Border Bike Trip, Day 26: The Hot and Perilous Clime

Grant Wishard | www.weeklystandard.com

I got my rear derailleur replaced by a mechanic in Del Rio (locally pronounced “Del Ree-uh”) and finally bought new tubes. My plan was to leave the highway behind and take Old Mines road to Laredo, a 114-mile gravel stretch that cuts right along the Rio Grande, and I couldn’t afford to take any mechanical chances.

Later that day I received an email from Keith Bowden, the guy who canoed the entire Rio Grande river several years back and who I recently met by chance in the small town of …

Border Bike Trip, Day 27: Laredo

Grant Wishard | www.weeklystandard.com

I’m in America, but it feels like Mexico. Laredo is unique among border towns because it has always had a majority Latino population. Biking into the city you pass rows and rows and rows of warehouses, distribution centers, and yards full of semi-truck trailers before you hit this horrible commercial strip crammed full of every road-side corporate brand imaginable—McDonald’s, Starbucks, Burger King, Walmart, IHOP, Applebee’s—on and on, mile after mile.

It’s an awful stretch of road to confront as a “cyclist,” as we like to call ourselves in the …

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Greater Houston athletic activities listings: April 11

Terry St. John | www.chron.com

CYCLING

Sixteenth Annual Katy Ram Challenge on Saturday morning, benefiting the Mayde Creek Mighty Ram Band, begins at Paetow High School in Katy for 38-, 49-, 65- and 77-mile options through parts of Katy, Brookshire and Waller. A family ride of nine miles is also offered.. Visit katyramchallenge.org.

Paddle N Pedal Fest, sponsored by the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, is from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event operates from two adjacent locations — at the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, 20215 Chasewood Park Dr., and the festival site at CHI St. Luke’s Hospital – The Vintage, 20171 Chasewood Park Dr. Contact 281-440-4160.

RBC Gran Fondo Texas on Sunday begins at Montgomery ISD stadium and offers riders options of 44, 65, 87 and 101 routes through Sam Houston National Forest to the towns of Richards and Anderson. Lunch is served at Montgomery High School after the rides. Net proceeds are donated to National MS Society, Texas Medical Center Orchestra and Montgomery Food Bank. Visit granfondotexas.org.

The Houston Bike Summit on Monday, April 16, at 5 p.m. at Saint Arnold Brewing Company will honor the people who are making a difference in transforming Houston into a more people and bike-friendly city. Mayor Sylvester Turner is the honoree for his leadership in passing the Houston Bike Plan. The evening features a Bike and Ride Expo, food and beer provided by the brewery and an awards ceremony with keynote speaker County Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Visit bikehouston.org.

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College Station residents irritated by unattended Ofo bikes

By Dan Beedie | www.kbtx.com

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. Bright yellow Ofo bikes can be spotted all throughout Texas A&M University’s campus as well as College Station. Either being ridden by students, at bike racks, or sometimes abandoned on campus or around town.

“It makes us look kind of junky,” says College Station council member Linda Harvell. “The’y are parked in yards they are parked in streets or parked across sidewalks, crosswalks, everywhere but where they should be.” …

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Split council approves funding for Cotton Patch Classic

By Hojun Choi | www.heraldbanner.com

City Council members voted Tuesday night 5-2 to approve the use of $8,000 from Greenville’s Hotel Occupancy Tax funds to help finance the Cotton Patch Classic bicycle ride scheduled in September.

When councilmembers approved the list of events that would receive funding from revenue generated through the city’s hotel occupancy tax in December 2017, $5,000 was appropriated for use by the YMCA for the bicycle ride.

Because the YMCA is …

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Peddler’s Pass & Gnargasm – Mountain Biking Brushy Creek Park in Cedar Park Texas

www.trailforks.com

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House of Tandems combines biking, team sports

By Hannah Zedaker | communityimpact.com

When Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast in late August, longtime Spring residents Ric and Marcia Becker not only received 9 inches of water in their home, but also in their business.

