Texas Bicycling News Digest March 19th 2016

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Traffic may be affected by spring break, Tour de Houston this weekend

By Katherine Whaley abc13.com

… Additionally, watch out for lots of bike traffic on Sunday! The Tour de Houston is a bike ride for both competitive and leisure riders. The ride has a staggered start — 7:30am for the 70-mile route, 8:00am for the 45-mile route and 8:30am for the 20-mile route. The ride begins and ends at Hermann Square in front of City Hall. The Houston Police Department in coordination with other security entities will manage traffic control at all intersections along the route. …

Bicyclists experience the newest portion of the Grand Parkway in New Caney

www.yourhoustonnews.com


Bicycle riders from all around the Houston area begin their trek on the Grand Parkway ride Saturday, March 19, 2016. Bikers had the chance to ride the newest portion of the Grand Parkway in New Caney before it is open to motorists. The ride was hosted through a unique partnership between the …

1,000 bikers ride on yet-unopened Grand Parkway

By Emily Foxhall www.houstonchronicle.com

Morris Matthis, pedaling steadily, could hardly believe the scene around him.
Cyclists whizzed up and down a roadway where no cars crowded the lanes — and, for that matter, where drivers hadn’t yet been permitted to maneuver at all.
More than 1,000 people, born by two-spoked wheels and the power of their own legs, scaled on-ramps, passed under toll scanners, and flew by traffic signs on a 12.5-mile segment of the much-awaited Grand Parkway, a new passageway being constructed bit by bit to circle the greater Houston area, carving through suburban areas beyond the 610 Loop and Beltway 8.
The participants traversed what roadway officials have dubbed “segment G,” which stretches from Interstate 45 on the west to Highway 59 on the east. It is expected to be open by the end of this month to connect with two other segments of the Grand Parkway, from U.S. 290 to Interstate 45, that already opened last month.
“It’s been beyond my wildest expectations,” Matthis said, out of …

Ride the Grand Parkway 03-19-2016

James Webster


One time only ride the Grand Parkway. Conditiond windy, overcast and with wind chill mid 50’s F for tempature

Escaping Winter : The Other Half of the Southern Tier

By Zandra Bainas and Steve Marsh www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 18 – Las Cruces to El Paso: Halfway Through – OK Around – the City
Saturday March 12, 2016, 85 km (53 miles) – Total so far: 1,505 km (935 miles)
We are up after a good nights’ sleep at John’s and Donetta’s place. They have a little grey and white Shi-tzu , called Trixie, who is very quiet but quite friendly. John was a teacher in San Diego before he retired, and he spent his summers biking between the midwest and coast for over 30 years. He provides a quiet stop in the middle of Las Cruces, just what we needed in order to start us on our way to Texas today. John is an excellent second Warmshowers stop for us.
We have a downhill run back to the Adventure Cycling route, with a brief stop at an IHOP along the way. The stop might have been longer but their wifi is not working, so we push along after eating. We expect today to have a west wind – so a cross wind to start and then as we take a turnoff to go through the Anthony Gap – a tail wind and then a tail/cross wind around El Paso.
The wind starts off lightly enough, but soon turns into a headwind as we head south. We really start to appreciate the sight of an orchard or a …

Day 19 – El Paso to Plain View Lakes: Slow Getting Out of Town
Sunday March 13, 2016, 84 km (52 miles) – Total so far: 1,589 km (987 miles)
The trouble with staying in a motel is that the room stays dark into the morning, making it a lot harder to wake up! We slowly pack up and leave, deciding to have breakfast along our way. We find our best breakfast and salsa yet at the Chihuahua Cafe, maybe three blocks from the hotel.Note that this is two and a half blocks further than we had the energy to go last night, so the overnight rest has already done us some good.
We get back onto the Southern Tier route at TransMountain Drive, which turns into the Purple Heart #375 highway which loops around the huge plot of land for military base. As we merge onto the 375 Loop, we go through a military reservation. It is huge, dry, and sandy with green bushes but no flowers. There must be a shooting range to the north/left as we can hear a lot of noise, even with a tailwind whipping the sound away from us.
We finish with the 375 Loop and get onto the frontage road called Joe Battle. It runs in one direction on one side of the Loop highway, and in the other direction on the other side. It’s not really a frontage road, but is more of a slower 2 to 3 lane version of the Loop highway with shopping or residential access. We cross under the Loop to stop at Lowes and pick up a new fuel to try which will hopefully be less sooty. Steve suggests that …

2nd stage on AC

By ron ziols www.crazyguyonabike.com

Comstock, TX: Saturday and NCAA
Friday March 18, 2016, 35 miles (56 km) – Total so far: 348 miles (560 km)
3rd of 4 easy days! What’s the hurry when life is a journey and the journey itself is home. Headwinds of 13-15 mph, chilly morning and day, maybe 60. I climbed into Comstock. I’m always refreshed meeting other cyclists. Today 3 going east. Well tanned and great smiles. Father, daughter and add on. Where is my companion?

