Lots of blue sky but about 10 degrees short of where my preferred riding temperature begins as I rode the “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman Extended” route. I added the “extended” to the route name to show that I added a loop north of FM1960 after I left the Huffman Chevron. I rode this route before but not this year. The mileage totaled 32.81 and compensated leaving off the couple of miles I typically add at the beginning of this route. I left home at 1:20 which is a little later than I wanted because I hoped the temperature would warm up a few more degrees. My home weather station showed 70 degrees but the Wunderground map showed 68 or so where I was headed. Thankfully the wind has died down from earlier in the week to 4 to 7 mph with lots of calm places. With the cooler temperature I dressed warm: shorts, long and short sleeve jerseys with a windbreaker jacket. I was comfortable except when I was in the shade for extended times.
Apparently other bikers liked the weather too. I saw 8 to 10 bikers starting on Fairlake Drive just before the Old Atascocita Road intersection. After that I saw them along the route. As I riding through Walden, Atascocita, Fairlake Drive to FM2100 I saw route marker signs for the Clay Walker Band Against MS. For some reason I missed adding this ride to the Texbiker event calendar. I fixed that. I may do this ride since it starts about 15 miles from my house.
Riding north on FM2100 I pulled into the Huffman Chevron for a quick break to eat a couple of trail mix bars and refill my water bottle. The Edge 520 screen.
The weather while I was there. The sign company across FM1960 showed 68 degrees while I was at the Chevron Station. I was glad I sat in the sun.
I was ready to leave and rode north on FM2100 to the traffic light to turn left onto Smith Road. This took me back to FM1960 as the “extended” portion of the route. At the intersection of E. Lake Houston Parkway I saw the ground ahead cleared to extend Smith Road to the west. Also the ground west of E. Lake Houston Parkway was cleared, maybe to add 2 more lanes going south?
Without the wind trying to push me around I made good time to Kingwood and home arriving there at 4 pm. No phone disconnect messages on the Edge 520 during today’s ride.
March miles are now up to 573 toward my 631 mile goal.
On April 2, the Fort Bend Education Foundation will host its 13th annual bike ride, the Education Expedition.
Riders take off at 7:30 a.m. from Ken Hall Stadium, located at Hightower High School in Missouri City, to wind through quiet streets and into the countryside before looping back home. There are three routes to choose from, ranging from 11 to 79 miles.
Rest stops are themed and staffed by students and teacher volunteers from FBISD high schools vying for the “Best Rest Stop” award. Lunch will …
Best friends since the third grade, Seguin residents Carl Verow and Alan Elkey have now set out on an adventure like no other before — to build a BMX pump track.
“It’s a lifestyle,†Verow said. “I’ve been riding on BMX bikes since I was 16, and I just can’t seem to shake it.â€
The two bike enthusiasts plan to build a track at Park West near the basketball court was approved by the Seguin Parks and Recreation Advisory Board after seeing a presentation from Verow and Elkey during a …
Samantha Schade, a 2014 graduate of Holliday High School was selected among hundreds of students at the University of Texas at Austin to participate in the summer of 2017 with the Texas 4000 participants.
Texas 4000 was founded in 2004 by a UT student who was a cancer survivor. This student-founded organization has grown into a non-profit organization, and the longest annual charity bicycle ride in the world. Ms. Schade competed with other UT students for this opportunity. Her application was accepted at which time she was asked to participate in a group interview and an individual interview. While in high school, Samantha’s mother Debra …
It was meant to be a one-time experience. However, the first Bike Ride Across Texas from El Paso to Texarkana proved to be an even more intense, real, and valuable learning laboratory than initially hoped for. The sense of accomplishment that came from successfully reaching each day’s destination and the final triumph of reaching the finish line in Texarkana proved to be an addictive feeling that wouldn’t go away. …
Today we are riding Marty’s “Dump Hill” route.
WEATHER:
The weather forecast says it will be 50°F (real feel 46°F) at 8am and 63°F at 11am. Winds are predicted to be ~10mph from the SSE.