The Beckers have owned and operated House of Tandems out of a showroom in their home’s converted three-car garage off Rayford Road since 2007. The bike shop is only one of four shops in the U.S. that specializes in customized tandem bicycles, which can seat two to three riders, Ric said. …

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Tour de Paris bicycle rally is slated for July 21, 2018

by Amanda Cutshall | eparisextra.com

Expected to bring in more than 1,700 people this year, the 34th annual Tour de Paris is set for July 21.

The rally begins at 8 a.m. on Jefferson Road, just west of Love Civic Center. There are routes for anyone interested ranging from 14 miles up to 80 miles (see maps below). …

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Bicyclist struck, killed by Jeep in south Houston

By Jay R. Jordan | www.chron.com

A bicyclist is dead after being struck by a driver in a Jeep in south Houston on Wednesday night, police said.

The crash was reported around 9:40 p.m. A Jeep Grand Cherokee slammed into the female bicyclist on the South Beltway 8 frontage road near Dickinson Road, near the Beltway’s intersection with the Gulf Freeway, police said.

When police arrived, they found the woman dead.

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Viva Streets

By RICK KELLEY | www.valleymorningstar.com

HARLINGEN — The city’s popular social bike ride is back again tomorrow when cyclists take to the streets for a sundown cruise.

The leisurely 4.75-mile route will start at City Lake near the Harlingen Public Library at 7:30 p.m.

Riders need to bring a helmet and bike with lights for the run. …

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‘BikeHouston’ participants partner to provide lights to cyclists

By: Isiah Carey | www.fox26houston.com

Bicycling has become the thing to do in Houston. There are clubs all over the city, and two are BikeHouston and Tour de Hood. They’ve teamed up and now they’re giving back to hel cyclists who are caught when the sun goes down.

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Joe’s Southern Tier Adventure

By Joe Athas | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 57: Lexington-College Station

Monday April 9, 2018, 57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 1,803 miles (2,902 km)
Today I woke up in the Lexington park to two of their finest asking me what I was doing. They told me they got a call, but I could tell they were relieved I wasn’t just some homeless guy. I told them a bit about my adventure and they sent me on my way with a …

Day 58: College Station-New Waverly/Waverly

Tuesday April 10, 2018, 63 miles (101 km) – Total so far: 1,866 miles (3,003 km)
My morning at Jason+Alyson’s was a long one. I made my self a big breakfast of eggs and cheese with coffee. I didn’t leave til noon since I was enjoying their place so much.
I made my way through the Sam Houston national Forrest which was …

Day 59: Waverly-Sour Lake

Wednesday April 11, 2018, 72 miles (116 km) – Total so far: 1,938 miles (3,119 km)
Today I slept til 8:30-9 or so. I’m getting real lazy about waking up early. Fortunately the afternoon warmth hasn’t been too bad lately. I got coffee at the grocery/convenience store in Waverly (not the New one, not the Old one, cuz apparently there’s all three within 10 miles of one another)
I turned on the Ben Folds today being my …

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The Southern Tier: San Diego to St. Augustine (and further?)

By Susanne Holste | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 30. Marfa to Marathon

Thursday April 12, 2018, 88 km (55 miles) – Total so far: 1,966 km (1,222 miles)
Today was another busy day on the Southern Tier in both directions. It was a nice ride from Marfa to Alpine, slight incline, and a good shoulder. We stopped at Marfa Lights for photos and then enjoyed the wide open space that we cycled through. There was a small Baptist settlement and ranch houses in the far distance. We saw one sign that read 77 Ranches and I wondered if that was the name of one ranch or the gateway to 77 ranches. Alpine is a larger town and …

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Two Timing Texas Tour

By Richard Hoeg | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 8: Bandera to Hondo: Road Surface Roulette Strike Out

Wednesday April 11, 2018, 31 miles (50 km) – Total so far: 322 miles (518 km)
Lousy web connection. Just adding basics right now. Lost shoulder on Tx 173. Bad Chip Seal. Headwind. 2 Flats. Saw Crested Caracara loving pair. Got pics. Hope to add much more including images tomorrow.
Walmart has road bike presta valve inner tubes. Who knew?! Google suggested. Needed more tubes.

