I have been volunteering with the Dream Team since 2017. I love to cycle and ride the trails around central Iowa and have volunteered with other youth programs. My first year I checked out Dream Team by being a support mentor. I enjoyed being part of the team and seeing the smiles, now I volunteer as a riding mentor. What is unique about the Dream Team experience is: Using the power of the bicycle to help teach youth how to overcome life's challenges. To witness the growth in the youth's confidence, both as a person and a cyclist, from the first outdoor training ride all the way through the season, when the youth get to dip their bike tires in the Mississippi, is something I am really proud to be part of.

As a first-year mentor in 2021, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how Dream Team changes the lives of dozens of Central Iowa youth each year. As a volunteer, I also learned how rewarding it is to be part of a time-tested program that helps youth riders build confidence and develop a positive approach to help conquer life’s challenges. Now in its 25th year, Dream Team has an amazing story to tell. Contact me if your organization would like to learn more about how they can support Dream Team or if you are with the media and are interested in learning more about Dream Team.

I am a retired Marine and now a career Firefighter-AEMT.  I first joined the dream team in 2000 as a mentor and rode with the team through 2002.  Now I am back and the dream team is bigger and better than ever.  We have wonderful mentors, wonderful youth, great leadership and an awesome facility we can call our home.  I love to ride my bike and I love to work with the other mentors and our youth in achieving their goals and it's amazing to see what they can accomplish!

Dream Team changes the lives of both the mentors and youth in the program in profound ways. I am new to the board and was a first year riding mentor last season for 2023. I joined because of my skills in relating to and supporting youth who need a caring adult in their life. I could not say a year ago that I thought of myself as a “biker” but learning about the program I figured I could handle a few bike rides in the park. I quickly learned that training for RAGBRAI’s 50th anniversary, which ended up being one of the hottest, hilliest and longest in its history, was a lot more than just riding bikes.  When we reached the Mississippi this year I knew I wanted to be in this for the long haul; being part of this magic is a true gift and responsibility I take very close to my heart. 

I am the support director and responsible for keeping the youth fueled during  Dream Team rides. I have been with the team for eight years and am a second generation mentor! In 2014,  after listening to my dad talk about how much fun he was having with Dream Team, I joined as a riding mentor. The joy the youth bring to my life is unparalleled. I’m truly blessed to have a hand in building confidence and developing life skills with this group. 

I joined Dream Team as a mentor in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the spirit of the team. It is truly amazing to see the transformation and growth of our youth throughout the season, and it’s inspiring to see the friendships and bonds that are formed as they support each other on the good days and the bad. I’m excited to work as the Support Coordinator in the 2024 season, and to be there for our youth and mentors as they find confidence in themselves and their abilities to tackle anything that comes their way!

Since joining the Dream Team in 2020 as a riding mentor, it has been inspiring to be a part of the transformation process for these amazing Des Moines-area youth. Nothing short of a metamorphosis takes place - a major and permanent change of their character into something new. I have witnessed youth gain fitness, friendships, self-confidence, and discipline. I’m proud to be seeking the welfare of my greater Des Moines community by investing in the youth of the Dream Team. As a life-long cyclist myself, it is a joy to share my passion for cycling with others.

I am a retired Business Manager, husband, father and grandfather. I love bicycling and became acquainted with the Dream Team while riding several years of RAGBRAI and serving on it’s Ride Right safety committee.  I had the joy of joining the Dream Team in 2005 when “Greenie” was our leader and we were housed at the old Des Moines Register building.  

What I enjoy about the team is watching the youth grow throughout the season and year over year.  This growth includes building confidence, physical and emotional strength, sense of belonging, working as a team, commitment to achieving a goal and social skills.

I am a riding mentor and often provide support and occasionally drive the truck for campouts.

Since joining the Dream Team in 2022 as a riding mentor, I was impressed by the transformation of the youth in the program.  After my first Dream Team season, I was excited to join the leadership team given this was a natural merger of my interests of cycling and serving/supporting youth in Central Iowa.

I have been a riding mentor on the Dream Team since 2022.   Like other members of leadership I’m an avid cyclist and I’m always looking for new challenges on a bicycle.   I remember seeing the Dream Team on RAGBRAI and on the local trails at least ten years ago.   I looked up Dream Team online and thought, “What a great way to have fun on a bike and give back to the community.   I originally planned to join Dream Team earlier but COVID and unfortunately delayed me joining until later.    I’m very happy I joined this team and feel blessed to be given the opportunity to watch these amazing youth grow.