Lone Star Ride, Oak Cliff, TX

September 26-27, 2009

OMG, so many great things to say about this ride! Aside from the support of training rides through-out the year, Lone Star Ride simply has to be the BEST crew supported ride in the area. I'm not a novice, but I'm not a speed-demon either and I never was by myself more than about 5 minutes anywhere on the two-day route. The route marking was top-notch - never used my turn sheet - Motorcycle crews were at every blind turn, busy street, and on patrol. The Pit Crews were great - who knew I could eat at an "Italian bistro" with a roving violinist and waiters with funny fake mustaches or having a hill-climbing spell placed on me at the pit before riding up the Plume! Bike techs were "johnny on the spot" for both minor and major breakdowns. Their was a participant who could ride a bike better than he could walk due to disabilities - a huge inspiration! The closing ceremonies were both entertaining and moving - this is a can't-miss ride for all and for a great cause, too!

This ride used loops from the American Airlines Training Conference Center on both days to complete a 150+ mile charity ride to benefit AIDS. The routing didn't make it seem monotonous and the terrain certainly made it challenging. With lots of rest stops and a lunch stop riders are well taken care of. I'd recommend this ride to anyone who can do this distance comfortably. The crew really helped motivate the riders. I've done many rallies and this ride stacks up very well to the best of them.

I rode the Lone Star Ride fighting AIDS this past weekend- it was wonderful! The route was very well planned and marked, there was tons of route support, the pit stops were fun, and the riders were friendly. Terrific ride and very important cause. I already signed up for next year!

September 2008

This was my first time to participate in this charity event and I was very impressed. Top notch event organizers with an excellent supporting crew. Great food, good people, a challenging route with plenty of encouragement to keep you going. One hill on the second day in particular, let's just say I'd call it "the cardiac arrest" was so inspiring because of the cheering from 2 groups of people along the incline. At the top of the hill, a professional photographer captured the moment beautifully. I think I'll send that one to Mom! Each of the rest stops had a theme. My favorite was State Fair of Texas. Cookies, chocolate dipping sauce, chopped nuts, sprinkles and whipped cream. Breaded hot dogs (similar to Fletchers) served piping hot from a chafing dish. All I can say is: these people know how to run a rest stop. They had the standard fare too: including oranges, powerbars, nuts, bananas, gatorade, water. It was all good. The SAG vehicles were omnipresent. The route well marked. The weather perfect. This ride is among the top of my list of the best organized charity rides.

September 2007

I have been participating in the Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS for about 5 years now and it is one of the best rides in the USA. I have had the opportunity to participate in rides in other parts of the U.S. as well as Europe but LSRFA tops the list. The 2007 ride had great weather, wonderful entertainment along the route and in camp. The closing ceremony brought tears to the eyes of everyone there because of the efforts of the riders and crew to honor those persons living with HIV/AIDS and those who have died. If you want to feel good about doing something for yourself and for others...this is the ride for you!
You will have the best supported ride, the most fun and you don't have to worry that you are not a race rider. Everyone counts in this ride and when you cross that finish line in Fort Worth you will know that you did it. Don't miss this inspiring ride...no others can compare! And YES, I am riding again this year.

September 2006

Lone Star Ride is the best of both worlds -- actually three worlds!
1) a fun and easy rids for the beginner ;
2_) enough tests or challenges to the seasoned rider and his/her endurance, speed and abilities; and
3) 100% of the pledges raised by riders goes to benefit more than 20,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in North Texas. If you're looking for a "feel good/do good" experience -- LSR is your ticket.

“Great route, great crew, great cause! Don’t miss this benefit ride.”

Even as a 5th year Lone Star Rider, I don't consider myself necessarily a cyclist, but a rider who does it for a cause. The support from the crew, comradary, and dedication of everyone involved is truly inspiring. I get to be part of something amazing and larger than myself, have fun, bond with other humans, push my limits, get in shape and help others who need me too.
It's perfect.