The 21st Annual Collin Classic benefiting various organizations invites you to join their upcoming ride happening on June 9, 2012 at McKinney North High School
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Mike Keel, Event Coordinator of Collin Classic to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why join the Ride?
To enjoy a day of cycling in a pleasant rural setting.
How long has the event been around?
Since 1990
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The motivation is to encourage people to be more active and to share recreational pursuits with friends and family. The event has supported organizations like the Volunteer Center of Collin County, CityHouse, The Samaritan Inn, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Clean Water Project of World Hope International.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
In whatever way they chose. We simply write them a check.
Do you hav a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Click here to view the Map
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
I spend 400 hours annually organizing and managing the event, with more than 200 volunteers participating and an operating budget of $60,000
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Seeing the families who come out and participate.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
In the 90’s, when the event was in Plano, it was pulling more than 3500 riders annually. Since 2000, that number has been more like 2000 to 2500 riders. On average we provide SAG support and assistance to about 100 riders each year.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience ;o))
When we offered a 100 mile route in 2003 in memory of Larry Schwartz, just after the last riders rolled into the parking lot, we were dumped on by an afternoon thunder shower. Perfect timing!
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come ride. Come play. Do some good along the way.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am the ride director, so I put everything in place before the event so that the volunteers can make it happen. Then I come in after the event and clean up everything and pay the bills.
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 have been riding a multi-gear bicycle since 1974. My favorite ride is a weekday morning ride on the White Rock Creek Trail that includes at least one lap around White Rock Lake.
My favorite 3 must do rides in Texas are the HHH, the Firecracker 100 in Stephenville and the Tour de Paris (for events). My 3 favorite RIDEs in Texas (routes) are in East Texas (Jefferson), Central Texas (Fredericksburg) and West Texas (Marathon to Big Bend National Park)
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
10. Close to the City – ride in the country!
9. More routes than the average ride!
8. More people means more fun.
7. Friendly volunteers
6. FREE showers after the ride
5. Police support at all the major intersections
4. East side and west side command centers keeping up with the action
3. Plenty of hills – including the “Roller Coaster” on the longer routes
2. The fast riders wear out all the dogs before you get there
1. You get to ride through Climax, TX
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Children 12 and under are just $10
Thanks Mike for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the 21st Annual Collin Classic