The 21st Annual The Dehydrator benefiting the Duncan school bands invites you to join their ride on July 30th, 2011 starting at Simmons Center located at 800 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan Oklahoma.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Kent Collins, Ride Coordinator  of The Dehydrator Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride

Why Join the “The Dehydrator”?

The Dehydrator offers both a race AND a fun ride. The race is extremely challenging when you couple the hilly terrain, fast corners, and the typical heat experienced in southern Oklahoma at the end of July. The fun ride offers a scenic tour that takes the longer routes near and around Waurika lake and back again.

How long has the event been around?

2011 will be the 21st year of the event.

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

The motivation was driven by our local cycling club from a desire to bring cyclists together. For around the last 10 years, the event has been sponsored by the Duncan band boosters organization. Everyone benefits, from the riders to the volunteers, to the community.

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

The proceeds go to support our middle and high school band programs. The funds are used to help buy instruments, supplement travels expenses, and provide scholarships. Our Duncan band programs are among the top ranked in Oklahoma. Also, we ‘give back’ to the community by donating bicycles to our local toy shop program to be used as Christmas gifts for the less fortunate.

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

Vols = about 150+ , finances = $10,000+, planning is year-round.

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

For me personally, setting the attendance record last year. A lot of hard work was put in throughout the year trying to make sure that we were doing things right and advertising ourselves in the right markets, and ultimately it paid off. Also, as far as rewarding, was seeing the boosters increase their bicycle gift giving to the toy shop. The proceeds were higher, so they turned around and increased their giving. I’m sure there were quite a few happy kids on Christmas day because of that.

What is the average number of participants per year?

How many riders do you assist during the average race? Average = 400, we set a record last year (2010) of 540 (a 30% increase over 2009 and a 50% increase over 2008). We might sag in 5%, maybe 20 – 30, not really for sure on that.

What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?

Unforgettable ranges from good to bad. Bad is like when we found out (in the ’09 event) that an older gentleman from Dallas, in the race, had wiped out in one of the fast corners and suffered a broken hip. Also bad is being griped at for lack of medical coverage in a certain area. We have since corrected that because we want a safe event above all. Good is when things go right and you see people having fun and feeling that they’ve gotten their money’s worth and tell you that the event is one of the best around, and that they’ll be back. Good is having people on your team that you know you can count on to come through for you in a pinch. There’s several really great people who stepped up and did an awesome job of coordinating, and they know who they are. Also good is having people like Jari Askins (local girl), Oklahoma Lt. Governor at the time, take time out of their day (2010, the 20th anniversary of the event) to greet the crowd and wish them well.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

Riders can register and ride the event! Volunteer organizations can help with their time, such as running/sponsoring a hydration station. Local businesses can increase their sponsorship monies and/or products and gifts, to either be used in the event, or given away as door prizes. Bicycle shops or blogs/websites such as yourself can help spread the word.

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

I became the coordinator in the fall of ’08 to start planning the ’09 event. ’08 was the ‘low water mark’ of the event. From a combination of overspending and a lower attendance, it only made several thousand dollars profit that year. At that time both the boosters and the bicycle club were frustrated with the lack of return for investment and the low attendance. When you think about having a fund raiser, working all year long for several thousand dollars just doesn’t make sense. The ride had been around for a number of years, and although it is a high quality event, it just wasn’t growing. Attendance was almost always the same from year to year. The nature of the boosters, like many organizations, was to elect (or conscript….ha!) a coordinator and that person MIGHT handle it for a max of a couple of years before their child would graduate or leave the band. That person would then get out of that position and hand it to the next person, and the learning process would start all over again. So it was obvious to me that that plan just wouldn’t work over a long period of time; there was no continuity. My position now, in this my third year, is having a better overall look at what’s going on now, and what was going on in the past, combining all that data and trying to organize it better.

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’ve ridden since I was a child of course, but bought a ‘real’ bike back in ’87; a Specialized Allez. I currently ride a Tommaso. I’ve only done one ride in Texas, and that is the Hotter-N-Hell. But I’ve done that ride multiple times. In fact 19 years ago, my wife and I rode in it on our honeymoon!

