Road bike stunts by Fair Wheel Bikes

Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental Set for 2012 season The Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental racing team will kick off the 2012 season this weekend at the Cedar Hill Race Festival in Cedar Hill State Park. Racers will [...]]]> This is from Canada but the bike skills could drift down to Texas.

Road bike stunts by Fair Wheel Bikes

Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental Set for 2012 season
The Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental racing team will kick off the 2012 season this weekend at the Cedar Hill Race Festival in Cedar Hill State Park. Racers will compete on Saturday and Sunday for over $1,500 in prizes. Representing the CCHD team this weekend will be Roland San Miguel, David Carter, Luke Slavens, Bob Baatz, Derek Cooley, Paul Wells, Todd Gray and Devon Coetzer. Wells will be making his racing…

2012 Lancaster Rally Musings
www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/
Rally Pre-Amble as in Ambling down to the site of the rally. GDB Board Members Mike Eipper and Princess made a pilgrimage to the rally site on Thursday, January 26. Checks to various municipalities and cities were distributed for the year’s previous rally. Here’s how it went down:

We ambled into Ferris and meet the City Manager Eric Strong. Presented a check and “checked” out a few things on the rally checklist. We then ambled on to visit the Chief of Police Sam Love. The City of Ferris was more than welcoming to us, and will be helping with traffic control on major intersections…

Willow Park Revisited – Lone Star Cyclists
Pace: Touring, Long & Easy Pace, Fast-Pace Option
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 8:30am
Location: Aledo
We’re going to Willow Park to re-visit last April’s ride. We’ll explore scenic Willow Park, Lake Weatherford, and the rolling hills and diverse terrain that surround the lake! We’ll have plenty of fun and quality miles with 40ish and 60ish mile routes.

Take I-20 west to the Willow Park / Ranch House Road exit, U-turn onto the service road, and park near the Shell station (in the Brookshires parking lot). …

ARTCRANK…Austin…Be There
by Darryl            lovingthebike.com

The Austin ARTCRANK show is just a couple weeks away, and if you don’t already have plans to be there…let me kick your butt just a little bit harder.  I’ve been actively promoting and recruiting for this fantastic bicycle art event both online and in person, and anticipation of this show is really starting to build.  If you’ll be in or anywhere near Austin on February 24th, you absolutely need to stop in and view all the amazing bicycle inspired…

Austin Bike Culture Calendar Events: 2/9- 2/15/12
by elliott            Austin on Two Wheels
Here’s a quick run down of recommended events for the coming week from our comprehensive calendar of all . As always, if there is an event you know about that’s not on our calendar contact us, and we’ll add your event on and possibly add it to the weekly round up.

…Friday, February 10
The Soup Peddler 10th Anniversary
4- 7 PM, The Soup Peddler, 2801A South Lamar Blvd.
One of Austin’s first bicycle based businesses celebrates 10 years in business. Live music, games and prizes, free soup, free beer!…

Bike share project rolling along at PAC
By Alicia Millan        www.theranger.org

Mass communication sophomore Justin Overmiller joked around by singing “Do your chain hang low, do it wobble to the flo” (from “Chain Hang Low” by Jibbs ) while holding a bike chain for his partner, Noel Vargas, community volunteer who also donated a bike.

The Go Green! Viva Verde! Committee at Palo Alto College is putting together a bike share program for students and staff to improve air quality, reduce usage of…

The second one is the Great Southwest Bike [...]]]> Fort Worth Bike Swap Meets: Feb 12 & March 4
by Doohickie @ www.bikeforums.net
Couple of swap meets coming up in Fort Worth. First is the Trinity Bicycles swap meet at the Rahr Brewery, 701 Galveston Avenue, Fort Worth, on Sunday, February 12, from 9 to 2.

The second one is the Great Southwest Bike Swap, at the Tarrant County Resource Connection, 1100 Circle Drive, Building 2300, Fort Worth, on Sunday, March 4, from 9 to 2.

