Dam to Dam Bike Ride in Jasper, TX

Dam to Dam Bike RideThe 9th Annual Dam to Dam Bike Ride benefiting Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Jasper County Courthouse Square 121 Austin Street Jasper, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Amber Lynch of Dam to Dam Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why join this year’s Ride?
The Dam to Dam Bike Ride not only has challenging terrain it has beautiful scenic routes. Southeast Texas in the spring is just gorgeous with all of the flowers and tree blooming.

How long has the event been around?
This year will mark our 9th year.

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
Ky Griffin of Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home started this ride . He is an avid cyclist and loves doing different rides. He wanted to see something like that come to the Jasper Area and then the Dam to Dam Bike Ride was born.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The funds from this event go to help fund the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber uses funds to help bring tourism to the Jasper Area and to help local businesses.

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.
We do have maps that have the information of where the different mileage routes will be going, they are downloadable on our website, www.jaspercoc.org and www.active.com.

Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
At this point, no we do not have a map that has all of these things listed, but that is a good idea to have for future rides.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We usually have about 30 volunteers or so for this ride. These volunteers help with registration and set up rest stops for the riders. Finances for this ride come from sponsorships from local businesses in the Jasper Area and of course from the registration fee. It takes about 2 months or so to plan this ride, we have to make sure our sponsors and volunteers are lined up as far in advance as possible so that the ride goes smoothly.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
There is not just one experience that was particularly rewarding. Riders really enjoy our ride and the scenery that Jasper provides. We hope that if they are not from this area that when they ride our ride they will want to come back and visit or even make Jasper their home.

What is the average number of participants per year?
How many riders do you assist during the average race? We average about 65-75 riders.

What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
With Jasper being my hometown it feels good to hear the riders talk about how beautiful Jasper is and that they really enjoy the ride. Rewarding experiences come from when the riders have been challenged and have really had fun riding in our ride. At this point the only accidents we have had are riders tires going flat and little stuff like that so we are very fortunate.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?
People can support this event by coming out and riding with us, we would love to get the attendance up to 100 or more. If they are not cyclists then they can support by donating items for our goodie bags for the riders or sponsoring the event.

What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am the Administrative Assistant at the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce so I do a lot with the planning of the ride, registration and publicity. I’ve got my hand in pretty much every part of it.

If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
Don’t know that I could do 10 but I could do a top 5.
5. Meeting new cycling friends.
4. Free meal after the ride.
3. Different level rides to meet your riding wants/needs.
2. Challenging terrain.
1. Beautiful scenery.

 

Thanks Amber for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the Dam to Dam Bike Ride

Core Challenge

As cyclists, we have killer quads and calves. Yes, when it comes to sculpted legs we’ve got it down. Our midsections, on the other hand, tend to be a bit neglected. Perhaps you notice this when you are out on a ride and your hips and back begin to ach. At a certain point you begin to shift to lessen the nagging pain and fantasize about ibuprofen. Or maybe you notice that your beer money has left a return investment around your belly.  Either way, core training is a great way to help your endurance and waistline.

Active.com suggests that a 10-minute core workout three times a week will make a dramatic difference in your cycling. I agree. I challenge you to carve out those 10-minutes just a few days a week and see how far it will take you.  Below are three of great exercises to get you started. To see all eight go to: 8 Core Exercises for Cyclists

 

 Power Bridge 

Bridge

What It Works: Hip flexors, glutes, lower back

A. Lying on your back, bend your knees and place your heels near your glutes. Arms are at your sides, palms down.

B. In one smooth motion, squeeze your glutes, raise your hips off the floor and push up from your heels to form a straight line from shoulders to knees; toes come off the floor slightly. Hold for two seconds. Keeping your toes raised, lower yourself three-quarters of the way to complete one rep. Do 20 repetitions.

Why It Works: In addition to stretching the hip flexors, often extremely stiff in cyclists, the bridge strengthens the link between your lower back and glutes.

 

 

Plank 

Plank

What It Works: Transverse abdominus, upper and lower back

A. Lying on your stomach, place your elbows under your shoulders with forearms and hands on the floor.

B. Lift your hips off the floor, keeping your back straight and abs tight, and rest on your toes. Aim for 60 seconds.

Why It Works: The plank builds the strength and muscular endurance you need to ride powerfully in the drops or in an aero position long after others have surrendered to the top of the handlebar.

