Meet Our Team
Danica Spencer // Owner
Where you can find me on event day: In the morning, at registration and the start line. In the afternoon, catching up with riders!
How I got involved with Epic: I interned for Michael (Epictour’s Founder) in Epictour’s second year and have been involved ever since. My first roles were creating the volunteer blueprint (that Keri-ann has now made even better) and creating the Vendor sales template (that Jackie has now mastered). From there I progressed to working with Michael on all things cycling. Epictour changed hands in 2018.
Why I love Epictour: I love bringing people to sport. So many kids and young adults are involved in sport and as people get into adult hood, participation wanes. I love that cycling is so accessible to adults who want to stay competitive in their later years.
Fun Fact: Rugby is my sport of choice, and I still play! I also love mountain biking for the thrills and road cycling because you get to appreciate the countryside in a different light than from a car.
Nick Jelinek // Partner
Where you can find me on event day: Mostly around the Festival area, talking with riders and sponsors.
How I got involved with Epic: Michael Merrall was the creator and founder of Epic Tour, and also an industry friend of mine. When I heard he passed away in 2018, I offered Danica support to keep Michael’s legacy intact. Here we are!
Why I love Epic Tour: Cyclists are a great group of people! I love the energy and camaraderie when they all come together. I’m proud to be part of the Epic Community.
What’s Next: I’m hoping to find one or two sponsors to support and further elevate “The Epic Experience” for all our riders.
Brant Fahey // Director of Operations
Where you can find me on event day: Managing Operations/Logistics at the Epic Tour Finish Line Festival
How I got involved with Epic: I am proud to have been with Epic Tour since its inception over 8 years ago when I was asked to come on board by my good friend Michael Merrall. It was his vision to get a premiere cycling event off the ground after over 30 years in the event business. Initially my role was that of an advisor but I have been lucky enough to become a key member of Danica’s team over the past 8 years as the event has grown in different directions, flourished and prospered to become one of the foremost and quintessential Gran Fondo-style cycling events in the country.
Why I love Epic Tour: There are months and months of planning that go into the execution of an event of this scope and size. Helping to mold and create the experience for the riders on paper in the off-season is what I consider to be my form of art. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing all that hard thought creativity and hundreds of hours of teamwork come together on event day. As the first group of hundreds of riders leave the start corrals and then return under the finish arch into the excitement of our finish line festival…I love the feeling when I get to stand back just watch and say “Hey, I helped build this from a plan on paper into a real thing, and it’s pretty cool!”.
Jackie Chan // Event Operations & Support Specialist
Where you can find me on event day: Roaming around the main event area putting out fires and trying to prevent fires from happening!
How I got involved with Epic: I did a 4 month summer internship with Epic Tour 2015, mainly focusing on marketing and the coordination of volunteers and vendors . Since then, my role has grown and I’ve had the opportunity to work on web design, logistics and customer service.
Why I love Epic Tour: EVENT DAY! Epic Tour is such an awesome environment to be a part of. Whether it’s a year-end goal, a day on the bike with friends and family, or a day to come out to cheer and support, the energy is so positive and fun. I love being a part of a team that wants to provide an exceptionally memorable experience that keeps cyclists coming back year after year!
Fun fact: I love planning trips and organizing events and would happily plan a vacation for anyone who asks!
Keri-Ann Hamilton // Volunteer Coordinator
Greg Rawson // Route Manager
Where you can find me on event day: Out on the courses ensuring everyone is having a safe and enjoyable experience!
How I got involved with Epic: I started working with Epic Tour during it's planning phase prior to year one. At the time, I was working at the Ontario Cycling Association and was approached to provide insight and guidance with getting the event off the ground in it's first year.
Why I love Epic Tour: It's the fact that we offer something for any and all types of cyclists. When I'm out on the course event day, I'm always blown away by the stories I hear from various participants. I love the fact that our event is truly a season highlight, whether it's riding with friends, completing a new personal best or meeting new friends out on the bike everyone is able to make Epic Tour EPIC in their own way.
Fun fact: A hobby that I couldn't give up, besides Cycling is Water-skiing up at my cottage with friends and family!