Texas - Wounded Warrior/ Soldier Ride - DFW to San Antonio to Corpus - March 2008

In for the meeting. Can we have someone take minutes or notes for this meeeting for anyone who can't make it to the meeting?

Also I need someones help to put together a flyer or some sort of information so I can start to get funding or support. My employer is willing to step up and some of I might be able to get UPS to help us out also. I need information for UPS so they can consider if we or our reason is worthy. Not sure what we can get but it would be great to be able to ship our bikes back home for free.


Unless there is someone in the group with genuine graphic skills, I know enough that I can likely help with laying out a simple flier, I'd like to have some, too. Make a list of points you want to see made on the thing and get it to me. I can probably front the dough to have Kinko's print a few hundred, as well.

Anyone got mad blogging skills that can set up a place to pimp this thang?

I'll be at the meeting as well.

Unless there is someone in the group with genuine graphic skills, I know enough that I can likely help with laying out a simple flier, I'd like to have some, too. Make a list of points you want to see made on the thing and get it to me. I can probably front the dough to have Kinko's print a few hundred, as well.

Anyone got mad blogging skills that can set up a place to pimp this thang?

If we can get the flyer made I can get it printed or copyied for next to nothing all I would need is a proof of some sort. I will work on something the biggest thing is that the money we raise will go to where? Where the money will end up will be legit place and is going to a 501c3 charity.

Okay, I'll work on the flier. Will your source be able to print more than one color, or full color or do I need to set it up in B&W? Maybe we can put a few photos and 3-line profiles of some of us who are riding.

Write down your ideas and we'll hash 'em out at the meeting.

right now we would be better off in black and white. I know we have a color printer but I think I need special access for it. I will check tomorrow.

How many days will this ride span? Exact dates set as of yet? Thanks

1) I'm a bit confused. From the website at first it appears the ride is only for wounded servicemen and women?

"The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride’s cycling programs give severely wounded servicemen and women the opportunity to reinvigorate their bodies and uplift their spirits. Soldier Ride provides each of the brave men and women who participate in our ride with the adaptive equipment they need to cycle, even if they are missing one or more limbs. Participation in our cycling and recreational events fosters the rehabilitation of the wounded by showing them that they can still lead active, independent lives and gives families the opportunity to reconnect outside of the hospital environment."


"
March 13-16, San Antonio to Corpus Christi, Texas

SOLDIER RIDE COMES TO THE LONE STAR STATE!

The Soldier Ride will start at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and ride south towards Corpus Christi. On Saturday March 16h there will be a community bike ride in Corpus Christi. Please check back for more information."




2) Also, I could not find anywhere on the site where it is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.


3) I did find this: http://charityreports.bbb.org/Public/Report.aspx?CharityID=3806

4) The idea of helping war injured veterans is respectful.

5) A miniature bicycle tour (even un-related to fund raising) sounds like a lot of fun.

The meeting this Friday will start to decide the exact dates and times but we hope to leave the DFW area on the 8th arriving in San Antonio on the 12th, and ride to corpus arriving there the 16th with the group. Truman and I have had e-mail contact with the project and they were more than happy to have us along.

btw
Wounded Warrior Project
is a non-profit organization.
Federal ID: #20-2370934

btw
Wounded Warrior Project
is a non-profit organization.
Federal ID: #20-2370934

Aye, you can search "Wounded Warrior" on IRS.GOV's nonprofit and charitable orgs list - they're right there.

I just emailed the contact officer to be 100% certain our effort will be welcome on the ride. He called me back to assure me that although, it cannot be marketed as a "public" ride, we are encouraged to tie in with them and ride as far as we like. They will be able to provide SAG for their ride distance but not lodging.

In fact, it's possible that we'll roll up one or two registered participants at Fort Hood to ride down to Brooke Army Medical Center with our group.

