Rosedale Ride 2013: WE DID IT!!

Wow!! What an amazing Rosedale Ride we had this year!!

The whole week was a HUGE success, and we are so grateful for everyone that took part!  

Our Silent Auction had over 200 donated items to bid on, and raised almost $10,000!  The Rosedale Ride the following (chilly!) Saturday brought out over 1,000 cyclists and tons of friends, families, and volunteers!  Thank you again to everybody- and we will see you next year for our  

20th Annual Rosedale Ride!! 

*for more pictures of the events, please check out our facebook page- www.facebook.com/RosedaleRide

Thank You Rosedale

On Thursday morning they woke up and went to work. All day they gave everything they have to help support and teach the children of Rosedale School. And at 5pm they rolled out the red carpet and treated every single person that walked in through the doors of the school as if she was a VIP.

I have had the good fortune of knowing the people at Rosedale School for over a decade. I participate in the annual Rosedale Ride. I play a tiny role through the Rosedale Foundation to help put the Ride together. My children play at the park out behind the school buildings several times a week. It's more a part of my life than my children's school or my alma mater. There's a reason behind it. It's the children and staff of Rosedale School. A feat of cosmic coincidence or grace has brought an amazing collection of people in one place.

My family is getting ready for the Ride. In recent years, it's been our first ride of the season. Often it's the only. This year my six year old daughter will ride the 2 mile Children's Ride on her own bike. And my wife and I will ride with our three year old son. This is a picture of them and their best friend going out for a short ride around the neighborhood yesterday.

My daughter often walks with me to Rosedale School. She sees some children in wheelchairs. In the school grounds she notices that the swings are modified for children who may need more support than her. She walks the memorial garden and knows that there is a wall of plaques with the names of loved ones from Rosedale who are no more.

Yesterday the whole family went to the Silent Auction and Kick-Off party. My three year old tried to eat every cookie and cup cake in sight. My daughter met some girls in the school gym who had built a robot. The robot was trying to throw frisbees through the basketball hoop and occasionally succeeding The girls were from other schools and had volunteered to keep the kids occupied during the party.

The party and auction were a huge success. There was not one person I meet all evening who wasn't happy to be there. If you weren't able to make it to the party, don't worry. There's another one tomorrow. It's the 19th Annual Rosedale Ride. Over a thousand people will bring their bicycles and ride 26, 42 and 62 mile routes. Hundreds more will support the ride by directing riders the right way and providing them with drink and food at the rest stops. There will be food and music and fun while the riders are away. And the good people from Rosedale School will be there, smiling and helpful as they always are. Saturday morning for them is another day at work.

Rosedale Ride Festival // The Que Pastas!

We can't wait to boogie Saturday afternoon with The Que Pastas at our Rosedale Ride Festival!!!  

'Some say The Que Pastas are people from another planet. That planet, which may or may not have had oceans of hot cheese sauce and beaches of macaroni noodles, parmesan rain and mountains made of meatballs, might have sent The Que Pasta family to earth to entertain kids of all ages with quirky, original music.

Others claim The Que Pastas is the brainchild of Gene Davis, a young alt-country musician who found a surprise calling doing kindie music.

One thing that everyone can agree on, however, is that The Que Pastas are a funny and interactive family friendly band that serves up their music with a generous helping of fun sauce'

Thank you Magnolia Ranch Estates!

BIG Thank you to our SAG Stop hosts- Magnolia Ranch Estates!!

Thank you Bicycle Sport Shop!

Afraid you might get a flat tire on the Ride?  Maybe your handle bar feels a bit loose?  Perhaps this is your first time riding a bike..ever??  Have no fear!! Bicycle Sport Shop is here!!  

Professional Bicycle Sport Shop mechanics will be on the Rosedale Ride Route ALL DAY on Saturday if you need ANY help at all with your bike!! 

Thank you Bicycle Sport Shop!!

Weather for the Ride! (So far, so good!)

I don't know about you...but I have been checking the weather APP on my phone like a mad person this week, and I am happy to report that: 

 

Keep your fingers crossed for no rain!  See yall at the Ride tomorrow! Woohooo! 

