United States Bicycle Route System www.adventurecycling.org The United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is gaining support daily. Click on a state on the National Corridor Plan map (at the above link) to see that state’s progress on the project (or scroll down to see [...]]]> No biking today. Rain and 50 degree temperature kept me inside.

United States Bicycle Route System
www.adventurecycling.org
The United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is gaining support daily. Click on a state on the National Corridor Plan map (at the above link) to see that state’s progress on the project (or scroll down to see a state-by-state listing).

About the Project
The National Corridor Plan map identifies 50-mile wide corridors, both prioritized (numbered) and un-prioritized (faint brown corridors). The plan can change — based upon state opportunities and interests — with new corridors or realignments. As corridors become official routes, the wide swaths of color that show the corridors on the map will become solid lines to define actual routes (see USBR 76 and USBR 1 in Virginia as an example). Links to U.S. Bike Route (USBR) maps, state bike maps and informational websites will be provided as they become available.

TEXAS
Model: Volunteer
Phase I: Planning
Bike Texas is working on historic and cultural Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails in coordination with the state DOT. The tourism trails could become routes for the U.S. Bicycle Route System. For more information or to volunteer, contact mark at Bike Texas

Cliffhouse Ride
Greater Dallas Bicyclists

GDB participants were glad to be invited along, and had a great time meeting fellow riders. The funny thing? Not once were we “buzzed” by cars, yelled at or chased by dogs. Oh, and the fly-over my the air force was the piece de resistance!

Plano Safe Passing Ordinance – Monday Night Vote – February 13th
by dickdavid        Bike Friendly Richardson

Our friend Warren Casteel, with BikeDFW, sent us an email encouraging cyclist to come out and show their support at Monday night’s Plano City Council meeting. Apparently, they are voting on The – long awaited – Safe Passing Ordinance. There is hope that if we can pass this in Plano, perhaps we can pass it here in Richardson…

Hard Hats for Little Heads set for Wednesday, Feb. 15
www.kbtx.com
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas ENT & Allergy, Texas A&M University’s Aggie Athletes Involved (AAI), Aggie athletics along with other supporting sponsors have partnered with the local community to encourage child safety by giving away free bicycle helmets on Wednesday, Feb. 15 on the Texas A&M campus at the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium, inside the McFerrin Center. The program will begin at 9 a.m.
“This is a great community and educational event and if we save just one local family from having to deal with an emergency room visit due to an injury that could have been prevented by wearing a helmet, then it is all worth it,” Dr. John…

Biking on one wheel is half a bike but twice as challenging.

Unicycling provides fun challenge
By Bill Cullins            San Angelo Standard-Times
Get on your mountain bike and start riding a typical off-road trail.

Cruise the trail for a few minutes, getting “the feel” as you negotiate your way through turns, over rocks and roots, around ruts and up or down inclines.

Now take your hands off the handlebars and ride that same section of trail with no hands — just hold your hands out to the side to (hopefully) maintain balance…

Testicular cancer survivors help spread the word
Matt Ferstler, founder and CEO of Single Jingles and a testicular cancer survivor, educates young men through the foundation and asks them to “Man up. Check ‘em.”

by BRITTANY HOOVER            AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Jason Morton went to the doctor about his back pain.

The then-30-year-old had first consulted a physician about the pain in his lower back in October 2008 and had been given a long list of remedies.

None of them helped. Exercise and stretching didn’t ease his pain. Pain pills didn’t reduce his discomfort. He was unable to sleep, thus unable to…

The Different Styles of Mountain Biking
by Shawn            Texas Mountain Bike Trails
When you think of mountain biking I’m sure you probably think of a particular memory, thought, or example of riding. In reality there are several styles of mountain biking each with their own unique… flavor.

Here is a brief description of each type along with a video that gives you a better…

WCC Receives Recognition & Award    
Written by Alan Charley
On behalf of The Woodlands Township Parks & Recreation Department, I am pleased to inform you The Woodlands Cycling Club is the recipient of the 2011 Southwest Region National Recreation and Park Association Organization Citation. We are excited that they recognize the many contributions your organization has made in the promotion of bicycling and in service to our community.We would like to extend an invitation for representatives from The Woodlands Cycling Club to attend the Southwest Region Awards Ceremony to accept…

The second one is the Great Southwest Bike [...]]]> Fort Worth Bike Swap Meets: Feb 12 & March 4
by Doohickie @ www.bikeforums.net
Couple of swap meets coming up in Fort Worth. First is the Trinity Bicycles swap meet at the Rahr Brewery, 701 Galveston Avenue, Fort Worth, on Sunday, February 12, from 9 to 2.

