Today is the worldwide 10th annual Ride of Silence during which we will remember the cyclists that have been killed or injured over the last year.

Just a couple of weeks ago ‘Team Army’ lost Terrence Alan Mack one of their brothers who was a retired soldier and member of the Wounded Warriors in Killeen. The driver was merely issued a citation.

Please come out and support this ride!

Some of the Wheelbrothers will be attending the Fort Worth ride this evening so hopefully we will get to meet you.

Official Website: http://www.rideofsilence.org/

To find a location near you go to: http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

Texas

Amarillo

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Austin

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Beaumont

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Coppell

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Corpus Christi

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Dallas

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Fort Worth

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Frisco

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Houston

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McAllen

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Midland – Odessa

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Paris

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Plano

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San Antonio

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Sherman

Win a free entry to Saturday’s 25th Annual Cross Timbers Classic in Fort Worth, by posting one of your favorite cycling pictures on our Facebook page.  Have a group picture you took on a recent ride?  Discovering something fun or interesting on your training ride?  Want to show of your club jerseys?

Just snap a picture and post it!

Winner will be announced on Friday morning.

Dance Like No one is Watching!

Some crazy drafting skills at 55mph!

My week as a cyclist
A driver trades in his car for a bicycle and commutes to work for one week. See how his attitude changes…

Bicycle Lane Safety in the City of Fort Worth!
Big kudos to the City of Fort Worth for making Texas a lot more bike friendly!

My favorite cycling movie of all times!!!
This is by far my favorite cycling movie of all times. The movie is a bit dated now but shows what riders go through day in and out, while riding the Tour de France.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Jill Burns, Event Coordinator of Cross Timbers Classic to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why join the this year’s ride?
To meet friendly volunteers and enjoy the beautiful North Texas countryside.

How long has the event been around?
It’s our 25th anniversary this year! Every rider who crosses the finish line will receive a medal to celebrate!

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The Flower Mound Rotary started this ride to benefit it’s many projects and charities. The Northwest Metroport Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Rotary last year and this year in preparation for taking the ride over in 2013. The ride will benefit the Chamber and its projects and charities.

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.

CTC 100 Mile.gpx
CTC 100K.gpx
CTC 50 Mile.gpx
CTC 30 Mile.gpx
To download file, right click and Save Link As

Do you hav a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Click here to download map

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
This event is an epic undertaking that takes year round planning. With a staff of four at the Chamber, we can’t do it alone!

We have at least 200 volunteers who help with this event. We receive donations from generous sponsors like our title sponsor, The Thompson Group at Classic Chevrolet. They have donated countless hours in addition to their sponsorship.

Baylor Grapevine is another generous sponsor that also donates their time to handle rider safety on the medical side.

Craig Lloyd and the team at Glint Advertising started working on the design for this year’s logo and marketing material last fall. They did a great job and are true professionals. They rebuilt our website and spent countless hours to make it all look good!

It takes cooperation from 9 different local police departments, sheriffs and constables. These guys are great to work with by the way. We met with them back in March to go over the routes to make sure they are safe. Their primary concern is the safety of our riders.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
When the cyclists are happy, we are happy. We really do our best to make this a great day for them. When we get positive feedback from them it’s very rewarding.

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

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 only ride a sad little cruiser around the lake by my house! I did attend Hotter n’ Hell last year as a spectator. That is an awesome ride!

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

Click here to view the event details of the 25th Annual Cross Timbers Classic

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

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

Here is a fun video from the JPB Racing Team in Fredericksburg, Texas going on a bicycle ride!

These two guys were able to do something that is on my bucket list. I would LOVE to do this one day!!

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

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

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

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