Curt McPhail took his first trip to Africa in 1996. At the Hartsell Orphanage in Mutare, Zimbabwe, McPhail met a young boy who he has affectionately referred to as the “kid in the red jump suit.” After spending the day with his new friend McPhail left a changed person. That day McPhail made a promise to this boy that through the course of his life he would help kids like him live a better life. Several other trips to Africa followed and with the help of some close friends, McPhail honored that promise with the creation of globalbike in 2006. In his spare time Curt loves spending time with his wife and two boys, ages 9 and 6. Curt is also an avid cyclist, bike commuter, and advocate for community change throughout the world.

 

"For me globalbike is very personal.  The kid in the red jump suit transformed my life and thinking.  I held onto that image for year's working to honor my promise.  To me globalbike is the answer.  As we grow I know more and more kids like my young friend are getting the care they so desperately need."

Eric Turner has a life long passion for cycling. He has dedicated his talents and time to serving cyclists for almost 20 years. He owns and operates Bike Worx, a bicycle shop located on a rail trail in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, SC. Eric is often found riding his bicycle on and off road with his wife, Susan and their two boys, Alex and Dylan.

“The globalbike spirit is a very easy concept to adopt and can be contagious when one comes in contact with the many volunteers that have the same passion. Health care workers receive a bicycle that not only speeds up the delivery of their cause but rewards them to know they can be more effective. My reward is to witness the creative and successful approach globalbike has experienced since its inception.”

Jean Crow is an urban planner who specializes in open space, outdoor recreation and multi-modal transportation. She is currently a graduate student at Clemson University and lives in downtown Spartanburg with her dog, Willis.

"I became involved in globalbike because I found the cause compelling and the solution simple—when you consider the selflessness of the care workers coupled with the limitations and struggles they face daily because of the lack of transportation options, then consider the difference that two wheels would make for each person and each community—it's a no brainer—and it's something that I personally can do.”

Kelly D. H. Lowry is a lawyer in a small firm in Spartanburg specializing in commercial transactions and environmental law. He currently lives in a restored home in the woods with his wife, Rebecca Ramos, and their two daughters, Cenia and Rosie.

“I became involved in globalbike because it seemed like such an effective way to make a positive change in people's lives through such an easy solution—a bicycle, the same device I use in my personal life for recreation and exercise. I was delighted at the initial success we experienced, and it motivated me to make sure that the organization continued to grow, prosper, and make a difference in the developing world. It was then, and continues to be now, remarkable to me that something that I use for fun and exercise can save so many people’s lives, reduce suffering, provide fresh water, and prevent disease.”

Monica Foster is a full-time yoga instructor with previous experience in the advertising and film industries. She is married and enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and the art of conversation. She believes it’s important to give back whenever and however possible.

“It’s simple really, we are all here on this planet in this game together. Why not strive to elevate everyone’s opportunity? I became involved with globalbike because I love the uncomplicated elegance of its model: donor + bike = recipient + expanded capability = greater impact. It’s just that easy to make a difference."

Thomas Webster is married to his high school sweetheart and is the father of three children. Now Director of Science Education in Spartanburg School District Six, he also served as a teacher in North Charleston and at Lone Oak Elementary School.

“globalbike works so well because it sticks to an exquisitely fundamental approach. After all, globalbike is essentially just a conduit for two people, a donor and a receiver, to exchange a bicycle. As with so many simple things, however, while the act itself appears modest, the repercussions are enormous. I am involved with globalbike because I am compelled by the notion of a small group of friends serving to facilitate far-reaching acts of benevolence. I remain amazed by the fact that, through globalbike, literally hundreds of individuals have been able to capitalize on the generosity of our donors.”