Don’t Skip the Wrist Bands

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I made one mistake on today’s ride, I skipped the wrist bands. The ride began at 7:12 when it was cooler (see below) but much more humid. I thought the cooler temperature would offset the humidity but boy was I wrong. It didn’t take long for my gloves to get soaked with perspiration. My hands had a tough time gripping the handlebars from all of the moisture. I am not sure the wrist bands could absorb all of the perspiration but they would have slowed the flow at least. No more skipping them until cool fall weather arrives.

Because of my limited time I rode the “Atascocita – Walden” route for 22.13 miles. I needed to be back home by 8:45 and I beat that by 1 minute arriving there at 8:44. I stopped at 15 miles to wring out my gloves and again at the Bank of America on W. Lake Houston Parkway. Each time I was surprised how water I squeezed out. As I rode out of the bank entrance onto Rustic Woods I saw another rider decked out in an Astana kit coming towards me. I waved but I am not sure he did.

The weather on the left is at the beginning of the ride and the one on the right is at the end.

Riding this early in the day I saw activity I normally miss. Food delivery trucks making stops and people out walking their dogs. I expected traffic to be heavier with people driving to work but it was light. On the way back home from Walden the traffic increased some. I did avoid the much hotter temperatures from later in the day. It could reach 103 to 105 by Sunday.

With today’s ride it made the 11th consecutive day biking. I don’t ride this route often because it is shorter than normal but it was the 3rd time I rode this route in 2015 (see the ride comparison below). August miles moved up to 225. My goal is 956 miles. With the hot an dry weather I plan on a longer ride tomorrow but I haven’t decided on which route yet.

8-6-2015 Route Rides Comparison Summary YTD

[iframe https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/856766373 465px 500px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/362520894/embed/532e6adb47868de93b2f497d6304b62a747d0b2b 590px 500px]

Texas Bicycling News Digest August 5th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Houston Bicyclists Not Overrunning Downtown Bike Lane Just Yet

By: Florian Martin

Downtown Houston’s first bike lane was opened back in March, and so far, it’s a bit lonely. Officials say more construction needs to happen before more cyclists use it.
I stop Michael Abramowitz riding on the green bike lane on Lamar Street on a busy Wednesday afternoon.
“I cut through downtown every single day,” he says. “And I use it every single day on my work to work.”
He says the lane makes part of his commute a lot safer.
“Houston is a death trap for cyclists. So anything that makes a zone for cyclists is a big plus in my book.”
Abramowitz is one of only two cyclists riding the lane in about 30 minutes.
Michael Payne, executive director of Bike Houston, a bike advocacy group, says the reason why the lane isn’t that …

Pedestrian Bridge Hike and Bike Trail Project

www.texasbids.net
Bid Date & Time: 08/19/15 2:00 PM
Owner Solic Number: 1507-05        Status: bidding        Report: 6489091
Country : United States     State: TX    County: Harris        Location: Baytown
Scope: Pedestrian bridge hike and bike trail.
Plans: From Owner.
Bond: 10% bid bond
Owner Type: Public
Buyer: Baytown, City of
Address: PO Box 424 2401 Market Street, Room 120, City Hall
City: Baytown    State: TX    Zip/Postal Code: 77520
TEL: 281-422-8281
Website: http://www.baytown.org …

Biking still popular transportation

By: Neil Abeles – Texarkana Gazette


Staff photo by Neil Abeles Michael Addington, left, and Levi Roberts ride their bikes even in the heat of the summer day. “You can always catch a breeze,” Michael, a student at Texas A&M University–Texarkana, said.
It may be hot but not too hot to keep from riding a bike—if you are in some kind of healthy physical shape, that is.
For those of us who are, summertime is bike ti…

Bicycling safety concerns at North Central Park

By: Valerie Gonzalez        www.kgns.tv

Video


LAREDO, TEXAS (KGNS) – Laredoans use public parks to go for walks, rides, and enjoy time outside.
But one man is concerned about cyclists and their speed.
He reached out to KGNS to see how this public safety concern can be addressed.
North Central Park is 31-acres wide featuring parks, a swimming pool, and trails for families to enjoy.
But one man says he’s worried about small children and the elderly in the way of cyclists going quickly down the trails.
From young to old, thousands of Laredoans enjoy the trails, trees, and …

THOMAS TAYLOR PARKWAY: Missouri City Honors Celebrated African American County Commissioner with New Road

Written by  Jeffrey L. Boney        forwardtimesonline.com


The City of Missouri City recently held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for Thomas Taylor Parkway, an approximately $2.5 million, Fort Bend County-funded extension of Lexington Boulevard from Texas Parkway to Scanlin Road south of the City Hall complex.
The new road is named after Thomas Lane Taylor, the first African American Fort Bend County Commissioner who served during Reconstruction. Members of Mr. Taylor’s family, including Fort Bend County Sgt. Eurel Taylor, were present at the ribbon cutting.

…”The vision of the plan is to create a safe and comfortable pedestrian and bicycle friendly environment in the City that encourages people of all ages to walk and bike for everyday transportation and enjoyment,” Mayor Owen said. “Providing a bicycle lane allows less experienced cyclists additional comfort of not having to share a lane with a vehicle, allows the cyclist to ride at a comfortable speed and encourages a position within the roadway where cyclists are more likely to be seen by motorists.” …

Crimestoppers run and Hale on Wheels join

By HOMER MARQUEZ        www.myplainview.com


Two of Plainview’s favorite endurance events will now be on the same bill in 2015. The Hale on Wheels cycling ride and the Crimestoppers Color Fun Freedom Run will stride and pedal side by side during the 17th annual Cowboy Days Celebration Sept. 19.
“This year we’ll be working alongside the Hale on Wheels bike ride. It’s going to be fun.” said Manuel Balderas, a Plainview police detective and an organizer for the Freedom Run.
For years, proceeds raised from the run have gone to support the Plainview Crimestoppers organization, which …

Beginner Intermediate Group training program

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2015, 6:00 PM

River Run Plaza
1071 Country Club Rd El Paso, TX

9 Cyclists Went

The Beginner / Intermediate Group program meets at River Run Plaza, 1071 Country Club Rd. on Tuesday nights. Lesson begins at 6 p.m., followed by ride at 6:15 p.m. Upper Valley rides offered for both beginner and intermediate level riders.

Check out this Meetup →

Tuesday: Intermediate/Advanced Mountain Bike Ride at the Ant Hills

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2015, 6:15 PM

15200 Memorial Dr
15200 Memorial Dr Houston, Te

5 cyclists Went

This will be a medium to fast pace ride through the Ant Hills of Hershey Park! Bring WATER, spare tube/tire, snacks, etc…Helmets required. Call if you are going to be late so we can wait for you. Wheels rolling by 6:30! See you there

Check out this Meetup →

Fort Collins police miraculously find stolen bike in Texas

by Katie de la Rosa        www.coloradoan.com


At first, Ben Chupik thought his friend was joking.
It was the middle of the day, and they’d been in driver’s education class for only a couple hours. How could his red Specialized mountain bike have possibly been stolen?
Sure enough, the Rocky Mountain High School sophomore learned as he walked outside of class June 15 his bike had been stolen.
After class, he and his parents walked to each store in the shopping center off …

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Tweets About Texas Bicycling

https://twitter.com/jackmott42/status/628926267761385472

https://twitter.com/txbikeracing/status/628928046280540160

Baking Soda and Organic Apple Cider

Texbiker.net Posted on by

As I planned I rode north today on the “New Caney – Gene Campbell Road” route but I modified the route by going north to Roman Forest Blvd and then back to New Caney before riding west on FM1485. I wanted to add a couple of miles to the normal distance and this change bumped today’s distance up to 38.67 miles. When I walked out to the garage earlier this morning I thought today would be steamy ride because after I got home on yesterday’s ride we got a nice .77″ rain. The humidity felt oppressive but by the time I left at 10:42 the humidity let up some. The yard and plants look better after the much needed rain. Until July the Houston area got a regular dose of rain and we were even ahead of the normal amount. July was the opposite with very little rain. That’s great for biking but not for the grass and plants.

The ride went great without any issues other than the heat. I stopped in New Caney at the Mobil station to refill my water bottle. The next water and ice opportunity would be on FM1314 and Gene Campbell Road. I would rather be safe than sorry. The ice cold water tastes great in the heat. I rode to the Stripes Station on FM1314 and stopped there for a break. It was 27.7 miles into the ride and around 12:45. I ate some snacks and Gatorade while sitting under the pump canopy. The breeze was cooling and helped to dry up the sweat. The Porter weather while I was there.

When I was getting ready to leave Stripes a lady was filling her car with gas at the pump I was sitting at. She commented on how hot it was and I replied it wasn’t too bad as long as I was moving. A man at another pump asked how far I biked each day and I moved over to that pump to talk. We talked for several minutes as I answered his questions about my biking. He told me about drinking baking soda and organic apple cider and what it did for him. His name was George. We shook hands and went our ways.

I went through Briar Tree watching for the big dog but he is still missing. Later when I was riding through Kingwood a small dog with very short legs started barking like a big dog and raced from his yard as fast as his short legs would go. I coasted away from and he gave up.

I got home at 2:08 ready to go inside to the cool air conditioned air. The weather at my home weather station at the end of the ride.

8-5-2015 Home Weather Finish

Since the Grand Parkway construction work zone on FM1314 has allowed me to get through that area I have increase my riding along today’s route. So far this year I biked this route 6 times. A comparison of the rides.

8-5-2015 route Rides Comparison Summary YTD

I am now up to 10 consecutive biking days. Tomorrow will be short ride compared to my recent ones. My wife goes to the medical center for treatment. I hope to get a 20 mile ride in before we go. I will need to leave home much earlier than I am used to. August mileage is now at 203 miles. Not bad for 5 days of riding.

[iframe https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/856081144 465px 500px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/362012399/embed/a2e4a499321fc41e8118da705b41e559d72975cc 590px 500px]

Texas Bicycling News Digest August 4th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

The Type 1, Cat 2 : Meet Balondra

By Rob Discher        texasbikeracing.com


Rob Discher is a cat 2 cyclist, husband, and double dog owner who works in the tech industry. He rides for Austin’s 787 Realty / Mobil 1 Racing team and drinks lots of coffee. Last year, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Anyone reading this, in some way, shape, or form, is making a sacrifice. You’re a cyclist. Maybe you’re a competitive one. And chances are you’re also a wife, an employee, a guy with a rent check due in a few weeks, or a kid with a lawn to mow. With all those obligations, balanced against the unending search for bike time, it’s a miracle you even had time to jump online today at all. So, first and foremost, thanks for swinging by. Damn decent of you.
As I continue looking at …

Cyclists: Area where drunk driver hit bicyclists is dangerous

By David Barer        kxan.com

Video


AUSTIN (KXAN) – Police say a man driving under the influence of alcohol hit two bicyclists on South First Street early Sunday morning, injuring both of them.
Jake Rupp, 23, crashed into the cyclists at about 6:30 a.m. on South First Street near the Texas School for the Deaf, according to the arrest warrant.
The victims were transported to University Medical Center Brackenridge. The attorney representing the victims tells us one of his clients has a broken back and the other a …

Master bike plan in the works for El Paso

www.sportstownelpaso.com


The city of El Paso is moving forward with Alta Planning + Design to develop a master bike plan for the city.
The work will involve identifying key corridors across the city for bike lanes and how to connect existing bike lanes and trails to create a system that allows for cyclists to commute to work, recreate, and get to destinations across El Paso.
Velo Paso is a local group that has been …

Slow Intermediate Deception/Picnic/Mulligan

Saturday, Aug 8, 2015, 8:00 AM

Brushy Creek Sports Park
2310 Brushy Creek Road Cedar Park, TX

9 Mountain Bikers Went

In conjunction with Performance Bike North I am leading a slow session ride of whatever people want to learn.

Check out this Meetup →

Purgatory Creek Natural Area

www.mtbproject.com


Description
The 570-acre Purgatory Creek Natural Area is within the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, is home to Purgatory Creek, and includes upland meadows, canyon bluffs of 40 feet or more, dense juniper thickets, champion oaks, and a flood control dam. Several areas within this natural area are habitat for …

Adrenaline junkie, Winter Olympian Katie Uhlaender pursues new sport

by Kate Hairopoulos Tribune News Service        www.dailycommercial.com

Not trying is not in Katie Uhlaender’s nature. The three-time U.S. Winter Olympian in skeleton figures she has nothing to lose as she pursues a new sport — track cycling.
The 31-year-old is accustomed to racing down an icy track, head first, at nearly 90 miles per hour, her glossy, red hair tucked into a helmet. But the McGregor, Texas, native chose Dallas as a place to build a unique support system and a bridge to her future — the possibilities for which are ever-changing.
Uhlaender now trains at Frisco, Texas’ Superdrome, a 250-meter, wooden oval track that …

Cyclist stops in Paris during cross-country ride

www.kxii.com


PARIS, Texas – A 23-year-old woman is biking and running across the country to rebuild her confidence after two traumatic cycling accidents. Monday, Amanda Coker stopped in Paris where she says she couldn’t resist checking out the famous Eiffel Tower with the big, red cowboy hat.
The cross-country trek began in Fernandina Beach, Florida where Coker dipped her toes and bicycle wheel into the Atlantic ocean. Since then, she’s averaged about 90 miles a day on her bike. That’s around 1,200 miles so far in two weeks. She has about 2,000 more miles to go.
“An average day is waking up at …

Getting There: Viva! Streets 2015

BikeTexas


Viva! Streets Austin is coming up fast! Join us on E 6th Street on September 13 from 12-5 PM as we celebrate healthy living and fitness while we play in the street.
E 6th will be closed from I-35 eastward past Robert Martinez Street. (Chicon and Comal streets will allow for cross traffic with police guidance.) There is some parking available on neighboring streets, but we encourage everyone to find non-driving options if possible to avoid congestion at the event. If you live in the …

SA Seeks Advice on Multi-Modal Transportation

bike4heck.com


This is very important to do today!
The City of San Antonio is looking for input on multi-modal transportation (walking, cycling, bus, car).
Today is the last day for the open house which will be held at the Pan American Library from 4-6pm.
If you can’t make it your can do the online survey instead until August 11th …

Fort Worth police ID bike officer involved in fatal downtown shooting

By Deanna Boyd        www.star-telegram.com


FORT WORTH – A bike officer who fatally shot a man outside a downtown restaurant and bar early Friday was identified Tuesday by the police department as Officer M.J. Ochsendorf.
Police officials reiterated Tuesday they are continuing to seek witnesses to the shooting outside the Ojos Locos at the corner of West Fifth and Houston streets, calling collected video of the incident “poor quality.”
“As differing accounts regarding this shooting have surfaced, and in order to present a complete and accurate account of what has occurred, the Fort Worth Police Department is requesting that any person who may be a witness or have any information about this incident to come …

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Tweets About Texas Bicycling

https://twitter.com/SovereignRegent/status/628318270035238912

https://twitter.com/IMTmedicalctr/status/628727306677125124

https://twitter.com/BikePaulie/status/628713138414821376

Texas Bicycling Upcoming Event Reminders