Here is another ride to prep for the BPMS 150! Located in beautiful Coldspring, less than an hour north of Houston and Lufkin, this race is a great one for all skill levels. Check out our interview with Craig Sauer, the director of the event.
Why join the Bike Through the Forest and the Hills?
This year’s BP MS 150 endorsed bike ride benefiting the Kingwood High School dance team takes place on Sat., Jan. 25 beginning at the court house in Coldspring, TX. This ride has four routes: 12, 25, 33 and 50 miles, so we can accommodate all skill levels.
How long has your ride been around?
6 years, and participants include everyone from novice all the way to experts, shorter routes all the way to longer routes. Also, the ‘New Years Resolutions season’ helps add in more people. We are located 45 minutes north of Houston and Lufkin.
Also this ride is recommended by BPMS 150 – one of the first of the year – BPMS is in April, so they get to train for that race in this one. It’s kind of like a warm-up ride.
What was the motivation behind starting the ride and who benefits from it?
It’s part of our fundraiser for Kingwood Fillies dance team, 16 time national winners. This will support them in a verity of ways, such as purchase of uniforms and trips for the team. It’s one of the largest fundraisers of the year.
How have they been able to utilize funds in the past?
In the past, we have been able to get uniforms for the team, as well as provide funds for trips to California and Florida.
Logistically can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
We have about 30-40 parents volunteering, the drill team works the rest stops, parents do jobs like hauling food, running side wagons, cleaning signs, table set up, working the PA system. We also work with law enforcement for setting up the ride.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
What is the most rewarding experience of hosting this event?
Raising funds for a good cause, seeing all the riders enjoying and benefiting from our hard work.
What is the average number of participants?
We usually have about 800 riders.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Come out and join the ride!
Do you ride, and if so, what kind of bicycle do you have?
I ride a mountain bike – it’s a specialized stump jumper – although I don’t do any stump jumping – it’s supposed to do that, but I’ve yet to jump any stumps!
Anything else you’d like to tell folks about this ride?
It’s growing every year! Additionally, among the riders, the drill team has become FAMOUS for their banana muffins, all the girls and their families make them.
Participants are asked to pre-register on the Fillies Website (www.kingwoodfillies.net) by Jan. 18 to be guaranteed an event t-shirt and secure the $35 entry fee. After Jan. 19, registration will be $40 per rider. Walk up registration opens at 6 a.m. the day of the ride which starts at 8 a.m. Bike ride packets may be picked up in advance at several Houston-area bike shops. See the Fillies website for exact locations, dates and pick-up times.
For more information:
CLICK HERE or
Contact the director at: [email protected]
