When the Forest Preserve District of Will County hosted “Ride the Rock” in 2007 - the grand opening of a 16-mile loop formed by the Rock Run Trail, Joliet Junction Trail, and I&M Canal State Trail - it was so successful that the District decided to make it a yearly program. Last May, more than 1,100 bicyclists of all ages participated in the day-long family event. This special event brings families together for quality time and a shared experience with hundreds of others during one of the most beautiful times of the year.

About This Ride - Saturday, May 15, 2010

Participants may choose to start the ride at any point of the trail. Much of the 16-mile loop trail is comprised of asphalt, and the degree of difficulty is easy to moderate. Intersecting portions are along sidewalks and street routes, and the final leg, along the I&M Canal State Trail, is over a crushed stone surface. All along the route will be four rest stations, offering snacks, restrooms, and refreshments. Special activities like bike decorating are also planned.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Several opportunities exist to maximize the exposure of your company's name or image, and drive business. Ride the Rock is a fantastic way to showcase your business to more than a thousand local residents. Sponsor benefits include:

• Email messages to all registered riders. These emails are sent two weeks prior to the ride to provide important ride information and list our sponsors. Emails also provide an excellent opportunity to promote your business' services (e.g. coupons for pre-ride tune ups, discounts at local restaurants).
  
• Event Literature - Information will be published in the District's newsletter, The Citizen, and on information boards at preserves. It will also be displayed at area bike shops and distributed at regional bike rides.
• Event Start Site is an informal area where support personnel, participants, friends, and families congregate before and after the ride. This is the site for registration, announcements, entertainment, and sponsorship booths.
• Rest Stops - Where snacks, restrooms, and replenishment are provided. This is a location for banners to be displayed in promotion of your business.
  
• Web Site - Promotion on ReconnectWithNature.org will have up-to-date information on the event, including a list of all supporting sponsors.
• Facebook and Twitter - Promotion on the Forest Preserve District's Facebook page as well as on Twitter.
  
• Media Coverage/Advertising - Sponsors are referenced in all press releases, advertising, and public address announcements highlighting the event.

The following four levels of support for sponsorships are available, and include benefits as described:

Gold - $1,000 or In-Kind Equivalent

• Major logo or name placement on ALL Ride the Rock marketing materials*
• Logo or name posted with Web links from ReconnectWithNature.org
• Logo or name presence on Ride the Rock advertisements*
• Opportunity to provide product sampling at one of our ride sites
  
• Recognition in the Forest Preserve District's newsletter, The Citizen
• Opportunity to provide product sampling for at event
  
• Banner placement at staging area**
• Informational booth space at event

Silver - $500 or In-Kind Equivalent

• Major logo or name placement on ALL Ride the Rock marketing materials*
• Logo or name posted with Web links from ReconnectWithNature.org
• Recognition in the Forest Preserve District's newsletter, The Citizen
• Informational booth space at event

Bronze - $250 or In-Kind Equivalent

• Logo or name placement on route map
  
• Recognition in the Forest Preserve District's newsletter, The Citizen
• Logo or name placement on t-shirt

Partner - $125 or In-Kind Equivalent

• Logo or name placement on route map
  
• Recognition in the Forest Preserve District's newsletter, The Citizen

*Based on publication schedule.
**To be displayed, all banners must be provided at least one week prior to the event.

Marketing Materials

The following marketing materials will be utilized to advertise our event and promote your organization (depending on level of support):

• 22,000 Direct Mailings mailed to more than 20,000 Will County households and over 2,000 area schools, churches, libraries, and youth groups
• 20,000 Full-Color Postcards mailed to the greater Will County area
  
• 200 Event Posters distributed to bike shops, health clubs, and local businesses
• 1,000 Route Maps
  
• Advertisements with local and regional paid print and radio media
• 40 Information Boards throughout Will County Forest Preserves
• 500 Imprinted T-Shirts
  

To get involved in Ride the Rock and provide your support to an event that benefits the community, please contact our Community Partnerships Manager at 815.722.1289 or jmcfarland@fpdwc.org, or download the Sponsorship Form for this event.

Photograph Courtesy of John Parli