Shortened Southern Tier

By Stephen Paige www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 32 – El Paso, TX to Hatch, NM
Saturday March 19, 2016, 70 miles (113 km) – Total so far: 1,898 miles (3,054 km)
Well, saved the best for last! Today was about as perfect a day as I can hope for riding. The temperature was cool (mid-60s), there were very few hills, there wasn’t much of any wind (and when there was it was a tail wind), and it was nice scenery through New Mexico!
Stayed at a hotel on the west side of El Paso, but didn’t want to take a chance with busy traffic, so loaded up the bikes in the car and drove over to the start of the bike trail along the Rio Grande, which was a short for mile drive. Had a 1/4 Mike stretch of dirt track, but came upon a wide, paved bike trail that ran along the Rio Grande (it was actually just a dry riverbed, as there wasn’t a drop of water in it). First thing I noticed was this sign….not something you want to see on your biketrail, but fortunately it was a cool morning, so no need to worry!
Did see five roadrunners down by the bike trail…one was a bit far from the brush on the side, so chased him down to make him run like his name…he definitely did!
The bike trail went along for just over eight miles and the joined on a county road to head over to New Mexico to start …

New to the Wildflower Trails

www.dailytribune.net

Wildflower Trails has just added a new event that has widespread appeal to area bicyclists, Tour De Wildflower Trail Bike Ride with 3 routes (38 miles, 15 miles and 8 miles) that include Linden, Hughes Springs and Avinger. The route covers beautiful wildflower trails on Highway 11 to 49 to 155.

Cyclists find shared joy at Steam-N-Wheels

By Jonathan Marshall www.reporternews.com


On a sunny and breezy Saturday morning at Nelson Park, a crew of bikers gathered to test themselves at the 24th annual Steam-N-Wheels bike race and fun ride.
This brave group varied in age, experience and reasons for biking.
Take Evan Goldstrohm, for example. Though he’s a member of the Steamboat Mountain Cycling Club, this just so happened to be the Abilene native’s first bike race.
The 27-year old took up biking just recently actually, deciding to make the …

Saturday Ride Schedule

Maverick Chain Gang maverickchaingang.org

March 26, 2016
Scottsville, Marshall/Leigh Rd.
Meet at: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4700 Victory Dr, Marshall, TX
– 9:00 a.m.

April 2, 2016
Pope City
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
Meet at: Cypress Valley Church, 4190 W Pinecrest Dr, Marshall, TX – 9:00
a.m.

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Texas Bicycling Event Reminders

The Grand Parkway Bike Ride – New Caney, TX

Texbiker.net Posted on by

I got up early this morning (5:40am) to get ready. Looking out the back door I could see the curtains on our patio cover moving around a lot. This meant it was windy and the temperature was 58 degrees. The sun wasn’t up yet so I couldn’t tell if the sky was overcast or what. I ate breakfast and put my bike clothes on. I dressed warm for a cool wind and temperatures: leg warmers, shorts, long sleeve jersey, short sleeve jersey, windbreaker jacket and full finger gloves. I held off on the jacket, wearing a sweat shirt to drive to the New Caney Stadium. I left home a few minutes after 7. Driving north on US59 I looked at the stadium driveway to see how the traffic was going; it was backed up. I made the u-turn at FM1485 and drove to the stadium entrance and sat in line as the traffic slowly moved into the parking lot. The lot looked full and the volunteer directed me to open spaces where the buses would normally park. It quickly filled up too.

Walking around the stadium to pickup my registration packet and t-shirt the stiff NW wind was chilling. It was a long walk from where I parked. I parked NE of the stadium and the registration was on the SW corner. As I walked from the Jeep to the registration area and back to my Jeep I took these pictures. (click on the image to enlarge it)

Unloading my bike I got ready to ride. I rode my bike back to the SW corner of the stadium to the port-a-potties for a visit before riding to the start line on the Grand Parkway west of Valley Ranch Blvd. (or Parkway depending on which sign you see). More pictures.

The ride from the stadium to the starting line was about a mile. Because I wasn’t at the start line I did not turn on my Garmin 520. I held off until the 50 mile group moved to the start line after the 75 mile group left. While I was waiting for the start I took these pictures.

I started the 520 at 8:20 but it was 3 or 4 minutes before we left the start line. The 75 mile (3 loops) group were given several minutes to spread the riders out. As I looked ahead and behind I guessed there were several thousand bikers. Once we left the start line by the time we got to the FM1314 overpass (riding over it instead of under it like I have been doing for many months) the riders were spreading out. The wind was strong. Later when I remembered to take screenshots it showed 14 mph from the NW. At home before I left, the airport reported 22 mph with 30+ mph gusts.

