Hey Wheel Brothers! Has spring been treating everyone well? We hope everyone has had a chance to get out there and get started on their spring rides. If you are looking for another awesome ride, benefiting an awesome cause, you have got to check out our interview with the board members of the Ride for Heroes.
Why join your ride?
The Ride for Heroes is a well-organized ride that offers the right combination of scenery and challenge. Our routes are well-marked and our law enforcement control of traffic is top notch. We consider our rest stops to be the best in Texas. You’ll find friendly, enthusiastic, and encouraging people. Plus, there’s even homemade cookies and more. Lunch is included in the entry fee and you get your choice of a hamburger, veggie burger, or hot dog with chips and drink. And you also get a Ride for Heroes T-shirt.
How long has your ride been around?
The ride was started in 2003.
What was the motivation behind starting the ride and who benefits from it?
The ride was started to raise funds for three volunteer fire departments in East Parker County (Aledo, Hudson Oaks, and Willow Park). These fire departments are still our primary beneficiaries. We now also distribute funds to the Parker County Sheriff’s Reserve, the Weatherford Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, the Parker County Center of Hope, student groups/clubs from the Aledo ISD who assist with the ride, and Bike Texas. Because of our generous sponsors and our riders, our 11 previous rides have enabled us to distribute a total of $397,815!
How have they been able to utilize funds in the past?
Fire departments have used our funds to purchase bunker gear, rescue tools, and lighting. One department uses our funds to help pay for a brush truck that serves their district and surrounding districts. The Sheriff’s Reserve has used our funds to purchase a vehicle, portable radios, and body armor for deputies.
Logistically can you give us an idea of how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?
Planning for Ride for Heroes generally starts 7 months before the event. Board members put in many hours organizing the various tasks associated with the ride. The number of volunteers required is approximately 250. The cost to put on the ride is approximately $20,000.
Do you have a map of the start facility showing registration, parking, all toilets, water/snacks, start line?
We have a map of the start facility at http://rideforheroes.org/images/School_Campus_Info_for_Cyclists_2012.pdf. In addition to 10 porta-potties that will be outside the registration building, the stadium rest rooms under the stands at the lunch area will also be open. Water/snacks will be available outside the registration building.
What is the most rewarding experience of hosting this event?
The most rewarding experience is to be able to distribute significant funds to organizations with volunteers who help those in need and make East Parker County a great place to live.
What is the average number of participants?
The average for the last two years is 1,145 cyclists.
What can folks do to support you and your mission?
Participate in the ride either as a cyclist or a volunteer. Tell others about the ride. Donations are always accepted and are tax-deductible since Ride for Heroes, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization.
Do you ride, and if so, what kind of bicycle do you have?
Two board members are cyclists. One rides a Cervelo RS. The other, one of the original board members for the HHH, rides a Klein with Ultegra components.
Anything else you’d like to tell folks about this ride?
ParkerCounty is a great place to ride, especially in April with mild temperatures and bluebonnets in bloom. There are some hills to offer some challenge. In addition, the 39, 58, and 70 mile routes will parallel the north and south sides of the Moncrief Ranch. If you’re lucky, some of the exotic animals on the ranch might be visible.
CLICK HERE – for more information on this great April ride!
We hope to see you out there, supporting your local heroes. See ya on the road.