SPRINT ZONES:
At mile 28.7, after we turn left onto Miles Rd, this sprint zone is about 1 mile long and traverses “Dump Hill”. We regroup on the right side of the road well before Castle Dr to allow cars to pass.
(Optional) At mile 38.6, after we turn left onto the frontage road for PGBT, we regroup 4 miles later at the Shell station after we turn left onto Renner.
RIDE PARAMETERS:
We target a Garmin rolling average of 17mph to 18mph.
We may go much faster at times and exceed 30mph, depending on wind and hills.
The goal is to keep the group effort smooth and consistent during the ride.
Here is the route.
The rest stop is at mile 32.5.
This is a DROP RIDE. If we get separated at a traffic signal, or if there is a mechanical issue, we will soft pedal or stop to regroup.
Please have a sag plan in place in case you have gotten in over your head.
SAFETY:
You are responsible for …
First a brief update on our 2016 kits. Brandon has some cool design updates coming! Our next vendor will also be able to provide accessories and outerwear that conforms to the design (arm warmers, jackets, etc.). Start saving your pennies! More details will come in a month or so.
This weekend’s weather is looking good! Saturday let’s go check out some of the …
Day nineteen – Shepherd to New Waverly: Coming up short
Thursday March 24, 2016, 35 miles (56 km) – Total so far: 1,072 miles (1,725 km)
The thunder boomed last night as a fast moving cold front came through. We awoke to wet streets, chilly temps, and winds out of the NNW.
Strong winds. Like (once again) 20 plus. And, according to the map, the first 12 miles were straight into it. Since the clouds were supposed to move out quickly, and the day was forecast to rapidly warm, I lingered. If I were at home, I probably would have blown off the bike ride and watched a movie. Not really an option, so I slowly got ready to ride. It was almost eleven by the time I clipped in, but the roads were dry.
From Jump Street, it was very apparent that today, I just did not have it. If I were a starting pitcher, I would have given up five runs, not gotten out of the second inning, and left with the bases loaded. The kind of game where you feel like you don’t deserve to get your uniform washed, because you used it so little.
Just before the first town (Coldspring) a roadie came up on me and positively …
Day 28: Langtry to Sanderson
Thursday March 17, 2016, 64 miles (103 km) – Total so far: 1,881 miles (3,027 km)
Another day biking through the wide-open, desolate land of western Texas. This morning we packed up and left the community center lawn pretty quickly, and then made a few stops around town (post office and visitors center) before heading off for the day. …
Day 29: Sanderson to Marathon
Friday March 18, 2016, 57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 1,938 miles (3,119 km)
This morning after packing up, we went to a nearby store for breakfast, and were joined by a few of the cyclists we met last evening. …
Day 30: Marathon to Alpine
Saturday March 19, 2016, 34 miles (55 km) – Total so far: 1,972 miles (3,174 km)
Thirty days on the road already! Today we did things a little differently. And by a miraculous sequence of events, everything somehow turned out as planned. My dad has been wanting (since the beginning of the trip) to figure out a way to see the Big Bend National Park, which is about 100 miles south of the route we’re taking. We were told that from where we were, to the park, however, is a pretty desolate stretch, and would be hard to do by bicycle. We figured it would add about 4-5 days at a minimum to our trip in order to swing down and see the park (more time than we would like). So a few days ago we decided that when we get to Alpine, we would rent a car and drive down to the park for a night or two. Today, what was supposed to be a short, easy morning ride into Alpine, turned into a cold (31 degrees this morning in Marathon), windy, and …
Alpine, TX: Where’s Bert
Wednesday March 23, 2016, 32 miles (51 km) – Total so far: 527 miles (848 km)
It was an easy day cycling 32 miles into Alpine today. Chilly start at 43F an rising to mid 60’s with a very mild wind. I climbed to 4500 and coasted to 4000+. I cycled into ‘Bubbas peddlers’ coming from the east. For $8500 if you’re elderly a support team of 19 – for 37 people – will carry your gear and make you two meals a day. Done in 57 days, coast2coast! You decide, options always. I go off AC route again tomorrow. …
Day 24 – Evadale to Shepherd, TX. And Day 25 a Rest Day: Smells like Bananas
Thursday March 24, 2016, 68 miles (109 km) – Total so far: 1,181 miles (1,901 km)
An easy day. With the luxury of Deb being able to pick me up where I ended the day short of the town of Evadale, we stayed in Lumberton. So I rode out from Lumberton and made up the miles getting back to the route in Silsbee. From there it was 2 lane roads all day. Deb met me for a picnic lunch of leftober bbq brisket sandwiches at the crossroads of Thicket, TX. The Big Thicket National Preserve is near there and near everywhere around as it is BIG.