The second one is the Great Southwest Bike Swap, at the Tarrant County Resource Connection, 1100 Circle Drive, Building 2300, Fort Worth, on Sunday, March 4, from 9 to 2.

Pedestrian/cycling bridge nearly done
By Allen Jones            Houston Chronicle

Workers are constructing a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists near McGregor Way across Brays Bayou that will tie into Hermann Park’s hike-and-bike trails. The bridges are part of a $10 million partnership between Houston’s Public Works and Engineering Department and the Texas Department of Transportation. The Tierwester bridge provides connections to bike routes north and south of the bayou so that cyclists can have better access to the main campus of the University of Houston as well as to Texas Southern University. The Harris County Flood Control District, in partnership with…

Mellow Johnny’s Giant Bikes Demos in 2012
by Il Pirate         Austin Ridge Riders
Giant Bicycles Demo Event 2012
Saturday February 25, 2012  9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park 12138 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78758
Join Mellow Johnny’s for a great day of demo bike riding at Walnut Creek Park. The event hosted by Giant Bicycles and Mellow Johnny’s Staff, will give you a chance to ride select Giant road and mountain bike models. Helmets required for all rides and demos (limited number of demo helmets available). All Demo Participants must bring with them a valid photo ID and a credit card. …

After Big Rains in January, FWMBA Maintains Momentum at the February Workfest
by M2Rider FWMBA President

On Saturday, February 4, 2012 the Fort Worth Mountain Bikers’ Association (FWMBA) held our forth Workfest of the 2011-2012 trail building season at Gateway Park. Texas weather is full of extremes. The 2011 summer heat wave and drought are still fresh on our minds. When it started raining in late January 2012 who knew we’d see the 10th wettest January ever. Many areas of Fort Worth received over 5.5” of rain last week. The all-volunteer FWMBA trail crew was anxious to see how our work to date held up after the big rains. …

Episode 17 The Whisperer Gets Whispered with LC
www.fwmba.org
MBW Radio is back! After a too long an absence, MBW Radio host and FWMBA president, Larry Colvin is in the interviewee seat as Josh Clark asks him a bunch of questions. Find out about LC’s take on the state of the club, his love of the job of being a mountain bike president, how us mountain bikers’ owe a debt of gratitude to the moto people and dreams of black rimmed bicycles. …

Time for a Dreamslide
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City
If bikes roll, Dreamslides sashay.

I jumped aboard one of the two-wheeled contraptions, imported from France, yesterday when Miguel Ferguson dropped by the newspaper offices, proud as a papa to show it off.

Ferguson, a 46-year-old professor of public policy in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas, ordered a pair of the ‘Slides last year. Now he zips around town on the scooter-like vehicle, garnering admiring…

Recreational bicycling on the rise
www.news-journal.com
The number of recreational bicyclists in Panola County is on the increase. Many people have turned to bicycling as a healthy activity that can be beneficial.

According to chapter 13 of the Texas Drivers Handbook, “bicycles” means every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is more than 14 inches in diameter. “Vehicle” means a device, in, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn on a public…

Park to host Bayou Adventure Race
www.chron.com
The Bayou Preservation Association will present its first Bayou Adventure Race Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at Terry Hershey Park consisting of a 5K run, a 3K paddle trip and bicycle rides of 10K and 15K.

The race offers a different kind of triathlon, substituting kayaking for swimming.

Organized by Texas Adventure Racing, the event begins in Terry Hershey Park in West Houston at South Mayde Creek Drive with an out-and-back run. Next, the paddle portion goes from Langham Creek/Buffalo Bayou to the Dairy Ashford Canoe Launch. Contestants…

Driver in accident that killed 3 arrested
The Associated Press        www.kfoxtv.com
LUBBOCK, Texas — A 26-year-old man has been indicted on intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault counts in a crash that killed three men on a road next to the Texas Tech campus.