Pedestrian/cycling bridge nearly done
By Allen Jones            Houston Chronicle

Workers are constructing a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists near McGregor Way across Brays Bayou that will tie into Hermann Park’s hike-and-bike trails. The bridges are part of a $10 million partnership between Houston’s Public Works and Engineering Department and the Texas Department of Transportation. The Tierwester bridge provides connections to bike routes north and south of the bayou so that cyclists can have better access to the main campus of the University of Houston as well as to Texas Southern University. The Harris County Flood Control District, in partnership with…

Mellow Johnny’s Giant Bikes Demos in 2012
by Il Pirate         Austin Ridge Riders
Giant Bicycles Demo Event 2012
Saturday February 25, 2012  9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park 12138 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78758
Join Mellow Johnny’s for a great day of demo bike riding at Walnut Creek Park. The event hosted by Giant Bicycles and Mellow Johnny’s Staff, will give you a chance to ride select Giant road and mountain bike models. Helmets required for all rides and demos (limited number of demo helmets available). All Demo Participants must bring with them a valid photo ID and a credit card. …

After Big Rains in January, FWMBA Maintains Momentum at the February Workfest
by M2Rider FWMBA President

On Saturday, February 4, 2012 the Fort Worth Mountain Bikers’ Association (FWMBA) held our forth Workfest of the 2011-2012 trail building season at Gateway Park. Texas weather is full of extremes. The 2011 summer heat wave and drought are still fresh on our minds. When it started raining in late January 2012 who knew we’d see the 10th wettest January ever. Many areas of Fort Worth received over 5.5” of rain last week. The all-volunteer FWMBA trail crew was anxious to see how our work to date held up after the big rains. …

Episode 17 The Whisperer Gets Whispered with LC
www.fwmba.org
MBW Radio is back! After a too long an absence, MBW Radio host and FWMBA president, Larry Colvin is in the interviewee seat as Josh Clark asks him a bunch of questions. Find out about LC’s take on the state of the club, his love of the job of being a mountain bike president, how us mountain bikers’ owe a debt of gratitude to the moto people and dreams of black rimmed bicycles. …

Time for a Dreamslide
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City
If bikes roll, Dreamslides sashay.

I jumped aboard one of the two-wheeled contraptions, imported from France, yesterday when Miguel Ferguson dropped by the newspaper offices, proud as a papa to show it off.

Ferguson, a 46-year-old professor of public policy in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas, ordered a pair of the ‘Slides last year. Now he zips around town on the scooter-like vehicle, garnering admiring…

Recreational bicycling on the rise
www.news-journal.com
The number of recreational bicyclists in Panola County is on the increase. Many people have turned to bicycling as a healthy activity that can be beneficial.

According to chapter 13 of the Texas Drivers Handbook, “bicycles” means every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is more than 14 inches in diameter. “Vehicle” means a device, in, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a public…

Park to host Bayou Adventure Race
www.chron.com
The Bayou Preservation Association will present its first Bayou Adventure Race Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at Terry Hershey Park consisting of a 5K run, a 3K paddle trip and bicycle rides of 10K and 15K.

The race offers a different kind of triathlon, substituting kayaking for swimming.

Organized by Texas Adventure Racing, the event begins in Terry Hershey Park in West Houston at South Mayde Creek Drive with an out-and-back run. Next, the paddle portion goes from Langham Creek/Buffalo Bayou to the Dairy Ashford Canoe Launch. Contestants…

Driver in accident that killed 3 arrested
The Associated Press        www.kfoxtv.com
LUBBOCK, Texas — A 26-year-old man has been indicted on intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault counts in a crash that killed three men on a road next to the Texas Tech campus.

The Lubbock County grand jury indicted Texas Tech University student Brian Cody Hawthorne on Tuesday in the Jan. 29 crash that killed passengers Hernandez Almaguer and Kendrick Lamaar Johnson and bicyclist Courtland Whitmore. …

2012 Tour of New Braunfels
by Ken            Texas Racing Life
Thank God the season has started.  With months of looking forward, I was finally at a race day.  I was not surprised to find myself so anxious and ready to see how I matched up against the P12′s after a lot of work in the offseason.

