Temperature Down, Then Up. 22 mph Wind Gusts, Pedaling Hard

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My plan was to leave early on today’s bike ride. But as I was eating breakfast the temperature starting dropping and the wind picked up. From 71 it fell to 63 degrees. I wasn’t sure if it would warm up and checking the weather map wasn’t encouraging. I continued eating and began to watch the final stage of the Itzulia Basque Country hoping it would warm up. Around 9 AM the temperature stopped going down and slowly increased to 72 when I started the bike ride at 11:22 AM. The ride finished at 1:49 PM.

Route selection today was “Atascocita – Huffman – Walden” which usually on Saturday means seeing other cyclists. But the late start probably put all of them at home by the time I reached FM 1960. I saw two other cyclists, one at Town Center in Kingwood early in the ride and the other on Atascocita Shores Drive on the way to FM 1960. There was a car with a bike rack in the church parking lot on Fairlake Lane where some riders start. But I didn’t see the cyclist along the route.

Today’s route followed the one I used last year before changing first 4 miles in 2021. I rode 32.2 miles today pushing the week’s total to 219.22 miles. This is the highest week in 2021 so far. I could add to it if I bike tomorrow. April totals 358.11 miles, 60% of the way to my 600 mile goal. 2021 now leads 2020 YTD miles by 17 miles.

The wind that arrived with the temperature drop was challenging most of the ride. I dressed thinking it would get close to the forecast high with shorts, a long sleeve jersey, and a short sleeve jersey on top. Weather: start 72 (63% humidity, 59 dew point), a few clouds, wind N 16 mph; finish 81 (32% humidity, 48.4 dew point), a few clouds, wind N 15 mph gusts 22 mph. Those gusts hit me as I rode west over Lake Houston more than the east bound ride. I thought being close to the concrete guardrail would shield me some but it moved me around when a gust blew from my right side.

Strava reported two local legends for me. The same segment with one the reverse direction.

Texas Biking News April 9th 2021

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DRIVER FLEES THE SCENE AFTER HITTING AND KILLING BICYCLE RIDER

montgomerycountypolicereporter.com

A man riding a bicycle on Loop 494 in Porter was killed early this morning after being struck by a vehicle. Just after 3 am as he rode south on Loop 494 just north of FM 1314 he was struck by an unknown vehicle. Possibly maroon in color. The vehicle that struck him continued on with the bicycle attached to it. Troopers did locate one part of the bike close to one-half mile away on Loop 494. The male had no identification on him. MCHD attempted life-saving measures but he was pronounced deceased at 3;35am. Montgomery County …

Fully supported, CA to FL

By Tom Gray | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 28 – Concan, TX to Kerrville, TX

Wednesday April 7, 2021, 72 miles (116 km) – Total so far: 1,468 miles (2,363 km) Today was the best cycling so far on the tour. We’re in Texas Hill Country, with lots of rollers and views at the top of each one. …

Things to Do: Food and Fun To Enjoy Outdoors This Weekend

Kristina Rowe | www.dallasobserver.com

Bike Ride for Beer and Tacos at Craft and Growler 3601 Parry Ave., Dallas (Exposition Park/Fair Park)

What: Social Pace Bike Ride for Tacos and Beer When: 4:30-10 p.m., Saturday, April 10 Tickets: Free

This easy-paced, no-drop ride will head to Del Sur Tacos in Oak Cliff for great tacos including a $1.99 cochinita pibil taco offer for riders. Plan on another beer stop before returning to Craft and Growler. Riders should bring their own lights, helmets and water.

The Dams of North Texas Are a Bicyclist’s Dream

By Harry Jones | www.dmagazine.com

As the pandemic changed our world, I decided to explore mine on two wheels. Turns out, there is water everywhere in North Texas. It all starts at the dams.

On the avenue where I grew up, I liked to dam the water in the gutters. A neighboring photographer had a darkroom in his garage; the trickle from his hose was my riparian source. If I had a crew of other boys helping me, we could dam the entire street. When our fathers came home at sunset, our …

Kilgore Cub Scout pack schedules bike rodeo Saturday

www.news-journal.com

Cub Scout Pack 251 in Kilgore is hosting a bike rodeo from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The event, a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is scheduled at Dudley Road Trailhead of Creekside Trail in Kilgore.

