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

On April 25-27, 2011, fourteen servicemen and women wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan will join President George W. Bush for a 100 kilometer mountain bike ride in the Big Bend. As part of the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Social Enterprise Initiative, the W100 will highlight the bravery and physical strength of the warriors wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as those organizations that have made continuing commitments to supporting America’s heroes.

The three day event will provide an opportunity for military support organizations to highlight their good work and has been sponsored by several companies and individuals that have generously contributed their time and resources to support America’s servicemen and women.

Read more on their webpage at http://www.w100k.com/ about the ride and how to support our troops…

It all started in the summer of 2004 when a soccer player with the name of Rainer, convinced several of his teammates, that the idea of riding in a 100 mile bicycle race, called ‘Hotter n Hell 100′ three weeks later, sounded like a great idea. Not knowing what they were in for, 3 of his friends signed up. The rest as they say, is history…

Over the years, they learned a lot about the sport ‘cycling’ and made a bunch of new friends. The term ‘wheelbrothers’ was coined by Jed, one of the original 4 riders and it stuck with the group. Shortly thereafter a website was born, which the group used to communicate about upcoming rides, ride reports etc..

As the number of ‘Wheelbrothers’ grew, so did the website. Eventually, team uniforms were designed/ordered and Hotter n Hell 2010 saw over 20 riders wear the ‘Wheelbrothers’ logo.

We love the sport for the exercise and challenges, it provides but most of all, the camaraderie that comes along with it. Who knew cycling could be so technical, demanding and fun?

We searched on the web for the latest bicycle ride information and had a hard time finding up to date, correct information.  So, we took matters in our own hands and decided to serve the cycling community, that has given us so much, by collecting and publishing all of this information here on the Wheelbrother website.

A group of us rides mostly Saturday and or Sunday mornings, leaving in North Arlington close to River Legacy Park for a trip through/around DFW Airport. If you feel like coming along, ping us through the contact us form which goes straight into Dieter’s email.

We don’t take ourselves to serious, so feel free to come ride with us anytime or simply stop by to say ‘Hello’!