Spring Fever Bicycle Benefit Race, Sulphur Springs, TX

March 29, 2008

This was my first rally ride of the year and the first time I had done this particular ride. I rode the 40 mile route.
The weather conditions were cold, damp, and dreary, nothing anyone could do about that. The turnout appeared to be around 200 bikes or so. The signage was really good, even the signs directing visitors off of I-30 to the civic center was good. My hat (helmet) off to the volunteers who manned the rest stops. They braved the ugly conditions to support the rest stops. The cookies, bananas were all very well stocked along with the drinks.
Traffic was handled very well. The only gripe or complaint I had was the last stretch of road, the portion after rest stop #6, was absolutely horrible. I heard quite a bit of derogatory remarks regarding that stretch of road and was even muttering a few of my own while on that part. Apparently, one ol boy even had a wipe out on that stretch because of the road. If they could find an alternate last leg , that would be much better.
At the end, there was some live band music which was really nice. I had the homemade chicken stew cooked in a large pot over the fire…..Best I ever had…..my helmets off to the cook(s) on that one.
Overall, it would have been a great ride had it not been for that D*%#V last bit of road, so…..overall it was a GOOD ride.

Not a great day for riding but really enjoyed this ride. Plenty of parking, routes well marked, lots of support, guarded intersections. Excellent post ride food with 8 different beef or chicken stew in huge cooking pots, sandwiches, drinks, chocolate milk and plenty of homemade sweets from the Pilot Club. Local band was playing country music in a park gazebo. Great location to hold a bike ride. Well worth the trip to Sulphur Springs. This ride really does deserve the support of the bicycling community. Considering the weather and distance from Dallas Ft Worth there was a very good turnout. This ride has lots of growth potential. Great kickoff to the bicycle tour season for me.

Ride was well organized, misting the first hour or so, but pleasantly cool thereafter. I did the 66 mile route. Rest stations were well stocked all the way, and even though I got back a bit after 2:00, they still had a cheering committee at the finish line and still had stew. Last few miles were rougher, but otherwise the route was fine- the biggest problem was fatigue! Had a great time, and thanks to all the hard-working people out there!

The TxDot or County road crews aren’t doing the Pilot Club any favors. That last stretch was rough. Now for the good stuff – the packet pick-up, ride support, rest stops and organization were excellent. And the post ride food is like non-other. It was outstanding. The nice hot stew and fixins were great as were the desserts. The food alone well made up for the rough road. And I really like the new design on the T-Shirts. I hope they keep the design for next year, as I plan on being back!

This is a great kickoff ride for the cycling season. Relatively easy course with very nice scenery and good roads except for the last stretch leading into Sulphur Springs. What an ideal location to hold a ride. Plenty of parking next to the park, Jr college campus and Sulpher Springs HS. The stew makers (8) started cooking the stew as we were leaving and it really did hit the spot after a cool ride - very unique touch to this ride. I had 3 bowls of chicken stew and was tempted to ask for a take home order. Then to top off the stew the Pilot Club members cooked homemade cookies, cakes and pies for dessert. Live entertainment was provided while you ate. Very friendly and hospitable volunteers. Good traffic control. Pilot Club, thank you for an enjoyable event.

March 2007

I thoroughly enjoyed this ride, it was my first of the season and everything went smooth. Hats off to all who pulled this off. Roads were in great shape for the most part, SAG support visible everywhere and the 1 rest stop I used was manned, stocked and friendly.

Hey folks,
Did the Spring Fever Ride today in Sulpher Springs. It was the best!!!!!!! Excellent organization, great routes, perfect weather, the best course, good eats and drinks @ the rest stops, and crystal clear directions on the course. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and congratulations on a great ride. I will definitely do this one again and will bring friends next time.
Bob Schoonover
Athens, TX

Ample parking, Easy packet pickup, Chocolate Milk!, Excellent route, A+ intersection support along with plenty of SAG vehicles. Rest Stops had killer cookies and a very friendly group of people. Finish line Stew was excellent and I sampled both the beef and chicken. I will have to come back in 2008. This is a must do bike rally.

Great ride. This was my second year at Spring Fever and I will be back next year. There were 432 riders as announced at start which was an increase from last year. I rode the 41 mile route and experienced no traffic, very visible SAG support and friendly volunteers along the way. Road conditions were pretty good. Some limited construction and only a short length of chip and seal. And after the ride…the stews, the baked desserts and the four piece band playing in the gazebo really make this ride a unique and fun experience.

