I want to donate to the Rosedale Foundation. How do I do this?
Online donations will open on January 1 2013.
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
I used to like registering in person on the Thursday or the Friday before the Ride. This gave me a chance to visit the School, and to look over all of the Silent Auction goodies. This year I notice that some changes are planned. Why the new approach?
Online donations will open on January 1 2013.
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
I used to like registering in person on the Thursday or the Friday before the Ride. This gave me a chance to visit the School, and to look over all of the Silent Auction goodies. This year I notice that some changes are planned. Why the new approach?
Put simply, we thought your visit to the School should be more fun. Wouldn't it be better if there was food and music to go along with walk-in registration? We thought so. So we're making it a celebration. We have contacted some fine restaurants and we have conscripted some excellent musicians and we're laying out the welcome mat right now. We're making the Silent Auction more fun and exciting, too. No more waiting until Saturday afternoon to see if you've won. Instead, we're accepting bids throughout the evening Thursday, then we'll close the bidding, and we'll distribute the goodies right there.
This will be a Thursday evening event only. Unlike years past, the School will not be open Friday for registration. This will give the staff some rest the evening before the Ride.
We hope you like our new approach. And we hope you'll come and bring your friends.
This will be a Thursday evening event only. Unlike years past, the School will not be open Friday for registration. This will give the staff some rest the evening before the Ride.
We hope you like our new approach. And we hope you'll come and bring your friends.
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…