We are ELCA pastors dedicated to hunger and wellness issues. We have over 70 years of successful leadership within the Church.  Our commitment to wellness is what allows us to make this incredible journey (our average age is 60). The Tour de Revs was conceived five years ago and was given life in the summer of 2007. David Twedt, Ron Schlak, and Fred Soltow have been colleagues and friends for fifteen years. and this ride has become a spiritual journey in the campaign against World Hunger.

The Rev. Dr. Fred A. Soltow, Jr.
Pastor of the Shepherdstown Lutheran Parish 2001- current

M/Div. The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia 1974

Ordained in the Metro New York Synod in 1975

Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Davis, WV 1972-1979

Grace Lutheran Church, Petersburg, WV 1993-2001

D/ Min. McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago 2000-2003

From 1977-1996 I worked in the Resort / Recreational Development industry while serving several congregations part-time. My secular work involved the visioning, constructing and managing of the Timberline Resort, Black Bear Woods Resort and the Timberline Management Corporation.

I have been a competitive runner since high school, and I have completed five marathons (Boston, Detroit and New York City). I began competing in triathlons in 1983, qualifying for the first USAT National Championship in 1985. In 2007, I competed in five triathlons winning my division in the Nation’s Triathlon in Washington D.C. Bike riding has become my strength and passion.

Rev. Ron Schlak
Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 1994 - current

M/Div – LSTC (Seminex)

Ordained in the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches – Feb13, 1977

Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Palatka, FL. 1977 - 1983

Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monessen, PA. 1983 - 1994

Masters

I have been a full time parish pastor throughout my career, serving in two other Lutheran congregations before coming to Trinity Lutheran in Charleston. In addition to my parish activities I serve the West Virginia – Western Maryland Synod as a mediator trained in Lombard Mennonite Peace Ministries, as a facilitator for Healthy Congregations and also BridgeBuilders. I serve as a mentor in First Call Theological Education and as a mentor in the Fresh Start program our synod conducts in conjunction with the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia.

Rev. David A. Twedt

Pastor, Capon North River Lutheran Parish, WV-WMD Synod, Wardensville, WV

M DIV Pacific Luther Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA 1992

Ordained: WV-WMD Synod, 1992

Pastor: Trinity -Wheeling St. Matthew-Benwood, WV 1992-2005; Capon North River Lutheran Parish, Wardensville, WV 2005-Present

Synod Council & Conference Dean, Consultation Committee, Candidacy Committee, Mediation team, NCD facilitator, clergy coach, congregational host-synod assembly, Twedt Commission, several bicycle fundraising events, Fresh Start facilitator.

Athletic Achievements: High School 880 yard run, 1967 (record still stands*); numerous Century (100 Mile) bicycle rides; Paris-Brest-Paris (750 miles in 68 hours); C & O Canal assault (168 miles-16 hours), Lenten Wilderness Sojourn ( 40 days without sex, drugs, or rock ‘n roll) 2007, Faith in Action Triathlon ( 5 times, undefeated in category**)