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On Saturday, March 3rd, Family Crisis Center held its 10th annual Pedal Thru The Pines fundraiser. This year's event brought approximately 700 cyclists from all over Texas and beyond to the Smithville and surrounding area to ride either the 24, 40 or 70 mile route of the event. After an early morning shower and chilly temperatures, the day provided ideal temperatures, sunshine and a slightly challenging breeze for cyclists pedaling their way down routes that took them from Riverbend Park; to the Pin Oak/St. Mary's area, Serbin, Winchester and back to Riverbend Park. The cyclists were very complementary of the great scenery and the hospitality shown them by the community.
It was through a great team effort that this event was possible. Many thanks to the Pedal steering committee and all the volunteers that helped the Center organize and make the ride possible. An incredible group of 80+ volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly by helping with set-up, put out route signs, register cyclists, drive SAG (Support And Gear), serve as ride marshals, staff rest stops, make PB&J sandwiches, put together ride packets and whatever else was necessary to make the event happen. All of the volunteers did a phenomenal job and their time and assistance is truly appreciated.
In addition, our most heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of the event and the many who contributed supplies for the rest stops and other items necessary for the event. Also, thanks to all the cyclists that participated in the ride.
On behalf of the board of directors, staff and most importantly, the clients served by the Family Crisis Center, our sincerest appreciation to everyone that made the Pedal Thru The Pines a wonderful success! What an honor to see so many come together to support the vital work of the Center. The mission of the Center is to be the expert resource and service provider in eliminating domestic and sexual violence in Bastrop, Fayette, Lee and Colorado Counties.
Due to recent flooding and damage to the state park roads, the 10th Annual Pedal Thru The Pines Start/Finish location has been moved to the Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park, 107 Hwy 71W, Smithville, TX, 78957. Additionally, this year's ride features routes of 22, 40, and 70 miles. These new routes will take cyclists along roads surrounding the pine forest in Bastrop, Fayette, and Lee Counties. These changes were made in order to ensure the quality and safety of this year's event.
The ride will still be held on March 3, 2012. Several of the familiar rest stop locations will remain the same including St. Mary's, Serbin, and Winchester rest stops. SAG Team support for all routes will be available.
We are working to prepare updated route maps as soon as possible.
Recovery efforts continue in the Bastrop and Buescher State Parks, and we hope to return to a ride through the parks in the near future! We appreciate your patience and support as the Bastrop County area works to recover from the effects of the fires.
Please consider participating in our online survey in order to help us collect information on the number of cyclists participating in the Pedal Thru The Pines, the number of people staying in local hotels/motels, and your experience at this year's event. The survey is anonymous and is intended to capture information related to the number of people who travel to the area for the event and stay in local hotels and motels.
We encourage and value participant feedback. We appreciate any input that may help us improve our event. We also enjoy the stories and photos that cyclists have shared from the ride, and we are always happy to share the appreciation expressed by cyclists for the hard work and dedication of event volunteers.