EcoRide 2006

2006 EcoRide Results and Prizes

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2008 EcoRide. As you know, the official deadline for turning in pledges has passed and you all did a fantastic job helping raise over $33,000 for the Ecology Center's programs. This year we had lots of teams competing for the top fundraiser spot and together they raised half of the total amount brought in by riders. The individuals were enthusiastic fundraisers, too, with three times as many people as last year's ride raising $500 or more!

And the Grand Prize Bike from Two Wheel Tango goes to...
…Michael Hertz, who raised $925!

Close behind Michael was John Lloyd, who found time while he was volunteering for the EcoRide to raise $900!

Team UAW beat out the other teams with a grand total of $2,050!

Team Ezekiel and the Westside Raiders did some impressive fundraising, too, bringing in $880 and $825, respectively.

All of these top fundraisers will receive prize packages with gift certificates donated by local businesses. Check out our sponsors who helped make the EcoRide happen.

Many of you weren’t too far behind our 2008 prize winners…so next year the bike could be yours!

And the top Cause is…
Clean Energy and Protecting Natural Places tied as the most popular causes to ride for, but the Clean Energy riders raised almost twice as much as those riding to Protect Natural Places with nearly $6,000 in donations! Zero Waste and Toxic-Free Kids had almost half as many riders, but they worked hard for their causes and raised as much money as Protecting Natural Places. Thanks for supporting the Ecology Center’s important work!

You can still turn in EcoRide pledges any time (if you were rained out the day of the ride, you can still do an honor ride). Remember that EcoRide donations are tax-deductible and all proceeds benefit the Ecology Center’s programs for a safe and healthy environment.

Thanks again for being a part of the 2008 EcoRide!

Stephanie Feldstein
Development Director

What is the EcoRide?

The EcoRide is a family-friendly event where you and your friends can come together for a fun bike ride to raise money for the Ecology Center's programs for a safe and healthy environment. We offer a variety of supported routes to choose from, so there’s something for everyone! The loop inside the park is especially great for walkers and rollerbladers, too. Stick around for food, activities, music and more!

Where does the EcoRide happen?

By popular demand, the EcoRide has returned to the west side of Ann Arbor for its second year starting and finishing from Hudson Mills Metropark near Dexter. In addition to great views of the meandering Huron River, this site offers a lot for families, including a 3.5 mile paved bike trail contained within the park, a playground, nature trail, and more.

What does the EcoRide Cost?

For this year’s EcoRide, there is no rider fee for adult riders (children under 12 can still ride for only $5)! Instead, we're asking you to get your family and friends involved and raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. Of course, you can donate to your own ride, too! All pledges are tax-deductible. All pre-registered riders who raise $50 or more get a cool eco-friendly gift (day-of registrants will receive the gift while supplies last). The more money you raise, the more you can qualify for other prizes, too!

Register and Raise Money Online!

EcoRide registration is just a few clicks away. You can create your own personal fundraising page and send emails to your friends and family asking for their support.

For more information about the 2008 EcoRide and how you can participate or help out, contact Stephanie Feldstein at (734) 761-3186 ext. 110.

EcoFriendly EcoRide

In 2006, for the first time in its history, our annual EcoRide was “climate neutral” thanks to the generosity of Clif Bar. From carbon credits to sugarcane-based plates to good old-fashioned conservation and recycling, we wish to show that big events don’t have to be big polluters.

Volunteers Needed

We need you to make this bike-a-thon fundraiser a success! Help is needed in these and other areas:

• Registration
• Checkpoints
• SAG wagon

For more information on how to volunteer, contact Stephanie at (734) 761-3186 ext 110.

Be Ready to Ride

• Always wear a bicycle helmet
   
• Have your bike in good repair
   
• Observe all traffic laws: obey all traffic signs and signals; ride to the right of the lane or path; signal for turns and stops; don't bike more than two abreast; please be courteous to pedestrians, other cyclists and motorists.
   
• Remember to bring: filled water bottle, sunscreen, extra inner tube
   
• Cyclists should try a practice ride or two at the chosen distance before ride day. This is strongly recommended for the two longer routes.

EcoRide 2006 Routes

Registration opens at 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 29 and will run until noon. All routes begin and end at Hudson Mills Metropark, using paved roads within Washtenaw County. Riders, based on their ability, should time the start of their ride so as to return to Hudson Mills no later than 2pm. All rides will be SAG supported, along with check points for food or water and to assist with any problems.

2 Mile Loop (Riders & Walkers!)

Relaxing and safe for families. Leaves from Greenhills School and winds through quiet neighborhoods. Repeat for more miles. Walkers are welcome, too!

8 Miles (10:00**)

This ride over the gentle hills northeast of Ann Arbor is great for intermediate riders and families. Midway stop at the Matthei Botanical Gardens.

15 Miles (9:30**)

A mostly level route—some rolling hills. It explores the neighborhoods, wetlands and farms northeast of Ann Arbor, with Park Northfield as the midpoint.

30 Miles (8:30**)

Climbs out of the Huron River valley to Whitmore Lake. Heads east through the fields and woods of northern Washtenaw County to Park Northfield, then descends over rolling hills back to the school.

65 Miles (7:30**)

This challenging ride follows the 30 mile route to Whitmore Lake, then twists between small lakes and over rolling fields of Livingston County, then through diverse land uses along the S. Oakland Trail to Kent Lake. Return via Brighton and Whitmore Lake to fields and woods along the final rolling descent.

*Registration will run from 7am—noon. Riders, based on ability, should time the start of their ride so as to finish at Greenhills School no later than 2pm.

**Group start time for each ride—for riders who wish to meet others and ride in pairs or small groups.