Optimizing the Ride: Modified Streets, Extended Distance on Familiar Route

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Today’s bike ride was the third time on the Community Drive – Valley Ranch – Gene Campbell Blvd. route this year. I altered some streets from the previous rides. The changes included the first mile and a half, using Woodridge Parkway to enter Woodridge Forest, and riding to Eagle Drive rather than taking the east bound frontage road along TX 99 and circling back to the west bound frontage road to return to US59. These changes lengthened the ride a little bit above the average distance of 37 miles to 38.68 miles. This improved my daily average miles to 27.45 putting me slightly above the 27 miles I need to average per day to reach my 800 mile goal for June. Month to date is 192.16 miles.

6-7-2023 SportTracks 12 Month Ride History Community Dr-Valley Ranch-Gene Campbell
6-7-2023 SportTracks 12 Month Ride History Community Dr-Valley Ranch-Gene Campbell

Another bike ride on my Cervelo Caledonia starting at 9:23 AM. I decided to watch the replay of the Critérium du Dauphiné when I finished the ride. Today’s ride moved the Cervelo to 8,018 miles since I bought it. I finished the ride at 12:16 PM. I was busy shifting gears on the ride with 45 rear derailleur changes according to the AXS.SRAM.com ride report. The35x13 gears dominated the action with 1:54:52 (28.9 miles) out of the total moving time of 2:49:47.

Weather: Start 79 degrees, humidity 75%, dew point 70, mostly cloudy, wind NW 4 mph; Finish 84 degrees, humidity 62%, dew point 70, partly cloudy, wind SW 7 mph.

6-7-2023 Strava Ride Summary Community Dr-Valley Ranch-Gene Campbell
6-7-2023 Strava Ride Summary Community Dr-Valley Ranch-Gene Campbell

Texas Bicycling News – June 6, 2023

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Hardcourt Bike Polo Is Building a Strong Presence in Houston

By Daniel Renfrow | www.houstoniamag.com

The sport gained fans in the early aughts in Seattle before spreading across the country and to the Lone Star State.

On Sundays at the hard courts in Eastwood Park, you’re likely to find a coed horde of jort-wearing, well-tatted bicyclists playing a unique version of polo. Mounted on bikes instead of horses, the players, armored in helmets, padded gloves, and kneepads, propel themselves around the court on their fixed-gear steeds, whacking away at a small plastic ball with their often-makeshift mallets.

As they joust, mallet meets mallet, mallet meets ball, unleashing loud cracking sounds. If the shot is a good one, with a violent crack, the tiny projectile careens its way across the court and into one of the nets waiting at either end. During all of the jostling, bike also collides with bike (hence all of the padding), making this …

LetsDoThisHouston: Cousins A’Million Community Bike Ride and Fundraiser

www.houstononthecheap.com

Cousins A’Million Community Bike Ride & Fundraiser | June 10th 9:00am-12pm

Join us for a fun filled day of bike riding, games and food! A portion of the proceeds from the ticket purchase go towards providing free meals and snacks to low-income disadvantaged communities.

Saturday Tour Information:

Check-In/Arrival: (9:00 am – 9:20 pm) ( Container will close at 9:25 pm )

3409 emancipation Ave, parking is available on Holman St. and the grass area next to the orange building.

PLEASE KEEP ALL VALUABLE ITEMS AT HOME AND OUT OF SIGHT.

Please have completed waiver form ready to show at check-In. Once checked in, you will receive Bike Rental and instructions.

Check in: 9:00 am Departure: 9:30 am (container closes at 9:20 am) Arrive Herman Park: 10:00 am – 11:15 am Return: 12:00 pm 3rd Ward Bike Tours What To Wear: Active Comfortable Clothing **No Sandals or Flip Flops Hydrate!! Hydrate!! & Hydrate!!

Last man out: Texas man pushes through to finish UNBOUND XL

By Ryann Brooks | www.emporiagazette.com

Peter Rajcani knew he wasn’t going to win UNBOUND Gravel, much less have a qualified finish when he approached downtown Emporia Sunday afternoon.

