Team Billy Ride for Research

First, the good news: my computer has returned from Apple's top secret repair facility, somewhere in Tennessee. The machine came back unbelievably quickly, which is obviously great. Now, the bad news: The left "shift" key, and the "r" key, are not working. At least the damn thing stays on for more than five seconds at a stretch. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to need another repair in the very near future. Fortunately, this one will be covered by a warranty (I hope).

I'll be racing at Bear Mountain on Sunday (and why does my race have to start so damn early in the morning?!), but any cyclist in the region who isn't racing should be at High Rock Park for the 6th Annual Ride for Research, to benefit Team Billy, a Saratoga-based not for profit that raises funds for research on brain cancer and support for patients living with the disease.

If anyone wants to travel to Saratoga a day early (and, who wouldn't?), you can sign up for a tour of the Serotta Competition Cycles factory on Saturday. If you're really lucky, I'll sign you in at registration...

See below for details, and have fun on the ride!

TEAM BILLY RIDE FOR RESEARCH

-- If you haven't already signed up for the ride on May 16, please do so now via teambilly.org (The entry fee is only $25, and all proceeds go to a good cause - brain tumor research. For those who want more of a training ride pace, btw, I strongly suggest you sign up for the 50 knowing that event organizer Ken Grey never fails to whip up the pace through the Battlefield!)

-- Note that all Team Billy participants also are eligible to take a Serotta factory tour on May 15, but space is limited! http://teambilly.org/factorytour.htm (In addition to the tour there will be l have fit demonstrations, free bike checks by Serotta mechanics, informal rides and more -- don't miss it! Let alone the chance to convince your significant other why you really need that new Serotta!)

-- Last but not least for the fundraisers out there, remember that there is one custom frameset, as well as two fit sessions, on offer from Serotta for the top three fundraisers* (Thanks again to Serotta for their generosity here!)

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Please forward the following announcement to others you think might be interested in this event!

Dear All,

The League of American Bicyclists and the organizers of the Sixth Annual Team Billy Ride and Walk for Research have teamed up with Serotta Competition Cycles to present a unique opportunity for a cycling getaway - suitable for serious cyclist or the whole family - in beautiful Saratoga Springs, New York, over the weekend of May 15 and 16, 2010.

Ride a great route for a great cause...

On May 16, The Team Billy Ride and Walk for Research will offer the choice of one of three organized and supported rides of 50, 25 and 10 miles, or a three mile walk.

The rides are on the lightly trafficked, highly scenic roads of Saratoga County, some of the country's best riding, with the 50 mile ride including a 10 mile stretch that winds through the Saratoga National Historic Park, site of the crucial American victory in the Revolutionary War. The walk is focused on the town's historic district, and provides an excellent option for a non-cycling friend or family member. All of the money raised from the event goes to brain tumor research via the National Brain Tumor Society. Please note that the three rides combined are limited to a total of 1000 participants, so register now!

Arrive a day early and see how some of the best bikes are built...

On May 15, famed frame builder Ben Serotta of Serotta Competition Cycles (www.serotta.com) will open the doors to his facility, offering factory tours and fitting demonstrations, as well as free bicycle checks from some of the world’s best bicycle mechanics to those who will be participating in the Team Billy event.

Between 10AM and 3PM, come pick up your Team Billy registration packet, meet Ben and his team, and see why Serottas have been the premier ride of choice for recreational and serious riders like you to Olympians and leading pros, receiving awards aplenty, including the prestigious Editor's Choice Dream Bike from Bicycling. Learn about the Serotta Fit System, which has become the industry standard to enhance rider comfort and power. And participate in informal rides that will be leaving from the Serotta factory throughout the day. Please note that the factory tours are limited to the first 225 participants, and require advance registration via the link at www.teambilly.org. The fit demonstrations, bike checks and informal rides do not require advance registration.

Last, but definitely not least, note that the top fundraiser for this event will be awarded a Serotta Colorado customized, yes, a customized frame and fork valued at $2795! And the next two top fundraisers will be awarded Serotta custom fits valued at $375 each!*

And take advantage of special offers from cyclist-friendly hotels...

Special rates for participants have been arranged at three local hotels, all of which are within a five minute ride of the event start:

Saratoga Hilton $139 per night (Usually $219) Call 518-693-1000 and ask for the group block for "Team Billy"

Courtyard by Marriott $149 per night (Usually $209) Call 866-210-9325, ask for "Team Billy"

Residence Inn $159 per night for a studio with kitchenette (Usually $219) Call 800-331-3131, ask for "Team Billy"

To register for the Team Billy Ride for Research and the factory tour at Serotta, or to make a donation for brain tumor research, please follow the links at www.teambilly.org

For more information, you may also email the event organizer, Ken Grey at kgrey@marshallsterling.com.

We hope to see you in Saratoga!

*Eligibility for the awarding of the frame and fork is contingent on raising a minimum of $6000, and eligibility for the awarding of the custom fits is contingent upon raising a minimum of $1500. The winner of the frame and fork may upgrade to another Serotta frame and fork at an additional charge.