Bike shop personnel will be on hand to check and adjust steering wheels, tire chains and seat positions. Representatives from the …

Don’t feel like coughing up $100 for a parking ticket? Watch out for bike lanes!

By Elissa Rivas | abc13.com

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re seeing downtown Houston come back to life, but as you return to your favorite spots, beware of a new parking violation that could result in a $100 ticket.

A city of Houston ordinance now …

Waco-area news briefs: Bosque Tour de Norway bike ride May 15

wacotrib.com

… Bosque Tour de Norway

The 2021 Bosque Tour de Norway bicycle ride will start at 8 a.m. May 15 at Clifton High School, 1101 N. Avenue Q.

There are four routes to choose from: 20 miles, 40 miles, 60 miles and 80 miles. Each will allow participants to enjoy the beauty of the top of Texas Hill Country and a ride through the historical Norse community.

Packet pickup will start at 6 a.m. in the Clifton High School Gym. The locker rooms will be open.

For more information, call the Clifton Chamber of Commerce at 675-3720.

San Antonio biking community mourns loss of cyclist struck by alleged drunk driver

Author: Jordan Foster | www.kens5.com

Friends of Beatrice Gonzales say this week’s tragedy is proof of how mindful drivers need to be on the roads.

SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio biking community is in mourning.

On Thursday evening, riders joined to remember well-known bicyclist Beatrice Gonzales, 44, who was hit and killed Wednesday night off St. Mary’s near downtown San Antonio.

“All of us were just so caught off guard. When I got the call, I had to ask them again,” said Jacob Longoria, a friend of Gonzales’s.

San Antonio Police officials say Gonzales was out for a ride with a group of her friends when …

‘Just ask and she was there’ – 200 San Antonio cyclists, friends join family in mourning woman killed while riding with her bike group

Jacob Beltran | www.expressnews.com

More than 200 people gathered Thursday to mourn the loss of a beloved member of the cycling community who was killed in what appears to be a tragic drunken driving accident.

Beatrice “Bea” Gonzalez, known as the “spine” of her family, was supportive of both kin and strangers alike, recalled her sister Jessica Meyer, one of …

Arlington Police Officer Helps Mother and Son Having Bike Trouble Near Randol Mill Park

www.nbcdfw.com

The Arlington Police Department is sharing the story of a police officer who helped a mother and son who were having bike trouble last month.

Officer Ramirez was patrolling near Randol Mill Park on March 27 when he noticed a mother and her young son standing over a bike that was on its side.

When Ramirez approached them to …

Biking Beautiful Beaumont

www.colemanconcierge.com

There are so many reasons to visit Beaumont, Texas. From discovering its powerful history and its historic homes to breathtaking birdwatching and award-winning arts and architecture Now, what if I told you that you could see all these sights from your saddle biking Beaumont and make room to indulge South East Texas culinary delights. Between Texas-sized steaks and bayou gumbo, Beaumont is where cowboy meets creole. If ya’ll never had BBQ crab, ya just ain’t living.

We put together three simple and easy rides that anybody can do, but they are filled with Texas-sized fun and adventure and …

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Pedaling Hard For Apple Fritter

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Before starting today’s bike ride I waxed the chain on the Canyon Endurace bike. The last time I did that was at 19,000 miles and it has 21, 298 miles now. Surprised it was that many miles. Stage 5 of the Itzulia Basque Country race kept me occupied while I ate breakfast.

With those finished I got ready and started today’s bike ride at 11:28 AM. I put together a route of streets and roads I bike on but in an order that I can’t remember riding in a long time. Headed north from Kingwood I turned to the northwest in Porter on FM 1314. My plan was to ride to SH 242 or about 18 miles, whichever came first. When I reached about 15.5 miles the construction work area began reducing lanes with barrels in the shoulder lane on the opposite side of FM 1314. Rather than ride into the unknown work zone I made the u-turn to go back. Up to that point I enjoyed a stiff tailwind helping my average speed hit 15.0 mph. Now riding to the SE the tailwind became a strong headwind.

Passing Pat’s Donuts biking NW I thought there was enough time at the u-turn to make it back there before they closed at 1 PM. The headwind had other ideas fighting me all the way. Pedaling hard I made it to Pat’s with a couple of minutes to spare. I asked for an apple fritter but they were out. Sadly I asked what was left and opted for a glazed donut. The lady handed me a bag with 3 donuts and didn’t charge me, probably because the cash register was already closed out. I walked the Lynskey R300 around to the front porch to the tall table and chairs. I ate 2 1/2 donuts to replenish the energy used getting there and to power me the remaining 12 miles to the finish at 2:07 PM.

