MEET THE ABB STAFF

President:  Douglas Torosian

Doug had a love of long distance cycling from a very young age.
He first rode cross country self contained in 1982. And in the last 24 years has provided the means for 1000s of cyclists to achieve their goal of riding their bicycles across the United States.

ABB was founded by cyclists for cyclists as a full service long distance touring alternative for bicyclists who want to cycle across the USA.  “Our philosophy is to create a level of support for our cyclists that includes; great routes, motel lodging, meals, friendly experienced cycling staff, compressive mechanical and sag support, luggage transportation, daily maps and cue sheets, etc.  Our goal is to allow you, the cyclist, to ride your bike at your own pace and truly see America...as you only can from the seat of your bicycle.  No worries!  Just ride your bike!”  "We continually update our current tours to find the best roads, lodging, logistics, etc., while continuing to develop new and interesting events to give cyclists a real choice of touring options to see this great country.  We hope to see you ride with us someday."

Associate Director of Operations: 
Bill Lannon

Came to ABB in 2001.  The voice on the other end of the line when you call to sign up or have a question.  Responsible for marketing, advertising, and all materials sent out to the riders.  Coordinates motels, meals, and other tour logistics.

Office Manager: Karen Bagshaw

Been with the organization since '93.  Responsible for accounting and creating all documentation that leaves the office.  Not to be confused with Karen Bauer (the one that eats broccoli).

Experience: First rode across the country as staff with Cycle America in 1996 upon retiring from the Air Force.  First rode with ABB in '97 and began serving as head mechanic and leading ABB tours in '98.  Has crossed the US 31 times and has led a total of 43 tours with ABB.

Started riding in 1989 at 42 years old and started racing at 45.  Since '89, has amassed over 158,000 miles and has medaled at district, regional, and national levels in Armed Forces Masters, USCF Masters, and Senior Olympics competitions.  Presently attached to the Cycle Escape Racing Team in Montgomery AL.  Training includes:  LABs Effective Cycling Instructor Certification, United Bicycle Institute's Bicycle Mechanic Certification, and is a Walden School of Cycling graduate.  Four time National Senior Olympics Gold medalist with 3 other podium finishes.  Still holds the 50-54 National Senior Olympics record for the 5K time trial (6:29/29.0 MPH at Orlando FL, '99).   

Although cycling is a passion, other interests include golf, traveling, meeting new people, and playing with this web site.

Heard saying to a motel desk clerk:  "Do you want to talk to the man in charge, or the woman who knows what's going on?"
Experience:  Barbara began supporting bicycle tours so she could see Mike in the summer time.  After he returned from his third summer on the road while she stayed home, she told him if he went again, he had to take her or stay home himself.  She has been a wonderful addition to the ABB staff as she comes to us with 9 years experience supporting and developing bike tours.  Her basic duties include taking care of the luggage, meals, motels, and general support of the riders (but mostly, as said before, she spends the majority of her time keeping Mike in check).  You'll see her smiling face at the SAG stops and while preparing lunches on the road. 

She spends most of her time, when away from bicycle tours, being the perfect mother to her two daughters (Krystal 36 and Niki 33) and grandma to her 4 grandkids Michael (11), Noah (8), Annaleise (5), and finally Rebekah Joy (3).  She enjoys reading, working in the yard, travel, movies, and her grandkids (how does she find time to keep Mike out of trouble). 

DEBBIE TARVIN, SAG Support

Age: 60
Single
Hometown:  Wapwallopen PA
Occupation: Retired
Bike: Roark Custom Ti
Favorite Ride: Where ever I am today
Hobbies: Riding my bike
Favorite Quote:  "Life is like riding a bicycle; to keep your balance, you have to keep pedaling."

This is Debbie's third year as staff with ABB, and she's ridden with us on 3 previous occasions.  We've been after her to be on staff for a long time and she finally decided it was time to come join us and retire from her former life...great to have her...her smile is infectious.  She plans on working hard at having fun now that she's retired.  She was heard to say, "I retired from a 9-5 for a 24-7.  Let's see...9+5 is 14...24+7 is 31...that's a bigger number so it must be better right?"  Riiiiiiiiight Deb.

Debbie started riding with a kiddie seat on the back and just kept riding...she still has the kiddie seat on the back of her former bike.  She eventually bought a road bike and started touring. 

She loves the outdoors so she is a perfect match for staff duty...she said she'd even sleep in a tent if we needed her to.  Luckily, Karen needs a roommate. 

JEFF LAZER, SAG Support

Age: 55
Married
Hometown:  St Paul MN
Occupation:  Independent contractor
Bike:  Roark Custom Ti
Favorite Quote: "No matter where you go, there you are."
Favorite Ride:  Anywhere with "Mike."
 

Jeff took his 20 year old $100 hybrid bike down from the rafters to ride from St Paul to Chicago on an Aids Ride.  Survived and has never looked back.  Eleven years later after six more Aids rides, many other charity rides, 6 days in the Rockies, and two ABB rides, he needed another challenge.  Staffing a ride!  Jeff staffed the North Ride and co-lead the Mississippi Ride in 2007.  He just finished Leading the Mississippi Ride and has now joined us for the North Ride.  We're really excited to have Jeff on our crew, he's experienced, highly motivated, and can't wait to get at least an entry level rating to his new duty title.