The 11th Annual Texas Time Trials invites you to join their ride on September 19-21, 2013 starting at Glen Rose City Park (Rodeo Park).
We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Leslie of Texas Time Trials to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.
Why join the Ride?
It is a one of a kind Event that joins world class solo racers with newbie’s and teams with 5 different distance races, ranging from one lap to 19 laps of a 26 mile course, it is a Wood Stock on Wheels. Whether you win first place on the 500 mile race or last place on the 26 mile race or have a 4 person team, everyone earns the exact same Awesome TTTT Trophy at the Awards Bash after the Race.
How long has the event been around?
2013 will be our 11th year.
What was the motivation behind starting the tour and who benefits from it?
We felt Texas was long overdue for this type of race, it is not USA Cycling sanctioned so the rules and the Awards can be much friendlier. We have had many benefactors over the years, the last two years we have given thousands to a local charity “LDL”.
How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?
LDL uses funds for a Varity of purposes, including flu shots, books, food and support for local school kids and environmental work for city.
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. Yes, and they are located on our website.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration point, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
Maps on the website, the start is at a public park with toilets. The route is a 26 mile loop, we have motor homes the course for aid and sag vehicles for support.
Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances, and planning it takes to put on this event?
We typically have close to 100 volunteers, including the pre ride volunteers. The event is not for profit so the all the money made goes back into the event.
What was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?
Seeing people exceed their own expectations and ride further than they thought they could, and the pride on their face when they step up on the stage to accept their TTTT Trophy.
What is the average number of participants per year? How many riders do you assist during the average race?
150 to 200. We’ll do about all we can to encourage anyone, we have even worked on bike to help riders finish the race.
What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event?
We have had racers from France, Germany, England, Korea, Mexico, Canada, Australia….. on more than one occasion one of these racers did not finish the Tejas 500 miles, but came back the following year and got it done.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Bring the family and come out and volunteer, if we know you are coming we will put your name on the back of 400 TTTT T-shirts and give you one of the T-shirts and also a goodie bag. The event is very spectator friendly.
What is your role in this race and to the success of it?
I work to get racers, and volunteers, the more of each of these we have attending that have a good time, the more of a success we are.
Do you ride and if yes, what kind of bicycle do you ride and what is your favorite route in your area? Which are your top 3 favorite MUST DO rides in Texas (besides your own)?
I am a bike lover and rider of many miles a year, I love variety and love to ride all over this great state. Without singling out a specific ride, I would recommend one in the Hill Country, one in the Piney Wood of East Texas and one in the Big Bend area, in addition to our own Glen Rose Race.
If you had to come up with a David Letterman style top 10 about the race, what would it read like?
The top reason to come to TTTT is that if you have never been you will set a PR, You’ll meet new people, be exposed to a new group and cycling culture, you’ll be able to say you competed in a RAAM Qualifier, You go home with a TTTT Trophy that all of your friends will be envious of, You’ll experience a completely new type of race, you’ll enjoy a one of a kind Awards Bash and dinner on us, you’ll return home with a glowing sense of accomplishment and a craving to come back next year and best your new PR.
Additional stuff you would like the folks to know about this year’s ride?
If you have not been, it’s past time to give it a try, there are races every week, but there’s not one around like The Texas Time Trials.
Thanks Leslie for this quick interview and we hope to catch everyone at the ride!
Click here to view the ride details of Texas Time Trials 2013
