Ride of Silence, Texas Bicycling News – May 17, 2023

Texbiker.net Posted on by

New Dallas, Texas MTB Trails Will Sit Near 600,000 People

By Matt Miller | www.singletracks.com

This singletrack and mountain bike skills park will offer accessibility to hundreds of thousands of people in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas off-road and recreation advocates are working with the City of Dallas to build what they’re calling “the largest, U.S. mountain bike trail system in an urban core.” The trails will be part of The Loop Dallas, a cycling infrastructure project with paved trails around the major city.

The park will sit on a 500-acre parcel called Creekside Park and within 10 miles of over 600,000 people, bolstering community access to natural surface trails.

“To put this park into national perspective: Because of The Loop Dallas trail and the location of Creekside Park one mile south of White Rock Lake, more people are within 10 miles of this mountain bike trail system than live in the entire state of Wyoming,” said …

John Wooddell obituary, 1945-2023, Nassau Bay, TX

www.legacy.com

It is with great sadness that we bring you news of the passing of our beloved, John Douglas Wooddell, Jr., age 77, of Nassau Bay. He died on Sunday, April 23, 2023, hours after a tragic cycling incident near Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena.

John was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1945 to John Douglas Wooddell, Sr. and Catherine Johnson Wooddell. After graduating from Amarillo Jr. College, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served our country as a member of the United States Army Special Forces as a Green Beret in Panama for three years. He went on to graduate from the University of Texas Law School and enjoyed a successful law practice as a trial attorney in Austin, and then later in Clear Lake.

A big personality, John never met a stranger. He was a lifelong learner and had an enthusiasm for many interests. He was a ham radio operator, a private pilot, and captained his own yacht. He …

Students bike to school for better physical and mental health

By Michael Courier | kvia.com

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Walking and biking to school is a great way for kids to get the physical activity needed for healthy minds. Students from Dr. Tinajero School and their families start their bike ride at 7 am, Wednesday at Peter Piper Pizza on Paisano Drive and make their way to school.

Bike to School Day is celebrated every Wednesday of each May. Studies show that students who are physically active on a regular basis have better attendance, and have higher test scores in school. Biking helps children reach the recommended goal of 60 minutes of physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight.

Studies also have shown that when kids have safe routes and are able to walk or bike to school, they gain more independence and confidence and arrive at school eager and ready to learn.

Dr. Josefina Villamil Tinajero students participate in National Bike to School Day

www.elpasotimes.com

Video: Bicycle accidents lead in summer concussion causes

By Ernest Strawther III | www.newschannel6now.com

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – Bicycle accidents in kids are the number one cause of concussion numbers during the summer.

Kids will be getting out of school for the summer soon, and with more outdoor activities being planned it’s important to make sure your child is protected from suffering a concussion. Supervision is limited with more kids out on bikes or participating in activities such as contact sports, water sports, cycling, playgrounds and trampolines.

“I just think that it rises in the summer solely from the standpoint there’s so many more kids out on bikes and just because there is not enough awareness from parents trying to make sure they are safe out there” Endurance House Bike Manager Sean Brown said.

Bicycle accidents are the leading cause in summer concussions due to many kids not wearing a helmet to properly cover their head. Many kids fall and hit their head and due to many parents not knowing the signs of concussions, they can go unnoticed which has negative effects. “You know long term effects it can …

Cycling advocates pushing for more progress as part of 2023 Houston Bike Summit

Adam Zuvanich | www.houstonpublicmedia.org

The three-day summit next Monday through Wednesday will honor Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and include a film screening, a discussion about bike-related laws and a fundraising social event.

Houston has become a more bike-friendly city since Sylvester Turner was first elected as mayor in 2015. More than 400 miles of bicycle lanes have since been constructed in the city, which factors in the needs of cyclists, pedestrians and mass transit users with every transportation infrastructure project it undertakes.

