Texas Bicycling News – October 5, 2023

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Bike WF Hosting Biking Candidate Forum at Art Walk Finale

by: Markeshia Jackson | www.texomashomepage.com

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)—The November Election is just over a month away and there are several opportunities to meet your candidates before you cast your vote.

One of those is happening Thursday during this season’s last art walk. “Bike Wichita Falls” is hosting a unique approach to a traditional candidate forum. They’re hosting “Rhe Race” a unique bike challenge for the candidates. Organizers say it’s not just another town hall.

It allows the candidates to hop on some bikes and have some friendly competition all while meeting their constituents.

“We’ll have 8 of the 11 candidates …

Harker Heights PD to host Blue Santa Fundraiser on Thursday at Raising Canes

kdhnews.com

The Harker Heights Police Department Community Services Division is raising funds for Blue Santa Thursday at Raising Canes from 4 to 10 p.m.

The department asks that if customers make a purchase during the fundraiser, please mention Blue Santa so that 15% of the proceeds will go toward the program.

In a Facebook post announcing the event, the department said the Blue Santa is the department’s way of giving back to the community.

Every December before the holiday break, bicycles are donated to children enrolled in the Killeen Independent School District’s Homeless Awareness Response Program (HARP).

Year round, new bicycles are donated by citizens and businesses in Harker Heights. Approximately 50 bicycles are donated each year, according to the post.

The Community Services Division is collecting new children’s bicycles for our Blue Santa program from now until December 10th.

Cruise Through the Deep South

By Peter Dague | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Prologue: Headed to Texas: Yes, We’re Driving to Texas

Sunday September 10, 2023 Tonight Team Dague is chilling out in Mt Pleasant, Texas. Tomorrow we’re on our way to this year’s tour start point, Navasota Texas. We’ll be following the ACA Southern Tier route all the way over to St Augustine. Beth will again be serving as the sag driver and team captain, offering me excellent support all along the route (except if there’s a good quilt shop in the area, in which case I’m on my own.)

This will be my first tour on the new Trek Domane+ ebike. I’m still trying to get over apologizing for it, but it is nice to have that low-level pedal assistance to stretch out my days a little. After all, I’m not a kid anymore! …

Day 1: Navasota TX to Coldspring TX: Some Hills, Some Heat

Tuesday September 12, 2023, 43 miles (69 km) – Total so far: 43 miles (69 km) The tour rolled out of Navasota ubder partly cloudy skies with a slight tailwind and the promise of a 96 degree day. I was on my own today as Beth went to visit the Bush Presidential LIbrary in College Station. I rode out of town on TX 90, with wide shoulders and lots of long, gradual hills.

I finally was able to reach quiet country roads in Anderson. Not much left of this town, but they did have a beautiful Victorian Courthouse, and a restored train station. I did talk to a couple who are doing a ground up restoration of a nice brick building next to the courthouse, but otherwise this seems to be a town that time left behind, and no one cared.

Next stop at 20 miles out was Richards, in about the same shape as Anderson. They did have a cute little restaurant inside a convenience store with sit down service. From the outside, the place looks abandoned and out of business, but …

Day 2: Coldspring TX to Lumberton TX: A Trip Through the Forest

Wednesday September 13, 2023, 61 miles (98 km) – Total so far: 104 miles (167 km) I leave Beth to quilt for awhile, and I head out to breakfast at Subway. As I leave Coldspring, I’m struck that although the town somehow looks like Texas, there just aren’t any interesting buildings. Sort of an architectural wasteland.

Thurder was all around early in the afternoon. At one point, Beth saw lightning and called me into the team car for a break. The storm passed without any real rain, and I was able to head back out on the road to finish my day. …

Day 3: Lumberton TX to DeRidder LA: Rainy Day Washout

Thursday September 14, 2023 Forecast of thunderstorms and 2 inches of rain cancel today’s ride. We instead just drive to our next overnight in DeRidder Louisiana. Tomorrow will be a better day, heading to Mamou LA.

Bicyclist hit by car left with serious injuries, hopes for more bike inclusivity in Lubbock

by: Kamryn Mendoza | www.everythinglubbock.com

LUBBOCK, Texas — 26-year-old Da’Johnnie Sanders was on his normal commute Wednesday morning near 4th and Quaker when he was hit by a car from behind on his bike. Sanders said he was left with a broken knee and wrist.

“I was making sure the roads were clear. Letting cars by,” Sanders said. “I make sure I constantly check my back once and the road was clear until a car came out of nowhere.” …

Longview man in jail after police say he struck, killed bicyclist while intoxicated

By KLTV Digital Media Staff | www.kltv.com

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – A man is in the Gregg County Jail after police say he struck a bicyclist and fled the scene.