The Lubbock County grand jury indicted Texas Tech University student Brian Cody Hawthorne on Tuesday in the Jan. 29 crash that killed passengers Hernandez Almaguer and Kendrick Lamaar Johnson and bicyclist Courtland Whitmore. …

2012 Tour of New Braunfels
by Ken            Texas Racing Life
Thank God the season has started.  With months of looking forward, I was finally at a race day.  I was not surprised to find myself so anxious and ready to see how I matched up against the P12′s after a lot of work in the offseason.

Omloop
The first race on tap for the weekend was the Omloop.  This is a small circuit race that has a huge downhill with the rest of the course gradually returning to the starting elevation.  After the gun, it was evident that I was not alone in my nervousness, and there were many near crashes in the first few laps.  My plan for the race was to…

New Nationwide Gran Fondo Series
endurancesportswire.com     (found this on Twitter)
RAAM Cycling Challenge Kicks Off in Texas As Part of Nationwide Cycling Events Series

Boulder, CO – The 2012 RAAM Cycling Challenge gets started in Austin, Texas on March 17th as part of a nationwide series of “Gran Fondo” cycling events. Operating under the iconic cycling event brand, Race Across America, RAAM Cycling Challenge is a nine-city series of Gran Fondo events.  With the Gran Fondo distance of 120 miles as the main attraction, each event will also consist of…

Road Diets now proven safety measure; Q&A with FHWA Associate Administrator Furst League of American Bicyclists In January, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety placed Road Diets on [...]]]> Tweet from TX Adventure Racing (www.twitter.com/txarclub)
Check out how amazing our teams did this weekend at the Terra Firma Promo Dirty Dozen (well, Dirty Eight-Hour)…

Road Diets now proven safety measure; Q&A with FHWA Associate Administrator Furst
League of American Bicyclists

In January, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Safety placed Road Diets on the official list of Proven Safety Countermeasures. States are actively encouraged to use the listed safety countermeasures and FHWA provides guidance on their application. Road Diets slow traffic by reducing car travel…

What a Difference a Year Makes
by Steve A            DFW Point-to-Point

It was a year ago this week that I last drove to work. You can judge the conditions from the banner at the top. That shot was taken a year ago as of Saturday. And that was better than previously, where ice led to uncontrollable spills. In the news, ice slid off Cowboy Stadium and THAT was major cause for…

Riding the rock at Reveille Peak Ranch
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City

Turns out you don’t have to travel all the way to Utah to ride slick rock.

I finally made it out to Reveille Peak Ranch over the weekend, to check out the Hill Country’s version of mountain biking on wide open rock.

In a nutshell? Great terrain. Lots of trails to ride. And tons of stuff to challenge expert riders.

Definitely take the trek up to Decision Point, where you can see Lake Buchanan in the distance. Some of the higher trails include stretches across a big open slab of granite. It’s not quite Enchanted Rock, but it’s close. …

Money for trails could disappear
By Vianna Davila, EXPRESS-NEWS STAFF
If you have ever walked, jogged or bicycled along the trail that parallels the San Antonio River south of downtown, connecting the city’s Spanish colonial missions, you’re making use of a project paid for partly with federal money.

Similar federal contributions could be jeopardized in a $260 billion federal transportation bill winding its way through Congress. Tempers are flaring, fingers are…

Mountain biking in Texas state parks picking up steam
By Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
AUSTIN – Mountain bikers throughout the state – from novices to experts — are increasingly pedaling the numerous trails found at more than 40 Texas state parks.

From beach and woodland road rides to hair-curling downhill descents in mountain and Hill Country parks, state parks from El Paso to Mustang Island offer bikers of all skill levels a multitude of diverse mountain biking adventures.

“Many trails in Texas state parks provide great opportunities for all levels of mountain-bike riders to test and develop their biking skills, get…

The weather is gorgeous. The trails are wet. What do you do?
Texas Mountain Bike Trails
As much as you want to head out for a ride and soak up the sunshine, you are going to have to show a little restraint.

The trails are the most vulnerable to damage when they are wet and muddy. For that reason, the International Mountain Bike Association has put out a set of guidelines to help preserve our trails. Here is a listing as outlined by IMBA. …

Helmet cam as witness Bicycle Network Increasing numbers of riders have a camera on the helmet or handlebar just in case there is a dispute over the facts of a crash. The eye-witness that does not lie

4 February 2012. Helmet cams are proving invaluable in the [...]]]> I believe this crash took place in Australia.

Helmet cam as witness
Bicycle Network
Increasing numbers of riders have a camera on the helmet or handlebar just in case there is a dispute over the facts of a crash.
The eye-witness that does not lie

4 February 2012. Helmet cams are proving invaluable in the battle for bike riders to assert their rights and win justice on Australia’s roads.