Party Time is Now

It's time to party. Rosedale School hosts the "now legendary Kick-Off and Silent Auction" this evening (Thursday) starting 5pm. There is no better way to get in the mood for the ride and to meet the teachers and parents and staff and if you are lucky, some students from Rosedale.  You can pick up your ride packet while you eat great free food from local restaurants and we'll even serenade you with live music. All this while you browse the best collection of items you can find in a silent auction: stays at Austin's best hotels. Bike tours of Colorado. An evening on a private boat on Lake Travis. A really nice new women's bike. And so much more. 

So what are you waiting for? It's so much fun you should come even if you aren't riding on Saturday. But hurry because we'll need to wrap it up at 8pm. School night.

Online Registraion Closes at 7AM Thursday March 21

We incorrectly stated in a previous email that online registration would close at midnight today (Wednesday, Mar 20). But it will remain open till 7am tomorrow morning giving your friends a few extra hours to register online and save a few bucks. Click here to register now: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/18045

The In-Person entry fee is $40 for the 26, 42, and 62 mile routes and $8 for the 2 mile children's route. Register In-Person on Thursday, March 21st between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Or register on the morning of the Ride starting 7 AM.

You can pick up your packet at the Rosedale School on Thursday, March 21st between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM or you can pick it up on March 23rd, the morning of the Ride, starting at 6:30 AM at Samsung Austin Semiconductor.

Between 5pm and 8pm on March 21, Thursday evening, Rosedale School will host the now legendary Kick-Off and Silent Auction. There will be music from local musicians and free food and fabulous items that will be auctioned off. 

Remember that the Ride and the Silent Auction benefit the children of Rosedale School. Thank you for participation, encouragement and donations.   

Rosedale Ride FAQs

FAQ

I want to donate to the Rosedale Foundation. How do I do this? 
To donate by check, please send a check to the Rosedale Foundation. We'll be happy to mail you or fax you back a letter for your taxes. The address of the Rosedale Foundation is on the CONTACT tab of the website 

Should I bring food and water with me on the ride?
Many first-time riders ask this question, and the answer is yes. While the Rosedale Ride will have rest stops about every eight miles with food and water, it’s best to bring your own, too. Experienced cyclists will tell you that you don’t want to wait until you feel hungry or thirsty to replenish. Oh, and one more thing. Don’t forget to eat breakfast. Even if you’re only planning to ride one of the shorter courses, you’ll be burning through fuel faster than you think. Breakfast is very important.

Will there be food after the ride?
Yes! We keep costs down and put every dollar to work by asking that you pay nominal prices for foods. Fruits and drinks are free and are provided by our sponsor, Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Get some of Ron's great barbecue and thank him for all the work he puts in. Last year these items were on the menu: Ron's Barbecue: (all proceeds benefit Rosedale School) Breakfast Tacos $1, Grilled Veggies $2, Sausage Wraps $2, Beef, Fajita Tacos $3, Beef Sandwich $5, Pork Sandwich $5, Beans $1; Papa John's Pizza: ($1 of each slice sold benefits Rosedale School) Cheese or Meat $2 a slice; drinks and snacks (all donations benefit Rosedale School),  coffee, bottled water, sodas, popcorn, and Amy's Ice Cream.

Do the rest stops have toilets?
Yes, all of our rest stops have at least four portable toilets. Plus, there will be portable toilets at Samsung Austin Semiconductor for your convenience before and after the Ride. Will I encounter cars on the road when I ride the Rosedale Ride?

Will I encounter cars on the road when I ride the Rosedale Ride?
Yes. Many of the roads are country roads, and they don’t have much traffic. But none of the roads are closed to car traffic for this event. So following state laws for bicycles is recommended.

I have noticed that the map I downloaded from the website has been changed. Why is that?
Sometimes the routes are adjusted in response to changing conditions. Occasionally a heavy rain will wash out a bridge. Occasionally a road construction project will tear up a road. We try to stay on top of these kinds of things, but sometimes they come up at the last minute. So, be sure to consult a current map.

