The 6th Annual Spindletop Spin honoring the memory of Tom Mulvaney invites you to join their ride on June 4, 2011 at 290 Crockett St, Beaumont, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Cindy Torrans, Fundraiser Coordinator of Spindletop Spin to ask some questions about their upcoming ride

Why Join the “Spindletop Spin”?
The best organized ride in Southeast Texas

How long has the event been around and how did it start?
The Spindletop Spin is gearing up for the 6th annual event. The Spindletop Spin is the brain child of one of our local attorneys, Tracy Richardson. He is an avid cyclist.

What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The motivation behind the Spin is to benefit the Jefferson County Bar Association Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting educational programs for at-risk youth, providing representation to the indigent, promoting community understanding of the legal system and fostering the administration of justice.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The Foundation provides assistance through many community programs, including:

• National Adoption Day (Helping families with adoptions)
• Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court (Helping troubled teens)
• The Pipeline Project (Helping elementary school-aged children)
• Provided legal services to Disaster Relief Centers established by FEMA
• Veterans Initiatives
• Pro Bono Program (legal aid for indigent residents)

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
The Spindletop Spin has many committees, Logistics, Food, Volunteers, Ride Organization and Maintenance. We have approximately 200 volunteers. The event is planned all year long but we go into high gear starting the month of April. The Spindletop Spin’s budget ranges from $23,000 to $25,000.

What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Watching it grow. We are ecstatic to report that the Spin continues to set records! With almost 600 bike riders last year, it has proven to be one of the most successful events for Southeast Texas.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Do you mean help with issues when you say assist? If so that number is very low, approximately 7-10 cyclists all day.

What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience ;o))
The most unforgettable experience was the year a 12 year old did the 72 mile route (at the time this was the farthest route) in less than 5 hours.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Join us on June 4th! Big supporters go to our website and click on the tab “I want to help Sponsor”

What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I am the fundraiser coordinator. The success of this event is all of our volunteers!

Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
For those who have never experienced riding in an organized event, you do not know what you are missing. Along the routes you can make new friends and get a first-hand view of the willingness of many working for one common cause. What that cause may be varies among individuals, but for one day they are all riding to benefit the citizens of Southeast Texas by supporting our programs.

Visit www.spindletopspin.com or www.active.com to register to ride.

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

Click here to view the event details of the 6th Annual Spindletop Spin

The ^24th Annual Cross Timbers Classic benefitting the Northwest Metroport Chamber of Commerce and Flower Mound Rotary charities and civic service projects invites you to join their ride on May 21, 2011 held at the Texas Motor Speedway 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Cristina Weeks of The Cross Timbers Classic to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why Join the “Cross Timbers Classic”?

The Cross Timbers Classic is known for having friendly volunteers and fun activities. We’ll have free t-shirts and goodie bags. A warm-up instructor will be on hand before the race. The first lap of the route is on the Texas Motor Speedway race track (pretty cool). Then there are a variety of routes to choose that ride through some quaint towns and beautiful countryside. After the race, we’ll have free BBQ, beer and a band in the TMS Garages. Plus, a masseuse will be on hand, compliments  of Hidden Spa.

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

This is the 24^th year for the race. It was started by the Flower Mound Rotary as a fundraiser for charities they support. This year, the Northwest Metroport Chamber of Commerce has joined the effort. The race goes through many of the cities that make up the chamber, including Haslet, Justin, Northlake, Roanoke, Trophy Club and Westlake. (Did you know that Roanoke is known as the “Unique Dining Capital” and Westlake was recently named the nation’s most affluent community by Forbes?)

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

Texas is a great place for cycling. It is a huge sport. Plus cyclists are great people! What would be more fun than to host a ride? The event benefits non-profit organizations supported by the Flower Mound Rotary and the Northwest Metroport Chamber.

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

In the past, the Flower Mound Rotary has divided proceeds in order to support a variety of non-profit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Polio Plus, Wheelchair Foundation, YMCA to name a few.

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

We have more than 100 volunteers prepped for the event. There has been a tremendous amount of planning completed by 12 committees. Everything from poster distribution to safety & security to SAG wagons to registration to hospitality and more! The community support has been fantastic with some wonderful sponsors. This year, we’re hitting record numbers of registration sign-ups as well.