Omloop
The first race on tap for the weekend was the Omloop.  This is a small circuit race that has a huge downhill with the rest of the course gradually returning to the starting elevation.  After the gun, it was evident that I was not alone in my nervousness, and there were many near crashes in the first few laps.  My plan for the race was to…

New Nationwide Gran Fondo Series
endurancesportswire.com     (found this on Twitter)
RAAM Cycling Challenge Kicks Off in Texas As Part of Nationwide Cycling Events Series

Boulder, CO – The 2012 RAAM Cycling Challenge gets started in Austin, Texas on March 17th as part of a nationwide series of “Gran Fondo” cycling events. Operating under the iconic cycling event brand, Race Across America, RAAM Cycling Challenge is a nine-city series of Gran Fondo events.  With the Gran Fondo distance of 120 miles as the main attraction, each event will also consist of…

Road Diets now proven safety measure; Q&A with FHWA Associate Administrator Furst League of American Bicyclists In January, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety placed Road Diets on [...]]]> Tweet from TX Adventure Racing (www.twitter.com/txarclub)
Check out how amazing our teams did this weekend at the Terra Firma Promo Dirty Dozen (well, Dirty Eight-Hour)…

Road Diets now proven safety measure; Q&A with FHWA Associate Administrator Furst
League of American Bicyclists

In January, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety placed Road Diets on the official list of Proven Safety Countermeasures. States are actively encouraged to use the listed safety countermeasures and FHWA provides guidance on their application. Road Diets slow traffic by reducing car travel…

What a Difference a Year Makes
by Steve A            DFW Point-to-Point

It was a year ago this week that I last drove to work. You can judge the conditions from the banner at the top. That shot was taken a year ago as of Saturday. And that was better than previously, where ice led to uncontrollable spills. In the news, ice slid off Cowboy Stadium and THAT was major cause for…

Riding the rock at Reveille Peak Ranch
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City

Turns out you don’t have to travel all the way to Utah to ride slick rock.

I finally made it out to Reveille Peak Ranch over the weekend, to check out the Hill Country’s version of mountain biking on wide open rock.

In a nutshell? Great terrain. Lots of trails to ride. And tons of stuff to challenge expert riders.

Definitely take the trek up to Decision Point, where you can see Lake Buchanan in the distance. Some of the higher trails include stretches across a big open slab of granite. It’s not quite Enchanted Rock, but it’s close. …

Money for trails could disappear
By Vianna Davila, EXPRESS-NEWS STAFF
If you have ever walked, jogged or bicycled along the trail that parallels the San Antonio River south of downtown, connecting the city’s Spanish colonial missions, you’re making use of a project paid for partly with federal money.

Similar federal contributions could be jeopardized in a $260 billion federal transportation bill winding its way through Congress. Tempers are flaring, fingers are…

Mountain biking in Texas state parks picking up steam
By Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
AUSTIN – Mountain bikers throughout the state – from novices to experts — are increasingly pedaling the numerous trails found at more than 40 Texas state parks.

From beach and woodland road rides to hair-curling downhill descents in mountain and Hill Country parks, state parks from El Paso to Mustang Island offer bikers of all skill levels a multitude of diverse mountain biking adventures.

“Many trails in Texas state parks provide great opportunities for all levels of mountain-bike riders to test and develop their biking skills, get…

The weather is gorgeous. The trails are wet. What do you do?
Texas Mountain Bike Trails
As much as you want to head out for a ride and soak up the sunshine, you are going to have to show a little restraint.

The trails are the most vulnerable to damage when they are wet and muddy. For that reason, the International Mountain Bike Association has put out a set of guidelines to help preserve our trails. Here is a listing as outlined by IMBA. …

Helmet cam as witness Bicycle Network Increasing numbers of riders have a camera on the helmet or handlebar just in case there is a dispute over the facts of a crash. The eye-witness that does not lie

4 February 2012. Helmet cams are proving invaluable in the [...]]]> I believe this crash took place in Australia.

Helmet cam as witness
Bicycle Network
Increasing numbers of riders have a camera on the helmet or handlebar just in case there is a dispute over the facts of a crash.
The eye-witness that does not lie

4 February 2012. Helmet cams are proving invaluable in the battle for bike riders to assert their rights and win justice on Australia’s roads.

For too long drivers have been able to dodge their responsibility for crashes with bikes because the bike rider lacked witnesses to the incident.

No longer. As this shocking helmet cam video by rider Scott Kerrison (traveling on Springvale Road in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley) clearly shows, there can be no argument about who is responsible for a crash when the camera is rolling along with the bike.

Jan. 5-7, Shepherd-Beaumont TX VIDEOS!
By Steve        biketourdelife.org
Here are some videos touching upon some experiences during my trip from Shepherd-Beaumont TX & in Beaumont/Groves itself.

