The 15th annualLancaster Country Ride benefiting various charities and the local communities invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Town Square Lancaster, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Mike Eipper of Lancaster Country Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. Why participate in the Lancaster County Ride?
The Lancaster Country (not ‘County’) Ride is the prettiest lil’ ride in Texas….! It has wildflowers, rides on part of the Bluebonnet Trail near Ennis, and other scenic wonders, like several exotic animal farms…Keep your eyes peeled, and you’re likely to see Zebras, Camels, and other animals that make you smile on the route! Our route was mentioned as ‘…One of the 10 Best Rides in Texas’ in Texas Monthly, Oct, 2004, and we’re still riding the same routes we did then. This year is a record for wildflowers, and you’ll pedal your way through the petals with a smile!
2. How long has the event been around?
This is our 15th year to do this ride….
3. What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The ride was started to enjoy the beauty of the Lancaster area and southern Dallas County….the roads are good, safe routes, the terrain is varied, and it’s a beautiful, safe way to really see the area.! The ride is run as a fund raiser for our Club, and after expenses, we give money to various charities and the local communities of Lancaster, Ferris, Palmer, and several of the local churches for their gracious assistance with the ride.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
We donate to the various group’s General Funds and let them use it as they best need.
5. Can we get a TCX or GPX file included for download? Over 63% of folks say they are more up to attend a ride for which they have information about the routes for their on-bike devices.
Links to GPX files for the 3 routes are provided on the rally webpage (http://www.
6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
There are maps and information at: http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/lancaster/index.html
Some of the details you need may not be covered in great detail, but I don’t recall any ride that states how many portolets are at the start in their info….For the record, we’ve increased it, and with the City’s contribution, I think it’s 15, plus some public facilities provided by the City of Lancaster.
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
There are about 100 volunteers involved, including start, rest stops, packet pickups, and all other prep and wrap up efforts…It involves about 30% of the Club membership, and is by far our biggest effort of the year. Planning for next year will start with the recap from this year, the day after the ride…!
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Getting back the positive comments from riders about how well executed this ride is….
9. What is the average number of participants per year?
We are expecting around 1,200 riders, as the weather looks to be fantastic!
10. How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Our SAG support is extensive, and this year, involves about 10 Club trucks, and about 6 Bike Shop trucks…..assistance will vary with weather, etc, etc, but my guess is that we’ll help over 150 riders at some level.
11. What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
The best rides are when the SAG trucks are bored to death, as everyone is having a wonderful, safe and enjoyable day! And, when folks cross the finish line with smiles and say ‘thank you’!
12. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Show up and enjoy the ride…!
13. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
Personally, I’ve been SAG Captain for the past 4 years….This year, I’m headed to Majorca the day of the ride, so I won’t be involved on ride day. I’m helping organize SAG, and helping with packet pickups.
14. Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area? Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
Yes, a carbon fiber road bike, mostly. The Club Downtown night ride…. Easter Hill Country Tour
15. Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Just come and enjoy…..!
Thanks Mike for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Lancaster Country Ride