Texas Bicycle News Digest April 1st 2016

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TJC celebrates 90 years with 90 mile bike ride

By Alex Osiadacz www.kltv.com


TYLER, TX (KLTV) – A 90 mile bike ride to mark 90 years of Tyler Junior College starts Friday morning.
Dozens of cyclists will start in Alba around 8 a.m. Friday and pedal 45 miles through Quitman, Mineola and Lindale before reaching TJC’s main campus in Tyler to break for the evening. Community and business leaders have signed-up to ride alongside Tyler Junior College president Dr. Mike Metke, who is also an avid cyclist.
“They came to TJC, discovered who they were, what they could …

How to sell bikeability: the unexpected benefit for buyers

by James McClister houstonagentmagazine.com


In the Urban Land Institute’s “America in 2015” report, a survey of U.S. residents found that approximately half considered “walkability” a top or high priority when determining where to live. But in many ways “walkability” is a misnomer, because research increasingly shows that what buyers really want is bikeability. …

… Houston’s hidden bike-friendly streets
By most accounts, Houston is not a bike-friendly area. It’s a sprawling city that relies far more on motor vehicles than quick-commuter vehicles, like bikes.
Though the city has yet to widely embrace the growing trend of cyclists, they do have a presence in Houston. And if your buyer is one of them, you might want to suggest a home …

Planned bike network could define Corpus Christi

Alissa Mejia www.caller.com

Imagine a Corpus Christi in which bicycling to work or to the grocery store is a relaxing experience, not a white-knuckle one.
Imagine having roads that cost less to build and maintain, allowing public funds to do more with less.
Imagine a Coastal Bend region that attracts national attention for its progressive approach to urban planning. It may sound farfetched, but that future has already started rolling, thanks to the …

Driver charged with intoxicated assault in deadly collision with bicyclist

By Dale Lezon www.chron.com


A woman accused of driving drunk has been charged in the death of a bicyclist last month in south Houston.
Elvia L. Coronado, 44, is charged with intoxicated assault in the incident, which happened about 7:50 p.m. March 22 in the 8900 block of Almeda Road, according to the Houston Police Department.
Police said another woman, also …

New Project Closes A Gap In Houston’s Bike Trail System

Gail Delaughter www.houstonpublicmedia.org

The City of Houston has opened its newest bike path along Buffalo Bayou. The project is designed to address a problem that cyclists have been complaining about for a long time.
http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/31165823/path-4-1200×800.jpg
You can ride your bike along much of Buffalo Bayou, but there was a small piece missing near the Wortham Center. Anne Olsen with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership explains the problem:
“You couldn’t get from Shepherd Drive all the way to Allen’s Landing,” says Olsen. “We just opened Buffalo Bayou Park, which is just so popular. There are so many …

Bicyclist dragged for blocks by driver who failed to stop

By Claire Ricke kxan.com


AUSTIN (KXAN) — A bicyclist was left with disfiguring injuries after a man hit her with a truck and she was dragged several blocks. The driver, Artemio Avila, faces charges for failing to stop and render aid after hitting the young woman.
On March 29 just after 10 p.m., officers received reports of a crash that severely injured a bicyclist. According to the affidavit, the woman was dragged underneath the …

Ballinger’s Colorado River Bikefest cruising toward its 40th annual event

by Bill Cullins www.gosanangelo.com

Ballinger’s Colorado River Bikefest just might be the best little bicycle tour in Texas.
It doesn’t attract a large number of cyclists — 50 to 60 riders is typical each year with many of them opting for the shorter, ‘sensible’ 30K and 60K distances instead of the more challenging 100K route.
You won’t see many of the big-city race teams fighting it out for the podium spots. Instead, most participants are regional West Texas cyclists who just enjoy a relaxed springtime group ride through …

In this edition of Spoke&Word… April 2016

BikeHouston.org


A Word from Mary Blitzer on Spring events, transitions, and the Bike Plan comment deadline…read more>>
BikeHouston@Events Come see us at our events from socials to community rides, read more>>
BikeHouston@Work
Find out what BikeHouston has been doing to improve your rides, read more>>
BikeHouston&Me
Meet BikeHouston’s new Development and Community Manager Doug Waldrep, read more>>
BikeHouston@Reviews
An overview in pictures, read more>>
Board@BikeHouston
Meet BikeHouston’s new board members, read more>>
Calendar
Check out our calendar for the coming weeks, read more>>

