Now in its eighth year, the Thanksgiving Day Ride is a wonderful La Grange tradition. It is a great ride, as well as an opportunity to make a significant contribution to our community. Last year we raised $3,000 for Meals on Wheels of West Los Angeles, which provides home-delivered meals to the disabled, elderly and ill residents of our community who are unable to prepare or obtain adequate meals.

Let's do even better this year - - with even more riders and more donations - - while burning off calories to make room for all the turkey and pie to follow!!

RIDE START: The start is in Westwood, but you can join the group along the route (times are APPROXIMATE!!)

ROUTE: The DONUT HOLE around the Palos Verdes golf course, about 50 miles roundtrip from Westwood, or 40 miles if you turn around at the rest stop (Catalina Coffee Co.). You can turn back at any time if you need to get back earlier. The entire ride, back to Westwood, including stopping for refreshments, will take until about noon.

FREE REFRESHMENTS!!: Once again, Catalina Coffee Co. in Redondo Beach will set out a magnificent spread of their famous cinnamon buns, muffins, bagels & cream cheese, and delicious coffee & tea - - free to all riders. It is the highlight of the ride and - - especially for new club members and those who can't do the weekday morning rides - - a great opportunity to mingle and socialize!

PACE: FRIDAY RIDE conversational - - this is a SOCIAL ride, with several regrouping points and route slips. (But do bring your own spare tube, patch kit, CO2, etc. - - sorry, we can't hold up the entire group for every flat).

FUNDRAISING: Minimum suggested donation is $15 per rider.
You can download the optional SPONSORSHIP FORM. click here     

You'll be surprised how easy it is to raise additional money by asking your friends, family and co-workers to sponsor you, even if it's a small amount - it adds up quickly!

Write your name and address on the sponsorship form, put the form and all checks and cash collected into an envelope, and bring it to the ride start (or if you're joining along the way, give it to Susan Gans at the rest stop).

All checks should be made payable to:
Meals on Wheels of West Los Angeles

If you can't ride but would still like to make a contribution or raise money from sponsors, drop off the envelope at the ride start, give checks to Susan at the La Grange Banquet on November 8, or mail checks to Velo Club La Grange, c/o Claude Innocenti, 11817 Texas Avenue, #5, Los Angeles, CA 90025, prior to December 1, 2009.

RAIN CHECK: If there is a very light drizzle and a positive forecast, we'll brave it. If it's raining, the ride will be postponed to Friday morning.

As with all club rides, helmets are mandatory. See you there!