Greetings Riders, SAG,
Family, Friends, and Supporters,
Dust off your helmets
and get back on your saddles - it’s that time of year again! Details for
Lakeshore Pregnancy Center’s annual Ride4Life are taking shape, and we want YOU
to join us!
Ride4Life is a group
bicycle ride with a purpose. This year, we are hoping to build upon last year’s
success with a shorter format that appealed to more participants. We will be
spending 4 days (September 21-24) riding throughout beautiful Michigan while raising
funds to support Lakeshore Pregnancy Centers.
Will you please
prayerfully consider participating in this exciting and challenging fundraiser,
as well as share the details with anyone else that might be interested?
Together, we can bring the message of LIFE to the families that we serve!
Below are some
frequently asked questions regarding Ride4Life. If interested in participating,
or for additional information, please email events@lpcenters.com.
WHAT
ARE THE DATES OF THE RIDE?
The
Ride4Life 2017 is scheduled for September 21-24. Location of departure and
return will be determined following the finalization of this year’s route.
WHAT
IS THE ROUTE THAT YOU TAKE?
This
year’s route will be a 350 mile loop through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. We
promise you a scenic route through our beautiful state on a combination of
biker friendly roads and bike paths.
HOW
MANY RIDERS AND SAG DRIVERS DO YOU HAVE?
We have
had anywhere from 8-16 Riders and 3-5 Sag Drivers. We have 2 vehicles that
carry all of our supplies and our Mobile Unit is one of them.
WHAT
EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED TO DO THE RIDE?
A road
bike is recommended although we have had some tandem bikes and a few other
varieties. Your bike must have front and rear lights and a mirror (some prefer
the mirror on the helmet). The important thing is that you can do the ride and
keep at the pace of the group. We provide a team jersey but the rest of your
bike apparel is your responsibility. No one is ever allowed to ride without a
helmet. Everyone brings an extra set of tires and tube. LPC covers repairs that
need to be made along the way and our sag vehicles carry tools, more tubes, and
bike pumps for whatever is needed.
DOES
THE GROUP STAY TOGETHER?
We ride
together always. The pace averages anywhere from 14- 20 mph depending on the
wind and terrain. That is why the group rides are required so we figure out a
good pace for the whole group. The most efficient pace needs to be met each day
so we are not on the bikes longer than needed. It’s nice to be off by 5:00 and
we try very hard to make that a goal. Each day is unpredictable, though, with
breakdowns, blowouts, and meltdowns (just kidding!). You need to be prepared
for everything that can get in the way when it comes to all the possibilities
that are out there each day that can potentially cause a delay.
WHAT
IS THE COST PER RIDER AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Riders
that represent LPC are asked to raise $2500 to cover their cost to ride and
raise additional funds. All meals, lodging, and transportation are provided on
the trip. Some people choose to bring some special snacks they like and money
for snacks along the way at the convenience stores but most times you will find
our snacks sufficient.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS?
We
schedule as many group rides as possible throughout the summer and a few
meetings as well. We try to combine the meeting with a group ride to take up as
few nights as possible. The meetings are mandatory and you must do at least 5
group rides throughout the summer. We also do the Holland 100 as a group, which
is Saturday, July 16. You can get a good feel as to where you are in your
training by doing the group rides and the Holland 100. We have found that the
more we ride together prior to the trip the better we function together on the
ride itself.
WHAT
DO YOU DO AT NIGHT AND WHERE DO YOU STAY?
This
depends on the day, and how late we get in. We always eat together either in a
restaurant or around a meal prepared by our SAG. We also discuss the next day’s
route etc. and then have devotions as a group. If there is a pool and hot tub
at the hotel even better! Sometimes we go do an activity together but most are
happy to have a little time to rest and connect with family. We stay in decent
hotels, nothing fancy, but we strive for clean and efficient and with an
included breakfast if possible.
HOW
DO I COMMITT TO THE RIDE?
Ready to
ride?! Email or call Janelle Kelly at event@lpcenters.com or 616-396-5840 x30.
This final day is bitter sweet. It has been hot but beautiful. We are thankful for safety and a team that works together. We had a homemade breakfast to start our morning and on the road by 7:35 am