Pop-pop T Goes West – Then East

By David Tatman www.crazyguyonabike.com

El Paso to Fort Hancock: Could Probably Write a Book Today
Friday April 1, 2016, 47 miles (76 km) – Total so far: 1,049 miles (1,689 km)
One of the reasons I wanted to do an Epic Ride is for the chance to “clear my mind” and sort through my thoughts. As they say, deciding what I want to be when I grow up… I’ve learned first you must allow yourself to decompress from your normal routine and adjust to your new environment. Second, you don’t really have the chance during the day for much thinking, between watching the road, watching the scenery, watching the traffic and avoiding your fellow riders. It’s at night when you don’t have all the daily day-to-day clutter is when you can think.
But first I will talk about today’s ride so those of you who don’t want to listen to my thoughts can tune out.
Today was the best pure riding day yet! The sun was out, the sky was clear blue with white clouds. The temperature was in the low 60’s. The wind was much …

BPMS150 Bike Inspections Free Until April 8th

Cycling Space City cyclingspacecity.blogspot.com


If you are riding in the BPMS 150 ride this year, now is the time to get your bike inspected. Inspections are free until April 8th at all official MS 150 Bike Shops. After April 8th the inspections are $15. Once your bike passes inspection they will put a sticker on your stem and the sticker entitles you to free labor on any repairs you may …

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Texas Bicycling News Digest March 31st 2016

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Day 23: Sunday 03/27/16, Sanderson, TX to Comstock, TX

Wayne Andresen wa2016.blogspot.com


Today’s 81 mile ride from Sanderson, Texas, to Seminole State Park at Comstock, is a day that everyone had been warned by Bubba is a difficult day. It is known for having a headwind and many climbs. As it turned out, we were awakened during the night (in the Sanderson gym) by very loud winds. When we got up, the outside temperature was very cool, slightly below 40 degrees, and the wind was still very strong. But, fortunately, the wind …

Texbiker Upcoming Events Map – Bicycling events in Texas

Rick Ankrum www.texbiker.net

Want to see where the Texas bicycling events are located? The Texbiker event calendar plotted on the Texas map is at the link above.
3-31-2016 Upcoming Texas Bike EventsUpload from XPS8900

WALDEN RIDE: Taking the world by the tail (wind)

By ROBIN WALDEN www.whig.com


Editor’s Note: Scott and Robin Walden of Quincy began a cross-country bicycle ride Monday, March 7, as part of an Adventure Cycle group. They’re traveling from San Diego, Calif., to St. Augustine, Fla. Robin is blogging about their adventure and sharing photos of the trip.
Wednesday, March 30: Marathon, Texas, to Sanderson, Texas
55 miles
Total 1,334 miles
Those responsible for cooking dinner are also responsible for making the coffee, setting out the breakfast fare and the lunch-making station the following day. We knew, because of these added responsibilities, we would not be the first to leave camp.
Others had ventured into the town of Marathon while we were busy preparing dinner the night before, and told us how fabulous it was, especially the Gage Hotel. So, our plan was to have a leisurely morning seeing the …

Transform a Quirky Old Bicycle into a DIY Sideboard

By THC Staff texashillcountry.com


They just don’t make bicycles like they used to. With beautiful colors and a simple design, this bicycle was just waiting to be upcycled into something incredible.
By taking off the handlebars and seat, attaching a rustic room divider (which could be …

The Racing Post April 2016 Edition

theracingpost.us

Mobile art

www.dentonrc.com


TWU artworks to start with bicycle parade
The Texas Woman’s University is kicking off an annual free arts event with a bicycle parade.
The TWU School of the Arts will stage Artswalk from 7 to 9 p.m. today on the university campus.
Beforehand, visitors can meet on the northwest corner of the downtown Denton Square at 5:45 p.m. for bike decorating with SCRAP Denton, and to make simple bike repairs with the help of Querencia Commnity Bike Shop. Afterward, cyclists can join a parade led by …

Tour Dallas as an organized event is gone!

www.tourdallas.org


Okay.
Tour Dallas as an organized event is gone!
I STILL like to ride and I never got to ride in the event.
So, care to join me?
I plan to ride the 30 mile route.
Leaving City Hall (Young St @ Lamar)
at 8am on Saturday April 2, 2016
If you are willing to obey the traffic laws
You are welcome to come and ride with me
You will find our route map here

RIDE SCHEDULE – APRIL 2016

Georgetown Cyclopaths www.cyclopathsoftexas.com

Short Rides Long Rides
Day Date Time Meet at Miles Map Miles Map

Saturday 4/2/2016 9:00 AM Dale’s Essenhaus Restaurant in Walburg 34 miles WA7 43 miles WA8
Sunday 4/3/2016 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 34 miles B63

Saturday 4/9/2016 9:00 AM Catholic Church in Andice 35 miles A12 48 miles A14
Sunday 4/10/2016 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 35 miles B23