I didn't find it: http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78

Name City State Country Code
Forget Me Not the Wounded Warrior Foundation for Careers in Media Bethlehem CT USA 4
Wounded Eod Warrior Foundation (Until December 2011) Fredericksbrg VA USA --
Wounded Warriors Inc. (Until December 2008) Omaha NE USA --
Wounded Warriors Sons and Daughters of America (Until December 2008) Gla


I think "Wounded Warrior Project" is based out of Jacksonville, FL. It is not the same organization as "Wounded Warriors Inc" of Omaha, NE.

Anyhow, your word is good enough for me.

So are we still on for the meeting on friday?

Yes, the meeting is still on. However, I will likely be closer to 12:30 arriving, as I'm coming straight from another meeting.

I'll stop by the duck and remind them...

I'm bringing my Klunker with me to go for trail ride after the meeting if anyone else wants to go. I am slow, and this will be the first shake down run for this bike.

I'm planning to be there.

Friday, December 7 at at the Hard 8 Barbecue in Coppell, on the corner of Freeport Parkway and Bethel Road. (map) http://tinyurl.com/yvxsx9

Meeting to start at 12:15. I plan to get there earlier to get the eatin' part out of the way.

Topics for discussion to include:
Route
Publicity and Contributions
Support and gear transportation
Training rides
Departure date
Return plans

Please bring your concerns and questions as we will not likely get too many chances to all get together face to face.

Answer up if you're in for this.

I'm bringing my Klunker with me to go for trail ride after the meeting if anyone else wants to go. I am slow, and this will be the first shake down run for this bike.

Trail ride you say, what trail?

Either Northshore or Horseshoe. Maybe both, I don't come to that part of town very often, so they are both a good change of pace.

c m shooter, remind me to ask you if you know a friend of mine out in Paradise.

Fellas, I'll be there like I said, about 12:30. I'm coming from a lunch meeting, so I won't be eating. Instead, I'll be the dark-haired guy in his early 40's wandering around with a legal pad. Whoever's planning to get there earlier might consider putting a bike helmet out on the table or something as a signal to the rest of us.

It should be nice enough to meet out on the patio - may be quieter out there.

See ya all at 12:00 I'm already hungry.

I'll try to be there around noon. I'll be driving a silver Jeep.

Steve

Same here, but I'll be in a blue s2000 probably with the top down.

Red Tacoma 4 door.

And a rose in my teef.

Blue taruas with a saris bones rack on back. I can't be missed it says Loss Prevention across my back. how many seats do we need?

For those of you interested, but who could not attend here are the notes from today's lunch meeting - 9 in attendance.

I explained that I had recently come to understand that the Soldier Ride itself is not a single linear ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, but a series of community rides in San Antonio, and Corpus Christi with additional stops in between to be determined by Soldier Rode organizers. There appeared to be general agreement among the riders present that the group would participate in the community rides, moving between locations on our own power (bikes) where practical, effectively riding the complete distance to Corpus.

In general, it's agreed that the group will depart from the vicinity of Naval Air Station Fort Worth, in the early morning of Sunday, 9 March with a party of 8 riders. It is planned that that day will be a long ride day, with the idea of getting as many miles in the bag early on as possible, yet consistent with maintaining the group in no more than two components and not exhausting ourselves for the rest of the ride. Pending additional information, the route will generally use or parallel US Highway 281 at least as far as Lampasas. Additional riders may be absorbed with the group from Ft Hood near Lampasas.

Sleeping accommodations are to be determined, but it was agreed that we would mix camping in state parks or other facilities and economical motel arrangements, probably camping the first night out.

We anticipate rendezvousing with the Soldier Ride group at Brooke Army Medical Center in the evening of March 12th to participate in their community ride on the 13th.

Route: Safety is paramount, but exposure for the effort is very important. I (truman) agreed to try to put together a tentative route with this in mind and get the projections for day's stopping points to Ryan (crdean) to take into account while thinking about accommodations.
Accommodations: Ryan agreed to research sleeping places at the projected stopping points and to ask about discounted rates where that is possible.