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Texas Bicycling from Twitter

This Saturday @ @rprtexas – @wedu Texas HÅ«ndred – @friendsandalliesbrewing @fiestawinery @austinmassagecompany @honeystinger @chameleoncoldbrew and more! Oh and bluebonnets and zebras and @lancearmstrong #cycling #texashillcountry #fromwhereiride

— HOLLAND RACING (@HOLLANDRACERS) April 12, 2018

Good to see your faces, amigos. https://t.co/kf82SqJhLa

— Veronica I Lucio (@VeronicaILucio) April 12, 2018

We're thrilled to help sponsor this year's Houston Bike Summit! Join us on Monday to celebrate the year's accomplishments and prepare for the challenges ahead. @SaintArnold's will be providing the food and bevs. https://t.co/R5YucA6354

— Houston BCycle (@HoustonBCycle) April 11, 2018

Not yet ready for primetime… pic.twitter.com/upRnDiAJTl

— MSU Cycling Team (@MSUCyclingTeam) April 11, 2018

Every week @SylvesterTurner, crews setting up / dismantling events in @DowntownHouston and at @buffalobayou Park continually use one of our only protected bike lanes for personal vehicle storage. What can be done to stop this? CC: @MayorsEvents & @HouParking https://t.co/fvXqfHgtVl

— Pepe Lucho #BLM (@cmoney_htx) April 11, 2018

@Siclovia is just a couple weeks away! Learn all about what SiClovia is all about & get your family excited and read to join us & @YMCAsatx on May 6th for the next SiClovia. #SiClovia #MoveMore #EatBetter #BeConnected #YMCASATX #FitCitySA https://t.co/9uuXGSN542 pic.twitter.com/Xxoa0bmAoS

— FitCitySA (@FitCitySA) April 11, 2018

This is what u see by bike in Texas.#bikerental #texas #airstreambikeshop #welovebikes… https://t.co/XGEpW9zWRb

— Streamline Cycles (@Streamlinecycle) April 11, 2018

Pick up your packet on Wednesday, April 18 from 11am to 7pm at Wortham Insurance Terrace located at Buffalo Bayou on the Sabine Street Bridge. Food courtesy of Goya & beer generously provided by Michelob Ultra while supplies last. You must raise at least $400 to get your packet. pic.twitter.com/zS8cNQ6k1H

— Bike MS: Texas MS 150 (@TexasMS150) April 11, 2018

https://twitter.com/bicyclesplus/status/984156110339919879

Join us for the Spring Tune-up Training Camp starting on April 23rd. See link below with more details & how to sign-up.🎟️🚲https://t.co/oguYFkQ6wl https://t.co/oguYFkQ6wl

— Pedal Hard (@pedalhardatx) April 11, 2018

Join us on Saturday at 8 AM: https://t.co/J35urr8yqT pic.twitter.com/Oc7i8nHohl

— SA Wheelmen (@sawheelmen) April 11, 2018

May will be here in a couple weeks! Are you ready for #BikeMonth? @BikeLeague has resources to make your May more #bicyclefriendly!https://t.co/40Q1XKomsw

What are you doing to celebrate #BikeMonth? pic.twitter.com/Fb7VN9XZ8V

— League of American Bicyclists (@BikeLeague) April 11, 2018

Almost done with the new signage project. Pretty simple I think. Blue – Bike, Gold – walk/jog and easy outs

— Wee-Chi-Tah Trail (@WeeChiTahTrail) April 11, 2018

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

New Event World Without Orphans Palo Duro Canyon Cruise & BBQ – Canyon, TX World Without Orphans Palo Duro Canyon Cruise & BBQ at Canyon, TXhttps://t.co/Dq235s87Hlhttps://t.co/55nMjvrjGj

