You are awesome!!!
Tour de Norway in Clifton, TX
The 1st Annual Tour de Norway invites you to join their ride happening on May 12, 2012 at Clifton High School, Clifton, Texas, United States
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Brent Grelle, Ride Director of Tour de Norway to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why join the “Tour de Norway”?
To have fun riding in a new area and get to see a little Texas history.
How long has the event been around?
This is our first year.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
After moving here from the DFW area and riding in a few rally rides there, I felt like this area would be great for riding. The Clifton Chamber of Commerce is the beneficiary of all proceeds.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
This is our first year but funds will be used to promote and support local businesses.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
So far there are 4 of us working on the event (there will of course be many more volunteers on event day but exactly how many I don’t know yet). So far we have only spent $70 on mailing advertising. But there are still lots of things we will have to spend money on, in our initial meeting we came up with approximately $5,000 worth of expenses based on ball park guesses on amounts.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Well, being the first year to attempt this I will have to say watching the group leave the start line will be it.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
I hope to have 100+ riders this year, how many will need assistance I have no clue.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Join us and have fun then spread the word for next year.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am the ride director and most likely it’s success or failure will depend on how well I can coordinate everything.
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)?
Yes I ride, mostly mountain bikes but also on the road. The route I have laid out for this rally is what I ride when I am on the road here. Top 3 for me are HHH (being able to see 13,000+ bikes gathered together at the start is amazing), MS 150 ride (I did the Frisco to Fort Worth ride in 2007 and crossing the finish line in downtown Fort Worth with people in wheel chairs who obviously had MS was heart wrenching and inspiring at the same time.), and the Richardson Wild Ride (good ride, good people, easy routs and pizza at the finish, hard to beat).
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
The plan is for there to be an art festival the same weekend as our ride next year (date for next year is yet to be determined) so come check us out then bring the family next year and enjoy the art festival.
Thanks Brent Grelle for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the 1st Annual Tour de Norway
Cycling Fridays – Videos to get you ready for the weekend!
Besides covering Texas bicycle rides, from now on, we will be featuring some funny, interesting and inspiring videos each Friday to celebrate the upcoming weekend!
This week we’ll have some Trikes, Bikes and a full length video of two guys experiencing one of my dreams!
Some crazy guys on Trikes
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNZCZsHJIR8]
Here is a fun video from the JPB Racing Team in Fredericksburg, Texas going on a bicycle ride!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqIbcz37DAU]
These two guys were able to do something that is on my bucket list. I would LOVE to do this one day!!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35lH2Cse6ak]
Bike MS: Sam’s Club Ride in Dallas, TX
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
Red Poppy Bike Ride in Georgetown, TX
The Red Poppy Bike Ride benefiting various organizations invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Georgetown High School Annex, Georgetown, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Bill McMillian of Red Poppy Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. Why participate in the Red Poppy Bike Ride?
The ride is in a great biking area east of IH10 with a variety of routes ranging 14 to 100 miles with frequent signage, regular rest stops, SAG vehicles with radio communication, motorcycle escorts in most sections and lots of fun riders.
2. How long has the event been around?
This is the 8th consecutive Red Poppy Bike Ride. It is held in conjunction with the Red Poppy Festival which happens in the downtown square on the 27, 28 and 29th with arts and crafts and entertainment events. That website reflects a full description.
3. What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The original organizers were bicycle enthusiasts who wanted a charitable bike ride to coincide with the Red Poppy Festival activities.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The funds in the past have benefited a Georgetown High School Scholarship program through the SERTOMA Club of Georgetown, Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Georgetown Police and Fire Department bicycle patrol programs. These are the object of net proceeds for this year’s ride.
?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.
We have a pdf map file on the website but do not have the personal device files available.
?6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
The map is attached above showing all routes, starting/finishing and rest stops.
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
Our volunteer base is amazing, about 275 people work to organize and support the ride day activities. We are very fortunate to have volunteers, most of whom were involved with the original event. Planning for the event begins 6 months before the actual ride. The ride cost is $30 per person with registration available on line through active.com or by mail or the day of the event beginning at 6:30 AM.
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event? What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
The beneficiaries of the scholarship funds received by graduating seniors are real special rewards for the effort. Knowing we help children in cases of abuse is less visible to most volunteers but is known to be a huge benefit to our community. During the ride itself, we have several teenagers who began participating in the family ride of 14 miles who now ride with their friends on longer routes – hopefully we have fostered life long cyclists.