In recognition of that progress, Turner is being honored next week during the annual Houston Bike Summit, which will include a film screening on Monday, a discussion about bike-related laws on Tuesday and a fundraising social event on Wednesday. BikeHouston, the cycling advocacy nonprofit that hosts the summit, also is inviting all the people vying to succeed Turner when his second and final term comes to a close at the end of this year.

BikeHouston executive director Joe Cutrufo …

Connecting The Loop: Trinity Forest Spine Trail unveiled as part of $85M urban transportation project in Dallas

By Cecilia Lenzen | communityimpact.com

Dallas is set to open a new trail, the Trinity Forest Spine Trail, starting this spring.

The new trail is part of a project called The Loop Dallas that will connect many of the city’s trails into a contiguous 50-mile urban trail. Overall, the $85 million project will link 39 miles of the city’s existing trails with 11 miles of four newly built trails, including the Trinity Forest Spine Trail.

The new trail is being constructed in two phases: the north phase, which is 4 miles long, and the south phase, which is 3.5 miles long. The north phase, which is partially opening in May, will connect the Santa Fe Trail at White Rock Lake to the Trinity Forest trail system, said Philip Hiatt Haigh, executive director of The Loop Dallas, the city’s nonprofit partner in creating the trail that was formed out of public-private partnership The Circuit Trail Conservancy.

The north phase is …

Austin bikers can enjoy free coffee, snacks and more on Bike to Work Day

By Brittany Anderson | communityimpact.com

May is National Bike Month, and local organizations are gearing up to celebrate Bike to Work Day on May 19.

From 7-9 a.m. May 19, over 40 fueling stations around the city will hand out coffee, tacos, waffles, snacks and more, along with complimentary bike tune-ups, to bicycle commuters. Click here to see a full map of fueling stations and what they will offer. The morning will conclude with a celebration at City Hall featuring bike-friendly vendors and special guest speakers.

Additionally, there are other ways residents can participate: …

Honey Tour Bike Ride returns to Burleson

By Jessica Pounds | www.cleburnetimesreview.com

The Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 22nd annual Honey Tour Bike Ride after a two-year hiatus.

For those new to the ride, the Honey Tour consists of five courses ranging from 7 miles to 67 miles.

“This is going to be a family-friendly event so bring the spouse, grandparents, and the kids to support you while you ride,” BACC Executive Director Gabrina Daniels said. “After the ride, head over to some more family activities provided by the City of Burleson and also the City of Alvarado.”

The cost to ride any course is $45 for individual riders or $140 for a family of four. A family or group of five will cost $175, which six is $210. Groups of seven cost $245.

After packet pick-up at 6:30 a.m., the tour begins with …

Haardvarks Kemah Tues make up Ride ????? "Lana" Factor 02 Pearland, Texas

Troy Serrano | strava.com

Superflying the leeve Fort Bend County, Texas

jack snider | strava.com

Evening Ride San Antonio, Texas

Steve Gutierrez | strava.com

Bike Wichita Falls’ Ride of Silence sees great turnout

by: Markeshia Jackson | www.texomashomepage.com

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)—If you were out driving Wednesday evening near Kemp and Midwestern Parkway, you probably noticed a large sea of cyclists riding together quietly. It was all for their Annual Ride of Silence, to honor those who’ve lost their lives or were injured while cycling on public roads.

Bike Wichita Falls helped organize the ride, and officials said it’s a great way to …

PHOTOS: Ghost Bike Project ‘Ride of Silence’ to honor cyclists killed in crashes

www.kvue.com

‘Excitement On a Well Beaten Path’ Southern Tier East to West

By S. Crocker | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Kerrville TX – Vanderpool TX

Tuesday May 16, 2023 Woke up later than usual and just was not in a hurry this morning.

I guess it was a fortuitous situation, because I just happened to ride right past the only bike shop in town, and they open in 15 minutes… and I could see coffee a block away. I can see the writing on the wall. Have a coffee and wait for the shop to open. I’m confident in my recently applied tire patch, but a new tube is cheap insurance.

Chatted with the sales guy for a bit, then time to hit the road.

