Monday, May 28, 2012

Texas 4000 Atlas Ride

Even though the temperatures are just heating up in Austin, TX, the mornings are still nice enough to get a good workout. 

If you are looking for a great way to spend your time next Saturday (June 2, 2012)... consider participating in the 8th annual Texas 4000 Atlas organized bicycle ride. The 50 or 70 mile ride starts in Cedar Park and ends in at the beautiful Pillar Bluff winery in Lampasas. Another option is to ride 25 miles, starting and ending at the Lampasas winery. 

What is cool about this event is the opportunity to meet ~40 of the most impressive college students (in my humble opinion) that are participating in the world's longest charity bicycle ride known as LIVESTRONG Texas 4000. The Atlas ride is day 1 of their 70 day ride.

During spring, these select students get ready for finals, raise funds (each has to raise at least $4500) for a cancer research, and train for the biggest cycling adventure of their lives... 

From Austin to Anchorage.  The students split into two groups, one group goes to west to California and then up the west coast; the other group goes through the Rockies. The two groups meet up in Canada and then ride together to Anchorage. Along the way they rely on the kindness of strangers and make scheduled stops to raise cancer awareness. 

If you hadn't heard about this before, it is possible to still register on site.  The registration fee goes towards the fundraising efforts.    The students are approachable and are happy to share their stories.  Most have never seriously ridden a bicycle but because the cause is such a worthwhile event, they apply to be part of the LIVESTRONG Texas 4000 team.  They are riding because either someone close to them and/or they themselves have been affected by cancer.

If you are unable to make the Atlas ride and are interested in learning more, would be interested in following their progress, or would like to contribute to this great cause, check out their website.

Our Austinprint shop is proud to be a supporter of LIVESTRONG Texas 4000. If you go, you might see us on the 25 mile route.