Texas Bicycling News Digest May 17th 2018

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Solemn tour: Ride of Silence honors cyclists killed on roadways

MOLLY SMITH | www.themonitor.com


McALLEN — Two hundred cyclists gathered Wednesday night to ride for Melissa, Eddie and other cyclists who have been killed or injured by drivers on roadways across the Rio Grande Valley, the nation and the world.

This year, one cyclist has been killed in the McAllen metro area — 32-year-old Melissa Robles, who was fatally struck from behind by a driver on Feb. 19 as she was riding with her brother on South Second Street. …

Morning Ride solo out, back with John and Paula

Coach Steevo | www.strava.com

Pearl Juvi ride

Ed Bustillos | www.strava.com

Bear Creek 4/5, 11th

Juan Marroquin | www.strava.com

Bike The Woodlands

www.facebook.com

May 12 at 8:22pm ·
Join us for Bike the Woodlands Day May 19th! Lots of stuff happening! Where else can you find in one place Bicycle World, Bikeland, Bike Lane, Sun & Ski, Tile Roofs of Texas, Inc., Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Kid’s BIke Rodeo, The Woodlands Cycling Club, Greater Houston Off-Road Biking Association (GHORBA) Mountain BIke Skills Track, Interfaith Bicycle Donation, Kid’s Bike Rodeo, Live Music with J. B. Barnett, Food Trucks, BIke Month Tee Shirts, Bike Gallery, inflatables for kids, free Snow Cone for riding your bike?

Austin Cycling Meetup

Austin, TX
3,503 Austin Cyclists

Welcome to Austin Cycling Meetup, your friendly neighborhood “low key” recreational cycling group!Austin Cycling Meetup group is not a hard core anything. We’re a little bit …

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Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association

Dallas, TX
4,406 Participants

This Meetup Group was created to promote events for the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association.For further information about the club, please visit www.dorba.org.

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Bike shipments to retailers up slightly in April

by BRAIN Staff | www.bicycleretailer.com

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Product Suppliers Association members shipped 218,741 bikes to retailers in April, up from 217,980 for the same month in 2017, a nominal 0.3 percent increase. But dollars were way up, about 14 percent month on month, accounting for $114.7 million. That’s up from $101.1 million in April 2017.

The BPSA categories with the biggest dollar growth for the month were full-suspension 29ers …

Family of cyclist killed in McAllen sues driver in fatal collision

MOLLY SMITH | www.valleymorningstar.com


EDINBURG — The family of an avid cyclist who was killed in an accident earlier this year filed a wrongful death lawsuit with the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office Tuesday against the driver of the vehicle that fatally struck her.

The civil lawsuit alleges that driver Samuel Molina engaged “in certain acts and/or omissions which …

Hey TX DPS, learn your bike laws.

by gerunk | www.reddit.com

Got pulled over on a group ride ride outside of Harris County in Waller, TX. The group was sticking perfectly to the right side of the road at around 20-25mph, and it was just some little back road anyway.

Suddenly, a DPS officer drives up and pulls all of us over. He proceeds to yell at us, and then tells us we should in fact be riding AGAINST traffic, on the wrong side of the road.

Ok I know not everyone knows bike laws but how dumb do you have to be to tell a vehicle to ride into oncoming traffic, especially when PUBLIC SAFETY is your job title?!

Ok so we proceed to reasonably explain to him why that’s not true and he’s wrong, and he gets really mad and just drives off.

Anyway, it was brought to the DPS office’s attention and that officer is getting a bit of a speech now, but it’s still ridiculous.

tldr; contrary to what the department of public safety thinks, bicycles don’t have to ride into oncoming traffic. never thought i’d be saying this. …

Checklist for a Cycling Holiday In Texas

travelexperta.com


Whether along the Lance Armstrong Bikeway or the Southern Walnut Creek Bike Trail, a cycling holiday in Texas means not only fresh air but also lots of exercise. More and more people are discovering that cycling is the perfect way to combine holidays and fitness. Not only health aspects promote the fun of cycling, but also nature can be experienced and enjoyed on bike tours that are particularly intense. You may want to cycle on vacation or just want to be mobile and active in a particular resort – the exercise in the fresh air makes you forget the stress in everyday life quickly.

