserve better is how I like to live so I do what I can to contribute to my community and find joy in doing for others. I also regularly volunteer at Hope Center KC to help maintain their community garden.

What I ride: Fuji Altamira

Years of service: 8 years - Founding Member

I became a part of Tour de Hope because Mike asked me to help him start a charity bike ride. His spirit and giving heart were a force of nature and he made it impossible to say no.

Prior to that, I helped him navigate his first bike purchase to prepare for the Team in Training ride around Lake Tahoe to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I’m happy to continue my passion for cycling and helping others in need in Mike’s name.

What I ride: 1999 Klein Attitude Comp MTB, 2010 Cannondale Super Six, 2005 Lemond Tourmalet, 1990’s Felt Breed Single Speed, 2018 Otso Waheela Gravel Bike, 2001 Caloi Cruiser and 1989 Bianchi Campione d’Italia vintage.

Years of service: 3

I love cycling; it is my passion and therapy. Some of my favorite memories have been on two wheels, adventuring, racing and riding for good. Joining TdH is a way for me to honor my father’s legacy as a cyclist and philanthropist and founder Mike Darby’s vision to create a fun cycling event that contributes to the future health and growth of the Kansas City community.

What I ride: 2020 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5, 2007 Trek Pilot Endurance

Years of service: 3

I joined the Tour de Hope because it combines my love of cycling and a desire to give back to my community. I rode the Tour on two separate occasions (and even once completed all of the KOM's!) but more than anything I remember the joy I experienced at the Hope Center. The people, the smiles and the warmth stuck with me for years and when I had the opportunity to be a part of an organization helping to create that joy, I jumped at the chance.

What I ride: 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1973 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1992 Specialized Allez, 2018 Salsa El Mariachi

Years of service: 3

I am no bicyclist. For me it is all about Mike Darby. Mike was a good friend and fellow business owner. Mike made a huge impact on so many lives, especially in the Kansas City area. Most local charities knew him well and maybe none greater than the Hope Center. Mike was the guy who would literally give you the shirt off his back when needed. His success in business only fueled his desire to give back to the community.

As far as me personally, have been an avid (motor) cyclist all of my life. Mike heavily recruited me to ride bicycles with his crew but I quickly decided that I made a better financier than participant.

I have seen with my own eyes what a great organization The Hope Center is and what a great steward they are of every donation that comes their way.

What I ride: motorcycle