It was about 12.21 miles from the start line to the I-45 turnaround. Going this direction the wind was mostly at my right or right rear quarter which helped me set a good pace. Before the turnaround I built my average speed up to 15.6 mph. It near approached that again. Riding back to Valley Ranch blvd. the wind was coming at my left front quarter until the last 3 or 4 miles. This slowed me down quite a bit. After the I-45 turn I remembered to take the weather screenshots.

Not long after stopping to get the weather I took these pictures. (click on the image to enlarge it)

I stopped at the Valley Ranch Blvd. turnaround to eat a couple of granola bars and rink some water before starting on the second and last loop back to I-45. I wasn’t the only person there.

The man bent over in the second picture had taken off his jacket before leaving on his his next loop. As he left I wished him battling the wind. He said it would be tough for a 77 year old. The left picture looks north while the other looks south.

After eating and drinking I started out again. I didn’t stop or take any pictures but concentrated on pedaling. The wind was still hard and it hadn’t warmed up any. I did notice my jacket was damp at the end of the sleeves and lower back. I was sweating even though I didn’t feel it. I completed the last loop and rode back to the stadium. I stopped the Garmin 520 at 12:11 as I pulled up to the Jeep. I was tired. I rode 51.62 miles not counting riding from the Jeep to the start line. I remembered to take weather screenshots at the end.

My ride observations:

  • this ride would be hard to get lost on.
  • I think I used my brakes 2 or 3 times once we started until I got back at the Jeep.
  • it will be a while before the parkway is ready to open from all the work left to be done
  • the pavement showed lots of panels that were ground down to match the surrounding panels. I thought this was strange.
  • riding without much traffic was nice. the SAG vehicles were spread out along the route. Calling the designated cell phone number would ring one to you.
  • I didn’t see many people SAG.
  • How many people rode here rather than other rides in the area?

Will the ride appear again when the next section of the Grand Parkway east of US59 nears completion in 2 to 3 years?

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Texas Bicycling News Digest March 18th 2016

Texbiker.net Posted on by

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDE4HXzqPUc/

2016 Texas Team Preview : Super Squadra

texasbikeracing.com


We try to not play favorites, but we’ve gotta admit Super Squadra pb Eliel is one of our favorite teams in Texas. They’re fast. They’re good dudes. They send us content. They have a development squad (Super Squadra Jets) and they put on beginner race clinics. Plus the TBR logo looked really great on their butts all last year and will look just as good on a pocket this year.
Super Squadra pb Eliel Cycling
Official Roster: …

Short MTB mashup video. Fails and Fun!

by Seths Pool www.bikemojo.com

Ive had a lot of free time on my hands at work lately so i went through some of my old footage and threw together a bunch of short clips. enjoy!

1 injured after cyclist hit by vehicle

lubbockonline.com

1 injured after cyclist hit by vehicle
One person suffered moderate injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
The person was on a bicycle when …

2nd stage on AC

By ron ziols www.crazyguyonabike.com

Leaving Austin: Johnson City
Friday March 11, 2016, 50 miles (80 km) – Total so far: 50 miles (80 km)
Soggy beginning and it felt good! I had to leave Austin as the President was coming and SXSW began. I will miss that city. Tucson next city I’d like to visit. Apparently being off my bike for a month had little effect as I managed 50 miles of hill country. A flash flood? caught both feet- drenched! It would be a couple hours before a hot shower in Johnson City.

Fredericksburg TX: Getting better
Saturday March 12, 2016, 41 miles (66 km) – Total so far: 91 miles (146 km)
Chill morning and no place for breakfast. With gas station coffee I climbed 41 miles up to Fredericksburg. A lot of cyclist coming from. Only 900 feet elevation gain since Austin but I climbed to almost 1850 ft today. No water stops all day but many cow troughs. I’m wondering how to strap …

Ingram, TX: Oh yes, the wind
Sunday March 13, 2016, 38 miles (61 km) – Total so far: 129 miles (208 km)
Ah, after a wind in the face day cycling the beautiful pedernales valley, I find myself camping on the shore of the Guadalupe river after 38 miles. A lot of cattle crossings on the road, some must have jumped. I must find a way to combat the wicked winds of Texas. From 11 to 3 they can be fierce.