What if a driver is rude or hostile toward me when I’m out on the course. Should I make a rude or obscene gesture, like the ones you see at professional sporting events?
Please don’t. When you ride the Rosedale Ride, you’re representing the children of Rosedale, and the children appreciate your kindness and your generosity. While you may be tempted to do otherwise, we suggest communicating with a smile and a wave of the hand (all five fingers clearly visible, please). Extra credit is awarded if you pantomime the words, “Thanks for supporting Rosedale”.

I will be riding with a group of friends who are coming to Austin to ride the Rosedale Ride. It would be convenient for everyone in my group if I could pick up everyone’s ride packet for them. Is there any reason I wouldn’t be able to do that?
No. This year that should be easier than it’s ever been. In previous years, we’ve needed to see a signed release for each person in your party. What a hassle! This year we take care of the release at the time of registration, so you don’t have to deal with it when you pick up your packet. So just come on in and ask for the packets.

How early should I plan to arrive the morning of the event?
Between 45 minutes and an hour early would be good. Earlier if you can get yourself out of bed that early. It will take a while to pull your bike out of your car, and get ready to roll. And if you plan to register, or pick up your packet, that will take some time, too. Keep in mind, too, that the closer it gets to the 8:30 start time, the more crowded the roads around Samsung Austin Semiconductor will become. And don’t you think that you’ll see some of your friends? Chatting will take some time, too.

Do I need to choose my ride distance beforehand?
No. You can choose your distance on the fly.

How do I get to Samsung Austin Semiconductor?
Click here for a Google Map to Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Their address is: 12100 Samsung Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78754

How do I get to Rosedale School?
Click here for a map to Rosedale School

I have never ridden in this kind of event. How can I determine what route distance to choose?
Each person is, of course, different. Take into conideration your level of physical fitness, the speed at which you ride, and how long you want to ride. For instance, if you want to ride the 62 mile route and can maintain an average speed of 15 mph, you will be on the course for four or more hours.

Can children ride in the Rosedale Ride?
There is a children's ride this year. We'll post more information here soon, but don't hesitate to email us and ask about it.

Will there be mechanical help at the ride?
Yes. We usually try to have one or two mechanics available before the event. They can handle flat tires and mechanical adjustments. There will also be tool kits in each of the sag vehicles.

I like to drink beer after a long bike ride. Will there be beer for me when I finish the ride?
Sorry, but there won’t be any alcohol after the Ride, beer or otherwise. While the Rosedale Ride can be a hard ride if you choose to approach it that way, it’s a family affair for many others. Out of courtesy for our host, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, we ask that you don’t bring your own alcohol, either.

What if it’s raining?
The Rosedale Ride is a rain or shine event. While everyone’s tolerance for rain is different, we can say that one of the most memorable Rides was two years ago, and it started in a light drizzle. About an hour into the Ride, the drizzle stopped and the sun came out. The countryside was just brilliant for the rest of the morning. And everybody we saw was having a great time.

I’m training for the BP MS 150. This will be my first attempt, and I know I’ll be really slow. Is there a time limit for this event?
The Rosedale Ride officially ends at 3:00 PM While you will be welcome to stay out on the course beyond that time, the rest stops will be closing down, and the SAG vehicles will stop running. Plus, the music stops at 3:00 PM, too.

I have heard that the Rosedale Ride will have a staggered start. What is a staggered start?
A staggered start means that the riders will begin the event at staggered intervals, so that the fastest riders will start first, and the slowest riders will start last. We have found that this makes the start more comfortable for most riders.

What if I need help along the route?
SAG vehicles will patrol the routes all day to help riders who may need it. They will have basic mechanical repair equipment, basic first-aid supplies and a cell phone. You can also use the SAG vehicle if you just plain poop out. In that case, the driver will be glad to put your bike in the back and drive you back to Samsung Austin Semiconductor. We should also mention that there will be two Sheriff’s Deputies patrolling the routes throughout the event.

Does anyone read the entire FAQ?
That’s an interesting question…

Thank you WHITTINGTON & COMPANY!

Thank you Whittington and Company for supporting the 19th annual Rosedale Ride!  We could not have done it without you!