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

Well, it’s going to be HOT! That goes without saying due to the current drought conditions we’ve been experiencing. Hopefully we’ll be seeing a break from the excessive temperatures about the time the event rolls around. With that being said, coincidentally, we’ve rolled back the start time by 30 minutes to 7:30 this year. That will help a little with the heat exposure. We discussed it last year and felt like we needed an earlier start. We might even try to go to a 7:00 start in 2012.

Additionally, we will have much better support this year through our medical tents. They will have trained staff and doctors and in an extreme emergency have ice water dunk tanks to cool someone down. We have a local Ham radio club, who has supported the ride for years, that gives us real time tracking of the sag vehicles and status of our hydration stations. They provide us a great service and they are pretty interesting to watch as they coordinate everything. It will be ‘business as usual’ as far as the meal goes. We put on one of the best meals around, and it is included in the entry fee. Also included in the fee, is ‘run of the house’ of the Simmons Center. The Simmons Center (location of the event) is a first-class facility offering a half-olympic sized pool, saunas, weight rooms, jogging track, raquetball courts, etc.. Through the Dehydrator entry fee, riders can enjoy any of these all day long. It costs us some money to rent the center, but it is well worth it to us because we want our event to be the best. Also, riders can experience the ‘Old West’ via the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, which is adjacent to the Simmons Center. Riders get free admission with their bibs, and can enjoy all the museum has to offer. It’s really pretty neat AND educational.

Furthermore, we are 1 of only 2 rides in Oklahoma that are endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Due to our event date, we typically draw in a number of riders who are training for the Hotter-N-Hell, which is only 1 month after ours. Finally, we absolutely love putting on this thing, and are constantly striving to improve it. We are looking into ways to enhance the technical side through social networks and all that inter-networking offers. You can check us out at www.thedehydrator.org and we have a Facebook presence as well.

Thanks Kent Collins for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the The Dehydrator Bike Ride 2011

The 23rd Annual Peach Pedal Bike Ride benefiting the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and the Weatherford College Foundation invites you to join their ride on July 9th, 2011 starting at Weatherford High School, 2121 Bethel Rd, Weatherford, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Brent Baker, Ride Director of Peach Pedal Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride

Why Join the “ Peach Pedal Bike Ride”?

Great views of the countryside, challenging hills, friendly people and the Peach Festival!

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

This is our 23rd year. It started as a small ride to compliment the Peach Festival…back then, they used to begin the ride around the downtown courthouse, which must have been cool.

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

We split the funds between the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and the Weatherford College Foundation. Weatherford College uses the funds for scholarships…last year’s ride funded 20 individual semester scholarships! The Chamber uses the funds to help promote our community to the rest of North Texas.

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

We’ll have more than 200 volunteers working the event. It’s amazing how these people work so hard in the heat for no pay. I’m truly grateful. Planning is year-round, but most of the work is done between January 1st and ride day.

In years past you encouraged folks to go down to the Parker County Peach Festival after the race, how about this year?

No doubt. The Peach Festival is a must-see. Great arts and crafts, food, and music. It’s hot, but not as hot as riding 63 miles! All our riders get a free festival pass…check out the festival at www.peachfestivaltx.com.

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

I remember one lady…somewhere around 2004 or 2005. It was after 2:00 p.m., and we had shut down the route and our rest stops. But this one lady, mid-50s, came rolling up to the finish area. She was all by herself, and we were tearing everything down. We just had one table with about three cups of Gatorade and a banana sitting there. But the look on her face was classic. She finished the 100K, and to her, it was like winning the Tour de France. I was hot and tired, but I had a lot of satisfaction that day that we were part of her reaching a goal.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

The main thing is just come out and ride with us and tell your friends.

The cycling community is amazing in DFW…the folks with Ride for Heroes, Blazin’ Saddles, the Tour de Pepper and others have been really helpful to me over the years. These people are awesome.

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

I’ve been the ride director since 2004. The director before me, John Karnes, laid a great foundation for the ride. We added a few things along the way to continually improve the ride. The biggest change was moving the start/finish and essentially re-routing everything a few years ago. It took the route mostly out of the city limits and cut down on some of the traffic on the route. It was a hard thing to do that took a lot of time, but it was worth it–everyone loves the “new” location.

What makes riding in the area around Weatherford so special?