Vanderpool, TX: Camping with wine
Monday March 14, 2016, 47 miles (76 km) – Total so far: 176 miles (283 km)
After taking yesterday off for maintenance, I set out for Vanderpool, some 47 miles away. Beautiful riding despite record setting temperature- 90. Spring break caused some anxiety- everything booked. Serendipity! I stopped to sample a winery and invited to …

Uvadle, TX: Gifts and gratitude
Tuesday March 15, 2016, 57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 233 miles (375 km)
Wow! I left AC route from Vanderpool, to go south. I stopped in Utopia, TX for rest. A friendly exchange with ‘Sammy’ in parking lot. 10 miles later he stops me, ‘what do you need ‘. 10 miles later I receive power bars and juices and hotel stay at destination– Uvanle, Tx, my …

Bracketville, TX: Camping at the Joneses
Wednesday March 16, 2016, 45 miles (72 km) – Total so far: 278 miles (447 km)
I had a very leisurely morning at the Hampton Inn. I shared my story with all the staff. So emotional! Love to share the good news of serendipity. I met ‘Spike ‘ before cycling 42 miles to Bracketville in the Oasis restaurant. 6 hours later he and wife ‘Casey’ find me before …

Del Rio, TX: Gypsy rally
Thursday March 17, 2016, 35 miles (56 km) – Total so far: 313 miles (504 km)
Easy-peasy sort of day. The threat of rain only spit on …

An Englishman in America

By Rob Lee www.crazyguyonabike.com

Mar 18: To Austin
Friday March 18, 2016, 73 miles (117 km) – Total so far: 1,940 miles (3,122 km)
I had another leisurely morning – it’s becoming a dangerous habit at the moment! Nevertheless I was cycling away from the State Park at 8 AM, into Bastrop for some breakfast. This was only 3 miles but involved a nice fast downhill – a good way to start the day!
I tried a place called Molly’s on …

The tale of a cyclist – Part 2

www.wheelbrothers.com

http://www.wheelbrothers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img3-f.jpg
Richard Cavin, is a technology professional who lives and works in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of South Texas and is also an avid cyclist. He started cycling at the age of 57 and has ridden his bicycles over 35,000 miles in his four and a half years of cycling.
Previously I published a short commentary on some of the reasons I took up cycling and the need to be safe on the roads.
This time I’d like to discuss one of my “bucket list” rides I was able to complete in July 2015.
First, a little background:
A few years ago I rode in my first Jalapeno 100 bike ride that occurs every February in Harlingen, TX. During the event I met a fellow cyclist who was from Iowa. He was visiting some Winter Texan friends and uses the opportunity of warm weather every year to travel to …

Shawn Day hit & run’d by SUV on Manchaca 3/15/16

by owlman bicycleaustin.info

A driver in South Austin ran into a cyclist and took off, leaving the man bloody and broken on the side of the road.
Shawn Day was taken to a hospital and treated for broken bones and given several stitches. He’s hoping his story convinces the driver to come forward.
[http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-ne … 6923-story](http://www.fox7austin.com/news/local-ne … 6923-story) …

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

https://twitter.com/GWCChuck/status/710964394709090304

https://twitter.com/GWCChuck/status/710875868332216320

https://twitter.com/FtWMntBikers/status/710827822021914624

Texas Bicycling Event Reminders

Not Alone On Today’s Bike Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

I wasn’t the only biker out today along the “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman” route. I left later than normal (1:44) after helping my wife in her craft room. Earlier today I wasn’t sure if I would bike today with the weather forecast showing a chance of rain but it didn’t happen. When I left on the ride the sky was mostly cloudy and the temperature was 79 degrees. The wind was light from the east.

Riding in Kingwood Greens I stopped at these beautiful azaleas. The golf course is in the background. (click on the image to enlarge it)

The first biker was riding east over Lake Houston on FM1960 when I rode past him as I called out “on your left”. He was waving a safari hat above his hear as he ran his hand over his hair. After I turned south onto Fairlake Drive I saw 3 bikers as I rode through the big bend by the marina. They were going the opposite direction from me. The first rider popped around the corner faster than I could get my hand off the bars to wave or call out hi. The next two I waved at and said hello since I was through the corner enough to see them in advance.

The Huffman Chevron station was a good place to take a break. I stopped to drink some Powerade, eat a trail mix bar, granola bar and miniature cinnamon rolls. I didn’t ride the extra 2 miles before leaving Kingwood putting my mileage a little lower. A screenshot of my Edge 520.

3-18-2016 Bike Ride Huffman Chevron

Sitting in the sun while I ate and rested I didn’t get too hot. The time and temperature sign across FM1960 showed 79 to 80 degrees. My phone screen shots of the weather.

From the Chevron I rode west to get back home. To try to ride 31+ miles I took some side streets off of Atascocita Shores Drive after I turned north from FM1960. I got home at 4:23. The temperature was 85 degrees at home. I wore my summer wardrobe: shorts and short sleeve jersey. tomorrow for the Grand Parkway Ride I think I will need to bundle up with the high in the upper 50’s during the morning until noon when I will ride. There is a chance of rain but it falls off around 2AM.

March miles stand at 423 towards my 631 mile goal.

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Below is a comparison of the last 4 rides on today’s route.

3-18-2016 Ride Comparison Today's Route