The 9th 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 9th 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
