Texas Bicycling News Digest April 10th 2018

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FMPD Bike Unit wins Keller Police Bike Race to End Child Abuse

by Mark Smith | www.crosstimbersgazette.com


The Flower Mound Police Department Bike Unit took home first place in the Keller Police Bike Race to End Child Abuse over the weekend.

The police department shared a photo of the team, which received the Brenda J. Slovak Memorial Trophy for the first place unit. Sgt. Jason Rachal and Officer Charles Chaple came in second and …

Residents give input on active transportation options

By Jessica Gruenling | www.kbtx.com


BRYAN, Tex. (KBTX) – On Monday night, cyclists and pedestrians had a chance to give their input at a meeting with TxDOT.

A public hearing was held at the Stella hotel with presentations by Texas A&M University, the City of College Station, the City of Bryan, and the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The organizations are looking into how to improve conditions for cyclists, walkers, runners and all other alternative travelers in the Brazos Valley. …

From Payment To Pavement: The Challenges Of Bikesharing

www.pymnts.com


The bikesharing trend has really gotten rolling in many cities around the world. Whether or not you’ve ridden one, you’ve surely seen them: Fleets of identical bikes, often colorful, clustered at rental docks where anyone from commuters to tourists can pay the fee to take one for a spin.

The latest evolution of the trend, however, does away with those docks, instead leveraging GPS technology to keep track of bicycles and lead riders to the nearest one when they log into the app. …

Bicycle travelers discover Lone Star State

By Flip Putthoff | www.nwaonline.com


Lots of us have slid some quarters in a juke box to sing, “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas, with Waylon and Willie and the boys.”

Pedaling to Luckenbach was a highlight of a bicycling trip last month down yonder in Central Texas. The Texas Hill Country, this region is called. This is ranch country with wide open countryside west of Austin.

Our little Le Tour de Madison County bicycling group traveled by car to Fredericksburg, Texas to explore the hill country on our bikes over four days. Fredricksburg bills itself in part as a premier …

Sims Bayou Greenway Groundbreaking Celebration

houstonparksboard.org


Please join us as we celebrate the next phase of Sims Bayou Greenway. When complete, Sims Bayou Greenway will be about 20 miles long and will connect communities to parks and nature along the way.

Sims Bayou is one of eight bayous being transformed through Bayou Greenways 2020, a city-wide project to complete a 150-mile network of parks and trails along Houston’s major bayous. Click here to learn more. …

Cyclists given safety tips as bicycle fatalities on the rise

spectrumlocalnews.com

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Cyclists asking for help this spring and summer to keep them safe on the roads.

As the weather gets warmers, drivers will share the streets with bicyclists. However, along with the warmer weather come fears of bicycle fatalities.

For Christian Cortez, a bike is his main mode of transportation. Cortez said he follows the rules of the road and avoids riding at night, but has still had …

PHOTOS: Wounded and injured service members and vets go to bicycle camp at McAllister Park

www.expressnews.com


South Texas VA Recreation Therapy Service partnered with Operation Comfort to host a three-day cycling camp for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at McAllister Park.

The park began Monday April, 09, 2018.

EARTH DAY ATX

austinyellowbike.org

We’re partnering with Earth Day ATX, Bicycle Sport Shop, Bike Austin and the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative to give away bikes!

Bikes will be distributed via raffle at the Earth Day Austin event Saturday, April 21st at Huston-Tillotson University. Winners of the on-site drawing will receive a new-to-them bike, a new helmet, proper bike and helmet fittings, safety training, and …

Seven Sisters – Local Ride

Pedal Pushers | roy-pedalpushers.blogspot.com


San Angelo, Texas
Jodi, David, Tyler, Ron, Jerry, and Brian.
Long false flat at the start.

FrankenBike San Antonio #93: SATURDAY

by Chris | frankenbike.net

Two Timing Texas Tour

By Richard Hoeg | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 7: Kerrville to Bandera: Rolling Rest Days!

