The Red Poppy Bike Ride benefiting various organizations invites you to join their ride happening on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Georgetown High School Annex, Georgetown, TX
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Bill McMillian of Red Poppy Bike Ride to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
1. Why participate in the Red Poppy Bike Ride?
The ride is in a great biking area east of IH10 with a variety of routes ranging 14 to 100 miles with frequent signage, regular rest stops, SAG vehicles with radio communication, motorcycle escorts in most sections and lots of fun riders.
2. How long has the event been around?
This is the 8th consecutive Red Poppy Bike Ride. It is held in conjunction with the Red Poppy Festival which happens in the downtown square on the 27, 28 and 29th with arts and crafts and entertainment events. That website reflects a full description.
3. What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
The original organizers were bicycle enthusiasts who wanted a charitable bike ride to coincide with the Red Poppy Festival activities.
4. How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
The funds in the past have benefited a Georgetown High School Scholarship program through the SERTOMA Club of Georgetown, Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Georgetown Police and Fire Department bicycle patrol programs. These are the object of net proceeds for this year’s ride.
?5. Can we get a TCX or GPX file included for download? Over 63% of folks say they are more up to attend a ride for which they have information about the routes for their on-bike devices.
We have a pdf map file on the website but do not have the personal device files available.
?6. Do you have a a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
The map is attached above showing all routes, starting/finishing and rest stops.
7. Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
Our volunteer base is amazing, about 275 people work to organize and support the ride day activities. We are very fortunate to have volunteers, most of whom were involved with the original event. Planning for the event begins 6 months before the actual ride. The ride cost is $30 per person with registration available on line through active.com or by mail or the day of the event beginning at 6:30 AM.
8. What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event? What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
The beneficiaries of the scholarship funds received by graduating seniors are real special rewards for the effort. Knowing we help children in cases of abuse is less visible to most volunteers but is known to be a huge benefit to our community. During the ride itself, we have several teenagers who began participating in the family ride of 14 miles who now ride with their friends on longer routes – hopefully we have fostered life long cyclists.
During the last four years we have averaged between 600 and 700 riders. The SAG vehicles end up bringing in 6 to 8 riders per year primarily for mechanical reasons. We feel extremely fortunate to have never had a serious injury.
9. What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
The unforgettable experience happens each year when riders return full of enthusiasm for cycling with complements for support of SAG vehicles and friendly well staffed rest stops cheering them on.
10. What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come ride the area to see how much fun it is and if not riders we have volunteer opportunities for everyone.
11. What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
We have a great ride coordinator in Mike Cook who has served in that position now for 3 years. I have helped with route planning, signage and rest stop organization.
12. Do you ride, and if yes,what are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
I ride a single 3 to 4 days weekly as well as tandem with my wife. We enjoy travelling to find bike paths to explore our country via a bicycle. Riding in the Hill Country area is a treat (Lost Maples, LBJ Ride and Easter Hill Country, the Southwest Tandem Rally is always in a fun location such as The Painted Churches area of LaGrange/Smithville and the ACA Armadillo Ride are very worthy of a day on a bicycle.
13. If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
a. well supported,
b. excellent cause,
c. great rolling hills and scenic area,
d. fellow rider camaraderie,
e. lots of eats, water, sports drink and hot dogs at the finish,
f. fun festival afterward on the town square.
14. Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
Take time to look at both websites for pictures and more details including registration.
Thanks Bill for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the event details of the Red Poppy Bike Ride