About halfway to Vanderpool I caught up to thunder clouds that stalled me for an hour. The last half of the day was rain. Thankfully the lightning activity dropped significantly, so just a wet slog to Lost Pines Recreation Area. Setup at dusk and drifted off to sleep.

Only roused once by the neighbors who showed up later, partied, and now dealing with the results of their decisions by wretching into the brush. -Ah, the memories. ?

Vanderpool TX – CMp Wood TX

Wednesday May 17, 2023 Woke up early, packed up and headed out before sunrise.

Did not know the terrain I was headed for, forgot to stock up water.

It was a good thing I started so early. These are the biggest hills yet! And twisty roads!

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Month of May Bucket List Ride: South Around Lake Houston

Texbiker.net Posted on by

At the start of May there were two rides I wanted to do, bike south around Lake Houston and ride in Galveston. The weather and my time haven’t cooperated with those wishes until today. I rode South Around Lake Houston today. A new route though I have done parts of it before. I rode the Humble Lions Club Ride 8 times dating back to 2009 and the Ride Like An Eagle event twice. Sadly both of those rides no longer take place. Those rides inspired me to ride around Lake Houston and the recently opened overpass on Timber Forest Drive made it possible to only bike on a short portion of W. Lake Houston Parkway in Summerwood instead of the longer distance from Summerwood to Will Clayton Parkway. The route maps of those rides below show their similarities and differences. The Humble Lions ride started in Humble and the Ride Like An Eagle started at Atascocita High School.

5-17-2023 Humble Lions Club Ride from 2-8-2020 Route
5-17-2023 Humble Lions Club Ride from 2-8-2020 Route
5-17-2023 Ride Like An Eagle Ride from 4-2-2016 Route
5-17-2023 Ride Like An Eagle Ride from 4-2-2016 Route

The weather was comfortable as I rolled away at 9:01 AM on my Cervelo Caledonia bike. Because I was starting and finishing from different locations than the inspiration rides I wasn’t sure of the distance. I wanted to ride at least 50 miles. I took the most direct route from the start skipping the usual streets I use when biking to Huffman. It turns out I could’ve added some streets because I ended up riding 49.64 miles. Back in Kingwood I thought about adding a couple of streets to get to 50+ miles but decided not to. The next time I ride this route I will add the streets at the beginning of the ride for continuity. I finished at 12;56 PM. I thought it would be later.

One thing I didn’t expect was the number of other cyclists I would see on the route on a Wednesday morning. I think all of them are in the video.

Traffic wasn’t bad on most roads except for a short time on Garrett Road from Sheldon Road to Aqueduct Road. A number of 18 wheelers passed me and the road didn’t have a shoulder. All of them gave me plenty of room, one even stopped for me to make the turn from Sheldon Road onto Garrett Road. They were noisy though. The worst road title goes to Aqueduct Road with some potholes big enough to swallow a bike wheel whole and rough asphalt patches.

It was the first time to use my new CamelBak. The extra distance and potential lack of convenience stores called for more water than one water bottle can hold. It replaced another one. I was impressed with the lightness even filled with water and the comfort of the straps and back contact. Plus it has a big pocket to hold the snacks I brought.

Weather conditions: Start 77 degrees, 75% humidity, 69.5 dew point, a few clouds, wind W 4 mph; Finish 81 degrees, 62% humidity, 67 dew point, mostly cloudy, wind N 7 mph.

For a new route Strava found a number of segments for medals. Four of them: PR on Timber Forest (2:30), PR on M to the WC (6:02), PR on Northbound Timberlake (16:33), and 2nd fastest time on Crosby Eagleton – SB (16:37). Because I wasn’t sure of the distance I didn’t contest any starred segments. From the AXS.SRAM.com ride report I see that I pedaled the 35×13 gears for 2:52:54 (41.5 miles) with only 27 rear derailleur shifts.