We do a survey every year of the riders. The two things they enjoy the most are the scenery and the people. The western part of the route, is just beautiful. You forget you’re in North Texas…seems like a totally different topography. And the people that staff our rest stops and finish area are fantastic. This is a close-knit community, and our friendliness and hospitality really shows at the Pedal.

Thanks Brent Baker for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the Peach Pedal Bike Ride 2011

The 6th Annual David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride benefiting Camp Agape invites you to join their cause on July 9, 2011.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Maegan Eikenburg, one of the daughters of David Eikenburg  and also one of the organizers of the David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Who is “David”?

David, the pastor, was a man who touched everyone he met. He had the biggest heart of gold. He was willing to help the homeless on the street as well as the man who had everything. He was no respecter of persons. David had an excitement and relentless energy that overflowed to the congregation. He loved the Lord and he spent day-in day-out doing what Jesus would do. He would sit with the family during a critical surgery, hold the hand of a friend dying of cancer, take a blind lady to the store for groceries, buy a tank of gas for the down and out, organize a group to help a widow move, visit the stranger in the jail, rescue a teenager in trouble, and with his unyielding strength, he was there during a crisis for whatever was needed. David loved missions and during his ministry, he organized and participated in many mission trips to Venezuela, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Ecuador.

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

This marks the sixth annual David’s Ride.  This ride was started to honor our beloved pastor, father, husband and friend, David Eikenburg, who died tragically in a cycling accident on July 11, 2005. He died doing what he loved, but his first love and passion was to share the love of Jesus. Every year we honor him with this bike ride, remembering what he loved, and then to glorify God by continuing David’s legacy and passion for spreading the Good News to people everywhere.

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

After experiencing such a tragic loss in our family, we saw the need to support a ministry that would reach children that have experienced the loss of a loved one.  Often times when a family experiences death, the focus is on the adults and the children are left behind and confused. Camp Agape provides an environment where children are surrounded with other children who are also grieving.  Our family believes in the mission of Camp Agape and is committed to making sure no child is left behind in the event of a death in the family.  All proceeds go to Camp Agape, a Christian bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one.

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

All funds raised from David’s Ride are donated to Camp Agape, a Christian bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one. It costs approximately $200 for 1 camper to attend the camp and is free of charge for the camper. With the money donated from last year’s ride we were able to sponsor 20 children and assist in the healing of their hurting hearts.

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

An event of this magnitude takes countless hours of planning and many volunteers to execute.  In regards to funds, we tend to operate on a very small budget.  We try not to lose sight of the fact that the money we raise (minus our expenses) go to benefit young lives who might have lost a significant loved one in their lives just like David’s daughters did.

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

The most rewarding experience for our family is at the beginning of the event.  We all stand together and take the site in, knowing that all these riders are riding for David, when he can’t. We say a prayer for the safety of the riders and then the ride begins. It is absolutely breath taking to see all the riders take off into the sunrise.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

We anticipate 400 riders this year.

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 in 2007 a huge thunder storm came into the area the early morning of our ride.  We prayed and miraculously the rain ceased and storm moved on 5 minutes before the ride started.  The weather was cool and lightly breezy and made for an awesome day.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

We are a nonprofit organization; therefore, we do not have a large marketing budget. We rely primarily on word of mouth advertizing. So the biggest support we could get is spreading the word about David’s Ride.  Other ways that people can support David’s Ride is through donations and volunteering their time on the day of the event.

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

Our family is the core team of David’s Ride. We raise the funds, mark the routes, design the t-shirts, advertise the ride throughout the nation, gather volunteers and above all promote cycling for Christ.

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

I (Maegan — one of David’s daughters) started cycling after my father’s accident.  I wanted to participate in the ride because it made me feel close to my dad.  I ride a Trek.  I’ve ridden several of the routes for over the years, but my favorite is the 70 mile route.  All the routes follow back country roads with rest stops at local churches. It is neat to see my dad’s legacy throughout the ride in many different areas.

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

MS150 (Houston to Austin, TX), Goatneck (Cleburne, TX) and Hotter n Hell (Whichita Falls, TX)

Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about?

Every year it amazes me the great feedback for our riders.  Below is a ride review that we received from a cyclist in 2009.

The David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride is definitely a ride to remember. It is not only a ride that remembers a great man who left a wonderful legacy but it is a ride that you must remember to mark your calendars for next year, July 10^th, 2010.  This year’s ride hit an all time high with a record number of 250 riders.