Web Presence: Ryan also agreed to research the possibility of creating a web presence for the group within the Google framework. This will be used for coordination as well as public exposure, but it was agreed that the ride will still be discussed on local enthusiast forums to maintain public awareness.

Public/Media Relations - Paul (tate65) agreed to communicate our plans to media outlets and appropriate parties at military posts along our route, in order to maximize exposure for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
Paul additionally agreed to research the possibility of getting signage for the bikes to promote the project as we ride.
Paul is also to coordinate planning with Mad Duck Adventure Sports for SAG support to San Antonio, at which point we may start depending on the Soldier Ride for SAG for the remainder of the ride (as stated by Woody Groton, CIO for the Soldier Ride)

All riders are encouraged to explore expedient means for returning to DFW on Sunday, 16 March. Paul offered use of a trailer for hauling bikes back and rental of a van for the riders was discussed. Someone (Luke?) agreed to research pricing for the van, as well as possible complimentary haulage by UPS. Upon reflection, I tend to feel that the amount of time/effort required to pack bikes for safe shipping by UPS may be prohibitive to that effort.

Fliers: Luke agreed to get me a list of requirements to generate a flier that we could distribute to interested parties, and possible donors. Once that's received, I will generate material as quickly as possible for distribution to the group.

Riders agreed that practice camping rides to local state parks were a good idea and these will be explored after the Christmas holidays.

Riders were encouraged to direct inquiries for contributions to the WWP website. Fliers will also have that information when completed. The hope was expressed that the WWP would have some means to make it clear that donations were made on behalf of the DFW Soldier Ride Group.

Riders were not encouraged to accept money to donate to the WWP. However it is understood that some donors may wish to contribute funds directly to us to defray our costs for the trip. This is acceptable, but it is NOT tax-deductible, and every effort must be made to ensure that no misrepresentation be made as to the destination of any funds. This is a slippery slope, please use caution here.


Please let me know if I left anything out.

Maybe we can meet up again when the fliers are ready, so those can be distributed.




*edit*
Here's what I have for the route: Input from locals is certainly welcome - my personal knowledge falls off sharply, South of Burnet.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/fort-worth/130635462

I spoke to Robin at the Texas Bicycle coalition. If we choose to go through or close to Austin he can get us route help, and possibly other "support" in or near Austin.

I may have a friend that would like to join us. He should be stopping by this thread some time in the next couple days.

Steve

Hey there - I am the 'friend'. Would love to join you guys - have the same concerns as some others as to holding the group back but I should know way before hand if I can hack it or not. I have not gone this long a distance before but should be able to bump up my training in the next three months to be on track. If this becomes a fund raiser I have some good connections for that, so be sure to clarify if it happens. If not it is still a great cause and sounds like a really great time. I am in Plano and am going to train as much as I can with Barlow but if anyone else wants to join us on a weekend we'd love to have you... Ray

Oh yeah - I only have a unicycle but Steve said that would be fine - is everyone okay with that?

Ray, as I understand it unicycles are fine but must ride backward for alternating legs of the trip (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, etc)... ;^)

A quick note to anyone (like me) that is planning to pick up a Hennessey Hammock for this trip. If you place an internet order directly from Hennessey before the end of the year, they are throwing in some extra swag. One of the things is an oversize hex fly that retails for $60. Check it out http://hennessyhammock.com/xmass.html

Steve

Unicyclers must juggle while riding.

Sorry that's the rule.
If we were in Germany, you could have your trained bear do all the juggling -but this is America.

So now there's a blog, many thanks to CRDean1

http://soldierride.blogspot.com/

Here are the bags I found to use as front panniers. I got them from Cheaper than Dirt for $10 each as part of what they called a Swedish Harness. They smelled like a military surplus store until I let them air out for a week or so, but mounted to the rack easily, and look to be pretty heavy duty. I have awhile to try them out, I will let anyone who wants to know how they work out.