Sergio Garcia-Retana, 28, of Longview, is accused of driving while intoxicated and colliding with a bicyclist, according to Longview Police PIO Brandon Thornton. According to the police report, Garcia-Retana was driving a 2017 silver Chevy Silverado westbound in the 2300 block of E. Marshall Ave. on Sunday at around 1:20 a.m. A woman on a bicycle was riding in the same direction, ahead of him. Thornton said that he approached her from behind and struck her, throwing her from the bike into the grassy median. She did not survive the collision. …

Texas Bicycling News – October 4, 2023

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$300K in enhanced bike facilities, bus stops planned in northwest, east Austin

by: Kelsey Thompson | www.kxan.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Construction on new transit facilities and cycling infrastructure is underway off Lakeline Boulevard and Loyola Lane in northwest and east Austin.

The projects are being done in collaboration between the City of Austin and CapMetro. Both projects are designed to improve transit access for those walking, biking and catching a bus in the area, city officials said in an Austin Mobility newsletter Monday. …

Valley Off-Road Bicycling Association donates training course to Harlingen

By Fernando Del Valle | myrgv.com

HARLINGEN — The area’s cyclists are gearing up to fine-tune their skills as city officials work with a group of riders to develop Harlingen’s trail systems into a tourist attraction.

As part of a series of projects, members of the Valley Off-Road Bicycling Association, or VORBA, are donating a $150,000 pump track to the city, planning to build the area’s first asphalt course at Arroyo Park, the park standing at the head of the city’s Arroyo Hike and Bike Trail and its 10-mile mountain biking course.

Now, the group’s working with city officials “to market Harlingen as a bicycling destination,” David Hernandez, the group’s founder and president, said.

“We’re working to expand the trail,” Javier Mendez, the city’s parks director, said. “We’ve …

I thought I knew all the coolest parks near Austin, but I recently discovered an amazing hidden gem with places to swim, bike, and climb

Jill Robbins | www.insider.com

I grew up exploring the outdoor spaces around San Antonio and Austin, so I thought I knew all the cool spots in South Central Texas.

But my family and I recently discovered Milton Reimers Ranch Park in Travis County, near Austin. And it’s a true hidden gem loaded with great spots to hike, bike, and swim. It’s about a 90-minute drive from my home just outside of San Antonio and a shorter drive if you’re coming from Austin.

Above all, I love how Reimers Ranch helps me feel like I’ve truly escaped to somewhere special. …

https://twitter.com/mellowjohnnys/status/1709669893702885804

Bill Wiedlein Memorial State Championship Road Races • Sep 24 2023 • Fort Carvazos, TX

www.road-results.com

Categories » Men ALL CAT 1/2/3 » Men ALL CAT 3/4/5 » Men ALL 40-49 CAT 1/2/3/4 » Men ALL 50-59 CAT 1/2/3/4 » Men ALL 60-69 CAT Open » Men ALL 70+ CAT Open » Men JUNIOR 13-14 CAT Open » Men JUNIOR 15-16 CAT Open » Men JUNIOR 17-18 CAT Open » Men JUNIOR 9-12 CAT Open » Men MASTER 35+ CAT 4/5 » Women ALL CAT Open » Women ALL 35-44 CAT Open » Women ALL 45-54 CAT Open » Women ALL 55+ CAT Open » Women JUNIOR 13-14 CAT Open » Women JUNIOR 15-16 CAT Open » Women JUNIOR 17-18 CAT Open » Women JUNIOR 9-12 CAT Open

Video: Amarillo firefighters collaborate with 24 Hours in the Canyon for breast cancer awareness fundraiser

by Matthew Watkins | abc7amarillo.com

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the non-profit cycling event 24 Hours in the Canyon is once again partnering with local firefighters to raise money to help women in the Texas Panhandle.

Beginning Thursday, the Amarillo Fire Department and Amarillo Professional Firefighters Local 542 will be selling pink shirts for $10 throughout the month.

They’re on sale at 24coffee.org but you can also buy them in person at: …

Police investigating serious crash between vehicle and bicyclist

By Rusty Surette | www.kbtx.com

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Eastbound George Bush Drive in College Station was closed Wednesday afternoon at Fairview Avenue near the A&M campus due to a vehicle vs. bicycle crash.

A serious injury has been reported by police.

No other details are immediately available.

Bicyclist injured in early morning crash near 4th and Quaker

By Chelsea Collinsworth | www.fox34.com

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A bicyclist was taken to the hospital early Wednesday morning after they were struck by a vehicle in Northwest Lubbock.

Just before 6 a.m., officers responded to a crash involving a car and a bicycle.

Police say the bicyclist was taken to UMC for moderate injuries.

Emergency crews cleared the scene around 6:30 a.m.

