Event Details

PurpleRide Twin Cities 2009

Sunday, September 13, 2009
Elm Creek Regional Park
Maple Grove, MN

Registration is free until July 31.
$15 registration fee after July 31.
$125 registration fee the day of the event.

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.

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

pre-check-in sites september 9, 2009 4:00pm-8:00pm

You must bring all signed forms at this time if you want to check in early and avoid lines on September 13th. If you are bringing forms for your team members, make sure they have all their forms signed and completed as well.

The Depot Coffee House
9451 Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins
East of Hwy 169 on Excelsior Blvd.
Pre-registration will be in the Gazebo (not inside).

Shoreview Library
4570 Victoria Street North
Shoreview, MN 55126-5800
(651) 486-2300

Or Check In On September 13th

If you are participating in the 50-mile ride:
  • 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
If you are participating in the 25-mile ride:
  • 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
If you are participating in the 8-mile family ride:
  • 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 Sunday, September 13.

Family Activities

Some new and some old activities for the entire family can be enjoyed whether you are riding or not. You are not required to register to enjoy the following activities:

  • Meet the MN Women's Gopher Basketball Team
  • Meet a MN State Patrol
  • Jump in the Hop Happy
  • The ever so popular "Wheel of Misfortune"
  • Face painting
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Visit the Mayo Clinic's RV

Raffle

PurpleRide raffle tickets are $10 per ticket. They may be purchased in advance by either 1) sending an email to dhergie@earthlink.com, or 2) by calling Gail Hergott at 952.925.2137, or 3) by sending a check made out to "The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network" 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 Sunday, September 13, 2009 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. Mike Binkley from WCCO-TV will be the emcee for the 2009 PurpleRide event! Mike is an anchor on WCCO 4 News This Morning and WCCO 4 News at Noon.

PurpleRide history and concept

PurpleRide Twin Cities 2009 is the 4th annual PurpleRide for the Twin Cities. Stats for past rides include:

"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!

Raffle Prizes

  • Three nights at any Country Inn and Suites Courtesy of Carlson Companies PLUS Two Sun Country airline tickets Courtesy of Hobbit Travel
  • 32” HD-LCD Flat Screen TV Courtesy of Best Buy Maple Grove
  • KRUPS XP 7225 Compact Automatic Espresso Machine $1,000 value Donated by Mark & Debbie Glotter
  • Two chances at a $500 gift certificate at Rosenthal Furniture Donated by Rose Lebewitz
  • Therapure UV Germicidal Light & Air Sanitizer $50 value
  • Lodge Logic Pro Grid Iron Griddle $40 value
  • Lodge Logic Cast Iron 5 quart Dutch Oven w/ cover $30 value
  • Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids, Minnesota Four - 18 Hole Rounds with Cart $232 value
  • Four Nights of Lodging at the Country Inn & Suites in Cape Canaveral, Florida $750 value Courtesy of Oliver Companies of Duluth
  • Two Nights of Lodging at The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza - Canal Park - Duluth, Minnesota
  • Two Nights of Lodging at the Embassy Suites in Brooklyn Center $375 value