For too long drivers have been able to dodge their responsibility for crashes with bikes because the bike rider lacked witnesses to the incident.

No longer. As this shocking helmet cam video by rider Scott Kerrison (traveling on Springvale Road in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley) clearly shows, there can be no argument about who is responsible for a crash when the camera is rolling along with the bike.

Jan. 5-7, Shepherd-Beaumont TX VIDEOS!
By Steve        biketourdelife.org
Here are some videos touching upon some experiences during my trip from Shepherd-Beaumont TX & in Beaumont/Groves itself.

Featured are my Uncle Pete, my nephews Matt & Mark & video from Sam Houston National Forest, Nueces River & the lovely Big Thicket National Preserve. Would’ve loved to visit the Babe Didrikson museum honoring the Beaumont native who was a famed all-around athlete from the early 20th century. …

West Texas Premier Cyclocross Series Race 6
Date: February 5, 2012
Location: Lubbock, TX
Details: Maxey Park, (30th & Nashville). Course is available for pre-ride at 2pm and wheels roll at 2:30. Weather doesn’t matter!

Back End Andy Thanks
by Steve A            DFW Point-to-Point

Sometimes, when the commute has been even less eventful than normal, ideas come from other places on the Internet. In this case, today’s post comes from a statement of Andy Cline of the “must read” Carbon Trace blog. Mostly, politics aside, Andy is pretty sensible about bikes, but his post here suggested a little…

Bicycle Insurance: What are the options?
by Lars            Texas Cyclist
What are your options when it comes to bicycle insurance? It depends a lot on what you are trying to insure.

If you are looking for the type of bicycle insurance to protect yourself against the theft or destruction of your bicycle, you’ll want to look at your homeowner’s insurance policy, or perhaps your renter’s insurance policy if you don’t own a home.

You’ll want to make sure that the bicycle is insured for “replacement value” instead of just “depreciated value.” If your $5,000 bike is three years old and you have it insured for the depreciating value, you might end up getting…

Portion of Breckinridge Trail Closed
by dickdavid            Bike Friendly Richardson

From the City of Richardson newsletter:

Today, the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department closed a portion of the Breckinridge Trail in Breckinridge Park due to erosion damage. The impacted section is located at the pedestrian…

Heading Into Dallas? Check Out The Dallas Bicycle Cafe!
by dickdavid            Bike Freindly Richardson

It’s finally happening. Dallas is starting to become a bike friendly city. Not only are we beginning to see bike friendly businesses, but also places that are actually built for cyclists. Dallas Bicycle Cafe is now one of those destinations. Parked close to both the White Rock Creek Trail and the DART White Rock Station, this place will…

8:00am – Harden Dental Team Ride
by Scott Franklin        Corinth Cycling Club
When: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8am to 11am  CST
Where: Ronny Crownover Middle School
Event Description: This is the weekly training ride for the Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental race team. This is a 62 mile loop on an established route. Expect a fast pace and be prepared to fix your own mechanicals.

Member Meeting at Star Pizza NORFOLK, Monday February 13, 7PM
by Veljko Roskar            GHORBA
Please join us at Star Pizza at NORFOLK location (just off I-59).
Free PIZZA and Soft Drinks.
RSVP REQUESTED
Topics will include:
Save the Anthills Update
Flintridge/Spring Creek Trails
Newly awarded Recreational Trails Program Grant
Huntsville expansion
Short Track Series Race Info

Benjamin David Williams, 21, was taken into custody by Houston Police Kingwood Division officers Jan. 27 and charged with [...]]]> Kingwood man convicted of bicycle thefts also faces burglary charge
By STEFANIE THOMAS         www.yourkingwoodnews.com
A Kingwood man originally arrested for stealing two high-priced bicycles now also faces a charge of burglary of a habitation.

Benjamin David Williams, 21, was taken into custody by Houston Police Kingwood Division officers Jan. 27 and charged with state jail felony theft. According to court records, he stole two bicycles valued at a total of more than $1,500. Williams pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in Harris County Jail on Jan. 30.

