Riette Thomas

Peter and I were married for 20 years. He was the sporty one and I never thought that something like this could happen to us. It was a priviledge to have shared such a full life in such a short time. We had some amazing adventures which I wil treasure a life time. I have two beautiful children Lauren and Dylan who are a split image of their dad. Those who know will vouch that I am not really the sport type, more the adventurous!!! The bike ride is going to be a real challenge, but then I have always enjoyed challenges in my life and faced them head on, this is just another one.

Two years ago Lauren walked 150km across the Sinai desert to raise money for the hospice but also to face the death of Peter. Spending time in the desert gave her the opportunity to deal with it. The GIST 2009 bike ride is an opportunity for Dylan, as he is now a bit older and started asking questions about the cancer Peter had. It is such an opportunity for children to deal with their bereavement as it will help them in future. Now is the right time and I am supporting him during this time of change. The death of a loved one leaves a big hole, but also throws amazing opportunities at you. Grab them and live today as if it is the last!

Dylan Thomas

10 Years Old

I love participating in a variety of sport from cycling to skiing, playing golf and swimming. This year will be my 4th Woking Bikeathon. It is a yearly cycle ride that takes place in Woking and is 29 miles. I did my very first one with my dad and am hoping to complete 10 consecutive rides.

"I know my dad would have been very proud of me participating in the GIST 2009 ride and raising money for the GIST charity which he suported. This year I will still be too young to do the full 1000 miles, but will cycle every day and complete as much as I can. Please support me in raising money for the GIST Research charity, as a trial drug helped my dad to spend an extra five years with me. Dylan"

Wayne Thomas

aka - Wayne (Keep it Going) Thomas

South African via Belgium
Date of Birth
19 Apr 1960
Cyclist since 2005
2006 e2e 1000 mile 10 day friendship adventure
2009 Argus
Social rider in Europe

In loving memory, to continue the story, find the fellowship and make the adventure inspired by Peter and at the same time then to raise awareness and money to find a cure.

Rae Davies

aka - Die Bles

South African via Australia
Date of Birth
12 May 1958
Social rider since 2004
2 x Argus
3 x ride for sight
2 carnival city races
springs rotary charity
2 x 94.7 cycle races

Family to Wayne and the late Peter Thomas, avid cyclist and supporter of the GIST cause.

Irene Davies

Roxy Davies

Roxy (Pure Naughtiness) Davies (aka - The Elbows of Pain)

South African via Australia
Date of Birth
10 May 1980
Social rider since 2004
3 x Argus
3 x ride for sight
2 carnival city races
springs rotary charity
2 x 94.7 cycle races
Member of the 2006 2e GIST team -- medical, emotional, mental and physical support, entertainment, videographer, photographer and smiles ;0)

Member of the 2006 e2e GIST team, Family to Wayne and the late Peter Thomas, avid cyclist and supporter of the GIST cause. Riding for a cause very close to my heart

Robert Murray

Friend, Life Long Sportsman, Experienced Cyclist Long distance cycling; Sea kayaking; Cross country skiing; Mountain hiking;

Father of 2

USA
Date of Birth
26 Oct 1948
1.90m
75kg

Peter Campbell

A friend of Peter's who was invited to ride with the team in 2006. Peter Laid down a challenge which could not be ignored and I joined him on quite a few training rides before the big event. When he first proposed the End to End I thought he was joking, when I realised he was serious, I wished he would forget about it. I was in no shape or form capable of doing a thousand miles on a bike. However, Peter's enthusiam and dedication to the idea was infectious and I soon found myself out training. We were all sad that Peter was not able to ride with us, but I know that he was very proud and happy that we had taken up the challenge.

This ride is something that Peter planned, he always wanted us to do more that just the one ride. I am very much looking forward to being back in the saddle, on the road with a group of friends.

John Hebert

Friend, Life Long Sportsman.