Featured are my Uncle Pete, my nephews Matt & Mark & video from Sam Houston National Forest, Nueces River & the lovely Big Thicket National Preserve. Would’ve loved to visit the Babe Didrikson museum honoring the Beaumont native who was a famed all-around athlete from the early 20th century. …

West Texas Premier Cyclocross Series Race 6
Date: February 5, 2012
Location: Lubbock, TX
Details: Maxey Park, (30th & Nashville). Course is available for pre-ride at 2pm and wheels roll at 2:30. Weather doesn’t matter!

Back End Andy Thanks
by Steve A            DFW Point-to-Point

Sometimes, when the commute has been even less eventful than normal, ideas come from other places on the Internet. In this case, today’s post comes from a statement of Andy Cline of the “must read” Carbon Trace blog. Mostly, politics aside, Andy is pretty sensible about bikes, but his post here suggested a little…

Bicycle Insurance: What are the options?
by Lars            Texas Cyclist
What are your options when it comes to bicycle insurance? It depends a lot on what you are trying to insure.

If you are looking for the type of bicycle insurance to protect yourself against the theft or destruction of your bicycle, you’ll want to look at your homeowner’s insurance policy, or perhaps your renter’s insurance policy if you don’t own a home.

You’ll want to make sure that the bicycle is insured for “replacement value” instead of just “depreciated value.” If your $5,000 bike is three years old and you have it insured for the depreciating value, you might end up getting…

Portion of Breckinridge Trail Closed
by dickdavid            Bike Friendly Richardson

From the City of Richardson newsletter:

Today, the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department closed a portion of the Breckinridge Trail in Breckinridge Park due to erosion damage. The impacted section is located at the pedestrian…

Heading Into Dallas? Check Out The Dallas Bicycle Cafe!
by dickdavid            Bike Freindly Richardson

It’s finally happening. Dallas is starting to become a bike friendly city. Not only are we beginning to see bike friendly businesses, but also places that are actually built for cyclists. Dallas Bicycle Cafe is now one of those destinations. Parked close to both the White Rock Creek Trail and the DART White Rock Station, this place will…

8:00am – Harden Dental Team Ride
by Scott Franklin        Corinth Cycling Club
When: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8am to 11am  CST
Where: Ronny Crownover Middle School
Event Description: This is the weekly training ride for the Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental race team. This is a 62 mile loop on an established route. Expect a fast pace and be prepared to fix your own mechanicals.

Member Meeting at Star Pizza NORFOLK, Monday February 13, 7PM
by Veljko Roskar            GHORBA
Please join us at Star Pizza at NORFOLK location (just off I-59).
Free PIZZA and Soft Drinks.
RSVP REQUESTED
Topics will include:
Save the Anthills Update
Flintridge/Spring Creek Trails
Newly awarded Recreational Trails Program Grant
Huntsville expansion
Short Track Series Race Info

Off-road cyclists in Houston may like to play in the dirt, but they’re not too keen when an outsider plays dirty in their playgrounds.

It’s the Harris County Flood Control [...]]]> Save the Anthills: County to destroy rare hike and bike trail in the name of flood control
By Fayza A. Elmostehi            houston.culturemap.com

Off-road cyclists in Houston may like to play in the dirt, but they’re not too keen when an outsider plays dirty in their playgrounds.

It’s the Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) proposed initiative, Charting Buffalo Bayou, that has everyone’s bike chain in a knot. This flood control project covers 32 miles, and the “visionary study” is slated for completion in early 2012. …

How much do you need to know about your bike?
By Victor            bicyclelab.com
Do you know enough about your bike?

This video discusses one of the mistakes that many cyclists and triathletes make when learning about working on their bikes.

How much is enough? What things should all cyclists learn? What should be left to a professional mechanic?…

Motivation for Cycling and Life
Victor Jimenez, Darryl Kotyk, Rob Grissom        cycling360media.com
Getting and staying motivated

No matter what area of life you are talking about, Motivation is an important aspect of all we do.  Motivation and cycling definitely tie in together and in this Cycling 360 Podcast, we share tips, ideas, and suggestions for keeping yourself motivated and finding the motivation you need to achieve your cycling goals. …

Loving the Commute: Edition #3
by Darryl        lovingthebike.com
This is Edition three of a series on bicycle commuting by guest contributor, Aaron Madrid. These posts are all about Aaron’s experiences as a newcomer to commuting, and he’s here to share it with you. …
Loving the Commute: Gear
by Aaron Madrid
I love my lycra as much as the next guy.  To me a nice kit says confidence, dedication, pride, and style.  Unfortunately, to the 30 or 40 cubicles I pass in the morning after my commute on the way to our office locker-room, I think my kits say something else entirely.  For a good month or two I would strut my stuff and “peacock” my way through the maze of desks to change into my work…