That same day, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office also accepted a charge of burglary of a habitation…

Bike race: Bike Through the Forest and Hills – Coldspring, TX
Riders await the start of the Bike Through the Forest and Hills ride, an MS 150 recommended ride, in Coldspring on Jan. 28. Approximately 600 riders attended the event that greeted participants with weather in the 40s.

Let’s try and be adults about this…
Nearly Famous Fred – Texas Cyclist
Today, I’d like to talk about a subject, that while it’s somewhat uncomfortable to speak about in mixed company, but it is something that every avid cyclist has dealt with at least once in their cycling career.

Of course, I’m referring to…

Welcome to Nearly Famous Fred’s World of Cycling.  
Otherwise known as NFF-WOC, (pronounced “nef wok”).  I’d like this site to be your 1-stop look, (albeit a somewhat sideways look), at everything cycling related.  And I mean absolutely everything cycling related.  Everything.  (OK, not everything, but most of the really cool stuff.)  As I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, a lot of this site is dedicated to cycling in this area.  If you want to see more…

Fort Worth Bicycling Association February Paceline Newsletter
February is already here and it is time for another FWBA Tradition.  The Annual Super Bowl Ride takes place on Sunday February 5, 2012.  We will meet at 8:00 AM in Downtown Fort Worth at the Trinity Railway Express Station (ITC) at the corner of 9th and Jones.  Jerry Trimble will be your ride leader and he always promises a great day.  The tradition includes the ride from Downtown Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas, where lunch will be at Dick’s Last Resort.  After we all…

Greater Dallas Bicyclists Rides
Saturday, February 4, 2012
DFW Airport Ride – FAST GROUP – Fall/Winter (8:50am)
Best of the Southwest- Joe Pool – Fall/Winter/Spring Schedule (9:00am)
DFW Airport Ride – Fall/Winter (9:00am)
Distance Builder – Fall/Winter (9:00am)
Plano East Side Ride – Fall/Winter (9:30am)
Easy Going Ride – Fall/Winter (10:00am)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sunday Roll – SUPER BOWL RIDE (9:30am)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday Evening Lake Ride (7:00pm)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday Night Ride (6:30pm)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Best of the Southwest – Mountain View – Summer

Floresville Pecan Park Ride – Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
February 26, 2012 8:30 am
Floresville Pecan Park, Floresville
Ride starts at 8:30 a.m. Meet at Pecan Park in Floresville at for a 22, 33 or 47-mile group ride at a moderate rate (12-14 mph) in gently rolling terrain.  Directions:  Take US 181 South from San Antonio to Floresville and turn right on FM 97.  Pecan Park is on the right just after you turn off US 181 onto FM 97.  For more information contact ride Leaders:  Roy and Laura Munro, phone: 210-416-8485, email: royal@munro-online.com

February’s The Pedaler Newsletter
San Antonio Wheelmen
Welcome to February!  For those of you who have taken some time off the bike, it’s time to dust off your bike and participate in some Wheelmen rides.  I like to use this month to build some base miles, preferably with plenty of hilly routes.  I  plan to test my fitness level during the…

Regional Transportation Council asks for public input on regional Complete Streets Initiative
BikeDFW
The Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) will hold public meetings in Farmers Branch, Benbrook, and Hurst to provide information and seek input on regional transportation issues, including development of a regional Complete Streets Policy. These meeting will be important as most of the funding for bicycle-related transportation projects (including the 2011 Dallas Bike Plan) flows through NCTCOG. Any state or federal funding of local Complete Streets projects will likely also be…

RAAM qualifier coming to Central Texas
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City

The crazy folks who put on the Race Across America, that coast-to-coast biking jaunt otherwise known as RAAM, have announced a new series of (shorter!) races, and it includes a stop near Austin.

A March 17 Gran Fondo race in Marble Falls will kick off the 2012 RAAM Cycling Challenge. It’s one of nine races slated for across the country. Other stops are Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Northern California, Ohio, Southern California and…

Big Bend Ranch to provide casual atmosphere for biking enthusiasts
Sara Higgins            www.mywesttexas.com
There may have been a few bumps in road along the way, but the legacy of mountain biking in Big Bend country ventures on.

Big Bend Ranch State Park and Desert Sports in Terlingua will present the second Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest on President’s Day weekend, Feb. 16-18, offering three days of riding for outdoor adventurers of all levels. Other entities hosting the event include Lajitas Golf Resort, Big Bend National Park and the Big Bend Trails Alliance.

