Rider Comments

Mansion Ride for Autism 7

on Nassau County's Gold Coast ...Choose 16, 40 or 62 miles

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Rider Comments

What can be more important than rider feedback?

Here's what Mansion Riders have to say:

hi, this is tom from vly strm bicyle i will be there as i've had been the last couple of years and a bunch of my friends(customers) will be there too
one of ny favorite rides,the best food,the only ride that has cold drinks at there rest stops, wouldn't miss it
see you soon

Hi Linda, I am riding for my nephew Alex my angel with Aspergers syndrom. I am dedicating all of my rides to him and raising funds for Ascent and Autism Speaks. Heck if I am going to ride - why not raise coin for a worthy cause or two. See you on the 8th.

Kimberlie (Team Alex)

Hi Elen and Linda,

As a ride organizer I can really appreciate all you did to make a very
enjoyable ride for all yesterday.
Bravo on a very well marked course and great food offerings. I know
how hard it is to put this type of event together.
I will forward my list of all active riders I have to you in a few days.
Keep up the good work, It was a lot of fun!
--Tom De Stio
Director of the Nassau to Suffolk Challenge
www.n2sbc.org --Ride'07

Elaine,

Thanks for all your hard work in putting this ride together.

I have been participating in the Mansion Ride since its inception and have

yet to miss a ride. This year however I cannot attend because I am getting

married on June 11th. I have asked my fiancé if we could push of the

reception until I finish the ride but to no avail ;-).

Once again, thanks for everything. I hope to see everyone again next year.--Ephraim Seif

Here is Ephraim the next year (Ride 07)

Elaine and Linda;
Just to let you know I had a great time during yesterdays ride. The road
markings were perfect, the rest stops were perfect, everything was top quality.
I have done a lot of rides sponsered by different clubs and the Mansionride is
the best. Congratulations to everyone involved, you did a great job.

On a personal note, when I got home I was telling my wife how much fun I had
and the sites I saw, specifically the scenery and the ride thru the different
areas of the North Shore.
She told me she would be interested in doing the ride next year if I didn't
mind riding the 25 mile and taking it easy. I was stunned she said that, she is
recovering from cancer and since Dec she would never make plans for the future.
Here she was making plans for next year.
See you all next year, this time I am bringing the family.
Thanks for a great day.--Rider name withheld for privacy (Ride 07)

Hi Elaine and Linda,

I just want to say thanks for running such a well organized ride for Autism. What a great cause and I was happy to be a part of it. I will plan this ride as one of my annuals rides for years to come. It was incredibly enjoyable, the mansions were gorgeous, the volunteers were a joy to talk with and to thank, and the refreshments and food were way beyond what I have seen at most rides.

Most importantly, I truly hope that the day was a huge fund raising success for you and your staff. See you next year. --Fred Moshy , Brooklyn, NY (Ride 07)

Elaine, I really enjoyed the Mansion Ride. I could see from how hard you were working why it was so successful. I will be sending out $301.50 today from pledges from people in my office. I received commitments for $4.50 for every mile I rode. I wanted to reach $300 so I was planning on adding an additional 5 miles to the 62 miles. When I looked down at my bike computer and saw 56 miles I did an additional 11 mile loop to make up the difference. It is a great cause and I felt really good about making a small contribution to helping the kids and especially their parents. Again thanks for all your hard work to make the ride possible. --Gerry

Hi Elaine,

I will be sure to be involved again next year... Congratulations on all your effort and dedication... some of my friends did the ride and said it was wonderful!

