truman

I mentioned this in the Texas Rides thread.

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: https://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.


https://www.woundedwarriorproject.or...d=66&Itemid=60

redls1camaro

That sounds soo, awesome, I would love to do that.. Gives me even more reason to keep riding my ass off.

aikigreg

I could definately be in on something like this!

c_m_shooter

That sounds great! Are you thinking of a supported tour or loaded?

truman

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

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

I would definitely be in!

scubaluke

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

I am definately down for this. Keep us updated!

JasonJones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is a damn fine idea, Scubaluke. Imagine groups of riders from all over Texas hitting San Antonio to make the Soldier Ride...

scubaluke

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

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

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

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

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

I sure have no problem tent camping.

It'd be great to maybe hook up with some local folks for dinner conversation, too.