Cycled from Maine to California in 1979;Runner; Father of 1

United States
Date of Birth
25 Jun 57
1.70m
76kg

Debbie Mockler-Hebert

Friend, Life Long Sports Woman, Kayaking; Cross country skiing; Century (in Miles) Cyclist;

Mother of 1

USA
Date of Birth
14 Mar 1961
1.75
63 kg

Karen Anderson - Australian

A runner who decided to try social cycling in 2007, this will be my first charity ride. I have ridden socially (though somewhat competitively - it's in my nature ...) including the Brisbane to Gold Coast 100 km Cycle Challenge and a five day 500 km cycling adventure around the Great Wall of China in 2008.

My Reasons for riding are that I am an exercise physiologist who works with clients with a range of chronic conditions including cancer. I am looking forward to the challenge of supporting this cause physically and financially, and raising awareness of GIST. Over the years I have helped numerous people to reach their personal physical goals and now it is my turn.

Uwe Bentlage - German

I got into this, as the spoken word was faster than my brain. Pure German who tried to escape the country once in a while but always came back.

Vast riding experience - but long time ago, it was about time to start again

Reason to ride: Many, but supporting this great event is the major driver

Phil Reunert

I took up cycling recently inspired by my dear sister who agreed to ride the Argus with me (she has ridden many already). We rode the whole magnificent 110 km together and it remains one of the most fun things I have ever done. Getting fit and keeping fit is another reason. Spinning (too cold to be on the road here in winter) and riding has been wonderful exercise.

I have also enjoyed other fun rides and training around here with many like-minded friends. Simon has been a great inspiration and trainer.

Wayne tricked me into riding this marathon. I am honoured to be part of this challenge and am so looking forward to all the camaraderie and experience. It was my genius that begged to be able to ride part of the route. I am in awe of the training and determination of the core riders and I wish them great fortitude and luck. It is great to be part of a movement to make a difference and trust that these efforts will help to find a cure for GIST, and other related disease.

John O'Regan

Pedigree:

• reborn social cyclist since 2002
• 7 x Argus
• Berlin to Budapest
• Budapest to Constanta (on Black Sea)

Retired from competitive cycling in 1959 to become engaged to and subsequently marry my best friend. Four wonderful children and 42 years later, having lost my best friend, I followed my daughters 'you must do something' suggestion and got back on the bike. I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate a birthday riding with family, meeting new friends and at the same time supporting and giving exposure to such a worthy and deserving charity. Remember it's ok to grow old - just never grow up !

Suzy O'Regan

• 6 x Cape Argus Cycle Tours - 109kms
• 2007: PB 3hrs41 - 9 minutes behind my father!
• 2009: Completed the gruelling "Tour of Storms", in support of the SABRINA LOVE FOUNDATION

Thanks to a special friend, Nicola, in 2001 I was coerced into cycling my first Cape Argus with absolutely no training and a very dodgy bike! 6hrs19mins later we eventually crossed the finish line!!

In 2006 it was a real family affair ... and quite a competitive one at that!

Subsequently I have enjoyed many hours cycling with my father and brother, Simon, on the Cape peninsula and in Connecticut.

I am thrilled to be riding with Simon and my father, meeting new friends and in support of such a worthwhile cause. I trust that we give GIST and the Peter Thomas Ride the exposure that it so deserves

Simon O'Regan

• ANGELRIDE - across CT 135 miles '04 -'09 benefiting pediatric cancer
• BLOOMING METRIC - with Sound Cyclists 65 miles '05 - '06.
• ARGUS - Cape Town, South Africa - 65 mile ride - lost to dad!

Gastro intestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are not common, nor is much known about them. I have had the experience of helping 3 people in my practice with this potentially devastating tumor. Fortunately so far so good. Sadly for Peter and his family this was not the case.

I am thrilled to be part of this event - creating awareness by the public of this potentially fatal intestinal tumor and finding a cure soon.

Thanks for the invite Phil!

John Swingler

Robert "Bob" Amidon

New member of GIST E2E, 2009 Support/Cycle Team

Patricia "PM" Amidon

New member of GIST E2E, 2009 Support/Cycle Team. Accidental long distance cyclist.Often finds herself overcommitted. Stubbornly stays the course. Avid indoor cycling student. Outdoor Cycling enthusiast

Marcia Feller