5-17-2023 Strava Ride Summary South Around Lake Houston
5-17-2023 Strava Ride Summary South Around Lake Houston

Texas Bicycling News Roundup – May 16, 2023

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Dallas mountain bike trail to be one of a kind

By Philip Hiatt Haigh | www.dallasnews.com

Jacob Nilz, president of Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA), goes down a double black diamond mountain bike trail in the Big Cedar Wilderness on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Dallas. The city is about to add more biking trails at Creekside Park near White Rock Lake.(Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)

What if I told you that Dallas — of Blackland Prairie fame — could be home to a world-class mountain bike trail system in the city’s urban core? Last week, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved the new 50-acre Creekside Park a mile from White Rock Lake, and four miles from downtown, just below Tenison Glen Golf Course. Crews are on site already to prepare for construction starting this week. The council’s approval of the project adds a major amenity competitive with projects of our suburban neighbors.

Leading trail builders often pursue projects on hundreds of acres in places like Colorado, Wyoming or Arkansas. This trail, within 10 miles of more than 600,000 people — a diverse community where many …

A heart transplant helped a 4-year-old boy return home after 281 days at Texas Children’s Hospital

Evan MacDonald | www.houstonchronicle.com

Oliver Blankenship was born with a severe heart defect that required three surgeries and finally a heart transplant before he returned home with his family.

After spending 281 days at Texas Children’s Hospital, Oliver Blankenship was ready to test out his new heart the moment he got home last month.

Oliver is 4 years old, but he’s already spent enough time in hospitals for a lifetime due to a severe congenital heart defect. Doctors tried to treat him through a series of surgeries beginning one week after he was born in 2018, but he needed a transplant after he went into heart failure last summer.

He finally returned home on April 14 with his parents, …

Bike ride planned for Wednesday to give support to Andy’s Home Cafe

Ariana Garcia | www.chron.com

The cyclists plan to dine at the historic restaurant after their ride in a show of solidarity.

When the sun goes down on Wednesday, a group of cyclists will take a mile-long ride from Stude Park to Andy’s Home Cafe in the Houston Heights in a show of solidarity with the neighborhood staple facing potential closure. The ride will also serve to highlight the use of the nearby 11th Street bike lane, which runs in front of the late night Tex-Mex restaurant currently facing challenges from a local real estate developer that have taken a toll on business.

Ride organizer Lex Perez said when learned that the owners of Andy’s were …

This Cyclist Has Raised More Than $14,000 for Multiple Sclerosis Research

By Curtis Spear, as told to Emily Shiffer | www.bicycling.com

Name: Curtis Spear Age: 33 Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas Occupation: Product marketing manager Time Cycling: 5 years Reason for Cycling: I got started in cycling when I worked for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society managing their social media for Bike MS, a charity cycling series. I wanted to better connect with my audience and ended up finding a passion.

Growing up my dad was a cyclist and I remember always thinking it was funny seeing him in spandex clothing and cycling gear. Well, look at me now!

In 2017, I accepted a job with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a nonprofit whose mission is to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis, an …

The Chain Link Bicycle Shop serves as a central hub for local cyclists

By Amira Van Leeuwen | communityimpact.com

The Chain Link Bicycle Shop opened in December 2011 and has since been a pillar for the New Braunfels cycling community. Shop owner Seana Rousseau carries a couple of notable bike brands, including Specialized, Reid, Sun, Surly and E11even.

The Chain Link also sells bicycle accessories, including helmets, locks, baskets, cycling shoes, parts and more. They also offer a variety of maintenance services and service plans.

The bicycle shop also has Ladies Corner, a monthly bike ride led by women. Although the pandemic put a pause on the activity, Rousseau hopes to start it again soon. Rousseau noted the …

RGV’s Little Elves summer bike distribution

by: Jesse Mendez | www.valleycentral.com

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — RGV’s Little Elves is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019.

Their mission is to help the children and families of the Rio Grande Valley by meeting specific needs based on current events and the season.

RGV’s Little Elves have participated in several projects such as annual holiday toy drives and have helped distribute almost 1,000 toys in 2022. …

Police release vehicle description connected to bicyclist’s death in Texas City

abc13.com

TEXAS CITY, Texas (KTRK) — Police released the description of a vehicle that they believe is connected to a fatal hit-and-run last month.

