The Bike MS: Sam’s Club Ride benefiting people living with MS invites you to join their ride happening on May 5-6, 2012, 2012 at Union Station* (Downtown Dallas) 400 S. Houston St. Dallas, TX 75202
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Frank Timmons of Bike MS: Sam’s Club Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why join the this year’s Bike MS: Sam’s Club Ride?
Best supported ride in North Texas. Family friendly. Raises money to fight MS.
How long has the event been around?
This is our 25th anniversary.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
Started with a couple of guys in the mid-west and had blossomed into the signature fund raising event of the MS Society. This ride raised money to support research and programs & Services for people living with MS.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
About 80 % of the dollars go directly to support those living with MS (research or programs & Services). 25 years ago there was nothing to treat the disease. Now we have 8 approved drugs on the market to slow the progression of the disease with more on the way.
Do you hav a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Download it here
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We work on this event all year round. It takes 700 volunteers and a very loyal Bike staff here in the office to pull it off.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
The progress we have made in fighting the disease.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
We shoot for 3000 riders each year. We probably SAG in about 200 folks.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
Shutting down a ride due to rain is always a heart breaker. The weather for this year is looking good so far.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come out and ride. You don’t have to be a bike pro. This event is a big party on wheels. You can ride as long as you want and if you get tired we will SAG you in. At the end of the day it is all about raising money. So ride and raise money.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am just the VP. The real back breaking work of putting on this ride is done by Jeni Farnsworth our teams manager, Justin Martin our logistics manager, and Steve Vogel our customer service extraordinaire.
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 ride but my bike has a motor! I ride a Harley – everywhere. Three best peddle rides in Texas are:
- BP MS 150 in Houston
- Valero MS Ride San Antonio
- Cactus and Crude ride in West Texas
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
10. Our ride is supported so well we call it a concierge ride.
9. Over 25 years our riders have peddled almost 4000 miles to help find a cure.
8. The day goes something like this – ride eat ride eat ride eat. Cannot beat it.
7. Riding over the Ray Roberts dam beats the Golden Gate Bridge any day.
6. At railroad crossings repeat this to yourself – bike (~17 pounds) vs locomotives (200 tons).
5. On a bike Texas Motor Speedway looks a lot closer that it is.
4. 700 volunteers will make sure you have an awesome time.
3. We hate chipseal too!!
2. We have the best National MS Society Bike MS Staff on the planet.
1. Cure Cure Cure – MS
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Bike Expo Friday Night Frisco Embassy Suites 3 to 9pm
Thanks Frank for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Red Poppy Bike Ride