Video: Community of Burkburnett thrilled for Boomtown Blowout

By Brayel Brown | www.newschannel6now.com

BURKBURNETT, Texas (KAUZ) – Burkburnett’s Boomtown Blowout will kick off on October 7.

Organizers for the 3rd annual ride shared that this gives financial support to young people who hope to own their own business one day.

The bike ride for a great cause raises money for scholarships, at the first flush of morning hundreds of bikers will rush through the city on their course of choice.

”Another opportunity for cyclists to join a great ride.” President of Fallstown Ron Hammons shared.

The streets of Burkburnett will soon be rushing with cyclists with different skill levels.

”What we’re really super thankful for is that people get to see a piece of Burkburnett even if it just for one day. Like we have as our city motto, ‘You’re Home Now’, this is a place where you coming into our home, and we want to invite you and welcome you into …

A few refreshing showers and a nice down pour Montgomery County, Texas

Chris Hall | strava.com

Gambling With The Rain And Lost, The Sky Was Against Me

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I didn’t bike yesterday (Tuesday) due to rain. I don’t like to get wet. Today’s bike ride looked like the rain might keep me at home but I decided to take a chance after the streets dried some from rain during the night. I pulled away on my Cervelo Caledonia bike at 10:51 AM with cloudy skies. It didn’t take long to hear thunder and as I rode on Tinechester Drive in Sherwood Trails Village light rain started. I stayed with the ride plan thinking the rain would stop after riding into North Woodland Hills Village and to the east. The rain stayed about the same until I got to Kings Forest where the streets were wet but no rain. Emboldened by this I kept riding to Towne Center. Dry streets and no rain encouraged me to bike south to Kingwood Greens. At Kingwood Greens and W. Lake Houston Parkway I made the choice to ride south over the river. Over the river there was no turning back until the other side. The sky looked wet and as I rode to the traffic light at Kings River Drive light rain was there waiting for me. A short ride to the left on Kings River Drive I saw rain in the puddle at the curb and turned back to head north over the river. On the bridge mist fell but once I was at Kings Harbor that stopped. Biking back home the roads were mostly dry until Woodbridge Drive when light rain returned to the finish at 12:18 PM. Rain is in the forecast tomorrow too.

Texas Bicycling News – October 3, 2023

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Woodlands begins development on huge park that could connect 40-mile trail from Spring to Tomball

Claire Partain | www.houstonchronicle.com

The Woodlands township has approved the first stages of the upcoming South Gosling Park in Creekside Park.

The township’s board of directors voted Sept. 27 to start the engineering process for the 208-acre park, which will become The Woodlands’ largest once completed.

The board allocated $308,220 in funding and $30,000 in materials testing from the Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Reserve for the initial stage of the project.

“This is a tremendous opportunity,” board member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs said. “If you look at the needs assessment, the community is hungry for more amenities when it comes to all sorts of outdoor activities.” …

… The park will also potentially connect to the Spring Creek Greenway. In Oct. 2022, the township approved a nonbinding letter of intent for $5 million with Harris County to connect the Spring Creek Greenway to Gosling Road.

Harris County has committed funding for 6 miles in paved asphalt trails in The Woodlands from the Ann K Snyder Trailhead to Gosling Road.

Once completed by Harris County, the 40-mile trail will stretch from the Spring Creek Park in Tomball to the Cypresswood Golf Club in Spring and be one of the longest trail systems on a greenway in the United States, Nunes said. …

Wisconsin driver sentenced in Galveston cyclist’s death

By B. SCOTT McLENDON | www.galvnews.com

A bicycle tire lies on grass along the roadside as a Galveston Police officer investigates the scene where the driver of a compact SUV collided with a cyclist on FM 3005 near the intersection of Antigua Drive west of Jamaica Beach on Sept. 19, 2020. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo

A visiting judge Friday sentenced a Wisconsin man to 10 years of probation and 120 days in jail after the defendant pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection to the accident that killed an island cyclist in 2020.

Elijah Hutchison, 22, began his 120-day sentence Saturday after pleading guilty to charges that he crashed his car into Brian Huynh, 30, on Sept. 19, 2020, killing the man who was working as a physical therapist for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Hutchison, who lives in Wisconsin, is set to serve a …

Fort Bend family grieves after daughter killed crossing street, driver not charged

By Sherman Desselle | www.fox26houston.com

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – A Fort Bend County family is grieving the death of their teenage daughter, who was killed crossing the street with her friends last November. The driver who hit her was not charged.

John Williams recalls the tragic death of his 13-year-old daughter, Haven Williams, on Nov. 14, 2022. She and two of her friends were headed home from a bike ride when they attempted to walk across the intersection of Hawks Prairie and Spring Green Boulevards.

"She was using the crosswalk button. It wasn’t working. Instead of waiting, …