What About Bike Parking
by dickdavid        Bike Friendly Richardson

So, we’ve got the great biking infrastructure in the works. Bike trails, bike lanes and bike signs are being set up all over town to encourage bike riding. But what about bike PARKING. Where are folks going lock their bikes once they reach their destinations? I’ve seen a few racks around town and I’ve managed to find some random…

Plano Encouraging Residents to Bike to Work
BikeDFW

A short video about how Plano is encouraging cycling, including an interview with Brian Bedingfield, a member of the BikeDFW Board and Plano Bicycle Association.

Beyond Bike Lanes meeting scheduled
By PaM LeBlanc        Fit City

Like the idea of cycling but worried about putting foot to pedal?

I love the sound of the Austin Cycling Association’s Beyond Bike Lanes program.

The series of neighborhood gatherings is designed to spur discussion about personal barriers to cycling and intimidation factors, and provide practical advice on everything from route planning to basic safety practices. (Light up! Ride in a predictable way! Obey traffic laws!)…

Beginner’s and Casual Ride
FWBA Ride List
Saturday, February 18, 2012 10:00 am – Art’s Park Trail Head Benbrook – Distance: up to 20 miles all on trails and park roads. Ride will normally be from Trail Head up thru Benbrook Lake Park to HI 377 and back. This is primarily a training ride for those new to cycling. Any level cyclist is welcome and club members will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. The goal is to introduce riders to the club and to help those new to our sport gain the skills they need to allow them to enjoy the normal club rides.

Heather Appleby – She da’ man!
Plano Bicycle Association
Heather is a champion for bicycle commuting in Plano. Follow link for video.

Austin Cycling Quarterly
Austin’s club quarterly publication:

Biking Downtown Amarillo: Survey  
by mwilhelm            www.oldtascosacycling.com
Cycling Advocacykennyg writes “If you have ridden your bike downtown Amarillo (to, in, around or through counts)  at least once in the last 12 months then please take this survey, courtesy of Community Amarillo Bicycles (CAB).

Tyler State Park Mountain Biking
by Shawn        Texas Mountain Bike Trails

Tyler State Park has one of the most aerobically challenging trails in North Texas with a surprising amount of climbing. Nestled just north of I-20 and the city of Tyler, this trail is a popular weekend retreat for those in the DFW metroplex.

Sitting under a canopy of hardwoods and evergreens the park surrounds the Tyler State Park Lake. This trail stays moderately cool during hot summer days and drains extremely well after heavy rains. Usually this will be…

Pedaling the Prairie 2012 in Hempstead, TX
by WB admin
The 6th Annual Pedaling the Prairie benefiting the athletic department of Faith West Academy invites you to join their ride happening on February 11, 2012 at Waller County Fairgrounds – 22000 Fairgrounds Road Hempstead, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Cathy Sturn, Ride Director of Pedaling the Prairie to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

Why Join this year’s ride?
We think we put on an excellent ride. We have breakfast tacos at the start, homemade goodies at the break points, and hamburgers at the finish. We have motorcycle support, ham operators, and friendly SAG drivers. We…

Benjamin David Williams, 21, was taken into custody by Houston Police Kingwood Division officers Jan. 27 and charged with [...]]]> Kingwood man convicted of bicycle thefts also faces burglary charge
By STEFANIE THOMAS         www.yourkingwoodnews.com
A Kingwood man originally arrested for stealing two high-priced bicycles now also faces a charge of burglary of a habitation.

Benjamin David Williams, 21, was taken into custody by Houston Police Kingwood Division officers Jan. 27 and charged with state jail felony theft. According to court records, he stole two bicycles valued at a total of more than $1,500. Williams pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in Harris County Jail on Jan. 30.

That same day, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office also accepted a charge of burglary of a habitation…

Bike race: Bike Through the Forest and Hills – Coldspring, TX
Riders await the start of the Bike Through the Forest and Hills ride, an MS 150 recommended ride, in Coldspring on Jan. 28. Approximately 600 riders attended the event that greeted participants with weather in the 40s.

