The 10th Annual Moritz Ride for Heroes benefiting various organizations invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Aledo High School campus — Aledo, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Gordon Robertson of Ride for Heroes to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. What was the motivation behind starting the Ride for Heroes and who benefits from it?
I had been working with the MS society in Fort Worth on their ride. That ride sort of fizzled out and I wanted to continue working to support cycling in the area so I approached a local business man by the name of Bobby Regeus. He was doing a bicycle training for youth riders as part of his business as a State Farm agent. He was at the time thinking of doing an event to promote the volunteer fire departments of East Parker County. We got together and 10 years later it is still going on. So the short answer is to promote cycling in East Parker County and to help the volunteer fire departments of Willow Park, Hudson Oaks and Aledo. We also give to the Parker County Sheriff’s Reserve, Center of Hope and the Texas Bicycle Coalition. All the school clubs you will see manning the rest stops receive a donation as well.
2. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
In the beginning I did the routes, route safety, markings, start finish set up, promotion of the ride etc. Now I am the President of the board of directors of the Ride for Heroes Inc. My job is to make sure all the separate functions are being handled by the board of directors; routes, route safety, lunch, registration, promotion, sponsors, volunteers coordination, etc. I still help with the marking of the routes and set up and tear down of the start finish area.
3. What sets this event apart from others in the area?
Home made cookies at rest stops, free meal at the end of the ride, challenging routes, beautiful scenery, friendly enthusiastic rest stop personnel, theme decorated rest stops.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
We give the money to the fire departments mentioned above. We have also donated funds to the Sheriff’s Reserve, and the Center of Hope. We also donate to the Texas Bicycle Coalition. The different entities use the money how best they see fit. I know we are responsible for helping purchase a brush truck for the Hudson Oaks Volunteer Fire Department as well as a couple of vehicles for the Sheriff’s Reserve. The Center of Hope buys food for needy families in East Parker County.
?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
The route maps are located on our web site and can be downloaded in either format.
?6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
We plan to post one online before this weekend. Currently we don’t have one posted.
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
The Ride for Heroes Inc. is a non-profit 501C3 corporation. We have planning meetings almost every month of the year. There are 9 board members with key areas of responsibility. Between t-shirts, the meal, promotions, signage, and other various expenses we end up spending, I’m guessing about $15 per participant to put on the event. It is a lot more than it looks like on the surface. Also, I am guessing that we have somewhere between 250 and 300 volunteers on the day of the ride. We have volunteers from all three fire departments, the sheriff’s department, highway patrol, Hudson Oaks and Willow Park, and Weatherford police. We also use volunteers from school clubs such as the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, Photography club, FFA, Latin club, Future Business Leaders, etc.
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
I just love to hear the people tell us it is one of their favorite rides. We work so hard to make it a safe and fun event that it is just good to hear when someone appreciates what we have done.
9. What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
It all depends on the weather. Last year we had about 1050 riders. We have had as many as 1400 riders and on the day it was 35 degrees and snow flurries we only had about 400 show up. In regards to how many riders we assist during the event it is hard to tell. We have Fort Worth Cycling, Bicycles Inc. and Richardson Bike Mart out on the routes to help with any repairs. I know they all stay fairly busy. In regards to sagging riders back to the finish I would say it is only 3 or 4 a year.
10. What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
Thank goodness, I think we have only 2 minor injuries in the 10 years of the event. The one year we had the unseasonably cold temperatures I was totally amazed at how many people still came to ride.
11. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come ride with us and tell your friends what a great event it is. Also, anything over the rider fee is tax deductible if someone is so moved.
12. What would you say to someone who is considering participating in this event?
Come out to Aledo and enjoy yourself. This is why we do it.
13. Do you ride, and if yes, what is your favorite route in your area? What are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
Yes, I ride, or at least I used to. Personally I have made more laps around Lake Weatherford than I can count. I think the Peach Pedal is a great event put on by a great organization. The Hotter N’Hell is fun just because it is so big. If you have never participated in an MS ride, you must put it on your list. The Dallas to Fort Worth ride is a real experience.
14. Is there any additional information you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
This year is our 10th Anniversary. We have a one of a kind 10th anniversary Jersey for sale at the registration sites and at the ride. You can check it out on our web site www.rideforheroes.org Only $55. Come out and celebrate10 years of great cycling in East Parker County with us. It will be great fun.
Thanks Gordon for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Ride for Heroes