Single Rider 20 miles 9:00 AM $100
Join us for a single day ri… https://t.co/kJjAoRLJ0F

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 11, 2018

New Event Tour de Forest – Atlanta, TX Tour de Forest at Atlanta, TXhttps://t.co/a87CqtxQnl

Join us for a 19, 36 or 50 mile loop ride through the beautiful Piney Woods of Northeast Texas.  All routes are supported and have multiple rest stops. Registr… https://t.co/sxiNdlPhoI

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 11, 2018

FMPD Bike Unit wins Keller Police Bike Race to End Child Abuse

by Mark Smith | www.crosstimbersgazette.com

The Flower Mound Police Department Bike Unit took home first place in the Keller Police Bike Race to End Child Abuse over the weekend.

The police department shared a photo of the team, which received the Brenda J. Slovak Memorial Trophy for the first place unit. Sgt. Jason Rachal and Officer Charles Chaple came in second and …

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Residents give input on active transportation options

By Jessica Gruenling | www.kbtx.com

BRYAN, Tex. (KBTX) – On Monday night, cyclists and pedestrians had a chance to give their input at a meeting with TxDOT.

A public hearing was held at the Stella hotel with presentations by Texas A&M University, the City of College Station, the City of Bryan, and the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The organizations are looking into how to improve conditions for cyclists, walkers, runners and all other alternative travelers in the Brazos Valley. …

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From Payment To Pavement: The Challenges Of Bikesharing

www.pymnts.com

The bikesharing trend has really gotten rolling in many cities around the world. Whether or not you’ve ridden one, you’ve surely seen them: Fleets of identical bikes, often colorful, clustered at rental docks where anyone from commuters to tourists can pay the fee to take one for a spin.

The latest evolution of the trend, however, does away with those docks, instead leveraging GPS technology to keep track of bicycles and lead riders to the nearest one when they log into the app. …

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Bicycle travelers discover Lone Star State

By Flip Putthoff | www.nwaonline.com

Lots of us have slid some quarters in a juke box to sing, “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas, with Waylon and Willie and the boys.”

Pedaling to Luckenbach was a highlight of a bicycling trip last month down yonder in Central Texas. The Texas Hill Country, this region is called. This is ranch country with wide open countryside west of Austin.

Our little Le Tour de Madison County bicycling group traveled by car to Fredericksburg, Texas to explore the hill country on our bikes over four days. Fredricksburg bills itself in part as a premier …

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Sims Bayou Greenway Groundbreaking Celebration

houstonparksboard.org

Please join us as we celebrate the next phase of Sims Bayou Greenway. When complete, Sims Bayou Greenway will be about 20 miles long and will connect communities to parks and nature along the way.

Sims Bayou is one of eight bayous being transformed through Bayou Greenways 2020, a city-wide project to complete a 150-mile network of parks and trails along Houston’s major bayous. Click here to learn more. …

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Cyclists given safety tips as bicycle fatalities on the rise

spectrumlocalnews.com

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Cyclists asking for help this spring and summer to keep them safe on the roads.

As the weather gets warmers, drivers will share the streets with bicyclists. However, along with the warmer weather come fears of bicycle fatalities.

For Christian Cortez, a bike is his main mode of transportation. Cortez said he follows the rules of the road and avoids riding at night, but has still had …

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PHOTOS: Wounded and injured service members and vets go to bicycle camp at McAllister Park

www.expressnews.com

South Texas VA Recreation Therapy Service partnered with Operation Comfort to host a three-day cycling camp for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at McAllister Park.

The park began Monday April, 09, 2018.

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EARTH DAY ATX

austinyellowbike.org

We’re partnering with Earth Day ATX, Bicycle Sport Shop, Bike Austin and the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative to give away bikes!