Saturday 4/16/2016 9:00 AM Berry Springs Park 31 miles B9 48 miles B6
Sunday 4/17/2016 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 34 miles B48

Saturday 4/23/2016 9:00 AM Union State Bank in Florence 29 miles F5 43 miles F3
Sunday 4/24/2016 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 36 miles B57

Escaping Winter : The Other Half of the Southern Tier

By Zandra Bainas and Steve Marsh www.crazyguyonabike.com

Photos

Day 26 – Langtry to Amistad Lake: Running on an Empty Tank, Looking for Food
Thursday March 31, 2016, 78 km (48 miles) – Total so far: 2,259 km (1,404 miles)
We spent a nice quiet night behind the community centre in Langtry, but were more than happy to dash over to the restrooms at the visitor centre when they opened in the morning. We came back to the tent for breakfast and to pack up, and then cycled back over to the visitor centre to check out the museum and garden. We ended up spending the rest of the morning learning about Judge Roy Bean, saloon keeper/sheriff/judge and self proclaimed “Law West of the Pecos” in the 1800’s. He was a legend in his own lifetime, and it sounds like he encouraged the wilder stories as well…an interesting character. The centre also has a really well labelled and described desert garden – trees, cactus, and other plants, some flowering and some not. It wasn’t at all surprising that we didn’t leave Langtry until 11:20 in the morning 🙂
It was a lovely morning but there was a light head wind for most of the day. We aren’t too far away from Langtry when we meet our first cyclist of the day, Ron Ziols, heading west on …

Pop-pop T Goes West – Then East

By David Tatman www.crazyguyonabike.com

Las Cruces to El Paso: Today we passed into new state
Thursday March 31, 2016, 79 miles (127 km) – Total so far: 1,002 miles (1,613 km)
We’re not in TEXAS! This makes the 4th state of the 8 states we’ll cross on our epic tour. Texas is the longest as we’ll have 17 riding days in the state.
Today was an unexpected longer day than scheduled. We were routed a longer way because of the leaders concerns about traffic. Having ridden through Monday morning rush hour in the rain in a construction zone through downtown Miami, FL I’ll take my chances with the traffic. Coming in the way we did, didn’t really have a chance to see El Paso per se. There are just so many miles left in these legs. On top of that the motel wasn’t were it should be and added a few extra miles to the day.
There are good advantage to doing a ride with an organized tour and good advantages for doing a ride on your own or with a select small group. With a tour you more or …

Southern Tier Biking Adventures

By Nate Beiler www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 36: El Paso, Texas to Las Cruces, New Mexico
Friday March 25, 2016, 67 miles (108 km) – Total so far: 2,276 miles (3,663 km)
After spending nearly 3 weeks pedaling our way through Texas, today we reached New Mexico! Our journey has now reached another major milestone. Something interesting about long-distance bike touring is that after a while it almost forces you to focus on the present moment. To live life one day at a time. Each day we’re concentrating on a new goal, a next destination, the next place where we’ll find food, water, a place to sleep, and so on. It’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve been taught from living this lifestyle on the road: to live in the present moment, and learn to find peace in it without worry of what the unknown future will bring. At times, however, reaching milestones like the one we reached today crossing into New Mexico, remind me to take a moment of reflection and remember the journey that has brought us here. Through each new …

An Englishman in America

By Rob Lee www.crazyguyonabike.com

Mar 31: To Rio Grande Village
Thursday March 31, 2016, 92 miles (148 km) – Total so far: 2,563 miles (4,125 km)
I’ll start by saying that was probably the easiest 90 miles I’ll ever cycle! A good day. I managed to get on the road super prompt at 7.30 AM – even before the sun had risen beyond the mountains.
From Marathon it was downhill all morning. I think the wind was even slightly in my favour… New mountains were appearing all around so there was always something to look at. In the early morning light everything looked pristine although at times the landscape did look rather lumpy and …

Tom Goes West 2016

By Thomas King www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 32 Austin to Johnson City. Another rest day tomorrow Day 33.: Hill Country
Thursday March 31, 2016, 46 miles (74 km) – Total so far: 1,459 miles (2,348 km)
The first chore on our rest day was to get to a bike shop and have them adjust my gearing. The rear derailer was slipping from the low gears and some times from the mid gears and that get annoying. The Adventure Cycling map lists bike shops in addition to lodging and site seeing highlights and listed Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop in downtown Austin. I had called the REI store as it is an REI touring bike explaining that I was traveling cross country and the work I wanted and the repair person said they were booked for 2 weeks. I walk into Mellow Johnny’s and the tech puts the bike on the stand and said yep he could fix it and would be ready in about an hour. He fixed the gearing, cleaned the bike and chain, relubed, tightened the head tube and greased my pedals. It was ready in an hour and cost $45. I couldn’t believe it was so cheap.
We visted the State Capital and on Shelby and JJ’s recommendation went to hear live music and check on the scene on Rainey Street downtown. We had a …

This weekend’s rides: Mystery Ride! Triple Bs!

by Thomas steinerranchcycling.com

Some of us (myself included) will be riding the LBJ100 on Saturday. Others can show up at Cups & Cones at the usual 7:30am and decide upon a ride… a mystery! There is no planned ride leader yet… if you have a route suggestion and/or want to …

Member of the Month for April 2016

San Antonio Wheelmen www.sawheelmen.com


Martin Rice has been an avid recreational cyclist since 1990. He joined SAW in 2006 and has contributed to your club by serving as its Ride Chair in prior years. Having lived in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi before retiring as a Career Forester from Georgia-Pacific Corporation in Arkansas, Martin has never stopped growing. In addition to cycling, his interests include gardening, which led him to become a member of the …

DB Rec 4-2-16, 7:30am, 66 miles to Aubrey

by ronshome www.planobicycle.org

Today we are riding to Aubrey, TX; and then returning through Krugerville, Cross Roads, Oak Point, and Little Elm! PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER 7:30am START TIME. Please show up at least 10 minutes before departure time to sign in and listen to the ride speech–we will leave on time!
WEATHER:
The weather forecast says it will be 46°F (wind chill 43°F) at 7:30am and 63°F at noon. Winds are predicted to be ~7-8mph from the NW with mostly sunny skies and …

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No Long Sleeves on This Bike Ride to Huffman

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No long sleeves needed on the ride to Huffman today. Finally the weather was warm enough to leave the extra clothes at home. At 1:37 when I started the ride it was 82 degrees but the real difference was the 78% humidity. The humidity was even higher earlier in the morning and I wasn’t sure I would get to ride today. The start was delayed by the Houston Bike Plan webinar I connected to at noon. The webinar went over the draft plan and was interesting though Kingwood is still not connected to Houston if all of the planned bike lanes make it into existence some day in the next 10 years.

The route is the usual “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman” one with a few small changes to offset the 2 miles I left off at the start. I guessed the ride would be 31 miles but it totaled 32.36 at the end (4:17 pm). I didn’t see any other bikers along the route probably because of the late start. The sky was overcast at the beginning but slowly improved to mostly cloudy by the end. In place of the long sleeves I donned sunscreen on my arms.

Pulling into the Huffman Chevron a little after 3 pm I took a break with a couple of trail mix bars and my water bottle. I needed the paper towels today because my arms were a little wet from sweat, a rare situation so far this year. I took this picture of my Edge 520 when I stopped.

3-31-2016 Huffman Chevron Stop

Running later I didn’t want to stay too long at the station. While I was eating I took these weather screenshots.

The wind was light and wasn’t much of a problem during the ride. It took me until 22 miles or so to get my average speed to 15.0 mph. I topped out at 15.2 mph before I got back into Kingwood and slowed by traffic and stop signs. Creekwood Middle School was getting out just as I arrived at Tree Lane and I had to wait to merge into traffic.

[iframe http://ridewithgps.com/trips/8342604/embed 48% 500px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/532075636/embed/4ed06da483dce5b6ee50267a9a1444ed8cd48705 48% 500px]

With March wrapping up I surpassed my 631 mile goal by 94 miles. Below is a recap of my March rides. (click on the image to enlarge it)

3-31-2016 March to Date

Texas Bicycling News March 30th 2016

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WALDEN RIDE: You know you’re in Texas when …

By ROBIN WALDEN www.whig.com


Editor’s Note: Scott and Robin Walden of Quincy began a cross-country bicycle ride Monday, March 7, as part of an Adventure Cycle group. They’re traveling from San Diego, Calif., to St. Augustine, Fla. Robin is blogging about their adventure and sharing photos of the trip.
Tuesday, March 29: Fort Davis, Texas to Marathon, Texas
55 miles; 1,279 total miles
1,000- foot climb
You know you’re in Texas when…
• You are coerced to learn “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” all three verses, for Gerry’s video, with Kathy at the piano and …

Hit-and-run in East Austin seriously injures bicyclist

By Andy Jechow kxan.com


AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman riding a bicycle was hit by a vehicle on Greenwood Avenue near Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Tuesday night. The driver did not stay at the scene, police say.
The bicyclist, who is in her 20s, was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge with serious injurious that are not expected to be life-threatening, according to …