Tuesday April 10, 2018, 34 miles (55 km) – Total so far: 291 miles (468 km)
The Texas Hill Country is beautiful, and hilly … thus the name! Thus, for the next two days Molly and I are taking rolling rest days. There are some nice small towns 30+ miles apart which we are visiting. We therefore do not stay in one spot, but move slightly.
Today we are in Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of Texas … or so they claim! Regardless, we have found a small cabin across the road from a city park and river … a great place for relaxing and recharging batteries.

Today, like most days, we …

The Southern Tier: San Diego to St. Augustine (and further?)

By Susanne Holste |www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 29. Exploring Marfa

Wednesday April 11, 2018
It was a luxury to sleep in this morning and start the day with surprisingly good coffee from the hotel’s reception. Last night we discovered that much of Marfa is closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s, including the art museums and many of the eateries. We weren’t too disappointed and decided to make the most of the day by exploring this quirky little town and walk its streets. It’s an interesting mix of ramshackle buildings, several churches, modernist homes, and art galleries. There are a lot of small …

The Limo Bikes to Bayous and Beaches

By Marilyn Swett | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Orange, TX to Sulphur, LA: Heading into Cajun Country

Tuesday April 10, 2018, 43 miles (69 km) – Total so far: 773 miles (1,244 km)
“I am no longer afraid of becoming lost, because the journey back always reveals something new, and that is ultimately good for the artist.” ― Billy Joel
Despite going to bed at 11:00 last night, I woke up this morning at 4:00 am and couldn’t get back to sleep. I guess was looking forward to blowing this “Bermuda Triangle” of SE Texas!

I just read my Kindle for a while until the alarm went off and Don got up. We opened the drapes and were excited to find SUN and blue skies! Wow, it’s been 3 gloomy days since …

Pacific to Atlantic

By Matthew McCoy | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Lost Maples State Natural Area, TX to Kerrville, TX: 51 miles

Monday April 9, 2018
Today was a gloomy weather day with chilly damp air and low clouds that lasted throughout the day in more Hill Country. This weather is ideal for cycling efficiency but not great for taking photos with a cell phone. The later sections of the route today paralleled the Guadalupe River and there were some nice resort looking places along the way. …

Kerrville, TX to Johnson City, TX: 68 miles

Tuesday April 10, 2018
Today was a return to sunny warm weather. The blue bonnets are in bloom and were roadside much of the way today.
I had a busy day today. I stopped in Fredericksburg along the way and visited the National Museum of the Pacific War, which is a well done museum that I was aware of but never expected to have an opportunity to visit. The museum is in …

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Wax Leaf Ligustrum Fragrance Bike Ride

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After several days of bad biking weather today dawned with lots of sun and warmth. Setting out at 11:26 am on the “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman” route I biked 35.2 miles. The fragrance of wax leaf ligustrums filled my nostrils along the ride sometimes as well as other plants. I think there was honey suckle out there too.

The weather during the bike ride: start 73 (52% humidity), clear, wind N 14 mph. Finish 76 (44% humidity), clear, wind N 13 mph, gusts 18 mph. I don’t think of April as a windy month but so far each ride in April has been fighting the wind for lengthy sections. Today the hardest part was biking east over Lake Houston on FM 1960. I pedaled hard and the Elemnt showed watts in the 450+ range for extended times. My legs were grateful for the right turn onto Fairlake Drive moving the wind to my back and the road among all of the trees.

Earlier when I stopped for the traffic light at Atascocita Shores Drive and FM 1960 another cyclist exited FM 1960 riding north on Atascocita Shores but they didn’t look my way. Later as I rode west on FM 1960 just before coming to Lake Houston a cyclist was riding east in a florescent green shirt. He saw me and we waved.

Tomorrow the weather should be a few degrees warmer and maybe not quite so windy. I plan on biking.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

Bike Ride Summary

Texas Bicycling News Digest April 9th 2018

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Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm at Liberty Freedom Ride

By David Taylor | www.chron.com


“Thou shalt not mess with Mother Nature.”