 

Boat Pose  

Boat

What It Works: Transverse abdominus, lower back

A. Sit, resting both hands lightly behind you, and lean back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.

B. Keeping your legs together, lift them off the floor as you extend arms forward at shoulder height. Abs are tight, as thighs and torso form a 90-degree angle. If your hamstrings are tight, you’ll need to bend your knees a little. Work up to holding for 60 seconds.

Why It Works: As with the plank, boat pose builds the lower-back stability and core strength needed to remain bent over the handlebar for hours, or to blast up hills without compromising power or speed.

 

4 Great High Protein Recipes for Cyclists on the Go

I have recently been ramping up my training. More mileage means more calories. The question popped into my mind, “I wonder how much more protein I should be getting every day as an endurance athlete?” Come to find out, athletic women need about 66-80 g and athletic men need 84-98 g. This was a huge wake-up call. When I began to calculate how much protein I actually consume on a daily basis, I realized how difficult it is to get the recommended daily amount of protein in your diet without any help from supplements. This sent me on a search for healthy, high-protein recipes.

As endurance athletes it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to prepare a meal or snack that meets our nutritional needs and get in a long ride or workout. Below are three delicious recipes that have a high protein content and are quick and easy to make. Enjoy and keep riding!

 

Nutty Noodles

 With 12 oz of Chicken added, these noodles have 26.2 g of protein per serving, and it only takes 17 minutes to prepare and cook.

Complete Recipe and Nutrition Facts: Nutty Noodles

Skinny Omelet

This Skinny Omelet is made with 2 large egg which have about 13 g of protein and it only takes a around 12 minutes to make. You can also add some chicken or pork to add even more protein.

Complete Recipe: Skinny Omelet

 

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

 These Healthy Breakfast Cookies have 7.9 g of protein and only take about 25 minutes to make. They can also be shaped into bars for on-the-go nutrition.

Recipe and Nutrition: Healthy Breakfast Cookies 

Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Smoothies are the ultimate quick meal. This Banana Oatmeal Smoothie is made with Greek yogurt which gives it a total of 12 g of protein.

Recipe and Nutrition Facts: Banana Oatmeal Smoothie 

Tips on Cycling with Aggressive Dogs on Your Tail

 

At one time or another, we have all had to deal with a darting dog chasing us down while out on a ride. It is one of those problems that can unexpectedly come up at any time. Whether it is a lonely mutt who wants to put in a few miles with you or an aggressive canine looking for his next meal, it is important to know how to deal with dogs while cycling.

Bicycling Magazine recently posted some helpful tips on dealing with overzealous pooches when they come your way.

Don’t panic. This is the No. 1 rule for safe cycling, and it applies here. Try not to swerve, even if you’re riding alone. The closest I’ve been to getting hit by a car, on many occasions, happened after darting sideways to avoid a dog.

Fleeing sends a signal to the pooch that he’s predator and you’re prey. It also encourages the dog to give chase. As they say, dogs can smell fear.

Anticipate. Canines are harder to anticipate than cars, but not all pose the same danger. Most run parallel to their target before drifting toward it, but these pups are usually all bark and no bite. The real threat comes from the ones brave or stupid enough to jump right in front of you.

Like any other road hazard, it’s a good idea to look over your shoulder for passing cars when approaching an eager dog. And they like to roam in packs, so where you see one there are often others.

Identify the prey. In a group ride, dogs almost always go after the lead cyclist on the near side of the road. If that’s you, muster your courage and don’t slam on the brakes. If it’s not you, distance yourself from the victim and pull out your camera.

Be the aggressor. Dogs are among the few road hazards that can see you. Use this to your advantage. You can’t intimidate a pothole or shout at a patch of gravel, but the best way to fend off hounds is to take their aggression and shove it back at them.

Stand up and assume a dominant stance. As the dog nears, make an abrupt swerve toward the dog. Yes, toward the dog, but only enough to send a message, not run over the poor creature. And here’s my favorite part–bark as loud and mean as you can. This works for me every time. And it’s kinda fun.

A squirt to the face from a water bottle works, too. But for every dog it repels, it can provoke a protective owner.

Warn drivers. Cyclists already encounter enough road kill. Let’s do our best not to add dogs to their ranks. As motorists approach, I usually make a “slow down” sign (by holding out a palm and making a patting motion), then point to the dog.

Now get out there and enjoy your ride armed with these helpful hints to avoid any unwanted attention from Scruffy.