As a special education teacher, it always makes me feel good to see people working together to help these extraordinary people! --Take Care,

first time rider great trip my wife and enjoyed it also felt good that we helped you out looking forward to next year-- cliff and April heyman (Ride 07)

Hi good morning, yes, I am stiff today after that 50 mile ride. I just wanted to complement the organization of yesterday's event, the course was perfectly marked, I did not have to look at the written instructions once the entire ride. The rest stops were stocked with lots of goodies......My only complaint of course, was that nasty incline about half way through, but without the challenge, it would be boring right? I anticipate receiving another check or 2 this week for contributions, where shall I send the checks?-- Andrea Lizio (Ride 07)

Elaine, I just wanted to take a moment to send my compliments to you on the work you put into this years Mansion Ride. From the look on the faces of all the riders it was a huge success. Hopefully you met your fund raising goal for the school. I think the two sponsors that were at my stop where very happy with the outcome and I have no doubt they would participate again if asked. You really did a great job…Congrats

Thank you for continuing to share that good hearted soul of yours.--

Dear Elaine, Thank you so much for a truly great ride. It was a fun day, and you make a very cute traffic cop! --Peter (Ride 07)

Thanks for a great ride yesterday, Your staff was ultra friendly, and the food was great,
Just a suggestion for next year ( which I am for sure joining) , you should place a sign (as well) by the 50 and 62 marking showing the direction.--Aaron Rosenfeld (Ride 07)

Thanks for a great ride. All day I watched for white m's in the street.
See you next year.--Sheila (Ride 07)

Elaine, Would it be possible to email me the 25 mile cue sheet? It fell out of my pocket along the way, and I want to re-do the ride. Many thanks, again.-- Craig (Ride 07)

Here Elaine, you can post this picture on your website, we had fun(Ride07)

"Dear Elaine,

I was so surprised and pleased to read and respond to your email. I am very much looking forward to the June 10th, 2007 Mansion Ride and will advise my sister and brother - in - law and nephew, since they have an interest in the Mansion Rides, as well. Last year, they were so pleased that I participated and wished to support your cause. So I promised I would advise my closest relatives, sister etc. I hope to bring them with me so we can have and even more enjoyable and fun filled active day, as well as helping a excellent cause. It is always a beautiful sunny day; we should enjoy the day with those we love. I also love visiting the Sag Harbor, North Shore area of Long Island, where Teddy Roosevelt spent his summer vacations, it is extremely tranquil and picturesque. Thank You, see you there -

ARRIVEDERCI, CI VEDIAMO = Until we see each other again.

Yours Truly, Phyllis Gianfrancesco (Ride 06)

I just wanted to say " Thank you " for the effort you and the people at the

school put in to the Mansion ride. It was a fun and enjoyable time and a great

way to spend a Sunday morning.

The rest stops were a blast, especially the kids helping out trying to keep the

tables full, sometimes a losing battle.

If you have not ridden a bike on this ride I suggest you do. To experience the

excitement and also the pain of the hills, you have to do it on a bike. You will

really see how much fun this ride really is.

If you need another volunteer to help out for next years ride please do not

hesitate to contact me.

I am looking forward already to next years ride.  Regards--Artie Shaw (Ride 06)

I know some people who want some info as they couldn't do the ride this year but will do it next year. As for me and my girlfriend, we'll do it every year from now on as well. Thank you very much! The ride was GREAT by the way!! -- Rob Janick (Ride 06)

This is today's Mansion Ride 5 to raise money for an autism school on the island. Each rest stop was at a spectacular mansion on the north shore of the island. Some of the mansions we didn't stop at were just as spectacular. Same goes for all the country clubs, never knew LI had so many, as well as the views from the coast--incredible!

The last photo with me in it is at approximately mile 54. I was still smiling at 62! --Dr. Gary Mirkin

Hi--just wanted to thank you and all the volunteers for the ride and let you

know what a great ride it was! Beautiful course, beautiful weather, great rest

stops and organization. I will be back! Thank you for hosting such a great event

for such a great cause.

