The 12th Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic hosted by the Hill Country Bicycle Touring Clu invites you to join their upcoming ride happening on October 29, 2011 at 432 Lady Bird Dr, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Nolan Kuehn of Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why Join the Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic (FFFF)?
It’s an opportunity to participate in a ride that’s laid back (no mass start), it traverses some of the most scenic roads in the Texas Hill Country, there’s something for everyone, and a post-ride meal is included.
How long has the event been around and how did it start?
2011 will be our 12th annual edition of the FFFF. It was started by Chris Marsh, one of the founding members of the Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club (HCBTC). Chris is now resides near Albuquerque, and is active in bicycle advocacy for the State of New Mexico.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
It was decided to use the FFFF as an annual fundraiser for the HCBTC. We charge only a nominal amount for annual dues (still only $12), so we felt that a fundraiser was needed. Even though our club is small in numbers, we are big in heart, volunteerism, and charity. We use a lot of the money for Christmas donations of bicycles, helmets, and other associated equipment and accessories.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
In addition to what I have just mentioned regarding the use of funds, the club also has some out-of-town cycling/camping trips to state parks. Some funds are used to defray those costs.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
I would say that we have roughly 40-50 volunteers for each year’s event. We raise maybe $2000-$2500. Usually, we begin our planning in earnest about the middle of the summer. Of course, we have done it enough times that it is pretty much routine by now. In the past we have had different start locations and different routes. For the last few editions, we have standardized on starting at the Tatsch House in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg, and using the same routes each year. We like it this way, because the routes are safe, and the meeting location is convenient for the post-ride meal.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Unquestionably, the joy of seeing the kids’ faces light up when they get that new bike!
How many riders do you assist during the average race?
Hard to say. I know from experience in doing SAG work, that our work is minimal. That may be because we host the event in some great weather conditions at the end of October. I like to think that it is a tribute to the riders getting in some pretty good condition after a hot summer of riding.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
The most unforgettable occurred a couple of years ago, when our porta potty vendor forgot to deliver the potties on the morning of the ride. We were able to solve the problem by waking him up, and getting him into action — maybe with only a 30-minute delay.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
We purposely keep this event very low key, but we want riders to come out, have a good time by doing a relaxed, fun ride, and then enjoying a delicious post-ride meal with their friends.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I usually have a supporting role the day of the ride, maybe doing SAG work. Prior to the ride, I order porta potties, notify law enforcement officials, send out notices to various on-line calendars, and distribute flyers and posters to bike shops. For the last few years, Ethel Pedraza, our club Publicity Chair, and Amanda McCoy, our V.P., have co-chaired the FFFF. They’ve done an outstanding job, and the FFFF remains as popular as ever.
Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area?
I do indeed ride. My road bike is an Orbea Onyx, a Spanish bike with a carbon fiber frame/fork. I absolutely love it!
Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
My top ride would be the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour that comes up on the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall next March 24. I’m somewhat prejudiced, as I’m the Chair. This is another fundraiser for the HCBTC, but all of the net proceeds goes to our partner in this endeavor, the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park, a 501c3 non-profit. In the four editions that we have had, beginning in 2008, we have turned roughly $80,000 over to the Friends — all of which will be used for the betterment of the park. I couldn’t be more proud of the success of this event. It truly has been rewarding. Earlier this year, someone told me that we have “an iconic Texas ride” with the LBJ 100. In the same breath, this individual said that the Hotter ‘N’ Hell 100 in Wichita Falls is another iconic Texas ride. Pretty lofty company!
Of course, the Hotter ‘N’ Hell 100 is another favorite ride. I’ve done it eight times over the last 20 years. The ride down in Goliad is another good one
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
I have had the FFFF described as low key, laid back, well organized, with great routes. What better invitation than that to come out and enjoy it on October 29!
Thanks Nolan Kuehn for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the 12th Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic
