Todd Ranney - Owner of TCRides and tour guide
Todd fell in love with Europe on his first trip not long ago...back in 1984! He has lived and worked there off and on a total of six years, specifically Paris and Madrid. He has created and led university immersion trips to Europe to visit businesses and learn about the European Union and its many cultures. Some of his most memorable moments in Europe include hitchhiking throughout Europe including above the Arctic Circle after university and his solo bike trip from Belgium to Spain in 2012 (see picture at right). In 2014, Todd spent time riding in the Alps and checking off five HC, or out-of-category, climbs in six days, including the Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col de la Madeleine, and Alpe d'Huez…twice! August of 2015 was epic with a Paris-Brest-Paris finish-- 1200km (750mi) in under 90 hours). Todd didn't get much sleep on that one. |
Todd has also gone off-road, mountain-biking in Spain and France, and has done quite a bit of hiking, skiing, and bouldering in the Alps. With Spanish and French in his head, Todd claims that his English has suffered! In his spare time, Todd enjoys participating in triathlons--on road and off (Xterra)--and has completed four Ironman races.
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Becky Luka - Owner of Tour Group Planners
Becky has worked in the travel business for 23 years. In September 2011, she bought Bill Owen's TourGroupPro group travel business (he retained the software portion of the business, moved to Uruguay with his wife, Pat, and still plans tours with Becky and Judy). Bill Owen - Owner of Tour Group In his 41st year, Bill was the owner of Franklin Travel (with 3 offices in Decatur, Springfield & Champaign IL) and has worked in group travel since 1972. Judy McElfresh - Group Coordinator Judy has worked in the travel business since 1964 after moving to Hawaii and was most recently with Franklin Travel since 1982. |