London's Ride – Saturday January 28, 2012

Is running not your thing? How about riding the range? London’s RIDE is a great day for accomplished and beginning riders alike, to hit the trail and enjoy a day in the saddle riding through the peaceful farming community of Queen Creek. We will begin at Schnepf Farms, and ride the Queen Creek Wash. So, you can RUN in the morning, and RIDE afterwards!! Combining the location of both the run and the RIDE, will enable riders to still participate in the full festivities at London’s Run, including the food, mechanical bull riding, silent auction, kids activities, blood drive, and running events as well.

Blazing the way down our happy trail will be a riderless horse, in honor of London Solomon. This tributary mount will be decked out in purple sparkle tack, to make any little girl proud. All riders will be staggered into groups and follow in her horseshoes. This year’s RIDE will begin at Schnepf Farms, just as we did last year. We will ride from Schnepf Farms, to the Queen Creek Wash, over to Will Rogers Equestrian Ranch, and back again (at your own leisure). It is approximately 7.5 miles in its entirety.

Will Rogers Equestrian Ranch has generously offered their beautiful facilities, and some goodies too. We are thrilled to also announce we will have a trail course competition at Will Rogers. For an additional fee ($5 pre-registration, $10 day of registration), riders can participate. The winner will receive a beautiful Maynard Buckle!! A day full of fun…and a day full of support for those Arizona families in crisis.

\Why Our Event Is So Special

The first London’s Ride was a benefit event in 2008, at San Tan Mountain Regional Park. It was held, and continues to be, in honor of London Solomon, a courageous six year old girl who fought a brave and cheerful fight against an aggressive type of leukemia (AML). Her grace still inspires all of us to take advantage of each new day without fear of doing hard things and cherishing our relationships with each other. To read London’s story go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/londonsolomon.

• 9:00 am — London's RIDE registration begins
• 7:30 am -10:30 am—Pancake breakfast (included with RIDE registration)
• 8:00 - 11:00 am — Silent Auction
• 8:00 - 12:00 pm — Blood Drive
• 8:30 - 10:30 am — Kids Corner Activities (parents must supervise)
  • Rock Wall
  • Bouncy
  • Face Painting
  • Crafts
  • Toddler races
  • Mechanical Bull Riding (for purchase, parents must sign liability waiver for minors)
• 10:30 am – RIDE check-in closes, and opening ceremonies begin
• 10:45 pm — RIDE officially begins

700 blood donors are needed DAILY in Arizona to supply the hospitals United Blood Services serves… including Phoenix Children’s Hospital. This year London's Run and Ride will have THREE UBS buses to accommodate extended donation hours and walk ins! We are confident that London's Run supporters will generously donate and help save a life! Appointments available from 7:30am - 12:00pm. Half marathon runners are discouraged from donating, but we'll take anyone else! Appointments are preferred and will cut down on your wait time, so please make an appointment at: http://www.bloodhero.com/index.cfm?group=op&step=2&opid=426784