4-9-2021 Bike Ride Lynskey R300

Weather conditions for the bike ride: start 77 (81% humidity, 70.3 dew point), overcast, wind S 16 mph gusts 22 mph; finish 80 (75% humidity, 71.7 dew point), overcast, wind S 16 mph. Warm enough to wear shorts and a short sleeve jersey. The wind was a killer on the return leg but a mighty good friend on the way to McQueen Road on FM 1314.

4-9-2021 Strava Bike Ride Summary

Texas Biking News April 8th 2021

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Texas School for the Deaf students surprised with 30 brand new bikes

www.kxan.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Students at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin got a big surprise Thursday.

They received 30 brand new bicycles. This effort was started by Juan Soto and his daughter, Lucero, last year.

They had the goal of repairing and giving away 100 bikes so children could have fun and get some fresh air during the pandemic.

They met that goal and received a request for 30 bikes from the Texas School for the Deaf, but that was a …

Video: Woman arrested after cyclist hit, killed by vehicle while riding with group near downtown San Antonio, records show

Jakob Rodriguez | www.ksat.com

SAN ANTONIO – Update 6:30 a.m., Thursday, April 8): A woman has been arrested after a cyclist was fatally struck while riding with a group downtown on Wednesday evening.

Booking records show Samantha Leigh Castillo, 24, was charged with intoxication manslaughter following the crash, which happened in the 1400 block of North St. Mary’s St., not far from Central Catholic High School.

As of 6:30 a.m., Castillo has not seen the magistrate. No image of Castillo was available. …

Bent Back on The Southern Tier

By Andy Lamb | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 14 – DeRidder: After Three Long Days Need A Rest Day

Tuesday April 6, 2021, 75 miles (121 km) – Total so far: 677 miles (1,089 km)
Today ended up being a long day too. Left the Red Cloud RV Park in Silsbee around 9. Rode along US 96 all the way to Kirbyville but it had a wide shoulder. Stopped in Evadale for an early lunch since leaving from the RV Park I didn’t see anywhere to stop for breakfast.

Once I got the Kirbyville I stopped for a break at a nice city park with a pond. Then the route continues on a farm road to Merryville which does not have a shoulder and has a lot of truck traffic including logging trucks. I entered into Louisiana when I …

San Antonio cycling community will host vigil for latest cyclist fatality

Camille Sauers | www.mysanantonio.com

On Wednesday night, April 7, a cyclist riding with her cycling group was struck and killed by a driver on the 4000 block of North St. Mary’s. The driver, identified by the San Antonio Police Department as Samantha Castillo, is believed to have been intoxicated at the time of the accident, and was arrested after waiting for law enforcement to arrive at the scene near Central Catholic High School. The victim’s name has not yet been released.

The cycling community has banded together to commemorate the victim, with a memorial ride scheduled tonight at 7:30 p.m., beginning at the …

A Decade of Knowing My Bicycle Mechanic

A Dude Abikes | adudeabikes.com

Bike mechanics, like many essential workers, have long been unsung, but make no mistake, they are heroes. That’s a strong word, but to those of us too lazy to learn to fix our own bikes, or who don’t have the tools, we rely on them to keep us rolling. Tonight I was at a shop, participating in the usual back and forth. First, there is the friendly but slightly tired question, “What’s going on?” A description of the issue from me. That is followed by a brief technical educational seminar complete with repeating main points, checking for understanding, and a hand drawing. Then, investigation of the bike and either …

Southern Tier 2021

By Mike L. | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 19: Del Rio to Camp Wood: Temps are Heating Up

Thursday April 8, 2021, 80 miles (128 km) – Total so far: 1,434 miles (2,307 km) Today was a hot ride, with two sections: Del Rio to Brackettsville and then up to Camp Wood. The first section was one of the least memorable sections for me as it was dominated by (mostly) really bumpy tar and chip surfaces and heavy traffic. Throw in the high heat around 98 deg and double digit headwinds and I won’t miss that last section of Hwy 90 anytime soon. Fortunately, the trail turned at Brackettsvile to Hwy 334 which was a much better surface and traffic dropped to minimal. The last 20 miles or so were back on tar and chip (Hwy 55), but hopefully that is short lived past …

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