They will be having a 2-day ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi next March. Set up is sort of like the MS150. The idea is to raise money for adaptive equipment for servicemembers who have left bits of themselves in Iraq or Afghanistan.
3-4 of us are in the early stages of planning a ride-to-the-ride from the DFW area, starting possibly from Naval Air Station Ft Worth, passing Ft Hood, and ending at wherever the ride from SA to CC will start from. Total mileage, including the SA to CC leg will come to 475-500 miles. The idea is to drum up more awareness and participation than would happen if we drove down there.
The initial route we're considering looks like this: http://tinyurl.com/32tmxm
There are some sketchy bits of routing in that map, I've driven a lot of the larger roads, but I know little about the bypasses that will let us avoid uncomfortable brushes with big rigs and RV's. If any of you think you or members of your local clubs might want to be involved in joining us for the ride, or coming out to ride along for a bit and help guide us through unfamiliar territory, or maybe let us pitch a tent in your yard for the night or even borrow your shower, please let us know here.
That sounds soo, awesome, I would love to do that.. Gives me even more reason to keep riding my ass off.
aikigreg
08-30-07, 05:42 PM
I could definately be in on something like this!
c_m_shooter
08-30-07, 06:30 PM
That sounds great! Are you thinking of a supported tour or loaded?
truman
08-31-07, 07:01 AM
We're preparing to do it self-supported, but It looks like Mad Duck Adventure Sports has agreed to provide SAG all the way to San Antonio. If that works out they're absolutely welcome to carry my panniers in the van.
Y'all jump in - I'd like to see a big group heading down there.
forensicchemist
08-31-07, 04:54 PM
keep me in the loop...I might be interested in a long ride like this....great ride, great time of year, worthwhile cause.
mark
koine2002
08-31-07, 05:11 PM
I would definitely be in!
scubaluke
09-01-07, 08:17 AM
Truman thanks for posting this. I have already got the time off from wrk and I am working out a planning to get my butt ready. I am in for this no matter what happens. I will look at the map later today.
Stray Cat
09-02-07, 09:37 PM
I am definately down for this. Keep us updated!
JasonJones
09-05-07, 06:15 PM
I am interested in doing this. I spent a year in Iraq and have a few good friends who didnt come back whole, so I am always wanting to support events like this.
barlows
09-12-07, 05:20 AM
This sounds like a great time!! Do you guys have a rough idea of how far you'll try to get each day? I haven't been riding all that long, but just completed my first century last week. Just trying to keep from getting in over my head.
Also, any idea of the pace you're planning on?
Steve
tate65
09-12-07, 08:33 AM
I now have the time and work and spousal permission. I will talk to Clarance again today to see what they need in way of organization to sag us. Let's keep this rolling, no pun intended.
Kenny0
09-12-07, 08:44 AM
is this a ride for soldiers only? I have not been one but would be honored to ride along side people who have sacrificed for us.
truman
09-12-07, 08:54 AM
Sweet. Clearance from Clarence is a good thing. Mad Duck kicks bootay.
Barlows, I expect the daily mileage will be dependent on terrain and conditions. March is a little sketchy, although it is supposed to the the dryest month in these parts of Texas. The loose plan is to take 3 1/2 days to get to San Antonio, arriving early-ish on the day before the official Soldier Ride to rest, cleanup and make whatever arrangements need making to hook on to the real ride. That also gives a little pad on the back end if we get slowed down, to still start with the main body.
The proposed route is right at 300 miles, figure to make better mileage on the first couple of days, then less going through the Hill Country. Pace will be 'touring speed', as the point is to talk up the Wounded Warrior project as much as possible to as many folks as we can. I'll be pretty happy if we average 11 mph for the whole day, including stops.
That means there'll be a lot of saddle time needed to make the goals - just not *fast* saddle time.
bluebottle1
09-12-07, 12:17 PM
This is just about the best thing I've heard of anyone in our Texas cylcing community doing. Truman, I'm no soldier, not military, and unfortunately, I'm nowhere near your ride route, so I don't know what support I can provide. That said, if there's something that someone like me can do, please post it here or shoot a PM. I'd love to be able to support a ride like this anyway I can, even if it's just shooting a few bucks for gas money for the support vehicle.
barlows
09-13-07, 12:19 AM
That sounds great. I think I should be able to pull that off...at least conditioning wise. Now I've got to get some group rides in before then to get my handling in groups skills up. I've just been riding solo up 'til now. I'll get checking into vacation time if you guys don't mind me tagging along.
HAMMER MAN
09-13-07, 03:30 AM
Please keep the information coming in. If no problems with work/home I am in, also as well as my brother.