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

Really, it’s the people. After months of planning, it’s so rewarding to have cyclists say they enjoyed the event and will be back next year.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

A lot depends on the weather. We’ve enjoyed anywhere from 600 to 1,500 riders in previous years.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

Spread the word about the race! We have limited funds for promotion, so a lot of communication is by word of mouth. Tell your friends and fellow cyclists. They can follow us at www.Facebook.com/CrossTimbersClassic.

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

Every year the race is coordinated by volunteers. This year the Northwest Metroport Chamber has joined with the Flower Mound Rotary to really learn the ropes. In future years, the Chamber will host the event entirely. So, right now, we’re jumping in with both feet to learn the ropes and maintain the same high level of quality. We’re really glad the Flower Mound Rotary is still with us this year, so nothing falls through the cracks. We’re working to document every activity/task and create a strategy to make the Cross Timbers Classic one of the best in North Texas.

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

Carol Jones, our Chamber President, rides. She says, “My favorite ride is in my community of Saginaw, TX in the early morning. I ride anywhere from 13 to 15 miles depending on how much time I have. The bike I ride is a Dawes.”

Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?

Carol says, “Around Saginaw, Hotter than Hell in Wichita Falls and of course I have to list Cross Timbers Classic.”

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

Not only will the race be enjoyable and have fun activities, our goal is to be safe for the cyclists. We have six, shiny new Chevrolet Silverados for SAG wagons, medical personnel, First Aid stations at each rest stop and the help of our local police. The event will be fun and safe for all. Plus, with a variety of routes from 100 miles to the Family Classic, everyone can choose the ride that’s best for them.

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

Click here to view the event details of the 24th Annual Cross Timbers Classic

The ^17th Annual Armadillo Hill country Classic Ride benefiting the Austin Cycling Association invites you to participate to their Ride on May 14, 2011 in Liberty Hill High School, Liberty TX.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Erin Truslow of Armadillo Hill country Classic Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join the “ Armadillo Hill country classic ride”?

The 17th Annual Armadillo Hill Country Classic has a variety of courses that will appeal to cyclists of all levels. We have 7 different courses from 14 miles to 105 miles!

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

This is the events 17th year!  We are so excited to have the ride again at its host city of Liberty Hill

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

Austin Cycling Association is a 501c3 charitable organization who’s mission is to support & encourage cycling access, safety, education & enjoyment in Central Texas.

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

Austin Cycling Association is part of the Boltage Program that supplies helmets to children, educates rider safely and has created the Defensive Cycling program.

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

This year we are looking for 175 volunteers! Wanna help?  The ride director…thats me… has been working on this years event since January 1, however the event is 17 years in the making!

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

Watching first time group riders cross the finish line!

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

As many as needed! We will have 5 local bike shops out on the course as well as 7 to 10 SAG drivers to lend a helping hand if necessary.

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

Um can’t remember….oh!

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

Join the ride and join the ACA! Membership is inexpensive and goes to a great cause and has many benefits.

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

I am the Ride Director, and I can only plan and organize the event. The success comes from the army of volunteers needed to pull off that plan.

If we can go back a few years, how did you first get into cycling?

I first got into cycling at the age of 36 after the birth of my son. I think I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit! Ha… I haven’t looked back since. I love being on my bike and my son thinks I am super cool because I like to race in triathlons and duathlons.

What kind of bicycle do you ride?

I have 4 bikes; Triathlon, Road, Mountain and Cruiser. I am looking forward to my next bike… a Cycle Cross bike.

What is your favorite route in your area?

I hate to say it, but I am a creature of habit. I typically ride Parmer and Ronald Reagan Blvd. I love the wide shoulders and if you go far enough north there isn’t much traffic.

Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?

Let’s just say I have heard these rides are awesome, but I haven’t had the opportunity to ride them; The Shiner Gash, Hotter Than Hell 100, and the River Region Classic.

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

We have a few new things like a Kids Korner with cycling activities and pony rides, Freebirds World Burrito is coming out to feed the masses, a brick run sponsored by HIll Country Running Company and this year the “Dillo Door” is being sponsored by Clif Bar, so be looking for them out at Rest Stop 5.

Since you are down in Austin – Know that Lance Armstrong guy?

Yeah…I have met him & chatted with him a few times. But how many people really “know” him?

Thanks Erin for this quick interview and we hope Armadillo Hill country Classic Ride all the best!

Click here to view the event details for the Armadillo Hill country Classic Ride