Ride For Heroes draws locals, visitors

March 26, 2009 04:07 pm

— Chelsea L. McGowan
cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com
Despite forecasts calling for a cold, wet weekend, almost 1,500 cycling enthusiasts are expected to turn out for the seventh annual Ride for Heroes event, benefitting volunteer organizations in East Parker County.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain, and we’re on target to match the 1,400 riders we had participate last year,” said Donna Smith, who manages sponsorships for the event. “We’ve steadily grown by a few hundred participants every year since we started, so we might even have a few more than last year if the weather cooperates.”
The one-day event starts at 7:45 a.m. in the Aledo High School parking lot, where participants can choose from five different routes.
“The routes go all over Parker County and range from 8 miles to 100 miles long,” Smith said. “So no matter what your fitness level is, there’s probably a route you can do.”
For a $25 entry fee, riders also receive a free T-shirt and a cookout lunch provided by the volunteers they’re supporting.
This year, the funds raised will go to support the Aledo Volunteer Fire Department, Hudson Oaks Fire Rescue volunteers, Willow Park Fire Rescue volunteers, Sheriff’s Reserve and the Campbell Response Team.
“Last year, we gave $56,000 from fees and sponsorships,” Smith said. “I was pretty worried this year, honestly, with the economic times the way they are. I knew that people would be cutting back. As it turns out, we lost a few big sponsors, but we got some new people, so we’re only about $3,000 down from last year.
“People know this is a good cause, and it brings a lot of people into Parker County who may never have been here before. Anytime you can bring that many people in for the day, to eat at our restaurants and get gas at our stations, it’s good for the local economy.”
Smith said interested bikers are welcome to sign up right until the ride begins Saturday morning, although due to limited parking, people are encouraged to arrive early.