If I can be of any help please let me know!
scubaluke
09-13-07, 11:17 AM
This is just about the best thing I've heard of anyone in our Texas cylcing community doing. Truman, I'm no soldier, not military, and unfortunately, I'm nowhere near your ride route, so I don't know what support I can provide. That said, if there's something that someone like me can do, please post it here or shoot a PM. I'd love to be able to support a ride like this anyway I can, even if it's just shooting a few bucks for gas money for the support vehicle.
Why not put together a ride with some Hoston area riders from Houston to San Antonio and then to CC with the Wounded Warrior gang and us heading from DFW. Just an idea
You do not have to be a solider to want to help these amazing people.
truman
09-14-07, 09:17 AM
Why not put together a ride with some Hoston area riders from Houston to San Antonio and then to CC with the Wounded Warrior gang and us heading from DFW. Just an idea
That is a damn fine idea, Scubaluke. Imagine groups of riders from all over Texas hitting San Antonio to make the Soldier Ride...
scubaluke
09-14-07, 10:18 AM
That is a damn fine idea, Scubaluke. Imagine groups of riders from all over Texas hitting San Antonio to make the Soldier Ride...
Thats what I was thinking. What better way to make a statement for support for these Wounded Warriors and our troops still abroad then to do it Texas Size. Get people from every direction to roll into San Antonio on the same day.
Figure us from Dallas, a group from Houston, maybe a group from Austin, another coming up from Corpus Christi. If we want to get some attention for this group what better way then to get a bunch of people and all roll to them and then with them. Just a thought.
tate65
09-17-07, 04:47 AM
I'll make a call to Robin at the TBC today. Not sure if they might be intrested in help/ advertising this from a state issue, but I'll ask.
barlows
09-21-07, 12:49 PM
I've been reading up on their site, these guys do great things!! I'd like to see if there's a way we can get some money together to bring down to them as well. Any ideas?
What a cool program. Truman, you rock brother. Thanks for bringing this up.
Steve
truman
09-21-07, 03:27 PM
Any of you guys got connections with other riders or folks along the route? It'd be really cool to have some locals who could ride along, maybe guide us around sketchy spots.
We'll be looking for places to sleep/camp, too, I think, if you know of cheap motels or anyone willing to put us up.
1st night, I imagine stopping in the vicinity of Meridian, Clifton or Valley Mills.
barlows
09-21-07, 04:40 PM
There's a state park about 2 miles West out of Meridian on Hwy 22. If everyone's not opposed to tent camping, that would work.
truman
09-28-07, 03:09 PM
I sure have no problem tent camping.
It'd be great to maybe hook up with some local folks for dinner conversation, too.
truman
11-12-07, 09:20 AM
Check it! I think I might've finally found a bike for this ride - only about a mile from my house, too.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/475837396.html
scubaluke
11-15-07, 07:27 AM
Cool I am hoping I can get myself in shape for this with my recent knee issues. I have been off the bike for two weeks now but the doctor has cleared me to try it again any more issues and I am in for an MRI and probably a vist with the scope. I am back to commuting and going to start hitting the dirt again, I just have to spin it instead of hammer the pedals
tate65
11-15-07, 12:10 PM
OK it's almost time to get serious in training for this. Any suggestions other than ride!
I will start making contact with the military post, public affairs offices along the way starting In Jan. asking for thier help and letting them know we will be coming by. Anyone have any personnel contacts?
kraxmel
11-16-07, 07:19 AM
I've been thinking about doing a multi-day tour and long distance ride next year. And being an Army brat with a dad that was in Desert Storm and a brother-in-law in Iraq now, this really appeals to me.
Is there a plan on how we and our stuff gets back to Dallas or is that up to us?
Also, in looking at the web site, it says the event is from the 13th to the 16th. Do we know what dates the actual the ride is on? Or, what dates we'd be leaving and returning to Dallas?
barlows
11-18-07, 03:54 PM
I'm thinking we could get a roster going and rent a big 11 passenger van or something like that for the return trip. Or rent something with a small trailer, whatever. Split 5 or 6 ways, it should be pretty cheap.
I'm thinking of doing a few 2 day trips over the next couple months to keep ready for this. If anyone's interested let me know. My thoughts on the 2 day trips are to leave fairly early on Saturday, ride to a state park, camp, then ride back the next day. Something like 80-100 miles each way I guess. I'm in Rowlett, but we could leave from somewhere else if need be.