Bikes will be distributed via raffle at the Earth Day Austin event Saturday, April 21st at Huston-Tillotson University. Winners of the on-site drawing will receive a new-to-them bike, a new helmet, proper bike and helmet fittings, safety training, and …

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Seven Sisters – Local Ride

Pedal Pushers | roy-pedalpushers.blogspot.com

San Angelo, Texas
Jodi, David, Tyler, Ron, Jerry, and Brian.
Long false flat at the start.

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FrankenBike San Antonio #93: SATURDAY

by Chris | frankenbike.net

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Two Timing Texas Tour

By Richard Hoeg | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 7: Kerrville to Bandera: Rolling Rest Days!

Tuesday April 10, 2018, 34 miles (55 km) – Total so far: 291 miles (468 km)
The Texas Hill Country is beautiful, and hilly … thus the name! Thus, for the next two days Molly and I are taking rolling rest days. There are some nice small towns 30+ miles apart which we are visiting. We therefore do not stay in one spot, but move slightly.
Today we are in Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of Texas … or so they claim! Regardless, we have found a small cabin across the road from a city park and river … a great place for relaxing and recharging batteries.

Today, like most days, we …

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The Southern Tier: San Diego to St. Augustine (and further?)

By Susanne Holste |www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 29. Exploring Marfa

Wednesday April 11, 2018
It was a luxury to sleep in this morning and start the day with surprisingly good coffee from the hotel’s reception. Last night we discovered that much of Marfa is closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s, including the art museums and many of the eateries. We weren’t too disappointed and decided to make the most of the day by exploring this quirky little town and walk its streets. It’s an interesting mix of ramshackle buildings, several churches, modernist homes, and art galleries. There are a lot of small …

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The Limo Bikes to Bayous and Beaches

By Marilyn Swett | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Orange, TX to Sulphur, LA: Heading into Cajun Country

Tuesday April 10, 2018, 43 miles (69 km) – Total so far: 773 miles (1,244 km)
“I am no longer afraid of becoming lost, because the journey back always reveals something new, and that is ultimately good for the artist.” ― Billy Joel
Despite going to bed at 11:00 last night, I woke up this morning at 4:00 am and couldn’t get back to sleep. I guess was looking forward to blowing this “Bermuda Triangle” of SE Texas!

I just read my Kindle for a while until the alarm went off and Don got up. We opened the drapes and were excited to find SUN and blue skies! Wow, it’s been 3 gloomy days since …

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Pacific to Atlantic

By Matthew McCoy | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Lost Maples State Natural Area, TX to Kerrville, TX: 51 miles

Monday April 9, 2018
Today was a gloomy weather day with chilly damp air and low clouds that lasted throughout the day in more Hill Country. This weather is ideal for cycling efficiency but not great for taking photos with a cell phone. The later sections of the route today paralleled the Guadalupe River and there were some nice resort looking places along the way. …

Kerrville, TX to Johnson City, TX: 68 miles

Tuesday April 10, 2018
Today was a return to sunny warm weather. The blue bonnets are in bloom and were roadside much of the way today.
I had a busy day today. I stopped in Fredericksburg along the way and visited the National Museum of the Pacific War, which is a well done museum that I was aware of but never expected to have an opportunity to visit. The museum is in …

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Texas Bicycling from Twitter

Bobbie is BACK on the podium! https://t.co/NWES5Wh5BE

— Team PACC (@teampacc) April 11, 2018

#TeamRTC is growing! We have an amazing opportunity for a talented active transportation #planner/community organizer to join our amazing partners in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, #TX, to lead the implementation of their Active Plan!