“Really what the whole Desert Dirt Fest is, is three days of fun in the sun in the desert,” said Barrett Durst, superintendent of Big Bend Ranch State Park. “It’s about providing an opportunity for folks who like getting out in…

Nacogdoches bikers, walkers fear sidewalks could go away
By Donna McCollum         www.ktre.com
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – Sidewalks are nice when you need them and missed when not available. The rest of the time they’re not given much thought.

“When you think of transportation needs for a city a lot of people just think of the streets and the bridges,” said Nacogdoches City Planner Larissa Philpot.

Many East Texas communities have enhanced sidewalk programs through Department of Transportation grants. It’s the agency which made all…

1up USA Indoor Trainer Review. Tha Trainer You Love To Hate.
by Justin            The Plano Cyclist

I hate my indoor trainer. I feel bad for the trainer, as it’s really not its fault that I hate it. I suppose it’s some sort of projection, this hate, as it really is me that is the problem here; I am fat, I have been laying off of serious riding for months, and I have this funny odor that is neither pleasant or unpleasant following me around. (Well, I suppose that has nothing to do…

World Cycling Industry Linkedin.com – Scott [...]]]> I came across this discussion on LinkedIn.com in the World Cycling Industry Group. This is a good question. I have to say I look at reviews on other products but not very often for cycling items except for tires. There are 35 comments on this topic. What about you?

World Cycling Industry
Linkedin.com – Scott Mares
One of my challenges is once we do a review on a product is getting the company and IBD to actually use the review. I would like to see the review used in the bike shop. Ideas anyone?

Tom Haedrich • Hi Scott – as a boutique branded company building custom bicycles and selling into the IBD channel and others I can tell you the road is not an easy one. Each IBD has their own reason for entering the business and idea’s of what THEIR shop should be, and rightly so, isn’t this one of the beautiful things about America’s free market system where you can be whatever it is you want to be. I preface this because as a small…

The Racing Post February 2012 Issue
The Racing Post is a monthly magazine dedicated to those who ride bicycles and like to ride them – fast.  Event coverage includes Road racing, Off-road racing, Track racing, Triathlons, Bicycle rallies, and all levels of bicycle training.

F e a t u r e s
4 Olympics Bound
6 The Next Generation
9 Intensity
14 Reflecting on a Cycling Scholarship
18 Believe It Or Not
30 All Carbon Ain’t The Same
35 Playing In The Mus
38 Photo Essay – TRP Winter Crit
39 Team Focus – Fresh Racing
42 MSU’s Danny Robertson
Vol. 12, No. 2

LMRA Bike Club Morning Ride: TBD – 9AM
Lockheed Martin Recreation Association
All Day Event: Feb 03, 2012
Be a Positive Ambassador:
STOP – LOOK – and be SEEN
STOP at all traffic lights and signs. LOOK before continuing to ensure its clear. Be SEEN obeying the law while cycling safely.
… be safe and an ambassador for all other cyclists.

Helmets are required for club rides. Smiles encouraged.
Scheduled rides are a go, unless wet or below 40 degrees. Check this calendar entry as the ride approaches to get the planned starting location and if the…

New Report Highlights Biking and Walking in Rural America
Alliance for Biking & Walking: People Powered Blog
imageA new report from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy dispels the commonly held notion that only residents of big cities bike and walk. According to “Active Transportation Beyond the Urban Centers” folks in rural areas travel by bike and on foot as much — and in some cases, even more — than people in major population centers.

“It’s a widespread assumption in popular media and politics that people in small towns and rural areas do not walk or bike for transportation purposes,” says Tracy Hadden Loh, co-author of the report and research…

Specialized expands ‘cross fork recall
Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN) Jan 31, 17:51 MT—Specialized is working with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission on an expansion of a recall involving some carbon forks on cyclocross bikes.

The brake boss mount on the forks can fail, allowing the brake to fall into the front spokes. Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately.