This was my 1^st year to ride in the bike ride and I was a little scared of what might be to come but what a great experience it turned out to be.  The staff and volunteers were all so friendly and encouraging, from the moment I walked up to register until the time I crossed the finish line and enjoyed a wonderful free BBQ lunch.  The scenery was beautiful.  Empty winding roads through Texas farmlands that don’t necessary go anywhere in particular.  As I rode the ride I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going but the routes were marked with paint on the pavement and color coded signs on the side of the road.  Those who organized this ride hit the markings right on the nose.  The directions were easy to follow and clearly marked at each turn.  It was so wonderful to see all of God great creations and to ride the same roads that David Eikenburg once road.  I felt like I was able to share the road with him as I pedaled my heart out.  Each ride was supported by numerous rest stops.  To say the rest stops were awesome is not enough. The rest stops were stocked with plenty of sandwiches, cookies, and fruit slices.  It was so encouraging to pull into a rest stop and have the volunteers cheer for you, but it didn’t stop there because as soon as we stopped the volunteers ran up and filled our water bottles with Gatorade and water as we rested up for the next leg of the ride.  This was so encouraging especially during those times when I thought I just couldn’t go any further. The ride was also supported by SAG support and a bike technician that was able to meet any rider during the ride to fix flat tires or bike problems.

What made the David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride even more special was the charity all the proceeds go to.  Camp Agape is a free Christian bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one.   The David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride had all the trimmings and I felt pampered the whole time.  One thing I have learned is that all rides are different but this one left me with a great feeling in my heart because it was put on by a Christian family that not only wants to remember their husband, father and friend but they want to continue his legacy by sharing the love of God with all those around them.

Thanks Maegan Eikenburg for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the 6th Annual David Eikenburg Memorial Bike Ride

After many years in hiatus, the Graham Chamber of Commerce is excited to revive the event, bringing a bike ride back to Graham. The Possum Pedal will be held in conjunction with the Red, White & You Celebration, on July 4th. Graham’s patriotic spirit is one of many components that make it such a unique Texas town.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with DeAnna Bullock Armstrong, Chamber director of Possum Pedal Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join the “Possum Pedal”?

1. It’s the beginning of something great. This is our first ride in almost 20 years.  However we have done our homework and the committee lead is an avid biker who rides in events similar to this.

2. you can “warm up” to the Hotter N Hell 100 — the routes and terrain are similar to the HHH.

3. Graham is easy to get to from several major population hubs around the state.  Bring your families and friends. It is a beautiful area and a quaint town with a great July 4^th event that looks like it was staged for the movies.

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

The Possum Pedal began in the late 80s and ended in the mid-90s.  It lasted for about 8-10 years and has been on hiatus until now.  From what we know, the hiatus happen because it just got to be too much for the original organizers, who were all volunteers.  This time around, since it is under the Chamber’s umbrella, we believe it has tremendous future vitality because someone “owns” the event and it is the Chamber’s job to keep it running.  It still relies heavily on community support and volunteers, but the Chamber has professional paid staff to make sure its events and programs are maintained.

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

The Chamber has a board member who is an avid biker and everywhere he went people asked him about the Possum Pedal and wanted to know what happened to it. He really wanted to see the ride return to the area.  After a few discussions and the full support of the board, it was decided to pursue it because it met several goals and criteria.

The Graham Chamber of Commerce wanted to build on an established community event that would draw tourists and visitors while utilizing our best outdoor assets. Graham is a picturesque town nestled in beautiful part of the state.  Our community is uniquely patriotic and our July 4^th event — Red, White &You Celebration & Parade — seemed to be the perfect fit to add a bike ride. Assuming the Possum Pedal was an obvious choice because of the name recognition and brand it still had.

Ultimately the community of Graham will benefit.  The Chamber has also designated the Wounded Warrior Project to receive a portion of funds raised. We hope we can really grow the giving-back aspect of this ride to benefit veterans.

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

This is hard to answer … the Rotary Club of Graham was the major force behind the Possum Pedal in its first iteration.  The Rotary Club is a charitable organization with local and international programs.