Let’s try and be adults about this…
Nearly Famous Fred – Texas Cyclist
Today, I’d like to talk about a subject, that while it’s somewhat uncomfortable to speak about in mixed company, but it is something that every avid cyclist has dealt with at least once in their cycling career.

Of course, I’m referring to…

Welcome to Nearly Famous Fred’s World of Cycling.  
Otherwise known as NFF-WOC, (pronounced “nef wok”).  I’d like this site to be your 1-stop look, (albeit a somewhat sideways look), at everything cycling related.  And I mean absolutely everything cycling related.  Everything.  (OK, not everything, but most of the really cool stuff.)  As I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, a lot of this site is dedicated to cycling in this area.  If you want to see more…

Fort Worth Bicycling Association February Paceline Newsletter
February is already here and it is time for another FWBA Tradition.  The Annual Super Bowl Ride takes place on Sunday February 5, 2012.  We will meet at 8:00 AM in Downtown Fort Worth at the Trinity Railway Express Station (ITC) at the corner of 9th and Jones.  Jerry Trimble will be your ride leader and he always promises a great day.  The tradition includes the ride from Downtown Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas, where lunch will be at Dick’s Last Resort.  After we all…

Greater Dallas Bicyclists Rides
Saturday, February 4, 2012
DFW Airport Ride – FAST GROUP – Fall/Winter (8:50am)
Best of the Southwest- Joe Pool – Fall/Winter/Spring Schedule (9:00am)
DFW Airport Ride – Fall/Winter (9:00am)
Distance Builder – Fall/Winter (9:00am)
Plano East Side Ride – Fall/Winter (9:30am)
Easy Going Ride – Fall/Winter (10:00am)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sunday Roll – SUPER BOWL RIDE (9:30am)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday Evening Lake Ride (7:00pm)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday Night Ride (6:30pm)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Best of the Southwest – Mountain View – Summer

Floresville Pecan Park Ride – Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
February 26, 2012 8:30 am
Floresville Pecan Park, Floresville
Ride starts at 8:30 a.m. Meet at Pecan Park in Floresville at for a 22, 33 or 47-mile group ride at a moderate rate (12-14 mph) in gently rolling terrain.  Directions:  Take US 181 South from San Antonio to Floresville and turn right on FM 97.  Pecan Park is on the right just after you turn off US 181 onto FM 97.  For more information contact ride Leaders:  Roy and Laura Munro, phone: 210-416-8485, email: royal@munro-online.com

February’s The Pedaler Newsletter
San Antonio Wheelmen
Welcome to February!  For those of you who have taken some time off the bike, it’s time to dust off your bike and participate in some Wheelmen rides.  I like to use this month to build some base miles, preferably with plenty of hilly routes.  I  plan to test my fitness level during the…

Regional Transportation Council asks for public input on regional Complete Streets Initiative
BikeDFW
The Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) will hold public meetings in Farmers Branch, Benbrook, and Hurst to provide information and seek input on regional transportation issues, including development of a regional Complete Streets Policy. These meeting will be important as most of the funding for bicycle-related transportation projects (including the 2011 Dallas Bike Plan) flows through NCTCOG. Any state or federal funding of local Complete Streets projects will likely also be…

RAAM qualifier coming to Central Texas
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City

The crazy folks who put on the Race Across America, that coast-to-coast biking jaunt otherwise known as RAAM, have announced a new series of (shorter!) races, and it includes a stop near Austin.

A March 17 Gran Fondo race in Marble Falls will kick off the 2012 RAAM Cycling Challenge. It’s one of nine races slated for across the country. Other stops are Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Northern California, Ohio, Southern California and…

Big Bend Ranch to provide casual atmosphere for biking enthusiasts
Sara Higgins            www.mywesttexas.com
There may have been a few bumps in road along the way, but the legacy of mountain biking in Big Bend country ventures on.

Big Bend Ranch State Park and Desert Sports in Terlingua will present the second Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest on President’s Day weekend, Feb. 16-18, offering three days of riding for outdoor adventurers of all levels. Other entities hosting the event include Lajitas Golf Resort, Big Bend National Park and the Big Bend Trails Alliance.

“Really what the whole Desert Dirt Fest is, is three days of fun in the sun in the desert,” said Barrett Durst, superintendent of Big Bend Ranch State Park. “It’s about providing an opportunity for folks who like getting out in…

Nacogdoches bikers, walkers fear sidewalks could go away
By Donna McCollum         www.ktre.com
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – Sidewalks are nice when you need them and missed when not available. The rest of the time they’re not given much thought.