It may not be an actual commandment from the Bible, but residents in Liberty County are more than aware of the wrath the weather can have when trying to plan an outdoor event in the spring or summer. …

Request for Qualifications(RFQ) – Dry Comal Hike and Bike Trail

www.texasbids.net

Bid Date & Time: 04/27/18 3:00 PM Owner Solic Number: 18-019 Status: design Report: 8560847
Country : United States State: TX County: Comal Location: New Braunfels
Scope: Seeking statements of qualifications (SOQ) from qualified design firms interested in providing a needs study, conceptual design and
schematic design and cost estimating for the proposed 2019 bond program. The 2019 bond program could address a wide array of public
infrastructure through the city, from street and drainage improvements to new sidewalk construction, new parks, public safety facilities and other municipal facilities.
Notes: A Pre-submittal meeting will be held on 04/17/18, 1:00 PM, at the New Braunfels City Hall, 550 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.
Deadline for questions is 04/19/18, 5:00 PM.
Plans: From Owner. See attached file.
Owner Type: Public …

Joe’s Southern Tier Adventure

By Joe Athas | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 53: Johnson City-Austin

Thursday April 5, 2018, 51 miles (82 km) – Total so far: 1,653 miles (2,660 km)
Julia and I had a morning walk around her neighborhood and enjoyed a hearty breakfast together before I set off for Austin. It was a …

Day 54: Austin

Friday April 6, 2018, 32 miles (51 km) – Total so far: 1,685 miles (2,712 km)
Austin day off one: explored the capital building/surrounding streets in the morning. Checked out some local bbq and art.

John caught up with me in the early afternoon. …

Day 55: Austin Day 2

Saturday April 7, 2018, 9 miles (14 km) – Total so far: 1,694 miles (2,726 km)
My second day off in Austin. John and I woke up shortly after 7 and made sure the place was clean. He was going to take off while I took another day in the city. We said our “see you laters” (which is likely at the rates we travel) and by 10-11 am I had the day to myself.
Today I was determined to take it much easier in terms of …

Day 56: Austin-Lexington

Sunday April 8, 2018, 52 miles (84 km) – Total so far: 1,746 miles (2,810 km)
Boy did I sleep in today; I got up around 10:00! I had some final …

6-year-old riding bicycle on North Padre Island hit by Jeep in driveway

Alexandria Rodriguez | www.caller.com


A 6-year-old girl was taken by medics to Driscoll Children’s Hospital after she was hit by a Jeep in a driveway on North Padre Island Drive. …

Border Bike Trip, Day 25: Finding a Famous Author in a Town of 13 People

GRANT WISHARD | www.weeklystandard.com


There’s a single building on the side of the highway outside Langtry, Texas, that I think started as a gas station, but did hard time as a restaurant, motel, and grocery store before someone finally did the merciful thing and shut the place down for good. I’m not sure I believe in omens, but there’s a stone slab leaned up against the wall, carved with the words “Thou Shalt Not Lie” that encouraged me to keep pedaling. …

City Council worries proposed permit fees will chase bike-share companies out of Dallas

Robert Wilonsky | www.dallasnews.com

A proposal meant to manage Dallas’ dockless vehicles — rental bikes and, possibly, electric scooters — hit a few nasty speed bumps Monday.

On Monday Dallas City Council’s mobility committee heard from city transportation staffers who have been drafting regulations meant to clean up the dollar-an-hour two-wheelers clogging up …

The Southern Tier: San Diego to St. Augustine (and further?)

By Susanne Holste | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 28. Van Horn to Marfa

Tuesday April 10, 2018, 118 km (73 miles) – Total so far: 1,878 km (1,167 miles)
One can’t be lucky with the wind every day. Sunrise now is only ‪at 7:45‬ because we arrived in the central time zone yesterday. It was still dark, starry, and windstill when I woke up. We left an hour later and it was a beautiful morning to ride on SR90 to Marfa. It must have been the longest straight road that we’ve ridden so far. There were a few slight turns but basically it was flat and gently rolling uphill for 118km. Border patrol was our constant companion : trucks and cars flying down …

The Limo Bikes to Bayous and Beaches

By Marilyn Swett | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Winnie to Orange, TX: Boy, we sure know how to have fun!!