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

This year we estimate it will take about 80 volunteers to put this on, but we anticipate this growing over the next few years as we establish the ride and promote it effectively. Budget for the event is low, but again it will grow over the next few years as our capacity increases.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

Can’t answer this yet.  But we have a training for all our rest stop personnel and ride organizers so that they will know what to look for if someone is in distress or need of medical attention.

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

In the past rides of 20 years ago, there was a climb challenge on Spivey Hill, which is a ridiculously steep grade hill. The road takes you to a neighborhood that sits on the top of a bluff that overlooks the city from the Northwest. It’s a steep climb but coming back down is far more tricky.  In years past it was part of the last mile on the approach to the finish line.

We plan for next year’s ride to have a challenge climb on this hill.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

First we need riders to participate, and to spread the word that the Possum Pedal is back, and to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.

What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
This event is a Chamber-led and organized event. I am the Chamber director — so I have a vested interest in making this a successful event that can be carried on year after year.

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

Yes I ride a mountain bike, Trek 6700 — I’ve put on slick tires and rode a 62 mile road ride.

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

• Erwin Park, McKinney TX  (mountain bike trail)
• Hotter n Hell  (just to say you did)
• Cedar Hill State Park

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

There is more to do than just ride … bikers can bring their families to enjoy a whole day of activities and celebrate all things American.  It’s a great way to participate and see what a small-town celebration and parade are all about.

Thanks DeAnna Bullock Armstrong for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details of the Possum Pedal Bike Ride

The ^4th Annual LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour sponsored by the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park, the Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club, the National Park Service, and the Western National Parks Association invites you to participate to their Ride to Preserve History on March 26, 2011 in LBJ Ranch (near Stonewall, TX), which is the LBJ National Historical Park. All net proceeds from the tour will go to the betterment of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Nolan Kuehn, Chair of LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join the “ LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour”?

Wow, there are so many reasons!  Certainly one is that after the winter doldrums, cyclists are anxious to get back in the saddle.  With our now standard time slot of last weekend in March, I like to say we introduce the cycle season in the Texas Hill Country.  The venue is unmatched:  we start/end on the air strip of the LBJ Ranch.  Our post-ride meal, a Ranger-led tour if the Texas White House, and Luci Baines Johnson’s narrated tour of the historical landmarks on the Ranch in the afternoon are all included in registration. It’s an opportunity for cyclists to make a day of it; hanging with friends in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Pedernales River.

The primary reason, though, is that it’s an educational opportunity.  Our ride tag line is “A Ride to Preserve History” – and that’s an apt description!  President Johnson was our education President, and we acknowledge that through the old Junction School, where he attended kindergarten, and the use of three restored rural Gillespie County schools as rest stops on the routes.  Of course, Luci’s narrated tour is a look at Presidential history from someone who lived it.

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

2011 is our 4^th edition, and we have enjoyed some phenomenal growth:  423 riders in 2008, 864 in 2009, and topping the 1000 mark with 1089 last year.  We must be doing something right!  In a recent meeting, someone referred to us as having an “iconic Texas ride”.  In the same breath, this same individual referred to the Hotter ‘N’ Hell 100 as another iconic Texas ride.  That’s some pretty lofty company!

Russ Whitlock, the LBJ Park Superintendent, and I always talk about his infamous October 2007 email, where he put out a questionnaire about having a bike ride that starts and ends on the LBJ Ranch, which is the National Park.  Russ mentioned that with the passing of Lady Bird Johnson earlier in 2007, and the subsequent departure of the Secret Service, the Park would be much more open to the public. He wanted the ride to acknowledge this openness.  Would our club be interested?

I was actually on a bike tour at the time, down in Goliad on my “Texas Festival Frolic” (get me to tell you about it sometime.  I say it’s a combination of “kolaches and cannons”).  Checking emails at the library, I quickly emailed Russ and said that, personally, I was but that I would have to run it past by my Board.  Well, our little bike club (Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club) is small in number, but a giant in volunteerism and charity work.  The Board overwhelmingly said “yes”!   Our first meeting was on December 16, 2007 at what is now the Visitor Center on the Ranch. After a presentation and discussion, we got the go ahead to proceed, and the rest is history.  The first LBJ 100 was on April 19, 2008.

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

I think I may have answered the first part of this question in my response above.  Russ was interested in seeing that the public was exposed to this jewel in our own back yard; he wanted them to come out and use it. We subsequently found out that Luci Baines Johnson feels the same way.

