Pedal for Paws 2010

"If you build it, they will come."

I hoped so hard that would be true. Our shelter has more cats and kittens than ever, and with donations down due to the economy, I knew that it was vitally important we have a successful charity ride. But I had never done one before, and as much as you plan and organize, there are so many things that you can't control, like the weather, and Lance Armstrong/Livestrong's seemingly last-minute plan to have a bike ride for cancer on the same day, on some of the same routes (I kid you not). So you do what you can, and then pray lots.

My prayers were answered.

After Friday's remnants of tropical storm Nicole blew past, Saturday morning dawned sunny and warm. Approximately 200 riders from all over CT, with some from NY, MA, and RI, came to ride with us. About 15 of them were under age 12. So many more came than expected, we ran out of cue/directions sheets. We almost ran out of waiver forms. We miraculously did not run out of food. Everyone had a good time, no one got too lost, and the shelter raised a good amount of funding to help us through fall.

I am still overwhelmed by the kindness of all of the people -- shelter volunteers, riders, the community -- who jumped in to help however they could. I cannot thank our friends enough for all of their support. Forgive me if it sounds cliche, but after spending over a year of my life on this project, to see it all come together so well is just an overwhelming thing.

I'm still recovering from lack of sleep, and still need to clean out all the stuff in my car, but I know what you really want to see are photos. So, without further rambling...

 

Our town calendar of events, at a major intersection. When I first began planning, I dreamed about seeing this! The sign somehow made it real.

 

Rainy surveys the donations on Friday. She loves bottled water and was so excited to see it all!

 
5:30 AM Saturday and registration is ready.

 
Ah, sun!

 
Mary-Beth made this incredible fold-out of some of our cats up for adoption. I hope we get one or two calls this week from riders who might want a new family member.

 

The first riders left at 7:30, and we weren't officially starting until 8AM.

 
Registration got busy!

 
Follow the paw prints...

 
On the road

 
Rick, our supply driver turned SAG wagon driver. I still can't believe it, but with four drivers, not one rider needed a ride back to the start -- no bike problems, no injuries, no tired legs. Wow.

 
Father and son enjoying the day. Scenes like this make me want to go in a corner and have a good cry.

 
These ladies really got into the spirit! Look closely at their helmets.

 
Another great sign by Mary-Beth 

 
Chris, with our friends SDC, Dorothy, and Hobs, finally set off to enjoy the route

 
Sylvester with Tweetie, and Ginny

 
You can't believe the desserts our volunteers baked or donated. Neither could our riders.

 
Coming back in after a long ride, for lunch

 
Junior riders modeling our ride T-shirts

 
Two very tired, very happy co-chairs!

Everyone had such a great time, they are already asking about next year (no pressure?!). So if you were unable to join us this time, I hope that you will plan to come out next October. If you'd like to see some photos from a rider's perspective, please click on over to our friend Trainer Confessions' blog. SDC and Chris also shared their experiences of the day. ETA: Dorothy's post is here.

And now, I've got to get the signs and hole punch tabs out of my car!

Comments

[sprite]

I'm so glad it went well and that you all had such an awesome (if exhausting) time. We'll try to make it up for next year's ride if there ends up being one.

Congratulations!

[Karen]

I'm so happy it was such a huge success. I'm going to need to come up for it next year. I'm not a biker, but I would definitely be willing to help out with the other stuff. I'm kicking myself that I didn't volunteer for this year - I don't know why it didn't occur to me. As it turns out, I was sick with a cold all weekend anyway and won't have made it. Maybe my subconscious knew . . .

[Mumsie]

It was a pleasure for all of us to be a part of this worthwhile endeavor. You are dynamic and have done a wonderful thing for God's little creatures. Congratulations.

[Kara]

What an amazing accomplishment! I would have loved to participated if I lived closer.

[Kristen]

Well done! So glad all went smoothly and you did have perfect weather for the ride.

[Sarah]

I'm glad it was a big success for the cats and that you had so much fun with it!

[Bridget]

So great! Congratulations on a job well done.

(I'm sure Charlie is purring away in heaven.)

[Beth]

I'm so glad you had a great event! You did a wonderful job organizing it. And I agree about the photo of the dad and boy on the bike - so sweet!

[Sydney]

Congratulations on a successful fund raiser! I'm glad everything worked out so well. I love those cat helmets.

[Dorothy W.]

I'm so glad everything went well! It's fun looking at the pictures. It was great to be a part of the event.

[Meredith]

Congratulations on a successful event! I'm sure that was a ton of work, but so glad to hear that it all went well.

[Erin]

I think I would do it just so I could have one of those cookies. Well and because it is a good cause too. :)

[betty]

Congrats on organizing a successful event! Love the paws signs.

So, are you doing it again next year? (just kidding)

[Yvonne]

Congratulations! I'm glad your event went so well =)

[Sonya]

Way to go! What an undertaking. Looks the ride was a smashing success.