Check out the original post: Cycling Around Aggressive Dogs 

$3 Tour de Cure Registration – Today Only!!!

Tour de Cure

Today is DIABETES ALERT DAY!

Register for $3, TODAY ONLY, using promo code “ALERT”, case sensitive.
This is the lowest registration will be all year, so take advantage!!!

Visit main.diabetes.org/houstontourdecure to register!

To learn more about Diabetes Alert Day, click here

http://tour.diabetes.org/site/R?i=xFDgalIA5dq8AlEN1znMPA

Tour de Cure Rides in Texas

Ride Ataxia Dallas in Denton, TX

Ride Ataxia DallasThe Ride Ataxia Dallas 2012 benefitting FARA – a nonprofit organization dedicated to research leading to a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) invites you to join their ride happening on March 24, 2012 at Apogee Stadium, University of North Texas

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Kyle Bryant, Founder/Program Director of Ride Ataxia Dallas to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why join the “Ride Ataxia”?

Join Ride Ataxia to contribute to the movement that has traveled over 6,500 miles and raised $1.6 million for research for a disease that has no treatment, no cure, no hope…until now. You’ll also get a well supported ride with great food from Outback Steakhouse!

How long has the event been around? 

The ride started in 2007 with a 2,500 mile bike ride from San Diego to Memphis in the name of Friedreich’s ataxia research.  2008 and 2009 also featured long distance treks and in 2010 3 friends and I completed the Race Across America (RAAM). We completed the 3,000 mile route in 8 days 8 hours and 14 minutes, riding as Team FARA (Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance). Since then, I joined FARA full time and we turned the ride into a weekend bike ride program and right now we have 4 locations: Dallas, Northern California, Philadelphia, and Orlando. rideataxia.org.

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it? 

The motivation for the ride is to Cure Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) – a debilitating, life shortening neuromuscular disease affecting about 6,000 people in the US and 15,000 people worldwide. This disease robs individuals of their ability to walk, see, speak, hear, and move, eventually leading to a premature death caused by a heart condition called Cardiomiopathy. However we know we can get this one.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past? 

The Ride Ataxia Program, through FARA has funded 10 research grants for a total of $1.2 million in FA research since the beginning in 2007.  This research specifically focuses on taking ideas from the lab to the patient.  Our scientists now have a very clear understanding of the specific cause of the disease and this allows us to focus on finding effective therapies and bringing them to patients. Read more detail about Ride Ataxia funded projects here: http://rideataxia.org/research.php. Read about FARA’s entire research pipeline here: http://www.curefa.org/pipeline.html

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.

Download ride information for your mobile devices (Right click and Save As)
GPX – 25mi and 50mi
TCX – 25mi and 50mi

Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?

Click here to view the  Start/Finish Line Map

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event? 

It takes 100+ volunteers and 10 months of coordination.  We strive to hit the 10% expense ratio for each of our events and so far we are doing well.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?

The most rewarding experience is when there is a family affected by FA who has never met anyone else with FA before, it is a nerve racking experience. However they come to the ride and have a blast meeting others with FA and many supporters.  The racked nerves turn into empowerment and they’re hooked on raising funds and being involved in the community.  It doesn’t get any better than that.

What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race? 

In our entire program we had 1500 riders last year for all 4 locations combined. We expect to have 800 riders this year at our Denton event.  Our SAG vehicles serve about 2% of the riders at each ride with flat tires/mechanical issues or a ride back. We will have Bicycles Plus and Richardson Bike Mart for mechanical support, a small army of volunteer SAG drivers, plus police presence at the few busy intersections.

What can folks do to support you and your mission? 

Supporting our mission means raising funds for research. Additionally it means learning about FA and keeping an ear open for anyone who knows about the disease.  The cure for this disease is like a puzzle.  We are confident that it’s on the table in front of us, our role is to put the pieces together.  If there is anyone out there who is interested in FA we want to know about them and add them to our team.

What is your role in this race and to the success of it? 

My role is to produce a safe, fun, empowering ride and keep everyone focused on the goal. Cure FA.

Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?