Investigators said 36-year-old Darion Rodriguez was riding his bike home in the 6800 block of Emmett F Lowry Expressway when a driver hit and left him on the side of the road to die on April 9 at about 3:15 a.m.

On Tuesday, authorities said the suspect’s vehicle is a maroon or burgundy 2013 Ford Fusion. The Texas City Police Department said the vehicle may have damage to the front bumper and …

Video: Laredo Cycling Club invites community to annual Ride of Silence

By KGNS Staff | www.kgns.tv

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) – Local cyclists are invited to take part in a silent ride that aims to speak volumes across the country.

Every year hundreds of thousands of cyclists across the U.S. take part in the event to bring awareness to road equality.

The Laredo Bike Club will hold its annual Ride of Silence event at North Central Park this Wednesday.

The group will honor cyclists who have been injured or passed away while riding on the road.

Fernando Baldazo with the …

Join the ‘Ride of Silence’ to raise biker awareness

by: Jesse Zaragoza | www.yourbasin.com

MIDLAND, TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ) – The Ride of Silence event will be celebrating its 17th anniversary in Midland tomorrow night. This is event is to support biker safety as well as mourn those who have lost their lives from bicycle accidents overs the years. …

FREE – Kids on Bikes in Parks this Saturday, May 20!
by u/violetcrowncycling in BikingATX

Cycling Consistently May 13, 2023

Veloharmony | www.youtube.com

If you’re in the North Houston area and would like to ride with us: https://groupme.com/join_group/876488…

Prologue: 00:00 Route Map: 00:43 Warming up with the group before Fishcreek: 02:05 Fishcreek Blvd – The open Road: 05:54 Heading East on 2854 in Conroe, Texas: 23:33

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New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Bumped One Route For Another. Blue Sky Weather

Texbiker.net Posted on by

My initial route choice got bumped when some of the roads might repeat on tomorrow’s longer ride south around Lake Houston. I changed to the Atascocita – Walden – Indian Shores Road route which also includes roads from tomorrow’s planned ride but not east of FM 2100 or as far south. I rolled away at 9:37 AM on my Cervelo Caledonia bike. With the probability of rain much lower I thought I would risk riding the Cervelo. While eating breakfast I watched stage 10 of the Giro D’Italia until there was about 49km to the finish. I would watch the replay after the ride along with day 1 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque.

The weather improved from yesterday. Sun and what felt like lower humidity helped. Conditions: Start 78 degrees, humidity 77%, dew point 70.4, partly cloudy, wind W 4 mph; Finish 84 degrees, humidity 64%, dew point 70.7, partly cloudy, wind W 7 mph.

This was the fourth time on this route since it is a new one. I wanted to ride at least 37 miles and ended up biking 38.98 miles. I’m chipping away at my 750 goal for May with 501.75 miles now, 67% of the way there. I finished at 12:36 PM. Today’s ride was the shortest distance of the four. I must’ve left out some streets. I need to check the previous rides before the next ride on the route. I rode the Rocky Woods loop in Kings Forest thinking it would add a few 10th’s of a mile. In the video I cover the power and cadence sensors not showing data on the Bolt computer. I powered of the Bolt without saving the ride and when it powered up the ride restored and the power and cadence reported data. I had this problem riding the Lynskey Helix bike but this is the first for the Cervelo. If it happens again I will “forget” the power meter sensor and add it back.

5-16-2023 SportTracks Ride History Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road
5-16-2023 SportTracks Ride History Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road

There were 7 starred Strava segments on the ride but I didn’t get any new records. I contested 2 of them and the others I went quickly but not all out. Checking the AXS.SRAM.com ride report I used the 35×13 gears 1:49:58 (26.9 miles) and the 35×15 gears 42:05 (8.1 miles) making 22 rear derailleur shifts.

5-16-2023 Strava Ride Summary Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road
5-16-2023 Strava Ride Summary Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road