The ultimate beneficiary of this effort is, of course, the LBJ National Historical Park, but our partner in this endeavor is a 501(C) 3 non-profit, the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park.  Their mission is to work for the benefit of the Park. All net proceeds go to the Friends and are to be used for the projects for which the National Park Service has no budget.

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

As I mentioned, the Friends, our partner, receive all net proceeds.  Thanks to some good management of expenses, this has totaled over $50,000 over the last three editions of the LBJ 100.   One example of a project where our donated money was spent is the restoration of the Texas White House.  As we speak, the first floor is open to the public, and restored to what it was back in the 60’s.  I’ve taken this tour several times, and it’s like going back into history.  Another project in its infancy is the restoration of the Secret Service building on the Ranch.

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

From the planning perspective: We have de-briefing meeting, usually about a month after the LBJ ride. I think it takes that long for us to catch up on sleep, and let the dust settle. We’re obsessed about making this the BEST Texas ride that there is! We’re always tweaking something.  Planning really gets underway in the fall, and never ceases until ride day. Some of my fellow volunteers joke about my 3:00AM emails! Publicity is the name of the game, and I spend a lot of time on that. Thank Heaven for the electronic media we have!

I’ve mentioned the $50,000 we have turned over to the Friends over the last three years. Our biggest budget items are the t-shirt purchase (we bought 1150 shirts this year), and the food for the post ride meal. Each of those costs about $4000. I know there are some civic-minded companies and individuals out there who would like to become a part of our adventure and underwrite these expenses.  I want to talk to you!

I’ve got to say a heartfelt “thanks” to all the volunteers that make the ride the success it is. Certainly it started with our bike club and the Friends as partners, with support by Russ Whitlock and his staff. This year, the Cool Cats club out of San Antonio (another civic-minded club) has joined us.  And, we’ve even had winter Texans come out and volunteer to help.  I’ve never done an exact count, but we probably have in the order of 200 volunteers helping in this event.

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

I think it’s the enthusiasm generated by all the volunteers. They know we are part of something big, and that fun and happiness is existent even in all our planning efforts.  It’s satisfying to see it all culminate on ride day.

How many riders do you assist during the average race?

Medical attention has been minimal (luckily!) during our rides.  We have rest stops closely spaced on the routes, so riders are never far from service. Of course, there are those who do indeed have some cramps as a result of the incessant hills and wind on the latter stage of the 62-mile route.  There are the usual collection of blisters; we have first aid kits at the rest stops.

What was the most unforgettable experience/worst accident you had in this event?

Luckily, we’ve had only two.  One was a non-moving accident; a rider fell off of the bike while stationary, and fractured a wrist. Last year, there was a more serious accident; a rider went down in loose gravel and hit his head on a cattle guard. He wasn’t able to continue. However, he and his wife are traveling from the Rio Grande Valley to be with us again this year!

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

Well, come out and ride for sure.  We’d like to see some real exposure to what we are offering.  If anyone or if anyone has a friend who has the wherewithal o be a major sponsor for our event, I’d like to talk to them.  We’re going places with our ride!

How many port-a-potties do you have?

We have total of 21 port-a-potties.  Twelve of those are on the air strip, spaced down the strip or convenience.  Nine are on the rest stops out on the routes.  And ladies:  Three of the nine route rest stops have actual toilets —with separate rest rooms for men and women — at the restored rural Gillespie County schools.  Country bicycle riding was never so good!

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

I’ve been the Chair since its inception, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it!  I jokingly say that I’m going to challenge Roby Christie (founder of the Hotter ‘N’ Hell 100) of Wichita Falls for longevity.  The success of the ride is because of the efforts of all the bike volunteers, the Friends, Russ and his staff, and our sponsors.  I may have a baton in my hand, but you can’t play a symphony without the players.

Do you do cycling too?  If yes, what kind of bike do you own?

I’m an avid cyclist, so I know about what I speak, when it comes to the routes we have for our event.  They’re like stepping back in time!

I guess my cycling interest peaked in 2005, when I pedaled across the U.S. (San Diego to St. Augustine, FL) over a 62-day period.  Not too bad for an old timer; I celebrated my 65^th birthday on the trip. A fantastic trip with an international group, and we still correspond.  We’re talking about a ten-year reunion — but no long trips. Maybe a gathering at the LBJ 100!