Yes. I ride a Catrike 700 with a Mavic rear wheel.  My trike allows me to utilize the strength in my legs without having to worry about balance. Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31585490@N05/6673458579

If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
Top 10 reasons to join the ride. (in reverse here – 1-10 rather than 10-1)
  1. The opportunity to be part of the cure of a disease
  2. Outback Steakhouse food.
  3. The Views at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
  4. Homemade banana bread at the rest stops
  5. Well marked route and cue sheet
  6. Great March 24th weather
  7. Getting a jump on the cycling season with one of the first rides of the year.
  8. Outback Steakhouse Food
  9. The little known but worthy cause
  10. Free T-shirt
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Here’s a little inspiration: http://youtu.be/O7SzdySFOEI

Thanks Kyle Bryant for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the Ride Ataxia Dallas

Pedaling the Prairie 2012 in Hempstead, TX

Pedaling the Prairie

The 6th Annual Pedaling the Prairie benefitting the athletic department of Faith West Academy invites you to join their ride happening on February 11, 2012 at Waller County Fairgrounds — 22000 Fairgrounds Road Hempstead, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Cathy Sturn, Ride Director of Pedaling the Prairie to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join this year’s ride?

We think we put on an excellent ride. We have breakfast tacos at the start, homemade goodies at the break points, and hamburgers at the finish. We have motorcycle support, ham operators, and friendly SAG drivers. We consider the rider’s safety a top priority and work closely with local police forces to help with traffic and intersections.

How long has the event been around and how did it start?

This is our 6th year. We had a couple of dads at the school that said we should try a bike ride as a fundraiser. We thought, seriously how hard can that be, boy did we learn a lot. The first year we had 300-350 riders, last year we had over 1500 riders, and this year we are expecting 1500-1800.

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it? Motivation was raising money for the Athletic Department at Faith West Academy.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past? Purchasing sports equipment and supplies that the teams might not otherwise have available.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?

We have 100+ volunteers and some wonderful committee members. We start planning shortly after we recuperate from the current ride.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?

Seeing the same riders, year after year, and having them come up to us to tell us what a great ride we have and that they will see us next year.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

Totally depends on the weather. One year it was freezing cold, did not get above 30 degrees. We SAG’d a ton of people that day, everyone was frozen. On a normal day, we probably help 25-40 riders. Only once have we had to have medical assistance for someone that became ill.

What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?

Last year watching those 1500 riders line up and take off was overwhelming. Pretty cool watching that.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

Come ride with us.

What is your role in this race and to the success of it?

Ride Coordinator

Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?

Our sports teams work the break points and they really enjoy talking to the riders and being there to help support them. They cheer them on and welcome them into the break points. We appreciate our riders and want them to come back

Thanks Cathy Sturn for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the 12th Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic

In Memory of Megan Baab: 300 cyclists compete in race

The folks of Bicycles Inc and The Racing Post did a fantastic job in putting this ride in Copperas Cove, Texas together in memory of Megan Baab.

In memory of MeganA memorial bike race attracted around 500 people to the city last Saturday in memory of a fallen cyclist.

More than 300 racers took part in the local cycling competition, renamed the Megan Baab Memorial Road Race to honor the former participant who was killed last year while training in North Carolina.

“She was everybody’s sister,” said Andy Hollinger, secretary for Team Bicycles Inc. “She started on my team, and there was no drama with her. She was an incredible woman and athlete, and we did this in her honor.”

Many people involved with organizing the race also were familiar with Baab, including Betty Price, president of the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce.

“I see a lot of these folks twice a year, and I didn’t realize I knew this girl and her father,” said Price. “Two years ago, I remember her being here at these races. When I did realize who Megan and her father were, it was traumatic even for me.”

Source: kdhnews.com
Click here to read the Full Story

5th Annual Puddle for the Ducks Bike Ride in Katy, TX

Puddle for the Ducks The 5th Annual Puddle for the Ducks Bike Ride happening on February 04, 2012 at Sun & Ski Sports, Katy Mills Mall  Katy, Texas, 77450

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with PatArthur, Ride Director of Puddle for the Ducks to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join this year’s ride?
This year’s ride is the Fifth Annual PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS, A Ducks  Unlimited Bike Ride. The ride has developed one of the best reputations  in the Houston area because of the great volunteers, unique rest stops,  and after ride refreshments. Additionally, one of the PUDDLE FOR THE  DUCKS major sponsors, Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., has donated a  bike to be given away each year.

How long has the event been around and how did it start?
The PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS was first held on February 9, 2008. However,  the genesis for the ride was a call from Vence Petronella with Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., to Ducks Unlimited Regional Director Tim Soderquist in July 2007 to ask if Ducks Unlimited would be interested in sponsoring a bike ride on a date that had just opened on the ride calendar for the Houston area. Tim assured Vence that DU would be interested and a meeting was held with potential sponsors and volunteers in August. The ride planning began in earnest and the first ride was held with approximately 700 riders, including the Michelob Ultra and Sun & Ski Sports Teams.

