Another great holiday ride is coming up! We snagged an interview with Suzee Bolton, to find out more about this inaugural event on July 4th, 2014. If you were looking for a great family friendly, 4th of July event, look no further! Actually, do look further down the page for the complete interview! Read on!
Why join your ride?
Spokes of Freedom is on the longest trail in North East Texas, North East Texas Trail; which is an old Railroad bed which is being converted into a biking, hiking and equestrian trail where much of it is already passable. The ride is FREE and after the ride everyone is invited to come to SouthLakePark just south of town for a free fireworks show hosted by the Farmersville Volunteer Fire Department.
How long has your ride been around?
This is the inaugural event of Spokes of Freedom.
What was the motivation behind starting the ride and who benefits from it?
Cadence Cyclery is a strong supporter of the local communities and wanted to couple a great ride on an historical trail with a community event, so cyclists, their families and friends can come enjoy all the day has to offer.
How have they been able to utilize funds in the past?
Since there is no charge for the ride there are no funds being utilized, however we will be taking donation for the clearing and cleaning efforts that are taking place on the trail.
Logistically can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
As Team Cadence Cyclery Event’s Coordinator, I have been working on this event since February. As the event is being designed, there are minimal volunteers needed. I anticipate we will need about six volunteers a few for registration efforts and one good man offering SAG.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Farmersville’s Onion Shed is easy to locate. Farmersville is located south of McKinney/North of Greenville off of Hwy 380 and South of Garland off Hwy 78. Head toward downtown and you will see a sign for the Onion Shed on South Main Street. You can’t miss it. It is an old Railroad loading Dock with a tin roof and right next to the city park. There are three bathroom facilities, between the park and a community center and along Farmersville Parkway there is ample parking.
What is the most rewarding experience of hosting this event?
We did an event in February called Love the NETT and I’d have to say from that experience that the most rewarding part is simply seeing cyclist enjoy the trail and realize that a trail the NETT present its own unique challenges, from cyclists who have never ridden the trail to those who have ridden some portion in the past.
What is the average number of participants?
Since this is our inaugural Spokes of Freedom Ride it is uncertain. However if the numbers from the last ride and other organized rides remain true we anticipate somewhere around 100 cyclists.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come out, bring family and friends. Even if they are not cycling enthusiasts hiking the trail is really cool, too. The City Park is right next to the take out place at the, The Onion Shed, or they can come out later and join you at South Lake for food, entertainment and fireworks. Bring some cash for the post ride meal as the proceeds go to support the Volunteer Fire Department. Lastly, we will be taking donations to support the clearing and cleaning efforts that are happening on the trail.
Do you ride, and if so, what kind of bicycle do you have?
Oh yea, I ride and love it. I have both a mountain bike and a road bike. Both are Giant’s and I love them so much I named them, Sylvia Blu (road) Black Rebel (mountain).
Anything else you’d like to tell folks about this ride?
Anyone on any bike can ride the first 10 miles (round trip) of the trail or they could just hike a while. So bring the little ones, the spouse, friends and anyone who enjoys nature, rail roads, parks, small town hospitality, fireworks and just plain fun! (All youngsters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
CLICK HERE – for more info
Thanks again for reading another of our interviews! If you do this ride, and want to let us (and everyone else) know how it was, send us a Ride Report! See ya on the 4th!