During the last four years we have averaged between 600 and 700 riders. The SAG vehicles end up bringing in 6 to 8 riders per year primarily for mechanical reasons. We feel extremely fortunate to have never had a serious injury.
9. What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
The unforgettable experience happens each year when riders return full of enthusiasm for cycling with complements for support of SAG vehicles and friendly well staffed rest stops cheering them on.
10. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come ride the area to see how much fun it is and if not riders we have volunteer opportunities for everyone.
11. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
We have a great ride coordinator in Mike Cook who has served in that position now for 3 years. I have helped with route planning, signage and rest stop organization.
12. Do you ride, and if yes,what are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
I ride a single 3 to 4 days weekly as well as tandem with my wife. We enjoy travelling to find bike paths to explore our country via a bicycle. Riding in the Hill Country area is a treat (Lost Maples, LBJ Ride and Easter Hill Country, the Southwest Tandem Rally is always in a fun location such as The Painted Churches area of LaGrange/Smithville and the ACA Armadillo Ride are very worthy of a day on a bicycle.
13. If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
a. well supported,
b. excellent cause,
c. great rolling hills and scenic area,
d. fellow rider camaraderie,
e. lots of eats, water, sports drink and hot dogs at the finish,
f. fun festival afterward on the town square.
14. Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Take time to look at both websites for pictures and more details including registration.
Thanks Bill 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
Tour de Vineyard at Florence, TX
The Tour de Vineyard at Florence benefiting the City of Florence invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 8711 W FM 487 Florence, TX 76527
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Shawna Platt of Tour de Vineyard at Florence to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. What was the motivation behind starting the Tour de Vineyard at Florence and who benefits from it?
I wanted to help raise money for the City of Florence and the new park that is being constructed under the Parks & Rec Dept. The money has gone to the city to help replace the pool liner, etc. I wanted to do something that would promote being healthy in Florence.
2. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I started the race, I am the organizer.
3. What sets this event apart from others in the area?
The beautiful countryside on the back country roads and The Vineyard itself is a beautiful place.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The City Pool was able to reopen with a new liner. Money is being saved for the new park.
?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.
This is something I will work on next year.
?6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Yes
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
It takes about 75 volunteers. 100 would be better. Local businesses give donations to help cost of tshirts, goody bags, refreshments, etc. WE also have a band play.
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Being able to make a difference in the community, and watching rides face and they return to The Vineyard.
9.What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
We usually have 150 – 200 riders.
10. What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
Thankfully, no accidents yet. One lady did pull over and sat down in an ant pile and was covered in ants.
11. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Volunteer, donate/sponsor
12. What would you say to someone who is considering participating in this event?
They will enjoy it and to get a lot of help & support
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)? I do ride but not long distances. I have not taken part in my own ride because I am on the phone with SAG, police, volunteers, etc making sure everyone is okay.
14. Is there any additional information you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
It’s our 5 year. We learn more and more every year and get better every year.
Thanks Shawna for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Tour de Vineyard at Florence
Ride for Heroes in Aledo, TX
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
Bike Gear Designer: Geoffrey Franklin
At Wheel Brothers, we are always trying to keep our cycling community well informed on everything from upcoming events to local bike shops. When we came across Geoffrey Franklin of Walnut Design Studio, we did not think that we would be doing our job without sharing his handmade cycling gear with you. Geoffrey’s gear is unique, and his passion for cycling is evident in the quality and thoughtfulness of his work.
We asked Geoffrey a few questions about his work and cycling and this is what he had to say:
How long have you been making biking gear?
We opened the doors of Walnut Studiolo in 2009. We launched our products on Etsy.com.
What inspired you to start making gear for bikes?
A few years ago I had a seven-mile bike commute to work. It provided me plenty of time to think about what I was carrying and how I could improve things. When I couldn’t find what I wanted in the marketplace, I started making my own things.
Have you ever had any road cyclist use your gear?
My father-in-law is a road cyclist. He just installed the braided wraps on his bike, and fell in love with them. He wrote me an email afterwards and said, “no great hand strain, great cushioning, great gripping power. I am a believer.”
What is the most fun experience you’ve had?