Monday April 9, 2018, 60 miles (97 km) – Total so far: 730 miles (1,175 km)

Pacific to Atlantic

By Matthew McCoy | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Brackettville, TX to Camp Wood, TX: 51 miles

Saturday April 7, 2018
I am in a green countryside now, which is a dramatic change from just two days ago in Del Rio.
This morning’s ride started off cold, dark, and dreary and it looked like it may rain, but as usually happens in Texas the sun wins out and it was a beautiful afternoon, although still chilly. For the first time on my trip, I wore cycling tights and my windbreaker all day in order to …

Camp Wood, TX to Lost Maples Natural Area, TX: 42 miles

Sunday April 8, 2018
I can see why Texan’s love their “Hill Country.” The Hill Country is a place uniquely different from the rest of the state and the transformation of the land from arid and dry to green pastures and shade trees is sudden. When looking out over the green valleys and …

Texas veterans gear up for adaptive cycling camp

By Alese Underwood | www.spectrumlocalnews.com

SAN ANTONIO — It’s no secret that sports can change lives and boost rehabilitation efforts, which is why a group of Texas veterans is benefiting from an adaptive cycling camp.

From enhancing physical health to healing emotional scars, sports have the power to change lives. …

Two Timing Texas Tour

By Richard Hoeg | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 6: Fredericksburg to Kerrville: Birds and Amazon!

Monday April 9, 2018, 40 miles (64 km) – Total so far: 257 miles (414 km)
What could birds and Amazon have in common? Normally the answer would be nothing, but today the two items were related. Our plan was to have a shorter ride from Fredericksburg to our WarmShowers host west of Kerrville. The ride itself was uneventful … wide shoulders, easy, and fast with a north wind (tailwind).
When we arrived in Kerrville we stopped by a gasoline station named Stripes. We had learned one …

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Texas Bicycling News Digest April 8th 2018

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The Outspoken Cyclist Podcast Show #395 – April 7, 2018

Diane Jenks | outspokencyclist.com

We begin this week with a conversation about statistics with Russ Rader, VP of Communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. What we learn is that there is a lot of research going on to help stakeholders such as insurance companies, automobile manufacturers, and government learn about what things do and don’t work to make drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists safer. And, there is a LOT of useful information available on the site!

Russ and I talk about the increase in cyclists’ fatalities, what might have happened with the autonomous vehicle that struck and killed the pedestrian walking her bike across the street, and what recommendations are being made to change the behavior of distracted drivers.

Then, it’s off to Texas to talk with Officer (Lt.) Wren Nealy. Wren is the president of IPMBA – The International Police Mountain Bike Association. He’s also an EMT with the Cypress Creek EMS, and a retired Police Lieutenant. Once again, the conversation goes to safety, how bicycle patrols work, and what cyclists should remember while on the road. And, we talk about the bike medic response team! …

Two Timing Texas Tour

By Richard Hoeg | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 5: Llano to Fredericksburg: Willow City Loop

Sunday April 8, 2018, 50 miles (80 km) – Total so far: 217 miles (349 km)
Today was our wildflower bonanza. From the moment we left Llano we had miles and miles of never ending wildflowers. Although the weather started a bit chilly at 43F, by the time we reached the Willow City Loop 19 miles into our ride, the sun came out and shortly we had crystal clear skies. At the start of the loop Molly and I shed our leggings, wool socks, and jackets which were all necessary for the first segment of our ride; it was now bike shorts and cycling jersey time. …

The Southern Tier: San Diego to St. Augustine (and further?)

By Susanne Holste | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 27. Fort Hancock to Van Horn

Monday April 9, 2018, 112 km (70 miles) – Total so far: 1,760 km (1,094 miles)
112 km. On account of the heat and the long ride to Van Horn, we started our day early and walked across to Angie’s shortly after dawn. There were a couple of locals and some border patrol people having breakfast. SR20 was quiet this morning and Fort Hancock’s dogs were running freely. They were a friendly bunch who took to us as entertainment. After about 20 miles, SR20 merged with I20 which is the only freeway from El Paso going east. It was busy with …

The Limo Bikes to Bayous and Beaches

By Marilyn Swett | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Galveston Island to Winnie, TX: Texas ice cubes – Photos

Sunday April 8, 2018, 57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 670 miles (1,078 km)

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