March 26, 2006

Great ride! Well organized. Good rest stops. Nice roads (lots of chip seal but not too much of the rough stuffl). Pretty scenary along the routes. Good food and entertainment afterwards. Nice t-shirt. Large waterbottle - not the little kind (I know what you're thinking but I really did need a new waterbottle). An amazing amount of good stuff for my $25. I can't think of anything negative to say. I'll be back next year.

Great ride. There was ample parking right at the registration and start area. Registration was well organized and fast. Indoor restrooms at the registration site are a welcome change. We were warned at the start about some areas with loose gravel or dried mud on the road, but they were no worse than many other rides which have given no warning. The roads had very light traffic, and traffic control was great where it was needed. The rest stops were well stocked, most with home made cookies in addition to the standard fare. Despite some vandalism to the signs overnight, the course markings were very clear. The lunch at the end was also very nice. Thanks to the Pilot Club for a great ride. I’ll be back.

Great ride!  Good roads that alternated between moderate chip n’ seal to good asphalt.  There are just enough hills to keep the ride interesting, but not leave you feeling spent.  Signage was excellent and very easy to follow.  This is the only rally where they cue you ¼ mile ahead of time that there is a turn coming…what a smart idea!  The post rally food was amazing and all homemade!  The music was fun to listen to and the atmosphere was very inviting.  We don’t usually hang around too long after the rides, but yesterday we found ourselves lingering and just enjoying the company, the great weather, and the tasty food.  This rally is a MUST DO event!  You will absolutely enjoy yourselves and everyone involved with the event is very friendly.

 This was a very well organized ride. All intersections had police support to ensure rider safety/stop traffic. Never had to stop for traffic…best support I’ve seen. Rest stops were great with cookies and fruit. Can’t say enough how good it was to get bottled Gator Aid vice the weak mix most rides have…a real plus. After ride meal and entertainment made for a nice finish to the day. Stew was great and how about those desserts! Friendly, small town atmosphere made this an enjoyable ride. Kudos to all involved!

Great attention to detail. Overnight some of the signs were vandalized. By daylight there were people out on the course making new signs. Quite a contrast to some rides where you get. "Huh? what do you mean there is a sign missing?" - John

I participated in the 40+ mile Sulphur Springs Spring Fever ride on Saturday, and I have to say that his one was a "Top Notch" event... Considering the weather, I thought that more riders should have made an effort to be out on that morning. It was a prefect riding morning, and the organizers made every effort to attend to every rider's needs. The scenic route had very light traffic, the rest stops were well stocked, and the volunteeers happpy to see us there and participating in their event. I thoroughly enjoyed the after ride food, accompanied by a live band... Honestly.. this ride had everything I like to see... for sure, these folks did it right. Thanks to everyone who put this one one on, and hopefully more riders will turn out next year.

What a day for a ride! The weather was perfect, the ride staff was most hospitable, great route and best of all, the stew and homemade desserts at the end of the ride were fantastic! I rode the long route, a buddy flatted twice (SAG arrived on both occasions to lend a hand if needed) and there was still plenty of good hot Hopkins County Stew left for us. The goodie bag had lots of fun stuff, and I think the t-shirts were improved over the last couple of years. This becoming one of the best rides I do, and the hospitality and food are above all others.

In a word “AWESOME”. This ride could give a lesson or two to these charity rides. The course is great. The scenery is great. The rest stops are well stocked and super friendly. The food at the end is like going to your aunt’s house at Thanksgiving. ACES. This ride should fill up and run out of room for more riders every year. I’m going back next year and taking some friends, no doubt.

I rode the Spring Fever 2006, 69 mi, on Sat. Registration was fast, friendly and efficient. They ran out of XL t-shirts and I got there right at 8 a.m., but hey 100% cotton XXL will be an XL by end of the summer. The race opened with a color guard, pledge of allegiance, a nice rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and a group prayer. They got the God and country covered right off the bat. We were informed about gravel and mud danger before the race, but those are expected and were barely noticed during the ride. Vandals took down a few signs overnight but they were all replaced by race start. The 66 mi was extended to 69 mi due to local road construction. Approximately, 347 riders started, a new high in attendance. I stopped a 30 miles and it was like a smorgasbord of homemade cookies, fruit, gatorade, kleenex, a map and 1 portapotty. The ladies were very friendly, too. I arrived ahead of most others, but when I turned around there was a long line at the john and I had to go to the next stop for relief. There was one turn, I think at FM2653, where the sign was a bit off to the side of the intersection that I saw some riders miss. They were too far away for me to yell to them so I had to go on. I liked the 1/4 mi turn ahead signage. Route was mostly flat and a few rolling hills. Police support was good. Only saw one yard dog and he only stood at the edge of the lawn in a non-commital stance barking at those going by. There was one stretch past a dairy farm that was a little malodorous, but some would call that sweet country air. Made another stop at 50 mi and had no problem with getting enough bananas or gatorade. Passed a serious photog snapping away as I neared the finish line and small cheering section at the line. Back at the registration area I was greeted with live music, more cookies and cakes than you can shake a stick at, fruit, gatorade, tea, homemade beef and chicken stew, sandwiches. Except for a minor inconvenience of too few facilities, I'd rate this ride an A+. They got down to a science and it's a good early season ride.