Remember that if you pack smartly and rely on the right equipment, then the bike tour becomes an all-around carefree holiday. Here are some tips on all the essentials needed for the perfect bike trip including what equipment, accessories, and clothing you should have. …

Active Tyler will plan for bike lanes, walking trails, more

By Erin Mansfield | tylerpaper.com


Regional planners are seeking public input on where new bike lanes, walking trails and equestrian trails should be built in the region.

The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization held a reception on Thursday night at East Texas Brewing Company to gather public feedback.

The organization does transportation planning for most parts of Smith County, including the cities of Arp, Bullard, Hideaway, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, Noonday, Troup, Tyler, Whitehouse and Winona. …

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

https://twitter.com/DPDBikeSgt/status/996884077549641734

https://twitter.com/sawheelmen/status/997115305381031936

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

No Flat Tire Drama Bike Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

I skipped the flat tire drama on today’s bike ride. Wheels down at 11:21 am as I set off on the “Kingwood – SH 242 – Kingwood” route biking 35.25 miles at the end. The week stands at 158.66 miles and May is up to 561.09 miles leaving 99 miles to reach my goal for May. Year to date I am at 2616.5 miles. My goal for 2018 is 6800 miles.

Weather during the bike ride: start 87 (51% humidity), fair, wind 5 mph. Finish 93 (39% humidity), a few clouds, wind W 7 mph. Accordingly I wore shorts and a short sleeve jersey plus sunscreen.

Before leaving I replaced the cadence sensor battery and had no issues with the Elemnt showing cadence. Wahoo Fitness has a handy utility app that shows the sensor firmware, signal and battery information. The cadence sensor would not show up in the app.

When I reached SH 242 I ride west about 1/4 of a mile and turn south to begin the ride back to Kingwood. Today I stopped and took these photos of SpeedSportz, a go cart track. The second photo looks back to SH 242. One go cart was racing around the track. (Click on the image to enlarge it)

Riding south I stopped at the Mobil station at FM 1485 and I-69/US59 for ice and water. Staying long enough to walk inside and back out I continued south to Valley Ranch Parkway looping back to I-69/US59. From there I rode south to Northpark Drive where I stopped at the Valero station for water and a package of cookies to fuel me to the finish.

Not many schools to pass on today’s route and I was well in front of dismissal time avoiding traffic. I finished the ride at 2:08 pm.

More hot, dry sunny weather on Friday for biking.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

Bike Ride Summary

Texas Bicycling News Digest May 16th 2018

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Riding Along The Rio Grande

By shary koenig | www.crazyguyonabike.com

From Orange TX to Lake Arthur, LA: The Bank Hotel

Wednesday May 16, 2018, 348 miles (560 km) – Total so far: 1,000 miles (1,609 km)

We have ridden 348 miles since my last entry. The part of Louisiana that we’ve been crossing is all new terrain to me. The roads are flat, inching as close as they dare to the Gulf Coastline without falling into a swamp. The coastline is built of swamps, inlets, miniature peninsulas, waterways, bayous, rivers, rivulets, and canals running parallel to levees. We keep our eyes peeled for alligators sunning themselves on the roadways. So far we’ve only seen road kill gators, and we hope things stay that way!

We rode 44 miles today basically without stopping and I wasn’t even …

Cycling company opening major regional campus in Plano, plans to hire 400 workers

By Korri Kezar | www.bizjournals.com

Indoor cycling company Peloton has announced it will open a “key regional campus” in Plano’s Legacy Central development, with plans to hire 400 workers over the next few years

The 27,518-square-foot office space will supplement Peloton’s New York headquarters and be the company’s first member support center outside New York City. It also has a field operations site in Arlington. …

FUELING STATIONS

bikeaustin.org

IT’S TIME TO HELP AUSTIN’S COMMUTERS FUEL UP FOR THEIR RIDES INTO WORK ON B2WD 2018!

Bike Austin’s partners are hosting over 40 stations and plan to welcome nearly 1,500 bike commuters this year!

