Texas - Tour de Cure - Fort Worth

Anyone going to participate in his event?

I just requested some information and was going to make a Thread on this. Would any of you guys and gals be interested in forming a bikeforums team together?? I think it would be a good way to get to meet each other and train and ride as a big bikeforums group.

I would probably be able to join a team if one was created... I probably wouldnt be able to hang with most of yall but think this would be a great ride to attend...

I will let everyone know once I get the information packet that I requested and we will see how many people we can get on the team. I am not sure how many we have to have etc. MeMyth - I am assuming living in Robinson you will be at the Waco M&M's Ride?? I used to live in Hewitt but have since moved north about 70 miles on I-35.

Sounds good... Yup, Ill be there...

I rode this last year, yes its helps charity for a great cause, but the route was horrible, unmarked, no cops or anyone directing traffic, and had to ride parallel to highway 156 with traffic zipping by at 60 mph. You also had to turn let across 156 with out assistance with was dangerous. I know there was quite a bit of riders that got lost due to lack of route markings. If the route was changed and more traffic assistance was available, this event wouldn't be to bad.

I did this event last year as well. I certainly wouldn't say the route was "horrible." I usually ride in and around Irving so it was nice to get a bit further out in the country. There were some ambigous turns, one of which I missed and had to find my way back. I did the long route and thought the best part of the ride was the 20 mile (or so) section that only the longer route covered.

I've already signed up to do it again this year.

I did the '08 TDC in Ft. Worth too. I thought the route was ok but I agree with chris838, riding along the highway with cars and (big rigs) wizzing by me was pretty scary. I too felt lost at times. I was alone the last few miles and thought for sure I missed a turn because I was out there alone. I just kept on riding and then I started to see the top of Texas Motor Speedway and said, well, it's right there so at the very least, I'll cut across somewhere to get back. Luckily, I was on the right track as I found the (unmarked) turnoff back into TMS. Next time, I guess, I'll drop jelly beans along the way to find my way back.

I expected a lot more people to come out for the event. The two unpaved areas wasn't cool and I expected a lot more police/crossing support. The two times dogs chased me wasn't cool either but it's amazing how quickly fear gives you energy to get up and go.

Overall, I thought it was a good experience and wanted to ride for the cause. I don't know how we can communicate these problems to the coordinators of the event, but it would be nice for them to know about our issues.

Nonetheless, I plan on attending the '09 ride. What about you guys?

There's a new coordinator for the Tour de Cure in Fort Worth this year. He is really interested in everyone's feedback to make the event better:

Britt Wolf
Associate Manager, Tour de Cure
American Diabetes Association
4100 Alpha Road, Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75244
P: (972) 392-1181 x6102
C: (205) 394-3763
F: (972) 392-1366
bwolf@diabetes.org (http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bwolf@diabetes.org)
www.diabetes.org/tour (http://www.diabetes.org/tour)

Spousal unit and I did it (65 mile route) last year too. I could have done with a bit better directions and without some of the gaping holes in the road, but all in all we're talking about doing it again. Our big headache is the minimum donation requirement. If we could register as a couple and do fundraising as a couple, it would be a no-brainer.

We live in Grapevine and have been training for the Soldier ride, so we will just need to keep it up for the summer. However, if you're forming a team, PM me the info! :thumb: