Tom Rinker, who graduated from Linganore in 1998, is the 2014 Distinguished Graduate honoree in Business. He took his life-long passion for cycling and grew it into an award-winning store and biking network in the Frederick area.

The Bicycle Escape opened in 2005, and has since been named one of America’s Best Bike Shops by the National Bicycle Dealer’s Association two years in a row.

Rinker said, “As long ago as middle school I was interested in cycling, so I have a passion for cycling and I have a passion for Frederick as well. This is my hometown and I think it’s a viable place for business. The Bicycle Escape is close to trails, as well as nice quality roads.”

He has been instrumental in creating cycling awareness, helping to establish biking trails and fun programs for the community. “I would like to see more off-street cycling opportunities and multi-use paths to help encourage people who are intimidated riding around automobiles.”

His favorite subject in high school was English, and his biggest hobbies were cycling and film.

He looks forward to talking to the class of 2018.

“The biggest thing that I am going to instill is to treat others with kindness and respect,” he said.