Event Details
PurpleRide Twin Cities 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Elm Creek Regional Park (directions)
Maple Grove, MN
$10 early registration fee.
$25 registration fee after July 31.
Riders must commit to raising $100. Once registered, you will be able to create your own online fundraising page with tips and tools for raising money. All proceeds go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Each registered rider receives a PurpleRide 2008 t-shirt and a goodie bag.
Registration begins May 1. Click here for registration details.
Bike Routes
PurpleRide Twin Cities consists of three different bike routes (8-mile Family Route, the 25-mile River Route, and the 50-mile Touring Route) and will utilize Three Rivers Park District's Regional Trail system. The Regional Trail is a tarred, multi-directional, multi-purpose trail that connects many of the Regional Parks in Hennepin County. The trail includes both wildlife and suburban "life", so use caution on the ride.
Please remember this is a trail ride and not a race. Participants are required to wear helmets when riding. All bike routes are well supported:
- Rest stops, water stops, and bathroom facilities along route
- Volunteers with radios and cell phones stationed along entire route
- Volunteer riders along all routes
- Signage directing each routes
- Sag-wagon and ambulance ready for emergencies
8-mile Family Route (map)
This bike route is just under 8 miles long and stays entirely within Elm Creek Park Reserve. The route follows a scenic loop that passes by lakes, over streams, and through woods and meadows. The route includes rolling hills, but nothing too steep for the average rider.
25-mile River Route (map)
The River Route is approximately 25 miles long and begins by following the 8-mile route (see description above) for the first 7 miles. The River Route then leaves Elm Creek Regional Park for a nice flat ride to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, which includes a loop across the Mississippi River and back across the Coon Rapids Dam, offering beautiful views of the river. The last leg of the ride is a flat stretch back to Elm Creek Park Reserve. This is a great option for those who are looking for a challenge, but aren't avid cyclists.
Please note: We strongly encourage riders to be checked in and on this route early if you would like to participate in the closing ceremonies (raffle drawings, awards, etc.).
50-mile Touring Route (map)
The Touring Route is approximately 50 miles long and includes segments of the 25- and 8-mile routes (see descriptions above). The Touring Route also includes Elm Creek's scenic North Loop and an approximate 17-mile round trip trail ride to Fish Lake Regional Park. The North Loop and trail ride to Fish Lake offer rolling hills, lakes, a couple short climbs, and a lot of opportunity to see wildlife along the trail. This 50-mile route is a varied and challenging route. Gear up and get in good biking shape for this one - you will be well supported along the route and won't be disappointed!
Please note: We strongly encourage riders to be checked in and on this route early if you would like to participate in the closing ceremonies (raffle drawings, awards, etc.).
Check-in Times for Riders
- Check-in from 8-9am. You must be on the route before 9:30am.
- Route fully supported from 8am-1pm
- Ride stays on bike paths and multi-purpose trails the entire route
- Check-in from 10-11am. You must be on the route before 11:30am.
- Route fully supported from 10am-1pm
- Ride stays on bike paths and multi-purpose trails the entire route
- Check-in begins at 11am. You must be on the route before noon.
- Route fully supported from 11am-1pm
- Ride stays within Elm Creek Regional Park
- Ride stays on bike paths entire route
See the sidebar at the left for updated scheduling information for Saturday, September 13.
Family Activities
PurpleRide Twin Cities is a day filled with family fun. We will have a moonwalk (great hit with the kids last year!), Maple Grove firefighters with fire engines for kids to explore, face painting, clowns, and more. After the ride, plan to stick around for lunch, let your kids explore, and make it a great family day outside at beautiful Elm Creek in September!
Raffle
PurpleRide raffle tickets are $10 per ticket. They may be purchased in advance by either 1) sending an email to melissakallas@hotmail.com, or 2) by calling Melissa, 651-337-1316, or 3) by sending a check made out to "PanCAN" to: PO Box 587, Excelsior, MN 55331-0587.
Tickets will also be sold the day of the event.
The raffle will be held at the Closing Ceremonies at 1:30pm on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Elm Creek Regional Park. Need not be present to win.
Closing Ceremonies
You won't want to miss the Closing Ceremonies! This year, we have staggered the start times for the rides, so that everyone will be able to participate in the closing ceremonies. More details to come!
PurpleRide history and concept
- PurpleRide 2006 = $90,000 raised with around 250 riders.
- PurpleRide 2007 = $240,000 raised with around 800 riders and 200 volunteers. Click here to see a photo gallery of images from the 2007 event.
"PurpleRide" was originally inspired by two men who rode their bikes across the country to raise money for PanCAN in memory of their mother. They called their fundraising journey "PurpleRide for Mom". To learn more: www.purplerideformom.com
Why purple? The color purple is our symbol for remembering those affected by pancreatic cancer and the fact that we have the power to do something about this disease. PurpleRide Twin Cities has inspired other Pancreatic Cancer Action Network affiliates around the U.S. to coordinate fundraising events such as PurpleStride Chicago and PurpleStride Cleveland (fundraising walks for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network). In addition, November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. Go to www.pancan.org for more information and be sure to wear purple in November to show your support of our cause!