With regard to bikes, I have several: An Orbea carbon fiber road bike, a Surly Long Haul Trucker touring bike, and a Marin “29er” (has bigger diameter rims), the latest rage in mountain bikes.  Right now, I’m wearing a boot (torn tendon) prescribed by my podiatrist, so I’m prohibited from getting on any of them. Frustration reigns!

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

In addition to the use of our usual tag line, “A Ride to Preserve History”, I’d like to say that this year will be a combination of patriotism, with some fun and whimsy thrown in.

The patriotism comes from the group of Wounded Warriors riding this year – British and American troops who have undergone re-hab.  The British hosted the Americans in England last year, and now we return the favor.  What better venue!  These guys are fantastic!  I hope the public will come and tell them how much we appreciate their efforts.

The fun comes from the fact that we will have Michael Stuart, an Austin-based actor who portrays LBJ, driving a ’66 Continental convertible down the air strip as a pace car, leading the Wounded Warriors until they get to the Ranch confines.

The fun continues, as “Bottle Boy” will be making an appearance at the LBJ 100.  If you don’t know who “Bottle Boy” is, go to www.CleanBottle.com.  The video shown on the site is of “Bottle Boy” making a splash at the Tour de France, cheering on the riders. On March 26, he’ll be cheering on our riders!

Thanks Nolan Kuehn for this quick interview and we hope LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour all the best!

Click here to view the event details for the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour

The 9^th Annual Pedal Thru The Pines hosted by the Family Crisis Center invites you to participate in a fun filled day on March 5, 2011 in Bastrop, TX. The event raises money to help bring our disabled veterans from the Gulf war back into society and regain their independence.

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Charlotte Pietsch of Pedal Thru the Pines 2011 to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why ‘Pedal through the Pines’?

Well we wanted to capture the loblolly pines the Bastrop area is known for; and that travelers, tourists and locals have been coming to see, hike, camp under, and ride their bikes thru for years. We also wanted to find a name for the ride/event that we could market/brand., so that over the years it would be a well known cycling fundraiser for the Center.

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

This is the 9^th year for the Family Crisis Center to host the Pedal event. Its conception came from conversation based around a fundraiser that focused on an athletic event, and a fundraising event that no one else was doing in this area.

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

The motivation came as we developed the idea of a cycling event; we put a focus group together of cyclists and had them help us create everything from the event time line, to the first route, to rest stops. We had to learn from the seasoned local cyclists all we could about organized rides and the world of cycling. Then we got to work, the focus group broke into committees, added more volunteers, more talent, more ideas, and more energy. The funds that are raised from the event benefit the services at the Family Crisis Center. The mission of the Family Crisis Center is to be the expert resource and service provider in eliminating domestic and sexual violence in Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Lee Counties.

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

The funds raised are unrestricted so they may be used for services that the Center provides to those who need our support, crisis advocacy, emergency shelter and counseling services are a few examples of how those funds are used.

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

We will have between 50 and 70 volunteers that support the event. Event sponsorship and in-kind donations to the event help with the finical side of putting on an event of this size. The planning of the event is work that goes on all year long. An event of this size along with the Center’s 2 other yearly fundraising events keeps the Center’s fundraising team busy. The Center has partnered with the MS 150 to become a recommended training ride for the MS 150 event that takes place in April. We picked the first weekend in March to hold our event so that we are an early spring event, and we keep the routes the same each year so that participants can actually ride/train some of the same routes that MS 150 uses.

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

That is a very tough question, there have been a few, I guess for me personally, the first year we saw our first 1000 cyclists. That was a mover for me, it let me know that what we were doing was on the mark, and we were successful and moving in a direction of more cyclists learning about our event. Also the experience of being a piece of this event from its conception, watching it grows, change shape, and keep its momentum. The committee members that work on this event each year have such dedication and passion to continue to come together and create a wonderful event for the Center, the riders and even the volunteers, I feel honored to work with them.

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

So far our average is great, we hand out band aids a lot. We have had some cyclists participate that were getting over the flu and were not hydrated enough and were having a tough time. We have had the normal things like a cyclist cramping up, wind burn, sun burn.