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The major desire was to hold a new and unique fund raising event for Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is the largest and most successful conservation organization in North America conserving over 12,000,000 acres of wetlands since its founding. The PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS is the only bike ride done by Ducks Unlimited Volunteers in North America. Ducks Unlimited utilizes many different fund raising events but the PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS appeals to a much different demographic than usual and allows us to show and tell a new group about the Ducks Unlimited mission and programs.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. DU is an international organization with conservation of waterfowl habitat in Mexico and Canada as well as the United States. In the past four years the PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS has raised over $36,000 or enough to conserve 145 acres of wetland habitat.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We have over 100 volunteers every year. These volunteers are all Ducks Unlimited members that share a vision of conservation through mutual effort. Additionally, we have major sponsors that include Sun & Ski Sports, Silver Eagle Distributors, Sellers Bros and Trailer Frame and Wheel. These sponsors help maximize the conservation funds raised by the ride by providing donations and funding. Planning the event usually starts in June with ride committee meetings that are held monthly until January at which time the meetings are held weekly. The committee is a great forum for new ideas and a way to keep the ride plan fresh.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Knowing we helped conserve 145 acres of valuable wetlands.  Another rewarding experience was when THE PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS being nominated for an award at the national level. Ducks Unlimited give a Wings Of
Innovation Award annually to a committee that has developed a fund raising event that is unique, repeatable and provides a forum to get information about Ducks Unlimited to a new group. The PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS was nominated for the award in 2009 and while it did not win, the nomination itself was extremely gratifying.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?
We have a great group of SAG Volunteers, Motorcycle Support Group, Ride Marshal, Ride Medic and Ride Police that help throughout the day as well as mechanical support by Sun & Ski Sports at four of the five rest stops. In all, it is estimated that between 15% and 20% of the riders need assistance of some kind on the ride. Most of this assistance is minor but without the support that the PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS enjoys, the ride would be much smaller and not as much fun.

What was the most unforgettable experience or  worst accident you had in this event?
The most unforgettable experiences have always come at the end of the ride when riders are arriving telling about the great volunteers and incredible rest stops and when they realize that the support continues with a snack and fun at the end of the ride, we are really happy. Additionally, we try to visit with the riders during this time and let them know about DU, it successes and the continuing challenges in conservation.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Ducks Unlimited can always use new volunteers to help put on fund raising events. The easiest way to help. other than volunteering, is to attend a Ducks Unlimited event. There are over 200 different events across Texas alone and approximately 5000 events across the United States and Canada.  If someone wants to help but not volunteer they can always help by donating directly to our ride or help underwrite the costs associated with it.

What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I have been fortunate enough to have been the Ride Director or Co-Director since the beginning of the ride. The success is due to the volunteers, sponsors and , most of all, to the riders that have recognized the PUDDLE FOR THE DUCKS is a ride that they WANT to ride in.

Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?
There are two Ride Co-Directors, Pat Arthur & Chris Sechelski:

Pat:
Yes, I ride regularly, usually three or four days a week. I am currently riding a LightSpeed Tuscany that I have had for eight years. I tend to keep my bikes for a LONG time. I live near Braes Bayou in Houston and use the Braes Bayou Trail. On a “normal” day my riding buddy and I do between 18 and 20 miles on the trail. On he weekends we usually do 25-30 miles, either on the trail or with one of the organized rides in the Houston area

Chris:
I have two bikes I use regularly, a 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR and 2010 Niner SIR 9 Single Speed Locally I ride the Cypresswood Trails, Memorial Park Trails (AKA Ho Chi Minh Trail), The Anthills, Jack Brooks Park, Huntsville, and Double Lake.  Short fun rides are 10-20 miles.  Training rides usually are between 25-50 miles.

Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
Pat: The Space Race, The Gator Ride and The Piney Woods Purgatory
Chris: Excruciation Exam (80-85 mile mountain bike race — the longest in TX), Chihuanhuan Desert Dirt Fest, The Big Ring Challenge (XC mountain bike race)

Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
We have had long sleeve shirts for the ride shirt every year and this year’s shirts is really cool. It will definitely stand out. As most rider do, we have multiple ride shirts but getting a long sleeve shirt is rare and really special. Please join us if you can. Everyone that registers before January 29 will get a ride shirt. Go to www.puddlefortheducks.org to register.

