Hello! My name is Gedion Amesias, I am a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Actuarial Science. Even though I have resided in the great city of Chicago and Evanston (a northern suburb of Chicago) for the past seven years with my amazing family, I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

My name is Emmanuel Camacho. I am the youngest of 4. I have two sisters, Paulina, and Anelle. And a brother, Orlando. I can truly say that I love my brother and sisters for providing me with inspiration, support, knowledge, and best friends.

My name is Josh Doppelt. I am a Junior at U of I studying Biology and Psychology. I am from Highland Park, IL, which is a north suburb of Chicago.

My name is Gabrielle Fairbairn and I am from Minooka, Illinois. I am currently a junior at UIUC pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

Hello! My name is Cristian E. Garcia. I'm a freshman at the University of Illinois and I am involved in many things around campus including the Illini 4000.

My parents gave me the name Manwen Guo, and I came up with my English name Ivy, which to me, represents the strong vitality to keep climbing upward. I am currently a sophomore at University of Illinois studying Psychology and Economics as majors and Business as minor.

Hi everyone, my name is Anthony. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I spent most of my life in the big city before my family moved to the United States when I was 18.

Hello! My name is Katie Lindsay and I am a 22-year-old senior graduating in May (whoa!). I'm studying Spanish and Environmental Studies and I have no idea what I'll be doing with that.

I am Sean Madison and I am a sophomore studying Urban and Regional planning while pursuing minors in both Business and Landscape Studies.

Hello, my name is Maggie and I from the lovely suburb of Downers Grove, IL. I am a currently a senior majoring in Advertising with a minor in Communication.

Hello! My name is Marc, Marc Maybaum to those who I have not had the pleasure to meet yet. I am a senior at the University of Illinois studying Advertising, and somehow picked up a Chemistry minor along the way.

I am currently a senior in Community Health at the University of Illinois. After having lived in Naperville for most of my life, I was what you could call a spoiled brat. I never had anything to complain about, but I seemed to complain a lot.

Hello! My name is Dorothy Margaret Quinlan, known to most of my friends as Dory. I am very excited to be a member of this year’s Illini 4000 team! Growing up as the youngest of four sisters, I’ve been blessed with a loving, encouraging family. In high school I enjoyed running track and cross country.

I study biological anthropology and integrative biology. I've been involved with Illini 4000 since 2010 and was a member of the 2011 and 2014 Bike America Teams.

My name is Lee Replogle and I was born at a hospital in Evanston Illinois. Growing up, I loved to play outside. I used to play sports with friends, engage in toy gun fights, and get muddy in the wetlands behind my house.

I was born and raised in Peotone, IL, a small town an hour south of Chicago. I have been lucky enough to have two amazing parents, who have been a big part of my life.

My name is Rachel Alyssa Samaniego and I am from the South Side of Chicago. My father is from Mexico and my mother is from Colombia. I am studying to become an Art and English teacher.

Hello, my name is Christine Santos. I come from a family of four, seven if you include the pets (one dog and two clownfish). I was born just outside of Philadelphia but I grew up in the small Florida town of Port Charlotte.

Hello I am Yang (pronounced like Young). I was born and raised in the central China, and moved to Shanghai when I was in middle school. Lived in a metropolitan for many years, I am still attracted to nature and wildness, instead of packed, modern cities.

I am currently a Senior at the University of Illinois studying Human Development and Family Studies. I’m also working towards a certificate in leadership and two minors: Sociology and Jewish culture and society. After graduation I hope to continue to help others by becoming a psychologist or social worker.

I am very excited to be joining this organization and cause. My family has been affected by cancer and it is something that I feel is very important for people to know about. This ride is more than donating money, it is also raising awareness in all of the communities that we come to.

Hi! I’m David Walder, and I’m a senior at Illinois majoring in Computer Engineering. I’m originally from Oak Park, one of those Chicago suburbs. I discovered the Illini 4000 on quad day of my freshman year while looking for something exciting to do.

My name is Taylor Williams and I am 18 years old. I’m from Mokena, IL and a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I am studying Architecture, Spanish and Global Studies.

I was born and raised in the town of the Freeport Pretzels, a north-western town close to Rockford, Illinois. I have an amazing family- my mom, dad, and younger brother (by six years) that has always been there giving me their constant love and support.

Hello and thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read my rider bio! My name is Connor Yanz and I am a freshman at the University of Illinois.