What was the most unforgettable experience/worst accident you had in this event?
For a ride our size we have been very fortunate that in 8 years only 2 accidents. Neither was life threatening, nor both of the cyclists recovered.

As for an unforgettable experience- one year as a group of cyclists were traversing the countryside headed into the Serbin rest stop they were treated to and shared the experience of seeing a calf be born in pasture very close to the road. So here are about 10 cyclists off their bikes cameras in hand capturing the miracle of life unfolding. The cyclists cheered the little calf on and it stood, walked to its mother and nursed for the first time. Pretty incredible.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

The Center has great volunteer opportunities, ways to support a fundraising event, and ways to help create and make a difference in stopping domestic and sexual violence in our communities. The Center’s retail store Bit’s & Pieces is another way someone can support or give back to their community, by shopping or donating gently used items. The Center is available to come out and speak to civic, business or church groups, provide presentations, trainings and education are all ways to engage community members, learn about the Center and its services and how you/your group can help support the Center and create a safer community.

How many port-a-potties do you have?

The Pedal event uses 29 porta potties.

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

My role as a fundraiser for the Center is defined by the events. But I don’t work alone; the Center has a strong fundraising foundation, we work together as a team, and I fill that what ever success we achieve, it is done together. The Center’s volunteers that make up the event steering committees and volunteer at the events work very hard all year.

Do you do cycling too? If yes, what kind of Bike do your own?

Yes, I do cycle, I had not been on a bike in years when the Center created this event, but up on the seat I went. I still consider myself a beginner, I’m still learning, still trying and still growing. I do not ride the Pedal event, my job that day is to keep my feet on the ground and keep moving! My first bike was a Wal-mart mountain bike, after a year on it, I got a beautiful red Jamis bike that I still ride, and it is called a comfort bike. Wonderful story on how I got that pretty red bike, I’ll save that story to share with you another time.

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

Come out and ride! If you cannot ride, volunteer! We have great rest stops, friendly volunteers, and a top notch seasoned SAG team!  Check us out at www.pedalthrupines.org to learn more about the Family Crisis center go to www.family-crisis-center.org

OR you can check us out on Facebook.

Thanks Charlotte Pietsch for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details for the Pedal Thru the Pines 2011

Bicycles Inc. Arlington would like to invite you to join us in their Century of the Month Ride on December 4, 2010 in the city of Arlington, TX. We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Eddie Holsopple, the Store Manger of Bicycle Inc. Arlington about their ride this week.

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

The ride started in Sept. 2008. It started as promotion for the stores new location. I have a great costumer Rick Wilson a very active member of the Ft. Worth Bicycle Association had the Idea of a century ride very month a few years ago. it had a small bit of success. We talked about what would bring more riders. So we added the shorter distances so new riders could work up the a 100 mile ride.

What was the motivation behind starting this event and if there are any who benefits from it?

We don’t charge for the ride so there is not a Beneficiary of the ride. We thought it could be good for riders of all levels(give them a monthly free ride)the store (bring riders into the store).

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

As far a volunteers, there has been several who help but mostly my employees. It costs a good amount every month but it is worth it.

How many port-a-potties do you have?

As far a port-a-potties and rest stops go. We set the route to go by stores where there are bathrooms and places to buy any food or water that is needed.

What’s the average number of riders who finish the ride?

We have averaged around 90 riders per month. Some months we get over huge turn out like in July we have a Tour De France ride. On that ride we make French breakfast with Sweet Crepes, Crescents, eggs and fruit. We have the Tour on TV just have fun.

What was the worst accident you had in this event?
Accidents are an unfortunate part of cycling. Lucky for us the group brakes up and the different levels of riders divide naturally. Rides at similar abilities tined to go smoother.We ask that everyone fallow the traffic laws. Remember car always win. We have had a few accident along the way. There have been mostly dog bites, and few crashes. The worst crash we’ve had have been a broken collar bone.

Any celebrities joining the ride?

Celebrities? Local cycling celebs yes(Rick Wilson, Greg Philips, Jeff & Lauri Donavon.& Casey Gordon) Entertainment celebs not yet.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

We just want people to come out have fun ride there bikes enjoy the roads we have there in the south part of the Metroplex and Support our sport.

Thanks Eddie Holsopple for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!

Click here to view the event details for the Bicycles Inc.’s Century of the Month Ride