 

Thanks Pat Arthur for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the 5th Annual Puddle for the Ducks Bike Ride

Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012 in ColdSpring, TX

The Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012 happening on January 28, 2012 at San Jacinto Courthouse 1 State Highway 150 Coldspring, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Duane McPeak, Ride Director of Bike Through the Forest and the Hills to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join this year’s ride?

With the rolling hills in Coldspring, Texas, Bike Through the Forest & Hills is one of the most challenging rides on the MS150 recommend ride list. The longest route is 50 miles, but when you are done you feel like you just rode 60 miles. We also offer shorter routes. We have exceptional rest stops because the Kingwood HS Fillies are present to assist the riders and to share their infamous Banana muffins each year!

How long has the event been around and how did it start?

8 years

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?

To raise funds for the nationally recognized Kingwood Fillies Drill/Dance. These funds allow the girls to travel to out of state competitions.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?

100% of the proceeds go towards the KHS Fillies drill/dance team for costumes, props and travel expenses.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?

Our volunteers consist of the Fillies (averaging 75 high school girls) and their supportive parents. We typically have about 150 people working at the ride. We try to keep costs down so that we can maximize the returns and rely on sponsorship. Because the ride is basically established, the planning time has been greatly reduced to 3-4 months before the day of the ride.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?

Watching the riders, the parent volunteers and Fillies all interacting with each other. It has always been important to us to have the “team” present at the ride so the riders can meet whom they are supporting. Every year the Fillies form a huge line at the start of the ride to cheer on the riders!

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

We have (3) SAG wagons that travel the route along with about (10) BPMS150 Ride Marshalls. I have heard reports of about 20-25 people a ride. for late January. In Texas you just never know what we are going to get on the day of the ride. Typically we average 400-700 riders.

What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience ;o)) 


During my first ride as director, just 15 minutes into the ride, I got a call from the local constable that we had a rider down. It was a young man still in High School that had lost control of his bike going down a hill. He had gone head/face first into the street. There was a SAG wagon at the start that I jumped into to go check on the rider. As we headed towards the rider, we could see an ambulance was already on it’s way ahead of us. By the time the SAG wagon got to the rider, the EMS team had already evaluated the rider and had determined that Life Flight needed to transport him to a hospital in Houston. The ride is held in Coldspring, Texas, about an hour northeast of Houston. Once Life Flight arrived, the young man and his father were flown to Herman Hospital. Once they arrived at Herman his father called me hourly with updates. Immediately after the ride, the Fillies all got together and created an enormous care basket filled with all kinds of candy, DVD movies and games. As we all drove to the hospital to deliver the basket, we received a call from the father that he was okay and being released from the hospital to go home. There was no head trauma but he had a few stitches, burses and a nasty road rash on his face. Thanks to his bike helmet, severe injury was avoided. The Fillies were able to delivery the care basket to him at home in person. I took pictures of his helmet before we gave it back to his father and we show those photos before every ride, on why you must ride your helmet.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

Sign up on line at www.Active.com or come the day of the ride.

What is your role in this race and to the success of it?

For the past three years I have been the Ride Director and have made it my goal to get Bike Through the Forest/Hills recognized as’ a ride you don’t want to miss!’

Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?

I ride, but not like these riders. I am good for 15-25 miles, but these riders don’t seem to break a sweet until after 50 miles.

Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?

The ride is Saturday, January 28th. The ride begins around 8:00-8:30AM, with registration beginning at 6:30AM on the day of the ride. Riders will enjoy the country scenic ride and the most stimulating bike ride in Southeast Texas. Again, the hills and scenic views of Coldspring, which is on the southeast side of Lake Livingston, are unlike any other ride in Texas. We have (3) SAG wagon supports, (3) BPMS150 bike shops (Bike Lane, Bicycle World and Better Bikes) at the rest stops for repairs, officers at all intersections, BPMS150 Ride Marshalls riding within the ride and plenty of port-a-cans at the start and rest stops. Furthermore, we have our water, our famous Banana Muffins and other health snacks at all rest stops.

After the ride, don’t rush off — stay to enjoy the town of Coldspring and its quaint shops and local restaurants. They are always well prepared for hungry riders needing to fuel up before heading home!

 

Thanks Duane McPeak for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012