I have awhile to try them out, I will let anyone who wants to know how they work out.

Nice. I expect you'll want to trim those straps, though.

Is there a way we can sign up as members on that blog? Can we just go to the 'subcribe' link at the bottom?

And my bear is protesting your ruling. He has always wanted to see the Riverwalk...

Guys, I haven't had much luck finding a car rental place in Corpus that rents passenger vans. As an alternate approach, we could rent a couple minivans at about $100 each one way. That would put the rough cost at about $20 each (plus gas) for the return leg.

Steve

That's not awful, I guess. Way cheaper than two full tanks of gas for my wife to drive down there and back.

Just for giggles Barlows, did you look at Amtrak at all?

I didn't, but I'll give it a look tonight and let you know.

I plan on using the BOB rather than paniers if we have to do a full load ride. I hope I can fit my waterproof bag in without any issues. I still have to find a small tent and a light weight sleeping bag.

^^

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/cat/3/Camp-Hike.html

http://www.rei.com/outlet-camphike

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?Ne=9000000&anyWords=&N=9000322&allWords=&exactPhrase=&allAnyWords=&searchWithin=

It's also worth checking out http://www.hennessyhammock.com/. I just got the Explorer Asym from them yesterday. You can't believe how small this thing packs down. I'd say the hammock is about the size of a water bottle, and the rain fly is smaller than that.

Campmor is also a good place to look for a light bag, as well as REI like crdean1 said.

On the Amtrak thing from above, it doesn't look like they go down that far. Greyhound has some return trips, but they're 12 hours, and cost about $40. I figure the rental and gas together should only cost about that much, and will take around half the time. A 5x10 Uhaul trailer can be had for about $65 more bucks too (provided the rental can tow it). I know one of the guys had volunteered their trailer, just throwing out options as it may save quite a bit of fuel.

Steve

Well my right knee is acting up. I am still hoping to make this ride but I am not sure if I am going to be able to do more two 100mi days back to back. I know I still have some time to get it stronger but I am starting to get very concerned. I fell down a flight of stair yesterday as my knee buckled on the way up. Went to the Ortho today and he still thinks that I do not need surgery but he says it might be in my very near future. I am waiting for them to call me back to set up an appointment for an MRI. I looking at a brace to try to stablize my knee and I am going to head to a LBS to make sure my fit is right.

Scuba, sorry to hear about the knee. Mine have been a little achy too, probably due to the weather. I've started taking Glucosamine over the past couple weeks, and it seems to have helped the aches a little. Might be worth looking into, it can be had from the local grocery store.

Scuba, sorry to hear about the knee. Mine have been a little achy too, probably due to the weather. I've started taking Glucosamine over the past couple weeks, and it seems to have helped the aches a little. Might be worth looking into, it can be had from the local grocery store.
I have used Glucosamine/conjointant for a year now, I ran out for about 3 weeks and I immediately knew but went the three weeks, when I got back on it I was feeling better in 2 days. getting old's a *****, joint wear and ya have to do things to repair them. Give it a try.

I picked some Glucosamine tonight on the way into work tonight I will give it a shot. I could live with it being sore but my knee just does not seem stable. When I am laying in bed and go to pick up my leg to move it my knee will pop and my lower leg feels like it is dropping lateraly down to the bed. Basicly the inside of my lower drops towards the bed. Once I lower my upper leg everything seems to be straightened out I can get up and walk around.

When I was walking down the stairs at house my knee felt like it moved straight out to the side and down I went.

I've had good results with Glucosamine, but my knee wasn't as bad as yours sounds. Take care of it - there's time for it to heal if it can.

Anybody got a plan for a longish ride on New Years Day? Haven't been riding much, myself...

I'm riding with the PBA. We're doing a 45 mile route, but I'll be adding about 45 miles to it by commuting to and from it from Irving.

Here's a link:
http://www.planobicycle.org/pba/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=118&year=2008&month=01&day=01&Itemid=27