Great ride! Thanks Pilot Club for putting this ride on. The scenery was great and the route well marked. The homemade cookies at the rest stops were fantastic!!! The stew and homemade desserts were a hit too. Lot of friendly and accomodating volunteers. Loved the cheer squad at the finish! Can't wait to make it back next year.

My first organized ride for 2006. All that needs to be said is the rest of the rides on my 2006 schedule have are going to be hard pressed to surpass this one. Weather was fantastic. Route was scenic, enjoyable and easy to follow. Signage was great even with the last minute replacements of a few. There is absolutely no reason not to make the drive out to Sulphur Springs for this ride. - Jon

March 19, 2005

This ride was another exercise in perfection. The Pilot Club did a wonderful job setting this one up. They even ordered some super weather! This is still one of the best organized and supported rallies you'll find anywhere. The signage left no doubt where the course was or where there were hazards. The route was great and scenic.
All of the rest stops were well stocked and well manned. Number 2 was the best with number 5 running a close second. The home made cookies were a real treat!. The stew and desserts after the ride finished the day perfectly. Don't miss this one next year!

WOW!!! What a ride. The folks with the Sulphur Springs Pilot Club sure know how to put on a "good one". Organization was super . It is hard to believe this rally is only a few years old. Large enough to handle the logistics, small enough to have home town flavor and hospitality. I think there were about 300 riders. This ride featured four routes, 12, 22, 41, and 66 miles all on fairly smooth pavement , very well supported, with very little traffic. The 66 mile route looped through three counties and for the most part, stayed off busy highways. The scenery was great, and so were the rest stops. All were supplied with all the basics, plus homemade cookies and friendly people. After the ride we were treated with chicken and beef stew, each made in a big iron pot . They even had live music. Everyone associated with putting on this ride should feel really proud... it was top notch. Entry fee was kept low ( $20 early, $25 day of registration) . And did I mention the cool t-shirts? The weather was perfect . My riding buddy Dan and I had a great time. Don't miss this one next year. Roadkill ( DeWayne Shepard) 

What a fantastic job the folks over in Sulphur Springs did in putting on this ride. Hands down this has got to be the best signage I've ever seen on a ride. Excellent large, color-coded, arrows for the turns; signs a 1/4 mile before turns and rest stops; and small flags along the route. The whole event was very well organized, the meal afterward was much appreciated after that long upwind, chip-sealed leg of the course. The couple of rest stops that I visited were very friendly and had some nice homemade cookies.
With the fairly stiff north wind, the first leg heading south was fast and fun. Of course the payback heading back into the wind was brutal. Other than the chip-seal, the route was pretty good. The main roads w/ traffic had wide shoulders, the rest of the route had little traffic. Also the most SAG support I've seen in a while. All-in-all a very good ride.

My friend, Kevin, and I would like to extend a well earned compliment for the bike ride you held this morning. We were so impressed with the organization, the typical Texas hospitality, and the food. Again thank you, and I wish your organization well and will spread the word and see you next year, Mike

Loved the tailwind; hated the headwind. Next year, if you could get the wind out of the north for the first hour or so, and then get it to swing around from the south for the leg home, that would be great. 
Thanks for a very enjoyable Saturday morning. From the presentation of the colors, to the pledge of allegiance, to the prayer, everything was super. Signing along the route was among the best I've ever seen. My thanks and best regards to you and all the volunteers who worked the ride. I've already put Spring Fever on my calendar for next year.

I love this ride. I've done it that last three years and each time I wonder why all rides aren't as well done as this one. The route is well marked, the volunteers are absolutely the best. Homemade cookies and lemon squares at rest stops - need I say more? The post ride feast is over the top.
Keep up the good work. I'll be back again next year.