Biking to work is: FUN, HEALTHY, GREEN, and SAVES MONEY! People are more likely to ride their bikes for transportation when there is built-in social support. Bike To Work Day Fueling Stations are HIGH ENERGY stops that help keep the momentum going! ,,,

Bike advocates looking to beef up bike parking requirements in Austin

by Adam Hammons | cbsaustin.com

Bike advocates are working on a resolution that could beef up the city code for bike parking, but some business owners worry this could add another costly hurdle with the city.

In the monthly Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC) meeting Tuesday night, members talked about the possibility of changing the city code for bicycle parking. Currently city code does …

Captains Blog – 05/16/2018 – Changes for 2018

by Sameer Gokhale | cycling.powweb.com

There are quite a few changes happening in 2018. The Velo Valero board has spend a lot of time having a lively discussion on the forthcoming changes. Here is a sneak peak at some of the changes.

Team Logo
One of the biggest change is the team logo. Yes, we are getting a brand new logo! Valero as a company recently refreshed their logo. We were #fueledby this change and came up with a brand new logo of our own. It will be revealed shortly and from what I have seen (feeling jealous now?) its pretty awesome!

Jersey
Another change is the new team Jersey. The board is throwing everything but the kitchen sink when it comes to ideas for the new …

Ditch the metal for a pedal with this guide to Austin’s Bike to Work Day 2018

By Melissa Gaskill | austin.culturemap.com


Bike Austin, the city’s largest bicycling advocacy and education organization, hosts Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 18. Austin is one of only 52 major cities participating in the nationwide event encouraging people to bike to work by giving riders the chance to score free food, drinks, and prizes.

Participants in B2WD have a chance to win a pair of 2018 ACL Music Festival tickets from C3 Presents and can enjoy free passes and shower use at …

Township hosts Bike The Woodlands Day on Saturday, May 19, 2018

fatcatwebproductions.com


THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (May 15, 2018) – National Bike Month is celebrated across North America in May, and for the sixth consecutive year The Woodlands will be also be celebrating this growing tradition with an abundance of fun events throughout the month for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The Woodlands Township in partnership with Bike The Woodlands Coalition will be recognizing National Bike Month in May, and has planned more than 40 individual activities and events throughout the month. The highlight …

Greater Houston athletic activities listings: May 18-20

Terry St. John | www.houstonchronicle.com

A look at athletic activities for the weekend of Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20 around the greater Houston area

CYCLING

BikeHouston and the City of Houston are partnering to promote riding-to-work day Friday from several starting points. Group rides will have a ride leader to demonstrate how to safely commute to work. Start times depend on locations, and all rides will arrive at Hermann Square no later than 7:30 a.m. for a celebratory ride to downtown. Visit bikehouston.org.

Let’s Do This Houston offers two themed ride events this weekend. At 7:30 p.m. Friday is 90s Hip-Hop and R&B Night Light Vibe, and at 7 p.m. Saturday is J. Cole KOD night. Both rides on Dutch bikes begin at Third Ward Tours, 2301 Elgin St., and stop at various neighborhood hotspots. Visit letsdothishouston on Facebook.

BCO Farmer’s Market Bike Ride starts at Onion Creek Café, 3106 White Oak Dr., at 8 a.m. Saturday to explore Houston farmers’ markets. The 12- to 15-mile ride lasts about three hours. Contact info@bayoucityoutdoors.com.

How to Plan Your Bike Route – Fort Worth

pattersonpersonalinjury.com

We analyzed every traffic accident over the past 6 years to find out which intersections are the most dangerous in Fort Worth. Using the data, we created a map to help visualize where most of the accidents happened. Click on the image to access the interactive map and filter the accidents by year.

8 AM start: Tour de Southern Walnut Creek Trail

Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 8:00 AM

Govalle Park
5200 Bolm Rd. Austin, TX

4 Austin Cyclists Went

We’re riding out at 8 AM for summer! A moderate C-pace ride (roughly 11 to 14 mph) on The Southern Walnut Creek Trail from the trailhead at Govalle Park to the Abrupt End and return. Round trip is about 20 miles. The trail is paved for the entire distance, with a 1/2 mile hill on the outbound. We’ll regroup at the top of the hill on the outbound a…

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Houston cyclists ride in silence to honor, raise awareness for those who’ve died

www.chron.com

https://s.hdnux.com/photos/73/30/44/15567109/3/920×920.jpg
Area cyclist ride down Sunset during a 10-mile route on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in Houston. Over 100 local riders were joining other cyclists worldwide in the “Ride of Silence” to bring attention to those who have died while riding their bicycles on local roads.

