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

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’!

Join the Greater Dallas Bicyclists (GDB) for their 26th annual Superbowl Sunday Ride on February 6.

Folks will be taking off from different bicycle stores around the area and over 1,000 participants are expected.

Dress warm and wear your club or cycling store jersey.

The Bicycle Inc. groups will take off between 8:30 and 9am from their Hurst/Arlington locations.

For more contact information follow this link: http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/specialevents/superbowlsunday.html

Date:May 02, 2010

Event: Loop 1604 Peloton Ride

Location: Spectrum Club at Rogers Ranch

Entry Fees Per Route: $75.00:  $75.00

About the Race:

Ride like a professional! Join us for a fast 100 mile ride around San Antonio’s Loop 1604. Ride is escorted by SAPD motorcycle police. Three SAG vehicles will be on hand to provide nutriition at key points during the ride. Group will stay together as a peloton and ride at 20mph. Duration of the ride is approximately 5 hours. Also included is an event tshirt and post ride pizza party!

Flyer: http://www.brittonbikes.com/hcsa-events/loop-1604-ride/loop-1604.htm

Registration: http://www.active.com/triathlon/san-antonio-tx/san-antonio-peloton-ride-2010

Additional Info:

SAG vehicles will be available for riders needing to rest for a few miles. Rider will be transported ahead of the peloton to reconnect. Electrolyte replacement, water, bananas and gels or bars will also be provided.

Website: http://www.brittonbikes.com/hcsa-events/loop-1604-ride/loop-1604.htm