Hey you awesome cyclists! Yes you! Are you ready for another awesome summer of awesome rides? As usual we have all the details on some of the hottest rides heading your way. This time, we interviewed Caryn Jenks for the scoop on the Heart of Hope LifeCycle ride, coming up in just 2 weeks, on June 7th. Find out what you should join is up and coming must ride favorite.
Why join your ride?
Our ride is organized by cycling enthusiasts for cycling enthusiasts. What does this mean? It means that we try to provide all the things that make a cyclists happy, from memorable SWAG (this year it includes a custom Camelbak Podium Chill water bottle), full-stocked rest stops (with top end products like GU & PJ Sport), complete route support (with HAM radio operators and SAG), and an after-party that will leave you feeling like the registration fee was a steal (Blue Bell ice cream and Massage Envy just to mention a few bonuses). But, the icing on the cake is that we offer 2 routes that are catered for families and kids which comes complete with a Kids’ Fun Area after the ride.
How long has your ride been around?
2014 marks our 3rd Annual Tour
What was the motivation behind starting the ride and who benefits from it?
LifeCycle was started with a goal of serving the community in multiple facets. What a great combination? Create a regional event for spandex loving cyclists, along with a family ride that could pass the love of cycling to the younger generation that also raises funds for a local non-profit organization? Heart of Hope – A Sanctuary for Women is a non-profit maternity home that serves ladies ages 11-23 who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.
How have they been able to utilize funds in the past?
Heart of Hope LifeCycle netted over $12,000 in 2012 and over $27,000 in 2013. Heart of Hope has been able to use those funds for things varying from educational supplies for the residents to capital improvements.
Logistically can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
Planning for Lifecycle starts every Fall with the designing of the annual jersey and sponsor recruitment, and finishes off on the first Saturday in June, with the most amazing gathering of volunteers, cyclists, and sponsors you can imagine. It takes 50-70 volunteers to make LifeCycle happen. From pre-event planning, and event day needs like registration to rest stop hosts, our volunteers make this event incredible!
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Heart of Hope LifeCycle is hosted on the Heart of Hope Campus. The facilities are perfect for a cycling event. We host most event activities in the gym which includes multi-stall bathrooms, showers (nice and cool for a hot, June event), and large area for registration and eating. We also have of acreage for ample parking and the Kids’ Fun Area.
What is the most rewarding experience of hosting this event?
I would have to say that the most rewarding experience is seeing the kids cross the finish line. They ride around the curve, see that finish line arch, and go full throttle like they are a professional cyclist winning the Tour de France. Seeing the huge smiles when they receive their finish line medal makes it all worthwhile!
What is the average number of participants?
We hosted 135 in 2012, 278 in 2013, and are planning for 500 this year.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Our mission is to not only raise funds for Heart of Hope, but also to promote cycling and cycling safety in our community. The best ways to support this event are to donate, advertise, participate, and encourage others to do the same.
Do you ride, and if so, what kind of bicycle do you have?
My entire family, husband, 9 y/o son, 6 y/o daughter, and I all ride bicycles. My daughter loves to tell everyone that she rode all 5 miles of LifeCycle last yearJ I personally own a Specialized Ruby Comp for road cycling, and a Specialized Myka FSR Comp.
Anything else you’d like to tell folks about this ride?
Heart of Hope LifeCycle is all about community, family, and giving back. Whether it’s this event or another event, we can all benefit from paying it forward and seeing what the fruits of our labor bring to our own lives. Volunteering, participating, and donating to any great cause is the best investment one can ever make in this life.
What do you think? Hurry and sign up, and get training! We to see all of you out there supporting this great ride, with a great cause.
CLICK HERE – for more information about the ride.