The Wheels for Meals invites you to join their ride on October 6, 2012 starting at Food Pantry-Jeff Davis County – 609 E Compromise St, Fort Davis, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Margaret O’Connell, Chairwoman of Wheels for Meals to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why join the Wheels for Meals?
1. It’s a GREAT cause and crucial service.
2. It’s FUN!
How long has the event been around?
2012 ride is our 4th year.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
I have personally participated in many charity bike rides and saw the power they have to not only raise money, but to raise awareness. When I moved to Fort Davis, I quickly realized the the Pantry was perhaps the single most crucial nonprofit in JDCty, because without the supplemental food it provides, children would not do well in school, families would suffer. Nearly 20% of the JDC population receives supplemental and school lunch foods from the Pantry.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
Funds raised through the WfM event make up almost 1/2 of the Pantry’s annual budget, paying for tons of foods and paying for operations of the building facilities to ensure our doors stay open.
Do you hav a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
No. There is only one building with a large open door that is obvious when someone drives up. There will be a portalet in the small parking lot and snacks, water and limited Gatorade at the registration desk. The Safety Manual on the Pantry’s website answers a lot of questions. http://www.foodpantry-jdc.org
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We have over 40 volunteers providing support at two pit stops and lunch stop, driving SAG vehicles, and information at the registration. The Riders’ $50 registration fee covers the costs of the t-shirts, pit stop snacks and drinks. We have nearly 30 sponsors this year donating dollars and in-kind goods to support the ride. Most of the sponsors donatipons and ALL of the riders’ fund raising monies go directly to services. Even all the the food and beverages at the post-ride cookout are donated by sponsors and our board members.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Hearing the positive comments from our riders and volunteers about the quality of the ride: the beauty of the scenery, the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the quality of the pit stops and qauntity of snacks, the good and rewarding feelings the riders and volunteers have about their constributions to helping the Pantry’s consumers.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Avg about 20, but this year we are 30+! We assist all riders through quality support, and usually help about half the riders off the course before completing the 88 miles. Riders are allowed to ride as far as they want/can.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience 😉 )
We have not had any accidents and you’d better knock on wood when you read this! Most unforgettable experience was one of our riders who had just gotten a bike, trained all summer and rode every mile. She had just celebrated her 60th birthday.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Volunteers are always needed to help with distributions every other Friday to receive and sort foods, and Saturdays to help distribute to consumers.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
The director, Tex and I brainstormed 4 years ago to come up with the idea and we have organized it every year with the help of many volunteers.
Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?
I do ride and have a Trek carbon fiber frame. I really like the stretch on 166 from Point of Rocks to the 505 junction. Also love the Hill Country. Karen Shew rides a Trek and loves the great views along 166, winding through the Chihuahua Desert and Davis Mountains.
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like? (By Karen Shew)
10. Good excuse to buy a new bicycle.
9. Learn how to change a flat tire.
8. Shift gears like an Indy driver
7. No matter how old you get, you never forget how to ride a bike.
6. Lost weight.
5. Do what Lance Armstrong does.
4. Enjoy the outdoors
3. Meet new friends.
2. Contribute to a good cause
And the #1 reason to ride in the Wheels for Meals Charity bike ride….
1. Help feed your neighbors.
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
It will be more fun than ever with more riders than ever. All REGISTERED riders, volunteers, and OFFICIAL sponsors are invited to the big celebration cookout the evening after the ride.
Thanks Margaret for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Wheels for Meals 2012