First off, I must once again compliment the good folks of Sulphur Springs that put on the Spring Fever rally. They do an exemplary job year after year. Signage and route coordination are tops in my book and these folks do it as well or better than any other rally around here, period. This year was a completely different ride than last year. The course was the same. What made it different was the direction of the wind. Last year the wind was heavy and from the south. This year, out of the north and it changed the complexion of this ride as much as it could have possibly changed.
Last year, it was tough but manageable heading out. The general topography is downhill to the big turn 25 miles out. After that it is generally uphill (albeit, ever so slight). Last year with the wind from the south, you hardly noticed the slight uphill grade of the roads. This year, it was just a long grueling grind back to to town. The roads seemed rougher, the hills (false flats) seemed endless and the patience wore a little thin at times due to some cramps that developed about half way through.
None of those things are the fault of the organization of this ride. I enjoyed overall as I did last year. I just enjoyed it more last year. Hopefully a return to southerly winds in '06.

What a fantastic job the folks over in Sulphur Springs did in putting on this ride. Hands down this has got to be the best signage I've ever seen on a ride. Excellent large, color-coded, arrows for the turns; signs a 1/4 mile before turns and rest stops; and small flags along the route. The whole event was very well organized, the meal afterward was much appreciated after that long upwind, chip-sealed leg of the course. The couple of rest stops that I visited were very friendly and had some nice homemade cookies.
With the fairly stiff north wind, the first leg heading south was fast and fun. Of course the payback heading back into the wind was brutal. Other than the chip-seal, the route was pretty good. The main roads w/ traffic had wide shoulders, the rest of the route had little traffic. Also the most SAG support I've seen in a while. All-in-all a very good ride.

March 20, 2004

I was impressed with this ride especially considering that this is only the third year that the Pilot Club has conducted this ride. I rode the 41 mile route and was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the roads were. There was not too much of the ever-present chip seal surface to contend with. Also the vehicular traffic was not significant on the 41 mile route. It was a great day for a ride although the wind was pretty strong (about 20 mph I think). However, the course started south into the wind so we got a tail wind for the latter part of the ride which was nice. The course was well marked, I had no trouble following the signs. You could tell that the organizers really worked at setting up a nice route. I did not stop at any rest stops so I can't rate those. After the ride I had some of the stew and it tasted excellent. I also talked to several of the Pilot Club members. They had 260 riders this year, up significantly from last year. I told them this ride is already better organized than some of the other area rides that have been conducted for many more years. If the organizers keep up the excellent work for future rides, I would expect this ride to continue to grow. Finally, the ride packet had lots of goodies and the t-shirts this year are cool as well

The Spring Fever ride in Sulphur Springs was great!!! Very good organization, well marked course, great volunteers at the rest stops. There is no doubt that I will be back next year!!

If you don't ride this ride for the ride, ride for the food.  Homemade cookies at every rest stop, and at the end of the ride along with the rest of the food a table loaded with homemade deserts.  As the ride was starting a car pulled in.  Someone ran up to them to help them register as they parked the car.  Now that is service.  Another nice touch was the little blue and yellow flags at critical  intersections.

The Spring Fever organizers should give lessons to other event leaders. Signs were excellent, 1/4 mile before each turn was a warning sign indicating the direction of the next turn. Sag support was great, I had a flat and within 2 minutes the sag truck was there asking if I needed help. The rest stops were well placed and had home made cookies. The Spring Fever organizers did an incredible job and this is only there 3rd year! I will definitely be back next year!

Great ride, good routes, excellent support and organization. The increase in riders this year indicates word is spreading that the ladies of the Pilot Club are putting on a good rally. Loved the homemade cookies at the rest stops. I'll be back next year.

2004 Sulphur Springs Tour was by far one of the best tours I've ridden. I got up bright and early and drove 3 hours to ride and have no regrets. Some of the things that really stood out were: The smooth roads, signs 1/4 mile before every turn (I've never seen that in 15 years riding) supporters
shouting encouragement, zero traffic to contend with, escorts by Police!!!, mooooooing cows at the finish line, nice t-shirts for participants, PRIZE MONEY two-deep (!!), and the FOOD/drink post-event was exceptional. I echo the other preceding reviewer because from what I enjoyed, it is clear that the organizers could give lessons to other event promoters... in fact this even sets a new benchmark for tours. My only regret is NOT stopping at any of the rest stops -- homemade cookies??? Are you kidding me, how does it get better than that?? I will be putting this ride on next year's race/ride calendar and I will be telling lots of people in Wichita Falls about it.

I rode the 65-miler. I rode the 4? mile route last year. The signage and rest stops were great, and the t-shirt is neat. The Pilot Club women were also very hospitable, and the Hopkins County Stew served at the finish was an excellent idea. Only two gripes/suggestions, the stretch of road from the 41-mile 65-mile split was pretty rough - chip seal without a lot of seal. Also, bringing us back in on Highway 11 was a pretty risky move, as this is the direct route to Commerce (aka, beer/liquor). I would never ride this road alone. Overall the ride was rather difficult ride due to the wind. I'll be back next year, but will likely do the 41-miler. Thanks Pilot Club for hosting it.