Specialized recalled about 14,200 2011-model bikes last year because of the problem. Now the company is recalling about 460 2012-model bikes. The new bikes affected are the 2012 Tricross Sport and 2012 Tricross Comp. …

Quality of Life in El Paso
by bmba                Borderland Mountain Bike Association
The city of El Paso is planning to bring a quality of life bond to be brought to the November election.  This bond would cause a small increase in your property taxes.  The main purpose of the bond is not known, but there are some specifics that have been put on the table that fit in to two categories – SIGNATURE PROJECTS and Parks and Recreation.  Signature Projects are big projects like a new arena….downtown…to maybe try to draw in a…

…As one of the leaders in the mountain biking community, I have created a list of specific ideas that will improve the mountain biking experience in El Paso.  When you go online to make your suggestions, feel free to copy and paste these ideas.  If you are not in favor of these ideas, don’t use them, but please contribute something to the…

Dallas Cycle Style is Born
by UrbanPedal        Dallas Cycle Chic
You may have noticed a few changes to the website recently.  Yes, time to reset your bookmarks – we’re leaving the Cycle Chic family to become our very own group, Cycle Style.

We’ve had a lovely year doing the Dallas Cycle Chic blog. As we’ve met Dallas riders on the streets, in the cycle shops and at large group rides, we’ve come to deeply appreciate the inspiring and broad range of cycle styles in our city.   You are all so different and yet all the same: from cardigan wearing ladies crushing trails to hardcore racers in spandex packs, you all shared with us your…

Save Our Forest (Anthills) Update – Meeting February 8 and what you can do
by Veljko Roskar        GHORBA

City looks at plans for a hike and bike bridge
by Oak Hill Gazette
Annick Beaudet with the city’s Neighborhood Connectivity Division told the Gazette that the need for such a bridge goes back to 1998, when the Texas Department of Transportation turned a northbound shoulder of Mopac into a turn lane for drivers going…

Biking group to hold presentations in Seguin
seguingazette.com        Felicia Frazar
SEGUIN – Bike enthusiasts have something to look forward to this week.

On Thursday and Saturday the International Mountain Biking Association will be hosting two presentations about the activity and how to enhance and generate more interest in the community, said Pete Silvius, Seguin Outdoor Learning Center board member and Rodriguez Elementary physical education teacher.

“There are two presentations,” he said. “On Thursday night will be Better Living Through Trails presentation starting 6:30 p.m. at Texas Lutheran University Student Activity Center. On Saturday will be the IMBA Trail Building…

Cibolo Ride
Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
Start: February 18, 2012 9:00 am
End:   February 18, 2012 12:00 pm
Venue: St. Paul Evangelical Church
Address:  108 South Main, Cibolo, TX, United States,
Ride starts at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Paul Evangelical Church’s parking lot (the gravel part in the back) adjacent to Harmon’s BBQ for a 30 or 20 mile group ride at an easy pace.  Ride will proceed southeast through rolling farm country to New Berlin, then northwest by Zuehl and Hackerville Road back into Cibolo.  The 20 mile ride will cut over at Gin road between Santa Clara and Zuehl.  See Map #506.  Directions: To get to St. Paul’s (108 S. Main) in Cibolo take IH35 north. Take exit 175 and turn right on Roy Richard Dr. (FM-3009 S).  Drive 3.2 miles and turn left onto Seguin Rd (FM 78).  Drive 1.4 miles and turn left onto W. TX-539 Loop.  Turn left on S. Main St. Paul’s Evangelical Church and Harmon’s BBQ will be on your left.  Lunch after the ride will be at Harmon’s.  For more information call ride leaders Ann Caldwell (508-8878) or Bob Caldwell (260-2584).

Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012 in ColdSpring, TX
by WB admin
The Bike Through the Forest and the Hills 2012 happening on January 28, 2012 at San Jacinto Courthouse 1 State Highway 150 Coldspring, TX

We were lucky enough to be granted an interview with Duane McPeak, Ride Director of Bike Through the Forest and the Hills to ask some questions about their upcoming ride.

…What was the most unforgettable experience or worst accident you had in this event? (prefer the rewarding/unforgettable experience ;o)) ?

During my first ride as director, just 15 minutes into the ride, I got a call from the local constable that we had a rider down. It was a young man still in High School that had lost control of his bike going down a hill. He had gone head/face first into the street. There was a SAG wagon at the start that I jumped into to go check on the rider. As we headed towards the rider, we could see an ambulance was already on it’s way ahead of us. By the…

Do not stop reading the next article too soon. There is a biking story in it.