“When you think of transportation needs for a city a lot of people just think of the streets and the bridges,” said Nacogdoches City Planner Larissa Philpot.

Many East Texas communities have enhanced sidewalk programs through Department of Transportation grants. It’s the agency which made all…

1up USA Indoor Trainer Review. Tha Trainer You Love To Hate.
by Justin            The Plano Cyclist

I hate my indoor trainer. I feel bad for the trainer, as it’s really not its fault that I hate it. I suppose it’s some sort of projection, this hate, as it really is me that is the problem here; I am fat, I have been laying off of serious riding for months, and I have this funny odor that is neither pleasant or unpleasant following me around. (Well, I suppose that has nothing to do…

World Cycling Industry Linkedin.com – Scott [...]]]> I came across this discussion on LinkedIn.com in the World Cycling Industry Group. This is a good question. I have to say I look at reviews on other products but not very often for cycling items except for tires. There are 35 comments on this topic. What about you?

World Cycling Industry
Linkedin.com – Scott Mares
One of my challenges is once we do a review on a product is getting the company and IBD to actually use the review. I would like to see the review used in the bike shop. Ideas anyone?

Tom Haedrich • Hi Scott – as a boutique branded company building custom bicycles and selling into the IBD channel and others I can tell you the road is not an easy one. Each IBD has their own reason for entering the business and idea’s of what THEIR shop should be, and rightly so, isn’t this one of the beautiful things about America’s free market system where you can be whatever it is you want to be. I preface this because as a small…

The Racing Post February 2012 Issue
The Racing Post is a monthly magazine dedicated to those who ride bicycles and like to ride them – fast.  Event coverage includes Road racing, Off-road racing, Track racing, Triathlons, Bicycle rallies, and all levels of bicycle training.

F e a t u r e s
4 Olympics Bound
6 The Next Generation
9 Intensity
14 Reflecting on a Cycling Scholarship
18 Believe It Or Not
30 All Carbon Ain’t The Same
35 Playing In The Mus
38 Photo Essay – TRP Winter Crit
39 Team Focus – Fresh Racing
42 MSU’s Danny Robertson
Vol. 12, No. 2

LMRA Bike Club Morning Ride: TBD – 9AM
Lockheed Martin Recreation Association
All Day Event: Feb 03, 2012
Be a Positive Ambassador:
STOP – LOOK – and be SEEN
STOP at all traffic lights and signs. LOOK before continuing to ensure its clear. Be SEEN obeying the law while cycling safely.
… be safe and an ambassador for all other cyclists.

Helmets are required for club rides. Smiles encouraged.
Scheduled rides are a go, unless wet or below 40 degrees. Check this calendar entry as the ride approaches to get the planned starting location and if the…

New Report Highlights Biking and Walking in Rural America
Alliance for Biking & Walking: People Powered Blog
imageA new report from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy dispels the commonly held notion that only residents of big cities bike and walk. According to “Active Transportation Beyond the Urban Centers” folks in rural areas travel by bike and on foot as much — and in some cases, even more — than people in major population centers.

“It’s a widespread assumption in popular media and politics that people in small towns and rural areas do not walk or bike for transportation purposes,” says Tracy Hadden Loh, co-author of the report and research…

Specialized expands ‘cross fork recall
Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN) Jan 31, 17:51 MT—Specialized is working with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission on an expansion of a recall involving some carbon forks on cyclocross bikes.

The brake boss mount on the forks can fail, allowing the brake to fall into the front spokes. Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately.

Specialized recalled about 14,200 2011-model bikes last year because of the problem. Now the company is recalling about 460 2012-model bikes. The new bikes affected are the 2012 Tricross Sport and 2012 Tricross Comp. …

Quality of Life in El Paso
by bmba                Borderland Mountain Bike Association
The city of El Paso is planning to bring a quality of life bond to be brought to the November election.  This bond would cause a small increase in your property taxes.  The main purpose of the bond is not known, but there are some specifics that have been put on the table that fit in to two categories – SIGNATURE PROJECTS and Parks and Recreation.  Signature Projects are big projects like a new arena….downtown…to maybe try to draw in a…

…As one of the leaders in the mountain biking community, I have created a list of specific ideas that will improve the mountain biking experience in El Paso.  When you go online to make your suggestions, feel free to copy and paste these ideas.  If you are not in favor of these ideas, don’t use them, but please contribute something to the…

Dallas Cycle Style is Born
by UrbanPedal        Dallas Cycle Chic
You may have noticed a few changes to the website recently.  Yes, time to reset your bookmarks – we’re leaving the Cycle Chic family to become our very own group, Cycle Style.

