Kenneth E. Harker
2002 Ride For The Roses

The Ride for the Roses is an annual fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those living with, through, and beyond cancer. Lance is a three-time winner of the Tour de France, and a local hero. This year, 9,000 riders supported the cause, doing 10, 25, 40, 75, or 100 mile rides. Jen and I rode the 10 mile route, and had a great time.

These photos are copyright (c) 2002-2003 Kenneth E. Harker. All rights reserved.

	Riders gather in the pre-dawn, getting ready for an 8:00AM ride start.
	The ride started at the Travis County Exposition Center, east of downtown Austin. This is the 10 mile ride group.
	The rear wheel of my bicycle.
	The riders in the 40 mile ride group, stirring around 8:00 AM.
	A shot of the first 100-milers taking off own the road toward Decker Lane. It was overcast all day, but a very pleasant temperature, and it never did rain on us.
	The 10 mile group exited the Travis County Exposition Center to the south, onto Decker Lake Road.
	We pretty much took over Decker Lake Road, as there were no automobiles.
	Mountain bikes were more common in the 10 mile group ride than in the other distances.
	The road surface was not the best.
	There were several handcycles involved in the ride. Here, we are about to turn onto FM 973.
	A shot of some of the riders along FM 973...
	...and in the other direction. The hill in the distance was the single largest hill on the ride.
	Jen, now riding on FM 969, which was mostly uphill.
	Bluebonnets growing alongside Decker Lake Road.
	The Travis County Exposition Center, as seen from Decker Lake Road. There were 9,000 riders and probably almost as many automobiles.
	There were several families on the 10 mile ride, including bicycle trailers.
	Jen!
	Jen, crossing the finish line!
	Being on the shortest ride, we were among the first to finish. Nevertheless, there were still a few riders and volunteers hanging out on the lawn enjoying the free concert.
	Some riders coming in to finish.
	Some more riders enjoying the music and free lunch.
	The tent was food central - free sandwiches, chips, cookies, bananas, grapes, sports drinks, water, and soda.