Real Ale Ride – Supporting Families in Central Texas

Ride to Ride or Ride for a Reason

Since we created the Real Ale Ride it has always been our intention to support the community of Blanco, the host city for the Real Ale Ride.   From day one the people of Blanco have rallied in support of this event and have been a joy for us to work with, providing cash sponsorships, discounts on logistical needs and sponsoring or volunteering at our rest stops. With the help of riders like you we have made donations to the Blanco Library project totaling $9,000 from the proceeds of the previous two year’s rides.

In 2010 our donation to Blanco will support improvement projects at Yett Memorial Park. The park sits on 29-acres and includes a pavilion, kitchen, bathrooms, rodeo arena, baseball park, and playground. Yett Memorial Park will be the site of this year’s start/finish and is the perfect spot for BBQ and Real Ale Beer after a long ride in the hills.  Don’t worry, the Real Ale Brewery is within a stone’s throw and a number of brewery tours are scheduled throughout the day.  If you would like to help us give back to Blanco you can make an additional cash donation when you register, or contact the local chamber of commerce to volunteer for their upcoming Lavender Festival.

Ronald McDonald House changes lives

This year we have a new beneficiary, the life changing Ronald McDonald House, and we’re encouraging people to register for Team Ronald. Team Ronald will be made up of Real Ale Ride participants who choose to raise funds and awareness for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas. While fundraising is not a requirement to participate in the ride, RMHC is doing a great job enticing you with some nice fundraising incentives.

Welcome to Team Ronald!

$150 –  Domestique Level: This package includes access to the Team Ronald Hospitality Tent with pre-ride foods prepared by the Texas Culinary Academy, Premium Parking, Chair Massage, post-ride catered in hospitality tent, exclusive access to post-ride food/ beverages and 2010 Commemorative Real Ale Pint Glass.

$250 – You are at the Sprinter Level: Receive the Domestique package, PLUS Team Ronald Backpack and 2 tickets for the pasta dinner.

$500 – Team Ronald King of the Mountain (KOM) Level! Receive the Sprinter package, PLUS Team Ronald Backpack, 2 tickets for the pasta dinner, and the 2010 Ronald McDonald House Charity Cycling Jersey.

$1,000 – Welcome to the Podium Level for Team Ronald! You stand above in your fundraising efforts! Take your place on the podium!Receive the KOM Package, Plus 2 tickets to an exclusive wine and food tasting sponsored by Twin Liquors, and chances for special prizes from Bicycle Sport Shop.

About Ronald McDonald House

Click this image to take a tour of RMHC of Austin & Central Texas

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. The first Ronald McDonald House was opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Fred Hill, a Philadelphia Eagles football player whose daughter Kim was undergoing treatment for leukemia, recognized the need for a supportive environment away from the hospital for families of seriously ill children. He enlisted the aid of his teammates and the local McDonald’s restaurant owners to raise funds to purchase and renovate the first house. The name Ronald McDonald House was given not only because of McDonald’s fund-raising support but also for the positive, hopeful, and fun-loving feeling this well-known clown character could inspire in children.

In February of 1985 the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas opened its doors. Located in the Mueller Development the house currently provides support for over 700 famlies annually. The Austin Ronald McDonald House is not owned by the McDonald’s Corporation nor by any hospital or health care organization. Funding to sustain the Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas comes from individual and corporate donors, community organizations, and special events. Approximately 10% of the annual operating budget comes from McDonald’s Corporation and Ronald McDonald House Charities.