Rockwall Rotary’s Hot Rocks offers family fun Aug 10

(Rockwall) August 4, 2013 – An extreme BMX stunt show has been added to the lineup of activities at this year’s Hot Rocks, giving families one more reason to come out to Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium on Saturday, August 10 for a day of racing action and fun for all ages.

Bounce houses, children’s games and thrilling performances by professional BMX freestyle riders make the 27th Annual Hot Rocks Bike Ride a community event you don’t want to miss.

Come cheer on a friend or loved one from the sidelines, enjoy the day’s entertainment, take a family bike ride, or compete in the race itself – Hot Rocks offers something for everyone.

Presented by the Rockwall Noon Rotary Club, Hot Rocks has been growing in popularity every year, attracting cyclists of all skill levels. More than 1,000 participants are expected, from competitive racers and beginners to families with young children. With improved roads and a better course – including routes of 63-miles (100k), 40-miles, 23-miles, 13 miles and a new 3-mile or 6-mile kids loop – the 2013 event offers safe, fun and challenging options for all ages and abilities.

“In years past, the shorter routes had to be eliminated due to road construction, so we’re really excited about the new, family-friendly loop,” said Barry Brooks, 2013 Hot Rocks Chair. “There will be a rest stop at the half-way point. Families can ride the loop multiple times to create the length that best suits them.”

For many of Hot Rocks’ more aggressive cyclists, the event serves as a pre-cursor to the 2013 Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred Endurance Ride, which rolls out of Wichita Falls, TX on August 24^th. HHH is the largest single day 100-mile bicycle ride in the nation.

“Many cyclists use Hot Rocks as a tune-up ride for Hotter ‘N Hell,” explained Brooks. “Hot Rocks is excellent training ground. Participants come from all over Texas and beyond.”

Dozens of community volunteers, local law enforcement and area businesses dedicate time and resources to ensure the success of Hot Rocks. This year, Applebee’s will provide lunch for all participants, and Blue Bell will serve up all-you-can-eat ice cream.  There will be fully stocked rest stops, roving bicycle mechanics, and support vehicles patrolling each route.

Racing begins at 7:30 a.m. at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium, 1201 T.L. Townsend, with staggered starts for different routes. The family loop will start after all the racers have left.

Cash awards will be presented to the first, second and third place winners in the male and female divisions of the 100k.

Proceeds from Hot Rocks benefit the Rockwall Rotary Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, which awards $20,000 in scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath high schools. This year’s ride will also fund the donation of 100 bicycles to be given away by Rockwall County Helping Hands at Christmas.

“The atmosphere is contagiously fun, and it’s for a good cause,” said Brooks. “We encourage everyone, young and old, to join us for a beautiful day in Rockwall. Volunteers are needed and sponsorships are available, so even if you don’t ride, there are many ways to get involved.”

CLICK HERE to register online for Hot Rocks

or DOWNLOAD/PRINT a registration form.

For updates, see the Rotary’s Hot Rocks Facebook page or the Hot Rocks website. Stay tuned for an updated race map, as specific route details are being finalized.

Connect with Bike Ride Chair Barry Brooks at bjbrooks98@gmail.com or Assistant Bike Ride Chair Jay Bedford at jay@ajbedfordgroup.com.

By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved.

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  2013, Bike Ride, BMX stunt shows, Hot Rocks, Rockwall, Rotary