The pace of riding a bike often allows people to enjoy the small things in life. Just catching a few sun rays in the morning can be bliss. But the thing I look forward to the most is a group ride organized by my friends. We do a different multi-day tour ever year. Two years ago we rode from Eugene, Or. to Crater Lake, taking the most scenic route the entire way. If I close my eyes, I can feel it like it was yesterday
We love the beer holder! Where can we get one?
Riding to the park to drink a beer in the sun is an awesome way to spend some time. You can find all my bike gear at: http://walnutstudiolo.etsy.com
What is your favorite piece out of all of your biking accessories and why?
My favorite piece of bike gear changes fairly frequently. Right now my favorite is the braided handlebar wraps. I have these wraps on three of my bikes because I was always choosing to ride my Surly when it was the only bike with the braided wraps.
If one of our cyclists were to visit Oregon, is there anywhere you recommend for great cycling?
One of my favorite rides is “Reach the Beach”, a century (100 miles) from Portland to Pacific City. There’s a brewery on the beach when you get there, Pelican Brewery. I have done it numerous times as a group ride, but it is even better solo during the week when you have the roads almost to yourself. Another great area is called the “Fruit Loop”. If you’re looking to ride out in the country, there are countless apple, cherry and pear orchards around Hood River, Or.
Is there anything about your business philosophy or products that you would like our readers to know about?
I am dedicated to making the highest quality gear. It starts by using the best materials and doing everything by hand so no detail is missed. I am also happy to provide cyclists with gear they can’t find anywhere else, and collaborating with clients to bring to life almost any project they can think of.
Lancaster Country Ride in Lancaster, TX
The 15th annualLancaster Country Ride benefiting various charities and the local communities invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Town Square Lancaster, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Mike Eipper of Lancaster Country Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. Why participate in the Lancaster County Ride?
The Lancaster Country (not ‘County’) Ride is the prettiest lil’ ride in Texas….! It has wildflowers, rides on part of the Bluebonnet Trail near Ennis, and other scenic wonders, like several exotic animal farms…Keep your eyes peeled, and you’re likely to see Zebras, Camels, and other animals that make you smile on the route! Our route was mentioned as ‘…One of the 10 Best Rides in Texas’ in Texas Monthly, Oct, 2004, and we’re still riding the same routes we did then. This year is a record for wildflowers, and you’ll pedal your way through the petals with a smile!
2. How long has the event been around?
This is our 15th year to do this ride….
3. What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The ride was started to enjoy the beauty of the Lancaster area and southern Dallas County….the roads are good, safe routes, the terrain is varied, and it’s a beautiful, safe way to really see the area.! The ride is run as a fund raiser for our Club, and after expenses, we give money to various charities and the local communities of Lancaster, Ferris, Palmer, and several of the local churches for their gracious assistance with the ride.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
We donate to the various group’s General Funds and let them use it as they best need.
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.
Links to GPX files for the 3 routes are provided on the rally webpage (http://www.
6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
There are maps and information at: http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/lancaster/index.html
Some of the details you need may not be covered in great detail, but I don’t recall any ride that states how many portolets are at the start in their info….For the record, we’ve increased it, and with the City’s contribution, I think it’s 15, plus some public facilities provided by the City of Lancaster.
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
There are about 100 volunteers involved, including start, rest stops, packet pickups, and all other prep and wrap up efforts…It involves about 30% of the Club membership, and is by far our biggest effort of the year. Planning for next year will start with the recap from this year, the day after the ride…!
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Getting back the positive comments from riders about how well executed this ride is….
9. What is the average number of participants per year?
We are expecting around 1,200 riders, as the weather looks to be fantastic!
10. How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Our SAG support is extensive, and this year, involves about 10 Club trucks, and about 6 Bike Shop trucks…..assistance will vary with weather, etc, etc, but my guess is that we’ll help over 150 riders at some level.
11. What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
The best rides are when the SAG trucks are bored to death, as everyone is having a wonderful, safe and enjoyable day! And, when folks cross the finish line with smiles and say ‘thank you’!
12. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Show up and enjoy the ride…!
13. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
Personally, I’ve been SAG Captain for the past 4 years….This year, I’m headed to Majorca the day of the ride, so I won’t be involved on ride day. I’m helping organize SAG, and helping with packet pickups.
14. 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)?
Yes, a carbon fiber road bike, mostly. The Club Downtown night ride…. Easter Hill Country Tour
15. Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Just come and enjoy…..!