We’ve had a lovely year doing the Dallas Cycle Chic blog. As we’ve met Dallas riders on the streets, in the cycle shops and at large group rides, we’ve come to deeply appreciate the inspiring and broad range of cycle styles in our city.   You are all so different and yet all the same: from cardigan wearing ladies crushing trails to hardcore racers in spandex packs, you all shared with us your…

Save Our Forest (Anthills) Update – Meeting February 8 and what you can do
by Veljko Roskar        GHORBA

City looks at plans for a hike and bike bridge
by Oak Hill Gazette
Annick Beaudet with the city’s Neighborhood Connectivity Division told the Gazette that the need for such a bridge goes back to 1998, when the Texas Department of Transportation turned a northbound shoulder of Mopac into a turn lane for drivers going…

Biking group to hold presentations in Seguin
seguingazette.com        Felicia Frazar
SEGUIN – Bike enthusiasts have something to look forward to this week.

On Thursday and Saturday the International Mountain Biking Association will be hosting two presentations about the activity and how to enhance and generate more interest in the community, said Pete Silvius, Seguin Outdoor Learning Center board member and Rodriguez Elementary physical education teacher.

“There are two presentations,” he said. “On Thursday night will be Better Living Through Trails presentation starting 6:30 p.m. at Texas Lutheran University Student Activity Center. On Saturday will be the IMBA Trail Building…

Cibolo Ride
Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
Start: February 18, 2012 9:00 am
End:   February 18, 2012 12:00 pm
Venue: St. Paul Evangelical Church
Address:  108 South Main, Cibolo, TX, United States,
Ride starts at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Paul Evangelical Church’s parking lot (the gravel part in the back) adjacent to Harmon’s BBQ for a 30 or 20 mile group ride at an easy pace.  Ride will proceed southeast through rolling farm country to New Berlin, then northwest by Zuehl and Hackerville Road back into Cibolo.  The 20 mile ride will cut over at Gin road between Santa Clara and Zuehl.  See Map #506.  Directions: To get to St. Paul’s (108 S. Main) in Cibolo take IH35 north. Take exit 175 and turn right on Roy Richard Dr. (FM-3009 S).  Drive 3.2 miles and turn left onto Seguin Rd (FM 78).  Drive 1.4 miles and turn left onto W. TX-539 Loop.  Turn left on S. Main St. Paul’s Evangelical Church and Harmon’s BBQ will be on your left.  Lunch after the ride will be at Harmon’s.  For more information call ride leaders Ann Caldwell (508-8878) or Bob Caldwell (260-2584).

Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012 in ColdSpring, TX
by WB admin
The Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012 happening on January 28, 2012 at San Jacinto Courthouse 1 State Highway 150 Coldspring, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Duane McPeak, Ride Director of Bike Through the Forest and the Hills to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

…What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience ;o)) ?

During my first ride as director, just 15 minutes into the ride, I got a call from the local constable that we had a rider down. It was a young man still in High School that had lost control of his bike going down a hill. He had gone head/face first into the street. There was a SAG wagon at the start that I jumped into to go check on the rider. As we headed towards the rider, we could see an ambulance was already on it’s way ahead of us. By the…

Do not stop reading the next article too soon. There is a biking story in it.

All Washed Up
by Steve A        Dallas Point-to-Point
In North Texas, we have to take our opportunities for inclement weather when they arrive. While we get lots of practice with “hot and dry” in the summer, wet don’t get a lot of opportunity to explore the finer points of cold weather. It DOES rain around here, but it isn’t the kind of rain I grew up with. In Seattle, the rain takes a week or more to accumulate to an inch or two. A little drizzle and a lot of gray clouds is the rule around this time of year.

Around DFW, on the other hand, the rain REALLY lets you know it is serious stuff. Lightning, thunder, flash floods and more. And then, as quickly as the rain arrived, it is past and drenching Louisiana or Oklahoma. I think the term around these parts is the rain comes down as a “frog strangler,” but I’m not from around here. …