Apply here ➤ https://t.co/pAdVAzlsFR pic.twitter.com/a1lMA3fNx3

— Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (@railstotrails) April 10, 2018

SAVE THE DATE: Join us at San Antonio's largest health and wellness event (it's free!) Bike, jog, run, and play in the street! https://t.co/ZtDLp0tNhi pic.twitter.com/qXIUbxHoJv

— YMCA of San Antonio (@YMCAsatx) April 10, 2018

So cool seeing #T4K2017 rider @HeidiMSimmons featured in the 2017 @MDAndersonNews Annual Report! Heidi was accepted to a highly competitive Post Graduate Fellowship in Oncology Nursing and is one of just 3 selected for her class. She's still #fightingcancereverymile pic.twitter.com/geOcRnpMkY

— Texas 4000 (@Texas4000) April 10, 2018

Social bike ride on Friday the 13th. Join us for a spooky ride!https://t.co/K4wQqxhO5l pic.twitter.com/w8YQNCWK3P

— Critical Mass Houston (@HoustonCM) April 10, 2018

$500M Trump admin. transportation grant to focus on rural road, bridge projects over bikes, walkways https://t.co/sbmoPWeDvv pic.twitter.com/c18oNKYT6C

— FOX 7 Austin (@fox7austin) April 10, 2018

Bike Maintenance Workshop May 3rd , 8th , 15th , 17th , 22nd. 🚲Bikeland-Thurs. May 3rd & 27th 6pm 🚲TXTRI/ Bikelane Bike Repair for Women-Wednesday, May 9th at Township Recreation Center Creekside #MayIsBikeMonth #ShareBikeLove #BikeTheWoodlands pic.twitter.com/hsmUX3sNcw

— Bike The Woodlands (@BikeWoodlands) April 10, 2018

pic.twitter.com/uvSYMVRTEI

— Dan Pedroza (@beagleracing) April 10, 2018

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

New Event Missions Tour de Goliad – Goliad, TX https://t.co/gccyaoVH0Vhttps://t.co/26XvgfRX3F

The Goliad Chamber of Commerce invites you to the

Missions Tour de Goliad

Bicycle Ride October 20, 2018! This bicycling tour has made a tradition of offe… https://t.co/YkkWfBGiUA

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 10, 2018

New Event Fayetteville Good Old Summertime Classic – Fayetteville, TX https://t.co/MsCfSp0RQ1https://t.co/ZlN0YvGKJZ

This is the 21st Annual Good Old Summertime Classic.  The ride begins on the Historic Square in the heart of Fayetteville, Texas.  W… https://t.co/Oz9SMW4plE

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 10, 2018

New Event Finish The Ride – Tulia, TX https://t.co/PEkoHHJQlr
About This Activity

Aaron Ross

A 2009 Tulia High School graduate, died October 16, 2011. His love for biking inspired this scholar-ship bike ride. Aaron, born August 27, 1991, was att… https://t.co/PIBySd7pbp

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 10, 2018

New Event TUESDAY NIGHT CRITERIUM – Richardson, TX TUESDAY NIGHT CRITERIUM at Richardson, TXhttps://t.co/Pyfuyf9UJYhttps://t.co/huzwjfa4nz

     Category     Distance     Start     Fee     Prizes     Field Limit
    A RACE- P-1-2-3     60 minutes    … https://t.co/gtBcctugq1

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 11, 2018

New Event TUESDAY NIGHT CRITERIUM – Richardson, TX TUESDAY NIGHT CRITERIUM at Richardson, TXhttps://t.co/R3FOKL3BfLhttps://t.co/huzwjfa4nz

     Category     Distance     Start     Fee     Prizes     Field Limit
    A RACE- P-1-2-3     60 minutes    … https://t.co/A7QWcDUMAp

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 11, 2018

New Event Bike the Bricks IX – McKinney, TX
Bike the Bricks IX at McKinney, TXhttps://t.co/ka8ttz6sCNhttps://t.co/yZ58wTwFw7

     Category     Distance     Start     Fee     Prizes     Field Limit
    Category 5     40 minutes     2:30 PM     $45   … https://t.co/wB2v8xl9k5

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 11, 2018

New Event Kate's Ride – Sealy, TX Kate's Ride at Sealy, TXhttps://t.co/KHcY1VA5Duhttps://t.co/pzu8F00kUo

Spirit of the Pack is proud to announce 4th annual 2018 Kate's Ride. Spirit of the Pack is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is… https://t.co/4PFkaMbnTL

— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 11, 2018