Rajcani, 60, arrived in Emporia around 2:22 p.m. Sunday afternoon — about 11 and a half hours after the cut-off time of 3 a.m. And while he didn’t have thousands of people gathered to celebrate his arrival, he did have a small group of supporters turn out.

“I’m really glad I didn’t quit,” Rajcani, an experienced gravel cyclist from Arlington, Texas, told The Gazette Monday afternoon. “I came to Kansas to ride 350 miles, and I wanted to finish it.”

And he did, after spending …

Video: ‘Get a job’: 2 teen suspects in custody for series of violent robberies on Third Ward bike trail

Erica Ponder, Moriah Ballard | www.click2houston.com

HOUSTON – Two teen suspects accused of the recent violent robberies along the Columbia Tap Bike Trail are in custody, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Tuesday.

The Houston Police Department investigated multiple reported incidents in May of suspects targeting cyclists on the bike trail, which is located in the 3100 block of Anita Street.

The suspects were identified by officers as Deion Christten, 17, and Willie Carroll, 17. HPD declined to go into details on the arrests, saying the investigation is still active at this time. …

Cyclists ask Wichita Falls City Council for more safety measures

Lynn Walker | www.timesrecordnews.com

A bicycle accident Thursday that claimed the lives of a Wichita Falls area couple brought biking enthusiasts to the Wichita Falls City Council meeting Tuesday to call for a greater awareness of bicycling dangers.

Charles and Lisa McBride were struck by a pickup and killed as they rode their bikes on FM 2393 outside the city limits.

Meg Nester became tearful as she spoke Tuesday.

"In just over a year we’ve lost four members of our community. It is scary being on roads. I probably shouldn’t be up here speaking because I’m angry and frustrated," she said. "How do we stress the importance of paying attention if you’re operating a motor vehicle?"

Becky Raeke with the Bike Wichita Falls organization advocated creating a bicycle program manager within the city to keep bike safety at the forefront of …

Mayor, HPD to give update on bike trail robberies in Third Ward

KHOU | www.youtube.com

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Police Chief Troy FInner will give an update on the investigation into the recent robberies along the Columbia Bike Trail.

Austin’s First Public Bike Polo Court Wheels Into Town at Metz Park

James Rambin | austin.towers.net

A view of the Metz Park Multi-Use Bike Polo Court, now nearing the end of construction at the south end of the park and recreation center in the Holly neighborhood of East Austin at 2407 Canterbury Street. Photo by James Rambin

Just as bikes offer a cost-effective alternative to car commuting without the added expenses of gas and maintenance, the game of bicycle polo represents a working-class response to the better-known “sport of kings” enjoyed by the idle rich, without the horses, oats, lawns, or stables — alongside famous local pastimes like disc golf and flat-track roller derby, it’s ideal for Austin’s casual sensibilities. The original version of the sport played on grass dates back to 1890s Ireland, and arrived here in some form by the 20th century — “The messenger boys of Austin are …

College Station City Council approves grant applications for TxDOT projects

Bailey Brown | theeagle.com

College Station City Council members recently approved and submitted grant applications for two Texas Department of Transportation construction projects and one Complete Streets Plan.

During a council meeting last month, Jason Schubert, the city’s transportation planning coordinator, presented three resolutions regarding the TxDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-aside Program. The application deadline was Monday, and now that the city has applied, officials should hear by October if they were awarded the grants.

