Toshiba America returns this year as a 50 Mile Ride sponsor. But this year, they’re turning it up – like, to an “11″! Not only is Toshiba donating a cool Excite 32gb Tablet (valued at $400) for our prize raffle – but they’re also donating 1000 4gb USB drives. That’s one USB drive for every registered rider. It will be in your rider bag when you check in. So be sure to check inside your bag for this, plus all sorts of other fun and valuable coupons, samples, discounts, and surprises from a bunch of our other Ride Sponsors. Thank you for turning it up, Toshiba!

Doug and Gregg testing the new Cardo BK-1

We’re pleased to welcome Cardo Systems to our 50MR sponsor family. Cardo is going BIG in our event, coming in as a Silver Level sponsor with over $1500 in product for our raffle.

Cardo Systems has created the world’s first Bluetooth Cycling Communication and Entertainment system. It’s a sleek, lightweight package that mounts on your helmet and enables you to talk “hands free” to another cyclist or two – or listen to your favorite music streaming from your smartphone. Here’s what Cardo has to say about their new BK-1 product for cyclists: “The cardo BK-1 offers simultaneous conversations via intercom between up to three cyclists, mobile phone connectivity, in-the-ear instructions from GPS devices and MP3 stereo music streaming from compatible devices. Whether you cycle alone or in a group, the cardo BK-1 will give your favorite outdoor experience a whole new dimension.”

Gregg Howard and I got to test out a pair of the BK-1′s on our Wednesday morning MTB ride. This system added a whole new level of fun to our ride. The good-humored jabs we typically share along a ride could now happen non-stop. Being able to warn a rider behind you about upcoming obstacles, passing hikers, or the occasional wildlife sighting is a definite plus. Although the intercom system is “line of sight” like most walkie-talkies, Gregg and I were surprised at how clearly we could hear each other – even when we were “out of sight” from each other. The BK-1′s are voice-activated, and they go into standby mode when you’re not talking for a while. Which is a good thing on a steep hill – your communication partner doesn’t need to hear you grunting and gasping for air on those sections. For those riders who like to listen to tunes while cycling, the earpiece on these units allow you to hear surrounding sounds in addition to your music – which is a nice safety feature whether you’re riding on the road or in the mountains.

Cardo Systems will be donating (4) single units and (2) duo units for our prize raffle. We think they’ve got the coolest new electronic gadget for cycling yet!

For rider safety, and to ensure all riders and volunteers arrive back at Oakley in time for our post-ride party and raffle, rider cut-off times will be enforced.  CLICK HERE to view aid station locations and rider cut-off times.

Remember, you must be present to win at our raffle.  And our raffle is HUGE this year!  Raffle starts at 3pm.  Food court, vendor expo and live band all starts at noon.  You don’t want to miss the party at Oakley!