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