In December 2022, TxDOT issued a call for projects to local communities for funding assistance to help enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, mobility and connectivity through infrastructure projects and planning documents, according to city staff. Eligible projects for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program include: bicycle improvements, shared-use paths, sidewalk improvements, other …

Felt great to turn the cranks tonight! Lufkin, Texas

Elizabeth Durrett | strava.com

Roadie Spin with the new and improved Mary Harris County, Texas

Kevin Highfield | strava.com

We did great dodging the rain – just had a light sprinkle and cool temps

Rain,rain went away ~ San Antonio, Texas

Action Jackson MTCCSA | strava.com

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Rear Tire Patched, Back Riding The Cervelo to Spanish Cove

Texbiker.net Posted on by

My Cervelo Caledonia is back from the flat rear tire. I found a tiny, tiny pin hole in the tube. It took two tries to patch it though. The first patch was too wide for the tube and wouldn’t stay glued at the edge. It might’ve stayed in place in the tire under pressure but I didn’t want to take a chance. A smaller patch did the trick.

Today’s bike ride started a little later than I planned because I watched stage 3 of the Critérium du Dauphiné to the finish. I rolled out at 10:36 AM on the Atascocita – Walden – Spanish Cove Drive route. I thought about altering a few streets for variety but didn’t want to invest the brain power to come up with the difference. I did see another cyclist as I exited Walden on the way to FM 1960. For June the temperature was comfortable and the wind was light. I finished the ride at 1:17 PM.

No Bolt computer power meter display issue today.

This was the 12th time biking this route in 2023. The average distance is 35 miles and today I rode 35.72 miles. This boosted the month’s total to 153.47 miles or 25.6 miles per day. Getting closer to the 27 miles per day I need to reach my 800 mile goal.

6-6-2023 SportTracks 2023 Ride History Atascocita-Walden-Spanish Cove Drive
6-6-2023 SportTracks 2023 Ride History Atascocita-Walden-Spanish Cove Drive

Weather conditions: Start 77 degrees, humidity 78%, dew point 70.1, mostly cloudy, wind NE 5 mph; Finish 82 degrees, humidity 67%, dew point 70.4, mostly cloudy, wind N 8 mph.

6-6-2023 Strava Ride Summary Atascocita-Walden-Spanish Cove Drive
6-6-2023 Strava Ride Summary Atascocita-Walden-Spanish Cove Drive

Texas Bicycling Adventures – June 5, 2023

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Austin cyclists guide kitten covered in cobwebs to safety away from bridge

Ariana Garcia | www.chron.com

The kitten was walking for at least a mile before the cyclists noticed her making the perilous journey.

What started as a typical evening ride in Austin unexpectedly transformed into a harrowing animal rescue mission for a group of cyclists last week. Greg Stevens and his friends were riding near the historic Montopolis Bridge, which crosses over the Colorado River in East Austin, on Thursday when they noticed a kitten cautiously walking along the edge of the busy bridge.

"Not ON the railing, but on a two-inch ledge about 100 feet from the ground," Stevens specified in a Facebook post on Friday. "Too narrow to turn around, but that’s good because she was almost at the end when we spotted her." Stevens said the kitten had been walking on the edge for at least a mile …

CIty Of Paris To Apply For TxDOT Bike Lane Grant

easttexasradio.com

The City of Paris is applying for money for TxDOT to construct a bike lane. The grant is through the Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program and would fund 80% of the project, with 20% from a local match. The project would construct five-foot north and south lanes along 1st St. SW from Hearne Avenue to Kaufman Street. They will connect to the Northeast Texas Trail at Hearne Avenue.

Race Weekend Review – Alkek Velodrome

Stuart Gardner, Program Director | shoutout.wix.com

After a great weekend of racing we’re back at it tomorrow with TNR before a week off! The YCL starts back up on June 12th, registration is open! Check the Calendar for more!

Upcoming Events

5:45pm Tues June 6th – USAC TNR 9am June 12th-14th – Lawson Craddock YCL Week 1 9am June 19th-21st – Lawson Craddock YCL Week 2 5:45pm Tues June 20th – TNR Sprint Night with NJS Prizes! 5:45pm Tues June 27th – TNR Aussie Team Racing July 5th-9th Elite, Para & Jr. Nats (Carson, CA) 5:45pm Tues July 11th – TNR Bunch Races