The wind was strong again but was neither a plus nor minus for my morning and the last 28 miles of the day it pushed me along so I rode extra miles still finishing by …
Luba: half day
Friday March 25, 2016, 65 miles (105 km) – Total so far: 1,008 miles (1,622 km)
We did not have far to ride today, so we decided to spend morning in El Paso. University of Texas, located right next to our hotel, is very picturesque. The downtown El Paso is beautiful too. I did not realize before how big El Paso was. After lunch in a nondescript Mexican place started out of the city. At first we admired how much easier it was riding today than yesterday when entering the city. But then we hit the …
A boutique cycling studio with a cult following is expanding its reach in North Texas. Zyn22 will open locations three and four in Southlake, at the intersection of Southlake Boulevard and Kimball Avenue, and Dallas’ Turtle Creek Village.
Currently there are Zyn22 studios in central Fort Worth and at the Shops at Park Lane in Dallas. Blending the techniques of indoor cycling with the philosophy of yoga and the artistry of dance, Zyn22 gives students a whole-body workout that …
Cycling and Randonneuring- What is That?
So first a little background. So what is RUSA and what is a Rando?
What is RUSA?
Randonneurs USA (RUSA) is a national organization whose goals are to promote randonneuring in the US and provide service to American randonneurs and randonneuses. Established in 1998, RUSA doesn’t actually organize any rides, but rather, coordinates the brevets of the Regional Brevet Administrators (RBAs) and clubs who do. RUSA also frequently acts as the interface between the Audax Club Parisien in France and American riders and …
March 26, 2016
Scottsville, Marshall/Leigh Rd. – 29.9 miles
Meet at: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4700 Victory Dr, Marshall, TX – 9:00 a.m.
April 2, 2016
Pope City – 32.1 miles
Meet at: North side of Walmart parking lot, 1701 SE End Blvd, Marshall, TX – 9:00 a.m.
April 9, 2016
Sabine River – out and back – 22 miles
Meet at: Cypress Valley Church, 4190 W Pinecrest Dr, Marshall, TX – 9:00 a.m.
April 16, 2016
Brad Spann – 27.3 miles
Meet at: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4700 Victory Dr, Marshall, TX – 9:00 a.m.
Day 27: Del Rio to Langtry
Wednesday March 16, 2016, 64 miles (103 km) – Total so far: 1,817 miles (2,924 km)
This morning was a little different. We had to make a run into town for breakfast and to find a propane can for the cooking stove my dad has along. Although we weren’t able to find any propane in the end, we got sent from place to place by different store managers who knew of a place that might sell it, and ended up riding about 8 miles before our day ever got started. We at least found a breakfast by the end of it. Back at the RV park, we spent another hour or so doing laundry and packing up before finally getting out on the road around noon. The ride to Langtry went well, and a few times we were able to see across the Rio Grande into Mexico. We got to Langtry just before dark, and were quickly directed to a place where “the cyclists usually camp.” That place was the town’s old community center, and so we’re now …
Marathon TX: Windy day off
Tuesday March 22, 2016, 2 miles (3 km) – Total so far: 495 miles (797 km)
With the anticipation of -headwinds of 25 mph and a weather alert, I took the day off. My bike helmet just flew off the picnic table it was sitting on!!! Nice town Marathon, very colorful and artistic. …
Mar 23: To Kerrville
Wednesday March 23, 2016, 76 miles (122 km) – Total so far: 2,103 miles (3,384 km)
I slept terribly last night. The wind kept gusting violently – and because of the slope of the site I had to pitch the tent the “wrong way” round with respect to the wind. So the tent was flexing and flapping. Secure enough, just not really restful enough for any sleep!