BikeHouston joined cyclists worldwide for a slow-paced, silent ride Wednesday night in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. …

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

Flat Tire, Bent Nail, Blood Bike Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

When I set out on today’s bike riding following the “May Park Community Center – Huffman” route everything seemed to be perfect. I started earlier than usual at 10:34 am, the weather was great at 82 degrees and sunny. That lasted until the 12.6 mile point when I heard the sound cyclists dread, a sudden loud hiss of air escaping from a tire. A photo of the Elemnt screen when the flat happened.

Fortunately I was in Walden on quiet streets. I walked about 100 feet to a shady spot under a tree and sat down on the curb with the tools to fix the flat. Inspecting the tire I didn’t find anything sticking out so I used my tire tool to start to get the tire bead off the rim. That is when disaster struck. The yellow Pedro’s tire tool slipped and hit my left thumb nail bending it back far enough to separate the nail with blood coming out. On top of that it hurt. I got the blood to stop and went back to fixing the flat which was hard to do with my thumb hurting. Pulling the tube out of the tire I spotted the hole right away. It looked just like the last flat when the tire was cut. Positioning the tube on the tire I found the spot with the cut. It was big enough to cause a problem if I didn’t put a boot in. The bad part was I couldn’t get the boot to stay over the cut so I dabbed some patch glue on the inside of the tire and on the boot. Waiting for the glue to dry took a few minutes. Putting the boot inside the dry on matching the the two glue surfaces held the boot in place as I placed the tube inside the tire and mounted the bead. Pumping up the tire air stayed in and I got ready to get back on the bike after putting all of the tools in their places. A photo of the Elemnt screen as I got ready to start biking again.

24 minutes to fix the flat. Not to bad considering the bent nail, boot installation and waiting for the glue to dry.

I stopped at the Chevron station at Atascocita Shores Drive and FM 1960 to clean the blood off my thumb and the glue from my finger. The thumb pain had subsided and with the cleanup it wasn’t looking too bad.

From there the ride proceeded as planned and without surprises. After making the u-turn on FM 1960 east of the Liberty County line I rode back to Huffman-Eastgate Road. Not far from FM 1960 I stopped and took these photos.

Around the bend ahead I made the right turn onto Wily road and headed to May Community Center and Park. I stopped long enough to take these photos.

On the right out of the pictures are a number of baseball diamonds. Reading the sign shows some of the events this month. I didn’t go inside to get water as I normally do because I had enough to get to Huffman where I planned to take a rest break at the Chevron station.

Arriving at the Chevron I sat on the plastic milk crate in the shade after getting a Greensheet newspaper to cushion it with. Drinking the ice water was good as I checked my email on my phone. I was looking for an email from Ambient Weather to return what I thought was a bricked ObserverIP unit but no email yet. About 15 minutes and I was back on the Canyon to finish the ride. Back on FM 1960 riding west I noticed the cadence wasn’t showing on the Elemnt computer. Checking the sensor connection it wasn’t active. I stopped at the Shell station and messed with it. At first it didn’t respond but then it did. It worked for the rest of the ride but it might be time to replace the battery.

Continuing the ride I went through Atascocita Shores and Kings River on the way back to W. Lake Houston Parkway. As I rode across the bridge over the river I noticed two men wearing bright vests and measuring things. One was looking up at the trees. Some of them hang over the road and maybe they were planning on cutting them back or maybe something to do with Hurricane Harvey flooding. I finished the ride at 2:23 pm. Without the flat I would’ve probably finished before 2 pm.

Weather during the bike ride: start 83 (73% humidity), a few clouds, wind W 9 mph. Finish 92 (47% humidity), a few clouds, wind SW 7 mph.

Back home I called Ambient Weather Tech Support and the man walked me through a hard reset process that fixed the “bricked” ObserverIP unit. My new weather station is back online.

No rain and lots of heat in the forecast. Unusual for May but great for bicycling.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

Bike Ride Summary