February 1st is an important save-the-date for the women’s cycling community in Utah!
Registration for the 2012 Little Red Riding Hood, one of the state’s most popular women’s only cycling events, will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) MST. The ride will take place on June 2, 2012 in Northern Utah’s Cache Valley.
When the ride started in 1987, 25 women took to the roads whereas in 2011, 3,500 slots were allotted for the ride and filled in approximately 23 hours. This year, organizers anticipate that the ride might reach its limit within 5 hours.
In its 25th year, Little Red Riding Hood has evolved into a fully supported, non-competitive ride that offers a distance for women of all abilities with 18, 36, 50, 80 and 100 mile options. Riders will enjoy the natural beauty of Cache Valley while meandering through paved rural and county roads on this gently rolling course.
For some, the ride signifies an annual family event with mothers, daughters, sisters and aunts training and completing the course. Other groups consist of friends, co-workers and neighbors.
Rebecca Larson rode her first Little Red in 2009, completing the 100 mile century. Her second Little Red came in 2010, when Larson rode the 75 mile distance. This year she is training for the century again and plans to ride with a few ladies from her neighborhood.
“What sets this ride apart from other women’s only rides and co-ed rides is the fact that it has been around for 25 years,” Larson said. “That shows that it is an established event. I love the feel of the course, and the camaraderie of the women!”
A portion of each rider’s registration fee ($64 for all distances) is donated to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, making the event more than just another ride but a wonderful cause! Last year the ride donated over $60,000 to Huntsman Cancer Foundation, and with the participation of Huntsman’s Hometown Heroes Program, in 2012 organizers plan to raise over $100,000.
“What is one of the most gratifying parts of putting together such a popular women’s ride? I have to say there are two….one is raising funds for Breast and Ovarian Cancer research,” said Penny Perkins, Event Organizer. “We have also met many women who have become interested in cycling through participating in this fun event….that makes us very happy!”
In addition to supporting such an extremely important cause, Little Red Riding Hood has also become a celebration and vendor expo for Utah’s Female Cycling Community.
Little Red Riding Hood Events/Timeline
Friday, June 1, 2012
Dinner provided by Café Rio, voted #1 Mexican Restaurant in the Nation! ($12.00 Ticket per person)
Costume Contest
Live Music
Vendor Expo
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Ride!
Breakfast including Fresh Fruit, Bagels, Juice and Coffee from Café Ibis
Finish Line Congratulatory Gift
Massages at the Finish Line
Live Music
Vendor Expo
*Little Red Riding Hood Registration will open February 1st at 12 p.m. (noon). For details on where to register, follow the Little Red Blog at http://www.littlered2012.blogspot.com, the rides Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Red-Riding-Hood/342471515702 or the ride’s Twitter Page at https://twitter.com/#!/LRRHride.