I have been to this ride for all 3 years. These ladies really work at improving the level of service for a bike event. Nice route with mostly rural roads and little traffic. The Hwy coming into Sulphur Springs (Hwy 11) had traffic but police cars were running interference to help slow cars down. The stew, desserts & music afterwards was really unique. There are few bicycle events that have a more ideal staging area than this ride. The parking lot and City Park for high school, Civic center, Dairy museum and Chamber of Commerce is large and convenient. Great ride!

THANK YOU to our riders for making our DREAM a REALITY. Our riders have increased from 97 in 2002 to 166 in 2003 and to 264 in 2004. Our net proceeds have increased from $3,000 in 2002 to $6,000 in 2003 and to $8,500 in 2004.
THANK YOU for empowering our Club to do even more in 2004-2005 for our community and our brain-injury related causes.
Mark March 19 for Spring Fever 2005 and bring a friend, or two, or three to ride our tour too. Spring Fever 2005 promises to be an even better tour - the planning has already begun!
Your friends at the Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs
THANKS!
Tina Phillips
Director 2003-2004
Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs

Not a bad ride at all. I did the metric century and there was a good number of people riding. The ride was not too hilly, but it was a windy day. The only section I did not enjoy was riding on the shoulder of a major highway with quite a few cars blowing by. Otherwise, I thought it was a great ride.

March 22, 2003

This was a really nice ride. About 160 riders according to one of the rest stop volunteers. The weather was cool and overcast but at least the rain held off until after the ride. Road conditions were the ever present chip and seal but everyone is suffering from that these days. The check-in for pre-registered riders was very nicely done. Each rider had a labeled packet containing the map for the selected route inside a ziplock bag and the preselected size tee shirt ready to go. Very professionally done. The rest stops were wonderful. Plenty of food and drink and even homemade cookies at one stop with some patriotic table arrangements. Sag support was very visible even though there were no bike shops present. As one of the last riders to complete the course, I had my own police escort the last 8 miles. What service! I will definitely be back next year.

What a great ride!  These ladies really know how to throw a party!  Organization was efficient, routes well marked, home baked cookies, lots of police and sag presence, and home made stew for lunch!  This ride caters to the slow rider (me) as well as the speedsters. Somehow they managed to make every rider feel like the most important person there.  Great job!

Perfect day for riding a bike! The Pilot Club did a fantastic job, for only their 2nd year of the ride. The flat course was well marked with rest stops at good intervals. Not many turns on this course. Very low vehicular traffic to contend with during the ride. Location for staging the event is ideal. Stew and live entertainment were great way to top off the event.

Couldn't have asked for better weather.  No wind and sunny skies.   This was my first time to ride in this area, it was a two hour drive, but well worth it.  The ride was relatively flat with some rollers.  Not at all challenging, but then again I just like to ride.  The volunteers were of the finest quality of people on this earth.  They were kind and supportive all the way to the finish.  This ride was very well organized with good sag and traffic support.  I will definitely be back next year, and may even take a stab at the race.   

The ride doesn't give you a lot of choice for distances (15, 36, and 62 miles), and the chip and seal is a pain, but the rest stops are the best anywhere. The Pilot Club ladies are fantastic! It would be nice for those of us driving from Fort Worth if they started the race a bit later, say 9:00 a.m. like Tyler's Beauty and the Beast. But overall a wonderful ride and terrific people. Thanks Pilot Club! See you next year.

March 23, 2002 - (this is the first year for this ride)

The ride was 62 miles over flat and rolling terrain The organization was pretty good with great signs and lots of rest stops. Some roads were quite rough from type of surface while others were glass smooth 100 riders participated this year and it was their first year but they feel pretty solid for next year

Great ride support and rest stops to excess, clean roads. I will go back.

There was a choice of 15, 36, or 66-mile routes. A minor shortcoming was that the 66 (may have been more like 62) mile route included a double loop, much like is done on the Cumby ride. The only other shortcoming was that most of the routes were over that abominable "chip-seal" surface that seems to be the standard for Hopkins County, these days. I used to think Hunt County (Greenville) had the worst roads, but I think the balance has tipped in favor of Hopkins. * But on the plus side, there were frequent, well-stocked rest stops, all with some form of  "facilities", and the traffic control was excellent. Most of the routes had little motorized traffic on them. Overall, for a first-time event, it was very well done.