Thanks Mike for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Lancaster Country Ride
Stampede on the Chisholm Trail in Belton, TX
The 2nd Annual Belton Lions Club — Stampede on the Chisholm Trail benefiting the Belton Lions Club invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Belton Park and Ride at Confederate Park 505 East Avenue C @ IH 35 – Belton, Texas
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Robert Jones of Stampede on the Chisholm Trail to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. Why participate in The Stampede on the Chisholm Trail?
The ride is a project of the Belton Lions Club in Belton, Texas. The motto of Lions Clubs worldwide is, “We Serve.” Your participation in our event will help us to continue to serve the greater Belton community. The ride begins with a stroll through downtown historic Belton, across Nolan Creek and the Hike and Bike Trail out west of town where all riders will be challenged by a climb up Nolanville Hill (a 1 mile climb). The 50 and 62 mile routes then cross Stillhouse Hollow Dam and head east into the back roads near Salado, Texas. For the 62 mile route there is a “King of the Hill” trophy for the first male and female to make it to the top of Campbell Hill. The route passes by the historic Summer’s Mill and returns to finish on the Belton Hike and Bike Trail along Nolan Creek.
2. How long has the event been around?
This is the 2nd year for the ride.
3. What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The ride started last year as a fundraiser for the Belton Lions Club. We have quite a few riders in the club and felt because we are riders we could sponsor a race that would provide the little things that make a ride fun and enjoyable. We have good volunteers, a beautiful route, and well stocked rest stops.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The funds help the Belton Lions Club serve the community in a number of ways. First, we provide eye exams and eye glasses for needy children in Belton. Second, we sponsor local special needs children each year at the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas. Third, we provide annual scholarships for graduating Belton High School seniors. Fourth, we support youth at the Belton Christian Youth Center. Finally, we built and maintain a Lion’s Pavilion concession stand in Heritage Park, which serves thousands of youth each year.
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.
Not in those formats, but that is a good idea for next year.
6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
We have a map that you can access by going to the Belton Lions Club at www.beltonlionsclub.com It shows the route to include rest stops. Parking, restrooms, registration, etc are all at the Start/Finish line and easy to find.
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers,finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
Our volunteers consist of about 25 Lions Club members, 25 students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and various City of Belton employees. In addition to the rider entry fees, we have a number of local businesses that sponsor the ride at different monetary levels.
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Student volunteers from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) were helping at the rest stops last year. In the group of students that were at the first rest stop overlooking Stillhouse Hollow Lake were a group of football players from UMHB all dressed in purple and gold UMHB colors. As each rider would ride into the rest stop, the football players were clapping, whistling and congratulating them. I know it sounds silly, but you couldn’t help feel a little extra adrenaline as you rode by. We had so many good comments about the energy that the students brought to the ride.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Last year (our first) we had 75 riders. We anticipate a large increase this year based on the positive reviews from the riders about the route, rest stops, and the volunteers.
9. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come to Belton, Texas on April 14th and ride in the Stampede on The Chisholm Trail bike ride.
10. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am the chairperson in name, but in fact I have a group of Lions Club members that help with all of the aspects of the ride. Additionally, we have great support from the local university and the City of Belton.
11. 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)?
Yes, I do ride. I have a Trek 2200 and my favorite route actually follows some of Stampede on the Chisholm Trail’s route. The rolling hills south of Belton near Salado, Texas are beautiful. I especially like crossing the rivers and creeks. A “MUST DO” ride is the Hotter N Hell 100 in Wichita Falls, Tx.
11. If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
The top ten reasons you should ride in the Belton Lions Club Stampede on the Chisholm Trail ride:
#10. Our SAG support is excellent.
#9. We have friendly volunteers at our rest stops
#8. You get a police escort to begin the ride
#7. Stop and take in the beauty of historic Summer’s Mill.
#6. We award trophies to the male and female “King of the Hill”
#5. The view from the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam is beautiful
#4. The ride crosses Nolan Creek, the Lampasas River, and Salado Creek.
#3. There is a great post ride meal (free hotdogs, chips, and drinks)
#2. We have donuts, bagels, and bananas for breakfast
#1. The proceeds are used to benefit youth in the Belton community
12. Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Ride day registration begins at 6:30 on April 14th. Registration is at the start/finish line located at the Belton Park and Ride, 505 East Ave C & IH 35, Belton, Texas.
Thanks Robert for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Stampede on the Chisholm Trail