Ready for your first race of the New Year WheelBrothers? Maybe you have already hit the streets this year, but if you are looking for a great way to kick off 2014, look no further than the 12th Annual FrostBike 50. Check out our interview with Stacey Gascon, the host of the event, scheduled for January 12th, 2014.
Why join FrostBike 50?
It is a great way to start your BP MS 150 training. We are the first recommended ride of 2014. In order to participate in the National MS society’s April 12th ride you must ride in at least two recommend rides.
How long has your ride been around?
This is the 30th year for the National MS Society to ride the BP MS150 from Houston to Austin. In 2013 more than 100,000 cyclists raised over $80 million dollars to help create a world free of MS. Please join us again in 2014 for the ride of your life!
This is the 12th annual FrostBike50. There are three routes again this year 17, 45 and 55 miles. We try to accommodate any skill level and the 17 mile route has a lot of younger riders that ride with their parents. We have quite a few riders that come back and ride with us every year. They say it is because our dancers are so welcoming (and the banana bread).
What was the motivation behind starting the ride and who benefits from it?
Proceeds benefit the Jersey Village High School Gold Duster Drill Team and the National MS Society.
How have they been able to utilize funds in the past?
The research for Multiple Scoliosis is very important. Everyone knows someone who suffers for this debilitating disease. We are working with the National MS Society and it is very rewarding to know that we are doing our part to help families with MS.
As well as sending our Award Winning Gold Dusters to competitions, this year our dancers are traveling to New York City.
Logistically, can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
We start in August with the first MS ride directors meeting. From there we have to map a route and secure the use of rest stops along the way. The art department at Jersey Village High School has a contest and the students submit drawings for our T-shirt design every year. The winner this year was Alondra Lajano, she received a $50.00 gift certificate and the finished t-shirt. Her cute penguin design will be worn proudly by hundreds of riders this year. Our sponsor and local bike shop, NW Houston Cycling Centers, help us promote the FrostBike50. We rent equipment, hire local Police Officers, EMS and even make homemade banana bread for all of our riders. Most of our volunteers are the parents of the Jersey Village Gold Dusters, it takes everyone pitching in with one or more positions to keep our ride running safely.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
What is the most rewarding experience of hosting this event?
It is a lot of fun and very rewarding to know that not only have you been a part of a successful fundraiser for the Gold Dusters but you’re serving a nationwide charity – the National MS Society.
What is the average number of participants?
We average about 700 riders and 200 volunteers and many Police, EMT’s, Ride Marshalls and SAG (safety and gear help) . A lot of our participation depends on the weather. We are hoping for cold and sunny this year, that is how we got the name FrostBike50. Last year we had to delay the ride start for two hours due to a terrible fog that rolled in that morning. Luckily it burned off and the sun came out for a beautiful day and a successful ride. We do ride Rain or Shine but the fog was extremely dangerous.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Whether your contribution is time, skills, funds, or ideas, it can make all the difference. Get involved! Contact your local MS Society office to find out how you can help create a world free of MS.
Do you ride, and if so, what kind of bicycle do you have?
No, I am not a cyclist. I do admire the hard work and dedication it takes. I am the Mom of the ’13/’14 LT. Colonel of the Jersey Village Gold Dusters. This is my 4th year with the FrostBike50 and my first year as ride director. My Daughter will graduate this May and my position will be taken over by my Assistant Director’s Cindy and James Deitiker.
Anything else you’d like to tell folks about this ride?
Drill team is a way of life. Unlike other high school organizations, being a member of the drill team is an eleven month commitment. Practice lasts 3 hours each day, with two hours being dedicated after the school day officially ends. All day practices are held in the summer, with some girls devoting 4 weeks of their summer preparing for camp, choreographing dances and learning routines. “A tradition of excellence” is our motto, appropriately depicting our ultimate goal and we are proud of our accomplishments. The Gold Dusters’ year is divided into three distinct categories. The ‘kick-off’ of the Gold Dusters’ year coincides with the Jersey Village Falcon football season where the drill team provides half time entertainment. Preparation for contest season starts in November and culminates with competition on the local, regional and national levels in February and March. Spring Show, held in April, showcases both individual and group talent for the student body and community. In addition to dancing, the girls, at a minimum, maintain UIL required scholastic levels but many are honor students participating in advanced level classes and earning college hours while attending Jersey Village High School. Our girls are hard workers and leaders at school. Drive and determination motivate the members of the team to excel in all aspects of their life and our goal for them is that they will apply what they have learned about hard work and dedication to future endeavors.
Thank you Stacey for the wonderful interview, and we hope to see everyone on race day!
CLICK HERE For more information about the event.