YCL 2023 – June 12th-21st

Our YCL is back with 2 weeks of coaching from 2022 USAC Junior Coach of the Year Carl Jones and several others. It’s a great way to get kids into bicycle racing and develop those who already are. The course is aimed at kids as young as 7 as long as they are big enough to ride one of the track bikes we provide and is available for riders up to 16 years of age. For further information and to sign up check out our junior web page. …

New overpass at Bond Ranch Road being built in effort to eliminate traffic delays, Fort Worth officials say

Author: Matt Houston | www.wfaa.com

The federal government will pay for most of the bridge’s construction, which should begin in 2026. Almost 18,000 cars cross the northern Fort Worth tracks each day.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Federal Railroad Administration will Tuesday announce plans to build a bridge over railroad tracks on Bonds Ranch Road in northern Fort Worth.

The overpass is expected to cure a rapidly-worsening problem, where traffic backs up on the two-lane road each time a train passes.

On average, about 36 trains run on the tracks each day. Crossing gates at Bonds Ranch Road typically remain closed for four minutes each time a train passes, meaning the intersection is closed to vehicle traffic for more than two hours each day. …

… The new overpass will feature four vehicle lanes, a bike lane and a pedestrian walkway. Construction is expected to end in 2028. …

Upcoming Rides

Chasing Watts | chasingwatts.com

In-N-Out Burger Social Ride! Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

Sugar Land Wednesday Worlds Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 6:15 PM

The Boot ReBooted Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

UBG 26 mile Wednesday Night Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Trek Wed. Night Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

CCC Gravel Wednesday Nights Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Active Cycling Ride Wednesday, June 7, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

MCC SUGAR LAND TUE/THU AM RIDE Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:30 AM

Urban West Thursday Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Morning SBux Crew (Thurs) Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

Trek West U Bridges Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

MCC TUE/THURS PM RIDE Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Trek West U | Beginners Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Look Pro Go Slow Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

Bridgeland Ride Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

PW -Thursday Steady Pace Thursday, June 8, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Summer Sizzle Friday Social Ride Friday, June 9, 2023 @ 4:00 PM

R3 Ride 33! Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

Richmond to Fulshear Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

MTHCC “Summer Sizzle “ Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

RRR-Saturday Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

MTHCC Summer Sizzle Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

CCC Road Ride Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

MTHCC Summer Sizzle Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Cycling Addicks 70 Mile Ride – New Route! Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Summer Sizzle Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Major Taylor Houston Cycling Club Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

MTHCC Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

MTHCC Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

MTHCC Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Trek SL Sienna 47 mi Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

MTHCC Summer Sizzle – 2023 Inaugural Bike Ride Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Sugar Rush 100k Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

UBG Saturday Saturday, June 10, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

JL Sunday 30 Miler from PJs Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Sweet Sunday Sugar Cycles Ice Cream Ride Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 10:00 AM

Summer Sizzle Sunday Recovery Ride Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

Bike Medicine – Blue Agave Racing Training Ride Series Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

CCC Gravel Chappell Hill 55 (with options) Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

I Cycle Sunday 30+ Miler w/Dan And Juan Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

Sunday Miles 2.3 Sunday, June 11, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

Upcoming Rides

Fort Worth Bicycling Association | www.fwbaclub.org

Burleson and Beyond Thu, June 08, 2023 8:00 AM Spokes Parking Lot, 155 W Bufford St., Burleson, TX Rusty Romp Thu, June 08, 2023 8:00 AM Benbrook YMCA, 1899 Winscott Road, Benbrook, TX 76126 Century of the Month Arlington Sat, June 10, 2023 8:00 AM Trek Bicycle Store, 5739 SW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington Anna May Daulton Joe Pool Lake – Rusty Chain Gain Sat, June 10, 2023 8:00 AM Grand Prairie, Texas Grandview Gallop – 8am Start Sun, June 11, 2023 8:00 AM 106 S Walnut St, Venus, TX 76084

Pride Bike Ride – MS 150 2023 | The Story, Tips and Advice | Houston To La Grange To College Station
by u/BisonOnTheBayou in BikingATX

A week in Houston- looking for local road cycling routes
by u/Yamsyamsyams000 in bikehouston

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar