Texas Bicycling News April 19th 2017

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CCPD officer riding in Memorial Bike Trek

KIII STAFF | www.kiiitv.com

CORPUS CHRISTI (KIII NEWS) – A special statewide bike trek is being held to pay respect to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and a Corpus Christi police officers is taking part.
It’s called the Texas Police Memorial Bike Trek. Among the …

Officers bicycling the country stop in Austin to pay respects

Jason Puckett | www.kvue.com

AUSTIN – The ride from Corpus Christi to Austin may seem like a long journey – especially on a bicycle. But that’s what four of the members of the “We Remember Memorial Bike Trek” did Tuesday before participating in a memorial in downtown Austin. …

The Texas Hill Country

By Bryan Lorber | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Introduction
I have never been to Texas with the exception of a long drive as a teenage with my parents through the panhandle and a plane change in Houston. As a bicycle tourist I had read that the area south of Austin toward San Antonio, known as the Hill Country, is beautiful and especially so in the spring when wildflowers bloom and the rolling, rural landscape of green allows for wonderful cycling. The low traffic back roads adds to the enjoyment.
I contacted my long time friend who I knew would enjoy this ride. He loves to cycle and we share a similar sense of adventure. Our last tour together was a fully supported ACA tour of the C&O / GAP trail from Washington, DC to Pittsburgh and we had a blast. This tour in Texas was the prefect match.

Day 1: New Braunfels: A short ride and orientation
Saturday April 1, 2017, 14 miles (23 km) – Total so far: 14 miles (23 km)
I arrived in this easily forgettable community on the edge of the interstate in the early morning after my good friend from Austin dropped me off at the Microtel Inn. I had just spent a pleasant three days at his lovely, historic home in the capital of Texas and was soon to reunite with my friend Cris who was flying in from DC. A few other members of the tour were already at the motel and it was easy to spot them in the common area with their cyclists caps, T-shirts, and animated discussion of previous cycling adventures. Since I was so early, my room wasn’t ready but Hugh, an older gentleman from Colorado, kindly offered me his room and his extra key so I could store my bike and kit.
I had hoped to take a ride around town but this is a car (more accurately, oversized pickup truck) centric community and even walking was a challenging since there are few sidewalks along the busy streets where this hotel is located. Three of us did mange a walk down to the river which was nice and then found our way to a giant shopping plaza where we had a …

Day 2: Lazy L&L RV Park to Pedernales Falls State Park: A thunderstorm from Hell and the kindness of strangers
Sunday April 2, 2017, 51 miles (82 km) – Total so far: 65 miles (105 km)
The shuttle picked us up bright and early. Luggage would be fetched later by the luggage truck. A reasonably good breakfast was served at the campground by our catering food truck. Scrambled eggs, meat, homefries, fruit, hot and cold cereals, etc. This would be the daily standard, not much variety.
I had slept poorly, anxious about the weather, and when we arrived back at the camp site in darkness the air was so dense with moisture that droplets formed on everything. As the morning light rose you could see clouds hanging low over head. The atmosphere was charged and ready to explode.
We began to ride following the route north on a variety of roads . Traffic varied but was generally light. The road surface was good. At one stoplight near the town of Sattler, the passenger side window of a waiting truck came down and woman said, ” There’s a big storm coming with tornado warning!” We thanked her and continued on for several more miles before seeing a real “good old boy” (boots, ten gallon hat, and belly) get out of his truck and wave us down. “There’s a big storm coming with …

Day 3: Perdernales Falls State Park to Jellystone Park Camp Resort: Lyndon B. Johnson and the Texas wine country
Monday April 3, 2017, 50 miles (80 km) – Total so far: 115 miles (185 km)
The shuttle picked us up at 6:30am which was a nice change from 6 the previous morning. It was 50 degrees, so cool enough to wear some layers for breakfast. The morning sky was bright and fine with Venus in full phase and Jupiter, I think, nearby. A number of people had shuttled their bikes to the hotel the night before to avoid the climb up and out of the camp site but we decided to just leave our bikes in camp. As it turned out, the ride up from the river valley was a wonderful way to start the day. Hilly, yes, but so pleasant in the cool, sunny morning light. The air was still and there was no traffic. The landscape was peretty with long vistas. The Pedernales River was …

Day 4: Rest Day: Fredericksburg and terrible barbecue
Tuesday April 4, 2017
Another lovely day with a cool morning and sunny afternoon. The shade is nice but the sun is hot. This is a rest day with several riding options but we decided to take it easy and shuttle into town. The wind was strong so we were glad not to be riding west in this. Some riders did cycle into town via backroads but then enjoyed a monster tail wind returning to camp. The main highway into Fredericksburg is very …

Day 5: Jellystone Park Camp Resort to Oakwood RV Resort: The longest and best ride of the tour
Wednesday April 5, 2017, 65 miles (105 km) – Total so far: 180 miles (290 km)
Another morning of crisp, cold air followed by a warm to hot day. Since this was a long day and there was a strong headwind for most of it, a number of riders opted to take the shuttle 17 mikes to Willow City, the location of our first water stop. Cris and I wanted to cycle since we were well rested from the day before and itching to get back on our bikes. As it turned out, the wind wasn’t too bad to start but became stronger as the day went on. Ultimately, the wind became my partner, what choice did I have? After all was said and done, the lovely landscape made it well worth it the effort.
As we headed north, the Willow City Loop was noteworthy for its spectacular scenery, limestone outcroppings and wildflowers. The roads are narrow and rural and there should be low traffic but due to the wildflower season there are a lot of city folks and others who drive slowly, or not, and come to frequent stops to photograph, stare or otherwise enjoy the …

Day 6: Fredericksburg to Blanco: LBJ Ranch and the Texas Whitehouse
Thursday April 6, 2017, 40 miles (64 km) – Total so far: 220 miles (354 km)
Today was a short day but with the bonus of visiting the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, sight of the LBJ Ranch and the so-called Texas Whitehouse during his presidency. Lady Bird lived there until 2007 and now their home is open to the public. It has been restored to how it looked in 1968, a perfect time capsule which includes all the original furnishings, clothing, bathroom articles, etc. it was amazing! His presidential jet is parked in the hanger. It’s a small one used for the short flight to larger airport from which he flew back and forth to Washington. There is also a garage with his luxury Lincoln Continentals and a very cool amphibious car. Also a …

Day 7: Blanco to The Lazy L&L RV Park, New Braunfels: The final day and concluding thoughts
Friday April 7, 2017, 48 miles (77 km) – Total so far: 268 miles (431 km)
Our final day was yet another perfect day with clear skies, a cool start and pleasantly warm with no humidity. There were some good climbs and the wind wasn’t too bad. The highlight was two highwater crossings where the river flowed over the road. We had been warned not to ride across because of the slick algae but Cris boldly crossed and what else could I do but follow? Fortunately we made it through without mishap and our fenders, the only two bikes on this tour to have them, kept us and our kit nice and dry. The rest of the ride went by quickly and we arrived back at the Lazy L&L in New Braunfels in the early afternoon. It was nice to …

Ironman Triathlon Brings Visitors, Traffic Headaches To The Woodlands This Weekend

By Bryan Kirk | patch.com


THE WOODLANDS, TX — The Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas North American Championship is set to get underway in The Woodlands on Saturday, which means lots of visitors, traffic delays in and around the area.
Motorists will experience lane closures and traffic …

Supplier bike shipments fall 15 percent over first quarter

by BRAIN Staff | www.bicycleretailer.com

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Suppliers selling e-bikes saw an increase in business over the first quarter as shipments grew 88 percent, but that is about the only good news in Q1. Suppliers shipped 80,303 fewer bikes to shops through March, a loss of $32.6 million in business, according to a …

Florida Bound

By Charles Brun | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 35: La Grange to Navisota Texas
Tuesday April 18, 2017, 69 miles (111 km) – Total so far: 1,892 miles (3,045 km)
Today turned out to be a good riding day despite the light rain and I did not hear thunder all day.
I was up at 6 am and on the road by 7:45 am. I stopped to buy fruit and bagels early in ride as I knew that there would no services for the entire ride.
As I entered the towns of Oldenburg, Warrenton, and Round Top I saw many signs for antique shows. It turns out this area is nationally known for antique shows in the spring and fall. People come from all over the country along with antique dealers to attend these shows.
The countryside I saw today was oak savannah. There were large pastures, and …

University Blvd. Reconstruction

BikeHouston | bikehouston.org


University Blvd is being rebuilt and the City of Houston is taking public comment on the proposed street design until this Friday, April 21st.
If you travel through the University Blvd area, then you …

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RainX Better Than Sunscreen Bike Ride

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RainX would have been better than the sunscreen I put on. I delayed starting the bike ride to allow the rain clouds on the radar to move away from where the “Atascocita – Walden – Huffman Extended” route for the ride traveled. Just before I started at 12:01 a few rain drops fell at home. Later as I rode south on Pinehurst Trail a few more drops hit me but not enough to get me wetter than the perspiration did. I could some dark clouds to the south but I hoped they would move away like the others did.

After that rain incident all went well. I took a break at the Huffman Chevron about 21.8 miles into the ride. As I sat there I could some dark clouds to the west but I thought they were beyond where I would be biking later in the ride. A 20 minute rest and I got back on the bike to complete what would be a 35.12 mile ride.

Biking north on FM 2100 I made the turn on Smith Road to get back to FM 1960. The wind was helpful until I made the left turn onto E. Lake Houston Parkway where in became a headwind. Back on FM 1960 bicycling west across the lake I made good time. So far the rain stayed away. On Atascocita Shores Drive I started to feel a few rain drops but as I rode along it picked up making the street wet and me too. The last 7 miles of the ride was in the rain. Mostly it was light until I got close to the finish when it rained a little harder. By the time I finished at 2:51 I was soaked.

Maybe the next ride will be drier. Yesterday rain fell until mid-afternoon so I didn’t bike.

Link to Strava.com and RideWithGPS.com

Strava Extended Statistics

Strava Extended Statistics

Texas Bicycling News April 18th 2017

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The 2017 BP MS 150 team jerseys will have bikers riding in style from Houston to Austin

By Heather Leighton | www.chron.com


The annual BP MS 150 will be kicking off the last weekend of April and the bikers are gearing up to trek across Texas.
On April 29 and 30 about 13,000 people will begin the two-day fundraising bike ride from Houston to Austin organized by the National MS Society, South Central Chapter. …

Mobile Bike Shop Velofix Gets Rolling in San Antonio

Iris Gonzalez Iris Gonzalez | therivardreport.com


For both budding and experienced bike enthusiasts, equipment challenges can range from selecting and assembling a bicycle for the first time to getting a fancy set of wheels to a bike shop for repairs. Mobile bicycle repair is now available in San Antonio, joining other businesses, such as automotive windshield repair and pet grooming services, that travel to …

Take a Kid Mountain Biking

Bicycle Sport Shop | www.bicyclesportshop.com


Pass on your love of the trail to kids during our Take a Kid Mountain Biking series! This is a great opportunity for parents, guardians, teachers and/or mentors to take a kid mountain biking and share a love of riding and the outdoors.
RSVP for an upcoming ride:
May 6: Walnut Creek
June 10: Circle C
July 29: Walnut Creek
September 9: Circle C
What to bring: …

Here’s where you can celebrate Earth Day in Central Texas this weekend

By Amy Denney | communityimpact.com

Bike giveaways
Earth Day Austin has also teamed up with local business Bicycle Sport Shop and nonprofit Yellow Bike Project to collect, repair and redistribute bicycles in Austin for Earth Day ATX. The giveaway includes bike and helmet fitting and safety training. Noon-7 p.m. Free. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St., Austin.

This weekend’s rides: Crystal Falls + Triple Bs! Red Horn!

by Thomas | steinerranchcycling.com

Saturday Brad will lead us on a Crystal Falls and Triple Bs combo ride! The ride is about 60 miles and the route can be found here: https://www.strava.com/routes/8336977. After the ride we meet up at Lakeside for some discounted burgers and beer!
Sunday is our usual Coffee Shop ride to Red Horn. It is 50 miles and is at an endurance pace typically finishing around a 17mph average speed overall. While we make great efforts to …

SO MANY FLATS!

by TC | www.turnincranks.com


Out for a day with Kodiak Tough getting some footage for stage previews and promo vids. Watch here and the Kodiak Tough channel for …

Who Do I Follow On The ‘Net?

by Bill Cullins, Team San Angelo | bcullins.blogspot.com

The response from readers regarding my final newspaper column in the San Angelo Standard Times (which several people referred to as the “Substandard Times”) has been amazing. I’ve heard from people of all walks of life, including many that I would have never have guessed were readers of my column. Quite a few of those people indicated that they would continue to read my posts on this blog now that I’m no longer a columnist for the paper (or, as one nice person …

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Texas Bicycling News April 17th 2017

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Fort Bend first responders direct bicycle traffic around monster alligator

By Fernando Ramirez | www.chron.com


n Houston, first responders direct pedestrians and cars, but at Brazos Bend State Park, they direct cyclists and alligators.
A recent photo by the Fort Bend Emergency Medical Service shows responders assisting a crowd of cyclists around a 12-foot alligator. …

Basso Bikes working with Trialtir USA on US distribution

by BRAIN Staff | www.bicycleretailer.com

WALLER, Texas (BRAIN) — Italy’s Basso Bikes is now working with Trialtir USA on distribution to U.S. dealers.
The family run brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary and recently moved into a larger production and sales facility to accommodate its growth worldwide.
“We’re having a tremendous year,” said Alessandro Basso, the son of company founder Alcide Basso. “Our 100% true Italian production is something cyclists highly regard and appreciate. With Basso’s directly owned production company involved in Formula 1, Moto GP and aeronautics we offer world-class leading technology that has always been centered around the …

Florida Bound

By Charles Brun | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 33: Rest day in Austin Texas
Sunday April 16, 2017, 5 miles (8 km) – Total so far: 1,744 miles (2,807 km)
I had a very good day in Austin today and I only had to the ride the bike from the hotel to a friend’s house, a total of about five miles of riding.
I got up at 6 am and left the hotel at 9 am. It took to nearly 2 hours to completely put the bicycle and luggage all back together after having taken everything apart for a thorough cleaning. When I checked out I asked for a $20 refund off of my stay as the electric stove in the room did not work and desk clerk honored my request.
I met Colin, his new baby, and their two dogs at his apartment. We promptly locked up my bicycle in their outdoor storage shed so that I could leave it without having to think about it all day. Gosh, how wonderful! I have been going hard for 33 days with only one day off in Phoenix Arizona, so I was long over-due for a complete rest day. Yesterday was a hard day of riding as I encountered numerous and …

Day 34: Austin to La Grange Texas
Monday April 17, 2017, 79 miles (127 km) – Total so far: 1,823 miles (2,934 km)
Today was cloudy when I first started out at 7:45 am from Conlin and Jenna’s place. We did enjoy having breakfast together as Colin had prepared great pancakes and fruit and lots of hot coffee. Gosh how I enjoyed all that!
I navigated out of the suburbs towards the Austin Airport. I thought that I would take road 71 to make the day go faster. Little did I realize how busy it was. While bikes were allowed the local police officer that pulled along side of me with his flashing lights was clearly concerned about my safety. He came up along side of me just a few minutes later and told me about a paved trail on the north side of the runway. In addition route 70 was …

Loyd Evans, A Tribute

Pedal Pushers | roy-pedalpushers.blogspot.com


Loyd Evans
August 17, 1944-April 13, 2017
Avid cyclist, great friend

He married his lovely wife, Frances Elaine (Carter) August 20, 1966. He and Frances lived and worked in Hobbs, New Mexico until his retirement and move to San Angelo in 2011.
I met Loyd at a club meeting in 2011 right after he moved here. He started riding with the club in 2012. He wasn’t sure what to think about me at first. We were riding together and I heard “—Hobbs, New Mexico”. I said “no, I am from San Angelo.” We rode in silence for a while he was probably trying to figure out if I was hard of hearing and just dumb. Finally he said in a louder voice, “I am from Hobbs, New Mexico.” I responded “Welcome to San Angelo” which confirmed his …

May is Mountain Biking Month

Greater Houston Off-Road Biking Association | ghorba.org

May is national Bike Month but we prefer to call it Mountain Biking Month!
Join GHORBA in a month long celebration of all things Mountain Bike! Check out our calendar of fun events for all age groups and skill levels.
We will kick off the month with a Social Party and Big Ring Challenge Race Carbo load at 11 Below Brewery with dinner from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, then off to Double Lake Recreation area for the …

Back to the Future

by Matthew | bike4heck.com


It has been a while since I’ve been able to update the blog. So far 2017 has been very busy for my wife and I. As teachers it’s also crunch time of the year. We have still been riding bicycle and have gotten out on the Cargo Bikes. I’ve been holding Monthly Kidical Mass Bike Rides (with the exception of March due to Siclovia).
As we settle into summer hopefully I’ll be able to …

Man rescued after falling off bike in Shoal Creek Greenbelt

by CBS Austin | keyetv.com

Austin Travis County EMS were called out to the Shoal Creek Greenbelt off North Lamar after a man fell from his bike.
It took 60 minutes to find and extricate the man, who had non-life threatening injuries.
The land rescue call came in …

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