Suspect in East Austin auto vs. bicyclist hit-and-run arrested

By KEYE TV keyetv.com


UPDATE: Police say they’ve arrested the suspect in Tuesday night’s East Austin auto vs. bicyclist hit-and-run.
The crash happened at around 10 p.m. near the Airport Boulevard and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard intersection.
Police say the suspect vehicle fled the scene but a witness was able to provide a partial license plate and vehicle description.
The next morning at around …

Southern Walnut Creek Trail

Pit’s Fritztown News pitsfritztownnews.wordpress.com


Last Saturday we went to Austin for a ride on the Southern Walnut Creek Hike and Bike Trail, organized by the Trailblazer Society of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. This wonderful paved [concrete] trail mainly follows the courses of Boggy Creek and Southern Walnut Creek, with trailheads at Govalle Park [where we started] and Daffan Lane. Including two spurs it extends for 8.6 miles. The actual linear distance from one endpoint to the other is, according to my GPS, 7.75 miles. What I like about rail trains and trails along creeks is that they usually don’t have steep grades, and …

Tom Goes West 2016

By Thomas King www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 30 Bastrop State Park to Austin, TX; Rest day on Day 31 visiting Austin: “Keep Austin Wierd”
Tuesday March 29, 2016, 50 miles (80 km) – Total so far: 1,413 miles (2,274 km)
Supposedly that’s the cry of long time and hippie residents about Austin’s rapid growth, tech boom and corporatization. Looking forward to checking out the sites tomorrow on our rest day. We are visiting tonight with Alison and her husband JJ and enjoyed a restuarant overlooking the hills of Austin west of downtown.
I rode from the park through the historic town of Bastrop and on a bike path using an old highway bridge over the Colorado River (the Texas one). The route took me down many small roads transitioning from rural to fringe urban stuff like a Buddhist monastary and outpost. Cloudy all day and I had about an hour of drizzle and later mist. Passed the Austin Airport and down four lane Montopolis Boulevard. Looking for a real place to eat I passed fast food and …

Southern Tier Biking Adventures

By Nate Beiler www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 35: Sierra Blanca to El Paso
Thursday March 24, 2016, 83 miles (134 km) – Total so far: 2,209 miles (3,555 km)
The winds were much, much calmer today. It felt like our bikes were effortlessly gliding along compared to the struggle we had yesterday. We met another group of cyclists along the road today, heading east, who were dealing with the winds yesterday as well. For most of the day, we rode along the Mexico/U.S. border, on roads varying from the interstate, to low-trafficked country roads, to heavy-trafficked main roads while coming into the outskirts of El Paso, our final destination of the day. Here in El Paso, we’re now camping at an RV Park for the night, just outside of the city. …

Team Meeting April 7th

Texas A&M Cycling Team amct.tamu.edu

The next team meeting will be Thursday, April 7th, at 8 PM in REC 255. On the agenda for this meeting is the planning for the final two races of road season and officer elections for the 2016-2017 school year. Everyone is invited! It is never too late to join the team; if you want to learn more about Texas A&M Cycling, come to this meeting and let us know!

Central Texas BMX awaits national series event

by Sean Shapiro www.statesman.com


There is palpable excitement in Cash Matthews’ voice as he discusses this weekend’s USA BMX National Series that will visit Central Texas.
“This is going to be the biggest BMX event in the history of the state,” Matthews said. “Dude, this sport has grown so much. I’m excited to watch all the racing this weekend.”
Matthews, who has lived in Austin for 22 years and is a member of the USA BMX Hall of Fame, has watched his …

An Englishman in America

By Rob Lee www.crazyguyonabike.com

Mar 30: Rest Day Marathon
Wednesday March 30, 2016
Despite my rather dusty tent I slept well and rose around 8 AM. One place in town was open for breakfast, the Oasis Cafe. Of course it was packed, especially as all the Adventure Cycling group were already there. Fortunately there was still a space at “the table squeezed into the corner where nobody ever wants to sit right under the TV.” Breakfast was OK although I was a bit bemused by the dry toast with no jam or butter available (I assume this isn’t the famed “Texas Toast!”).
Back at the campsite I now had my pick of the whole tent area so moved to a more suitable and significantly less dusty spot! My tent, sleeping bag etc needed a clean but fortunately most of the dust wiped away easily.
There is a shaded area here with a sink and worktop. Ideal for bike cleaning! So Rory got some attention for a couple of hours. I’m wondering how many more miles I’ll get out of these tyres. The one I swapped from the rear to the front is fairly worn down. To get hold of another set of Marathon Plus I’ll probably have to order them ahead from …

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