Why join the “La Vernia Wild West Hammerfest Bicycle Ride”? Hammerfest is a Bike MS: Valero Ride to the River Recommended Ride. Riders will be greeted by our friendly, small town atmosphere. Three great routes to choose from, with gentle rolling hills, fantastic support on the route and at our fun and well-stocked rest stops. Support the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce (GLVCC), and La Vernia Veterans Memorial project (20% of ride proceeds go to this effort). This year we have improved/safer ride routes, upgraded event shirts, a new free HEB KidZone & Bike Rodeo, to include more families and children in the event. For the Bike Rodeo, kids ages 5-10 can register to be a part of the rodeo, which will include stations to learn bike safety, navigation aspects, as well as a mini ride around the park track. (Pre-registration for the rides, and the bike rodeo is required, on the website: www.laverniawildwesthammerfest.org ) We’ll have music, food, vendors and fun throughout the day. There is no fundraising required to ride in Hammerfest and our ride fees are kept low. Registration is via active.com, accessible from our website.
How long has the event been around?
This is Hammerfest’s 8th annual event.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The event was begun to raise funds for the La Vernia Historical Association to benefit the La Vernia Veterans Memorial Project and is hosted and benefits the Greater La Vernia Chamber of Commerce – the Chamber assists the growth and development of the businesses in the La Vernia area, learning opportunities for small business owners, and scholarships for seniors from La Vernia High School. The event also benefits the La Vernia Veterans Memorial Project, with 20% of event proceeds going to the project. There were a couple of years that other nonprofit organizations hosted and benefitted from the event – Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Lone Star Chapter and Arthritis Foundation.
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. Yes, they will be available soon on our website and facebook. (we are finalizing the routes now and will have those files soon.)
Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Yes.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
The event is coordinated by a committee consisting of the board of the GLVCC, and is grateful to have the help of 40-50 volunteers (adults & youth) to help produce the event. It takes nearly a year to plan. If successful, the event brings in over $27,000 in revenue and around $20,000 in expenses.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Being able to support the La Vernia Veterans Memorial and the Chamber initiatives. And, inviting many veterans to ride the ride as our guests.
What is the average number of participants per year?
How many riders do you assist during the average race? We’ve had from 200 to over 800 riders, over the years. We expect over 500 riders this year.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
Having to cancel one year because of the weather.not ours, but Texas hurricanes that forced our police/EMS command to be re-assigned.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Become a sponsor – we have great benefits and marketing opportunities for our sponsors. Volunteer to help at the event. Ride in the ride, either alone, with friends or family members, work friends/teams – we even have a 2-mile family ride, so folks don’t have to choose one of the big rides to participate. What is most help for is for folks to share our website and facebook page with other riders. Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/LaVerniaWildWestHammerfest
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I volunteer to help coordinate sponsorships and help market the event. (It’s really not necessary to focus on my efforts AT ALL)
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)?
I do not ride, and no one on the committee are riders (LOL). We depend on the help of this year’s Official Bike Club: Gold’s Gym Team Gold. They came out to ride our routes and make recommendations for safer routes, and other rider preferences. Team Gold is coordinated by Jim Saunders.
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10about the race, what would it read like?
#10 – Visit three counties in one great ride.
#9 – Enjoy La Venria cuisine by visiting one of our local restaurants.
#8 – Help raise funds for local student scholarships and veterans memorial.
#7 – Spend time with your family on the 2-mile family ride.
#6 – Shop while you’re visiting La Vernia & help our improve our local economy and support our local small businesses.
#5 – Enjoy a high level of safety & support while riding.
#4 – See our beautiful La Vernia City Park.
#3 – Bring family so your kiddos to enjoy fun activities and learn bike safety at the new HEB KidZone & Bike Rodeo.
#2 – Chance to encounter royalty, pirates or other themed fun during the ride.
#1 – Watch a bunch of non-riders spend 10 months working to produce a great event and make sure riders and families have a great day.