All Washed Up
by Steve A        Dallas Point-to-Point
In North Texas, we have to take our opportunities for inclement weather when they arrive. While we get lots of practice with “hot and dry” in the summer, wet don’t get a lot of opportunity to explore the finer points of cold weather. It DOES rain around here, but it isn’t the kind of rain I grew up with. In Seattle, the rain takes a week or more to accumulate to an inch or two. A little drizzle and a lot of gray clouds is the rule around this time of year.

Around DFW, on the other hand, the rain REALLY lets you know it is serious stuff. Lightning, thunder, flash floods and more. And then, as quickly as the rain arrived, it is past and drenching Louisiana or Oklahoma. I think the term around these parts is the rain comes down as a “frog strangler,” but I’m not from around here. …

The rider was hit about 4 p.m. along Texas 249 at Antoine, Harris County sheriff’s deputies said. …

Apply for a [...]]]> Bike rider struck by vehicle in northwest Harris County
By Mike Glenn            Houston Chronicle
A bicycle rider was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle in northwest Harris County, authorities said Monday.

The rider was hit about 4 p.m. along Texas 249 at Antoine, Harris County sheriff’s deputies said. …

Apply for a Capacity Building Grant
By Carolyn Szczepanski         www.peoplepoweredmovement.org
Advocacy Advance is offering $25,000 in Capacity Building Grants this year to member organizations of the Alliance for Biking & Walking and League of American Bicyclists.

Capacity Building Grants support the development and professionalization of state and local advocacy organizations to increase rates of biking and walking. These matching grants, funded by Planet Bike, can be…

Texas Independence Bike Tour rolls through Deer Park
By RICHARD TEW        yourDeerparknews.com
Nearly 800 riders took part in this year’s Texas Independence Bike Tour, hosted by the Deer Park Rotary Club on Sunday (Jan. 29).

The bike tour, now in its third year, has continually exceeded expectations, according to the Rotary Club’s Ed Mills. “Last year we had 250 riders,” he said. Mills notes that last year, inclement weather may have keep some from participating.

Mills says this year’s riders have been complimentary about the registration process, the ride and the overall experience. He also notes that this year’s route was slightly different than last year and had more presence both…

HCBTC Donates Bikes to “Kids at Risk”  
Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club

Kudos to Yvonne Campos for organizing this event!!  Each fall the Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club sponsors a cycling event in Fredericksburg, called the Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic. A portion of the proceeds of that event goes to providing bicycles to a school promoting perfect attendance as an incentive.  Beacon Hill Elementary School was chosen as 75% of their student…

Dominate Your Heart Rate
by Shawn        Texas Mountain Bike Trails
Why should you use a heart rate monitor while training on your mountain bike?

Maybe because it will make you more efficient at achieving what you want to achieve. There are a few different reasons that people get on a mountain bike in the first place:

to burn fat
to increase your cardio endurance
or to get on a bike and dominate.

Guess what? A heart rate monitor will help with all of…

The 2012 Texas Road Race Season is here!
Violet Crown Sports Association
The Megan Baab Memorial Road Race in Copperas Cove starts the road race season. Violet Crown racers look forward to a successful season.
most recent Violet Crown race results…
January 28-29 | Tour of New Braunfels
Saturday
Cat 4 – Carey Jung 2nd, Weston Giunta 31st, Ken Greene 33rd
Cat 4/5 – Carey Jung 9th, Ben Groenewald 11th
Cat 5 – Ben Groenewald 21st
Sunday
Cat 4 – Ken Greene 10th, Carey Greene 16th, Bill Neale 26th, Weston Giunta 28th
Cat 5 – Ben Groenewald 15th
40+ 1/2/3/4 – Frank Kurzawa 10th

Exxon – Rio Medina Ride
Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
Start: February 11, 2012 9:00 am
End:   February 11, 2012 11:00 am
Venue:     Exxon Station
Address:   15355 W FM 471, San Antonio, TX, United States, 78253
Saturday, February 11th: Ride starts at 9:00. Meet at the parking area next to the Exxon Station (15436 Culebra) on FM 471 outside Loop 1604 for an easy 16 mile ride to Rio Medina with a 32 mile longer ride from the Exxon Station to the Haby Bakery in Castroville.  The 16 mile ride is a great ride for beginners.  Directions: Take Culebra Road past 1604, where it becomes FM471, until you come to the Exxon station on your right.