--Kelly Winters

Elaine,
KUDOs to you and your co-horts, it was a great ride.
I found the markings sufficient, the food plentiful, the water tasty, the fellow 
riders friendly and supportive, the volunteers helpful and appreciative, and the 
check-in better run than most rides.
--Jeff Schwarz

I think this was my 3rd or 4th - not sure - I was the best organized (not that the others were shabby) enjoyed the Antique Auto Show;

Tell the ladies at the last rest stop the pasta they made was great

I liked Bryant's mansion - I somehow knew it was originally owned by a Quaker named Kirk and that was confirmed to me by the guide when I asked him.

Looked like you had a good turnout - see you next year.--Forest Markowitz

Thank you-we will definitely ride again next year. 

--Marc L. Silverman, Esq.

We thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Everything was perfect for us. And everyone did a great job. The support you receive from sponsors, etc. seems very solid, and that is a terrific thing!

~Natalie Sondike and Mike Engelman (50 milers!)

I enjoyed this ride and it went as smoothly as any ride I've ever been on. –Gabe

Hi Elaine-Thanks for a great event for a great cause.—Mike Petrizzi

Hi Elaine,

Just wanted to say thanks for a great event. I got there a little early and you were nice enough to let me park in the registration area (not that I expect you to remember). I had planned on doing 25 miles but decided on 50. Walking to my car was VERY much appreciated. One correction. I did get a flat which I fixed (that's 3 flats). A few miles later I got some air at the Brands Van (great service). Thanks again. I'll definitely be back. --CAL

Hi Elaine--I thought the ride was great. My brother and I have done a lot of other rides, and yours ranks up there as a great one. I love the jersey. Lisa Nasoff

I thought the ride was great and very well planned. You can add 2 more flats to the list. Both my husband and a friend got blowouts after hitting pot holes.
The food was good and the views on the ride were great. I stopped and toured Planting Fields and that was the best part of the ride for me. It is beautiful.
My thanks to all the volunteers. We will try to do it next year. It's one of my top 3 favorite rides. --Wanda Bilka

ELAINE, I'M SO SORRY I HAD TO MISS THE RIDE THIS YEAR . I'VE DONE IT FOR THE PAST 3 (MAYBE 4 YEARS) and enjoyed it every year. I HAD A BIKE ACCIDENT 3 SUNDAYS AGO & MY KNEE IS STILL INJURED . This looked like the best year yet in terms of weather & the mansions & the stuff to do while @ the mansions, (ie car show etc) I hope to be back on the bike soon, and riding this ride for 2007. --Ken Ilgner

Elaine (and Linda) Do you think Margaret Thatcher did the 50 or the 62 miles? I did 52 (supposed to be 48, but made a wrong turn coming out of the Science Museum rest stop and added 4 miles) and was pretty tired -slept good last night!
You guys did a great job-plenty of rest stops with plenty of food at them. (I needed them- have not been riding as much as I used to or should).
Hope you raised lots of money for this worthy cause. See ya next year. Ralph Favilla

Had a great time yesterday and would like to send a donation out for the cause.
Where can I send the check?
Best --Lenny Kaiser

You did a wonderful job on the ride, your food was far better than the Blooming Metric which is a very large ride, they pull over 4000, in time your ride will exceed those numbers. Advertise with all the clubs and get the Sound Cyclist to back you they are a large group also. We normally ride with the Westchester cycle club which is a very large club.

Next time I would like to take more time viewing the last mansion and gardens which looked beautiful, Sincerely,

Donna Restivo DC

Thanks Elaine & Linda!

It is our pleasure to be associated with all of you! Thanks for your hard work that makes it all work!!!!! --

--Love, Gina & Bob

Wow!! Thank you so much for your time and effort to put this together!

I've been on quite a few tour rides and I have never been this anxious to

ride and be a part of. I am so looking forward to this. I hope I get a

chance to meet you and all the other volunteers to thank you. --Bob Quiambao, East Meadow

Of all the rides I do this one always has the best food!!!!

