On May 30, 2009, Real Ale Ride will return to Blanco. After the success of last year’s ride, Bicycle Sport Shop was able to donate $3000 to the local library. “We had over 1300 participants in 2008 and we expect to have 2000 this year,” says Chris Carter, Marketing Manager at Bicycle Sport Shop. “Our success in 2008 was due to the enormous amount of support we received from the town of Blanco. I recall hearing a story about a little girl that offered to hold a rider’s bike while they refilled their water bottle at Rest Stop 1. You do not see that everywhere.”

The Real Ale Ride first visited Blanco in 2007, but unfortunately, due to high winds and threatening storms, the ride was canceled. “It is never easy to cancel a ride, but we invited the 750 participants back in 2008 free of charge. That was a large portion of our costs for 2008. We had initially agreed to donate $1000 regardless of the rides success. We were very fortunate to have the ability to make an additional $2000 donation to the Library. My hope is that 2009 will prove to be more successful as I would really like to give back to the town that has so graciously welcomed us,” says Carter.

Planning has already begun and Real Ale Ride will be looking for the town’s participation once again. One thing that has changed for 2009 will be the opportunity for local businesses to promote their products and services at the rides after party. Booth space will be provided free of charge. A donation to the Library based on sales will be requested.

Bicycle Sport Shop would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their support: Real Ale Brewing Company, Riley’s BBQ, Blanco Heating and Cooling, The Sunset Ridge Homeowners Association, Blanco Chamber, JM Realty, NAPA Auto Parts, On The Square, Blanco National Bank, Friends of the Blanco Library, Blanco HAAM Radio Club and the Blanco Fire Department.

For more information about the Real Ale Ride and how you can be a part of it, please contact Erin Truslow with Red Licorice Events at erin@redlicoriceevents.com or call 512-517-8118.

Purchased from its founders in 1985 by Hill Abell, Bicycle Sport Shop quickly established itself as the mountain bike specialty store in Texas. Riding the popularity of the mountain bike boom, Bicycle Sport Shop capitalized on people’s love for going off pavement, exploring the trails and dirt roads of the world on the new knobby-tired wonder-bikes.

After opening their second store in 1988 in northwest Austin, they added a full array of road bikes. Bicycle Sport Shop now has a full-time staff of over 100 people operating its two area stores, and is considered by many locals as one of the quintessential Austin-style businesses that honor the laid-back, fun quality of life that Austin has always valued.

Their mission today is to encourage and support more people to ride their bicycles more often. Bicycle Sport Shop supports many local clubs and advocacy groups and provides support for dozens of organized rides each year. Additionally they hold training classes and clinics to educate cyclists new and long experienced on how to ride safely and enjoyably.

For more information about Bicycle Sport Shop please visit www.bicyclesportshop.com, or contact Chris Carter, chris_c@bicyclesportshop.com, 512-477-3472.