We were lucky enough to catch up with David Marks of Plano Fun Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming event happening on August 7, 2010

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

This is the second year of the event. I am a member of the Plano Sunrise Rotary. Several members of the Club ride and we thought that a bike ride
would be a great way to work in the community.

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

We were looking for ways to support organizations in the community that we have not been able to support. This year, the Plano Fun Ride benefits Relief Nursery of Collin County, a child abuse prevention organization.
What is unique about Relief Nursery is the Prevention model it is based on. The organization looks to keep families intact, preventing the children from going into Foster Care by facilitating a safe family environment.

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

The funds are used to support the organization’s Child abuse prevention program. Last year, we also were able to share the proceeds with the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic.

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

Our Steering Committee is made up of 5 key individuals, focusing on Sponsors, Volunteers, Route Planning, Event Logistics. This year was unique in that we planned for a longer set of routes into Collin County, but ran into key logistical issues that we could not overcome. We had to close our
67 and 47 mile routes this year. But hey, we are way ahead in planning for next year!

As we did last year, we are working within one municipality; Plano. This simplifies (but still not simple) the planning process. Our largest expense
is the Police participation. I’m not sure you can ever have enough volunteers. We have volunteers assigned to various duties including Planning,
Registration, Site Setup, Tear Down, Rest Stops, and Road Crew. In all, we have 57 volunteers, but anyone interested in helping, please contact us. We’ll put you to good use!

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

This is the second year so it is hard to say. Each one is like your children, both different but you love them both. Last year we put on a
family ride and had two routes; 5 and 10 mile. Everyone had a great time (even though the rain cut the event short). This year we changed start/stop locations and expanded the routes to include a 31 mile ride. I would like to answer that question after this event.

What’s the average number of riders per year who finish the race?

Last year we had 159 riders, mostly families. This year we are planning for 300 riders with the expanded route. Next year when we expand further to include the 47 and 67 mile routes, we expect to double that again.

How many riders do you medically assist during the average race?

Last year we had one individual that had to be taken to the hospital for chest pains. It turned out to be nothing and he was OK.

What was the worst accident you had in this event?

We haven’t had one, and I would like to keep that record going.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

The Relief Nursery of Collin County is working to keep families together. We offer a hand up, not a hand-out. Prevention is not only best for the
fabric of our society (keeping families together in a safe environment), but is it cost effective, as well. Each child that goes into Foster Care costs
the taxpayer $670 per month (payment to the Foster parents). That’s $16,000 per year for as long as the children are in foster care. The average Relief Nursery program duration is 17 months. At $4,600 per year, per family, the cost is $6,500 for the duration of the family’s Relief Nursery program. Foster care is paid with your tax dollars, Relief Nursery is funded through private funding, donations, and fundraisers such as this. Come on out and support the cause.

How many port-a-potties do you have?

At the rest stops that do not have rest rooms, we will have two
port-a-potties. We will have three at the start/finish.

Any celebrities joining the ride/walk?

No

Additional stuff you would like to let folks know about this years ride?

Each time I go out on the routes to review the course, I get jazzed. The courses are really a nice ride. The beauty of the shorter family routes is
that parents can introduce their children to the joys of organized cycling in a semi-controlled environment. The longer route is for Tweeners. Kind of like us. Each rider get’s a free t-shirt and we’ll be grilling up free lunch for when you are done.

Thank you David for granting this quick interview and we hope we can catch up with everyone at the event.

Click here to view the event details for the Plano Fun Ride