The Mexican restaurant directly over the road had been recommended to me by someone at the campsite. They opened at 6.30 AM for breakfast so I thought I’d perk myself up with a Mexican breakfast (I’d also been promised it was cheap!). This was a bit of a first for me. I’m also never sure about having spicy food for breakfast. Initially I incurred the wrath of …
Luba: back to the ACA route
Wednesday March 23, 2016
It was our second and, I am afraid, our last supported day. Ever nice Mary Ann brought our panniers to El Paso and we got to ride through raging wind without carrying extra weight. An uber driver told us today that such winds are a norm in El Paso at this time of a year. Luckily, the wind blew mostly at our backs. But I had to hold on to my bike with all my might when the road turned. We tried to follow an ACA route but it, as Google used to, attempted to send us on the dirt road. We decided to just stay on SR 20 all the way. In the city the traffic was horrific with no shoulder for a weary cyclist. So, we …
March 24: El Paso – Fabens TX
Thursday March 24, 2016, 32 miles (51 km) – Total so far: 941 miles (1,514 km)
Total ascent: 185 ft
Lodging: Fabens Inn Motel, 1884 N Fabens Rd, Fabens, TX 79838, 915-764-4800
It was an overcast day when I touched the start button on the Edge 520 at 12:35 at the end of the driveway. Yesterday I fought the wind while riding south and east but today I decided to ride north on the “New Caney – Roman Forest – Valley Ranch” with the wind at my back until Roman Forest Blvd. It was enjoyable but I knew I would pay the price when I made the u-turn under US59 and rode south into the brutal wind. I had to stop for a cement truck before I could complete the u-turn losing the momentum I had. Standing on the pedals I moved to the right shoulder and struggled into the wind. Before leaving home I checked the airport weather to see the wind was from the south at 16 mph gusting to 25 mph. It was every bit of that. My previous 18 to 19 mph speed dropped to 12 to 13 mph. Approaching the traffic signals at FM1485 I tried to time my arrival to the light change and I did. What momentum I had carried me through the intersection. Shielded for a 1/4 mile or so by the overpass wall on my left my effort eased up every so little.
Slowly I made my way to Valley Ranch Blvd where I was perpendicular to the wind until the rounded the New Caney ISD stadium parking lot. This is where I was last Saturday for the Grand Parkway Bike Ride. Then the road turned back into the wind. Riding under the Grand Parkway my goal was to reach the Stripes station at FM1314 to take a rest break to prepare for the final 11 miles to home. I got there a few minutes after 2 PM. I didn’t want to stay too long or I would get caught in the Briar Tree school traffic. A snapshot of the 520 when I got to Stripes followed by the weather.
After eating a trailmix bar and a granola bar I refilled my water bottle and left Stripes. It was almost 2:30 so I hurried as best as I could into the wind to get past the Briar Tree schools. The school buses had already reached the elementary school but were sitting waiting for the children as I rode by. Made it! The next challenge (other than the wind) was the Kings Manor school but they should be gone by the time I got there. All that was left when I got to Kings Manor was one last bus loading at the curb. I rode by without any issues. I wove my way through Kingwood and got home at 3:24. The airport wind had let up some to 14 mph and 21 mph gusts but I couldn’t tell.The temperature was a few degrees warmer than yesterday at 76 at the end of the ride. I wore shorts, short sleeve and long sleeve jerseys and was comfortable warmth wise.
I am making progress reaching my March goal of 631 miles. With today’s ride I am up to 540 miles, 91 miles to go.
Thursday’s weather: chance of rain until 11am, high of 68 degrees. Biking will depend on the weather.