Steve
tate65
11-19-07, 06:48 AM
Not sure yet on teh transport back, that detail has been one I've been thinking on. If my dad is down and not able to ride he'll drive and pull my 10Ft enclosed trailer, but he may be ridinging then I'm not sure.
truman
11-20-07, 07:12 PM
yeah, that's up in the air for me as well. I may have the redhead drive down and grab me. If that happens, I'll have room for another bike/rider, too.
aikigreg
11-20-07, 10:18 PM
I am in for this ride if we can get some support.
barlows
11-21-07, 07:41 PM
Has a decision been made regarding the sleep stops? What I mean is will it be tent camping or hotels? It doesn't matter to me either way, other than to change the way I pack for some weekend tune-up trips between now and then.
Thanks,
Steve
tate65
11-26-07, 06:41 AM
Not yet, we havn't had any real discussion in awhile.
truman
11-26-07, 07:58 AM
Not yet, we havn't had any real discussion in awhile.
Aye, we should set up a planning session soon - make some lists and start the media blitz.
Someplace away from shopping crowds, preferably in the Irving area? Mid week is usually okay for me.
scubaluke
11-26-07, 04:37 PM
Tell me when and where and I will be there.
truman
11-27-07, 07:23 AM
Tell me when and where and I will be there.
Okay, people! If you're interested in making this tour answer up here when you can get together and we'll get a meeting scheduled.
I can make it to a lunchtime meeting anywhere within 8-10 miles of DFW airport. Evenings are tougher to schedule, but possible. Sunday afternoons are decent for me. Weekend evenings are pretty much off the table.
If the local trails are dry, we could hit dirt and meet up too. RCP is a bit too far though - I live in West Ft Worth and it's 65 miles thru crap traffic from there. The Time Trial at JB's not out of the question...
kraxmel
11-27-07, 07:55 AM
I am still interested and once some more of the details are hammered out, I'll be able to say for sure if I can do it.
A lunchtime meeting sounds good. I work in Coppell, so w/in 8-10 miles of DFW is good. As far as evenings, I'm doing intervals Mondays and Wednesdays, but the rest are open as are Saturday/Sunday afternoons and evenings (gotta love being single).
barlows
11-27-07, 08:40 AM
I'm for sure in on the tour, got vacation scheduled and all. I work nights so my schedule for meeting is pretty screwy. Fridays are pretty good around lunch time or after, and Saturdays are pretty good. Otherwise, I think I'm backwards from everyone else.
That said, don't change any plans on my account. I'm not really worked up over any of the details, so if I can't make the meeting I'm good with whatever you guys decide.
c_m_shooter
11-27-07, 12:40 PM
Any day around lunchtime is good for me. I live in the midle of nowhere, so it's a drive to get anywhere, but I think meeting in the Grapevine area would be a good balance for just about everyone.
scubaluke
11-27-07, 08:45 PM
I work in Dallas and can pretty much leave for lunch when ever I want. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are bad for me. I am up for a beer on a Sunday afternoon.
crdean1
11-27-07, 08:51 PM
Hey guys, still thinking about the tour, but I'd definitely like to attend an informational meeting. I'm in Fort Worth, but I can be anywhere with a little notice.
barlows
11-27-07, 10:52 PM
I just found out I've got the rest of the week off (after tonight). So if it's this week I could go just about anywhere at just about any time.
pathdoc
11-28-07, 08:33 AM
I'd consider riding in this event if I felt I could keep up with the pack.
truman
11-28-07, 09:39 AM
Pathdoc, I expect the pace will be relatively slow, but with a lot of hours in the saddle each day.
Everyone, it looks like most folks who have responded can make it to a lunchtime meeting in the Grapevine/Irving area on a Friday.
It's possible that Clarence, the owner of Mad Duck, who has offered some level of support to the effort would like to be present at the lunch as well. Given that he has supported group rides to and from the Hotter Than Hell Hundred more than a few times, I'd sure like to hear his input on this.
I suggest we all plan to meet on 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.
aikigreg
11-28-07, 08:21 PM
No way I can make a middday meeting, but I'd still love to get in on the ride! I've already startedasking for $$$.
truman
11-29-07, 06:57 AM
No way I can make a middday meeting, but I'd still love to get in on the ride! I've already startedasking for $$$.
Sorry. I'll try to get everything posted up here when it's resolved.
scubaluke
11-29-07, 07:09 AM
In for the meeting. Can we have soemone take mintues or notes for this meeeting for anyone who can't make it to the meeting?
Also I need soemones help to put together a flyer or some sort of information so I can start to get funding or support. My employeer 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.
barlows
11-29-07, 07:14 AM
I'll be at the meeting. I'm coming from Rowlett, so if anyone from this side of the metromess could use a ride, shoot me a PM.