Look forward to seeing T-Rex and friends!!!!--Forest Markowitz

Elaine,

Please convey our heart felt thanks to all the volunteers for another wonderful ride yesterday. My daughter and I did the 25 mile route. It's my fourth year (I've done the 62, the 50, and for the past two years the 25, due to scheduling conflicts). This was the first year for my daughter. It was very humbling when a 14 year old wants to pass riders on the Planting Fields hill, and you have to tell her to cool her jets so she doesn't show up her old man!

Thank you again, Sean & Maeghan Wood

I will definitely be there next year. Anthony Barrimond

Hi Elaine,

Thanks again for a very enjoyable event. Looking forward to marshalling next year. I am sorry I can not make the LI Duck game tonight...conflict with other plans. Also I have to thank you for waiting and looking for me during the 100-mile loop. No one has ever done that for me during any tour I have done. I wish the group could join me for the event tonight in Stamford, CT... you all are a great folks to know. Hope you have fun tonight at the Ducks game. Thanks, Andre

Dear Elaine,

Missed seeing you on Sunday; just wished to tell you that the 25 mile Mansion Ride was most enjoyable. The view of the Long Island Sound as usual is breathtaking and the view from the Webb Institute was also worthwhile, especially after the ascent. I wish to continue to complete the Mansion Rides each year, I look forward to this now and especially contributing to The Ascent School. I also plan on asking for sponsors next year.

I remain most appreciative of your excellent assistance and the excellent Sunday Bike Ride in Long Island. A special thanks to your phone help when I got lost and the the fellow bike riders who helped me find my way.

Sincerely and Look Forward to Next Year, Phyllis Gianfrancesco, Perth Amboy, New Jersey Person

ONE YEAR LATER PHYLLIS WROTE AGAIN--

Thank You for the email and the connection to your excellent fundraiser and bike ride tour of the Nassau County/North Shore Lone Island Sound area. The area is refreshing and of course challenging. The highways are clear in the early morning on Sunday and refreshing to travel in June Morning hours.

I remain most appreciative of your kind assistance and am grateful for last year's help on finding the road back to the starting point. The fellows on the way were extremely helpful and a map will always help too.

Sincerely, Phyllis Gianfrancesco

Hi:

It's fantastic that you and everyone else incorporates feedback from the riders---one of the many reasons the Mansion ride is so special.

You have a great memory; my husband and I got engaged after the ride in June of 2003---unfort. he had to go into work yesterday so he couldn't make it!

Thanks again and we're all looking forward to doing many more rides (providing we work up a few hills beforehand!), --Risa

Great thank you I will pass the word along.  And we are so happy to help

out and enjoyed the ride last time we rode and plan on riding every

year.  Keep up the amazing work.--Kimberly Powell


No need to tell me how great a ride this is. I'm recommending it to alot of my fellow riders.

This year I'm bring 4-6 riders with me!!!! . Iz

Hi Elaine, I see you are still actively involved & think you are doing a great job- I recently recvd your e-mail regarding the Ascent Mansion Ride which I do every year but unfortunately can’t do this year due to a scheduling conflict-- I still hope to make it to the Golf outing & hope to be kept on the mailing list for everything else--- Have a great day & Keep doing what you are doing—

Patrick Phelan

Thanks, I am sending in my application (as well as my brother's) and my jersey order, as we speak. We did the ride last year and loved it. Plus, I work with kids with autism--so we are doing this ride and a NJ ride for autism the day before!!!--Lisa Nasoff

Hi Elaine--

I did the ride last year (100) and LOVED it--i was the one from Virginia--not sure if you remember. I'm actually disappointed there isn't a 100 this year--but i'll try to make it up again this year and do the "metric" century. Thanks for running this--it was a great ride last year!!!

ciao,Sal

You guys put on one of the most enjoyable rides I have been on.

See you next year !! I really didn't mind the repeat e-mails. The ride is a lot of fun and honestly, who can't feel like a millionaire as your riding the entrance to Old Westbury gardens? Thanks Artie Shaw

Ride to

Enjoy the sights

Smell the Flowers

Uncover Autism

Build Awareness

& Tell the World

There is Hope!