Texas Bicycling News Digest April 3rd

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How Better Data on Bike Crashes Could Lead to Safer Streets for All

by Sarah Goodyear        www.citylab.com

A new survey of collision reporting practices reveals a ton of room for improvement.

The United States saw a nearly 62 percent increase in bicycle commuting between 2000 and 2013. But when it comes to reporting crashes between bikes and motor vehicles, police departments around the country are still using incident forms designed for an earlier era.
A new study suggests these outdated reporting methods, which often don’t account for essential differences between the two modes of transport, represent a crucial lost opportunity. If officers recorded more detailed …

A happy stolen bike story (x-post /r/bicycling)

by jaycebeasley        www.reddit.com

This morning I lived our worst fears, my friends. I got out of my overnight job to find that my Surly Cross Check, which had been double u-locked, was gone. Stolen. I was devastated. I filed a police report with the Austin Police Department and started trolling Craigslist, eBay, pawn shops in the area…anything I could think of. No dice.
On an old reddit post on /r/BikingATX I found a link to this Facebook group that exists only to recover stolen bikes in the Austin area. I joined the group and posted my bike. Less than an hour later, a person commented on the post saying that he had seen a Cross Check at Bike Farm, a buy/sell/trade shop that’s literally five minutes from my house. I packed up my bill of sale with serial number and my two year old in the car and immediately went over there. I almost walked right by it. When I saw it, my brain was trying to look for signs that it wasn’t really my bike. But then my …

Driveway 4/2

by balla5000


Last 20 mins. 6th place

ARR Free Beginners Skills Clinic

Sunday, Apr 12, 2015, 8:30 AM

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
12138 North Lamar Boulevard Austin, TX

16 Mountain Bikers Went

Austin Ridge Riders Free Beginners Skills ClinicJoin ARR Sunday morning, April 12, at Walnut Creek Park for a free beginner skills clinic led by Dan Grieco. Arrive early enough to prepare yourself and your bike, the clinic starts promptly at 8:30am.This clinic is for ARR members only. Not a member, not a problem: it’s only $20/year for an individ…

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Denton Bicycle Coalition

Bike Denton        bikedenton.wordpress.com

Dear Denton Bicyclists and Bike Supporters,
I think and feel that the time is right to organize and grow a unified voice for bicyclists of all kinds to encourage more bike ridership and make the streets of Denton more bike-friendly. I am interested in getting the wheels turning to organize the Denton Bicycle Coalition (DBC) for the purpose of engaging in advocacy, education, and community building in the City of Denton. There are many bicycle-friendly businesses, groups, and individuals, but no all-encompassing advocacy organization to amplify the voices of these businesses, groups, and individuals to city council, DCTA, businesses, schools, etc.
Denton is in a good position to support a bicycle coalition with …

Paso Del Rio

www.mtbproject.com

This Trail is still in development or editorial review. It might not be ready for use.
Dogs: Leashed
Description
This super fast out and back singletrack is great for beginners getting on the bike for the first time. It is also used to connect the Givens, Spicer & Lowry Trail trailhead with the Lighthouse Trail to form a loop, it is also used in conjunction with the Comanche Trail System.
This singletrack is buttery smooth and super easy.
On the weekends this little section of trail can turn into a major thoroughfare, so …

Texas A&M Student Veterans’ Association members help make way for upcoming wounded warrior bike ride

BY SAM PESHEK        www.theeagle.com


Members of the Student Veterans’ Association at Texas A&M University sacrificed part of their weekend to do something special for fellow military veterans who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Eight Aggie vets plus the surviving spouse of a veteran traveled to former President George W. Bush’s Prairie Chapel Ranch outside Waco on Saturday to clear 10 miles of trail for the 5th Annual W100K mountain bike ride for wounded warriors, which will take place April 30 through May 2. The group worked alongside student …

My First Bike Tour: Hurst, Tx. to Shreveport, La.

By Scott Streater        www.crazyguyonabike.com

Making plans
Thursday April 2, 2015
Hi, My name is Scott Streater. I am a Fort Worth Firefighter and will be leaving my house here in Hurst, Tx. headed for Shreveport, La. A short trip I know, but it will be my first shot at bike touring. I still have 9 1/2 years left on the job so not quite able to take off for a month or more to trek for very long. I do plan on doing much more bike touring when I retire. I’ve been a firefighter for 18 years and experienced some less than pleasant things at work during that time. Riding a bike is what works best for me to clear my head and just relax from the stress of the job I do. I’m sure there are going to be some out there who think a 3 day trip is not much, but for me it is going to be a perfect way to start my adventure into touring. If anyone out there has any …

The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group

Austin, TX
3,936 Mountain Bikers

Meet other local mountain bikers to organize rides, review trails, gear and trade tips. All skill-levels welcome. We’ll try to organize rides that fit all experience levels. M…

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RIDE SCHEDULE – APRIL 2015

Georgetown Cyclopaths

RIDE SCHEDULE – APRIL 2015 Short Rides Long Rides
Day Date Time Meet at Miles Map Miles Map
Saturday 4/4/2015 9:00 AM Dale’s Essenhaus Restaurant in Walburg 34 miles WA7 43 miles WA8
Sunday 4/5/2015 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 34 miles B63
Saturday 4/11/2015 9:00 AM Catholic Church in Andice 35 miles A12 48 miles A14
Sunday 4/12/2015 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 35 miles B23
Saturday 4/18/2015 9:00 AM Berry Springs Park 31 miles B9 48 miles B6
Sunday 4/19/2015 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 34 miles B48
Saturday 4/25/2015 9:00 AM Union State Bank in Florence 29 miles F5 43 miles F3
Sunday 4/26/2015 1:30 PM Berry Springs Park 36 miles B57

Man hit by police unit in Socorro sustained minor injuries

by Jessica Gonzalez        www.kfoxtv.com

SOCORRO, Texas – A man was hit by a police unit Thursday night.
Socorro police said a man believed to be in his 50s was riding a bicycle at Bauman and Middle Drain when he was hit by a police unit.
The accident happened around 9 p.m.
The man was transported to Del Sol Medical Center with minor injuries, according to police.
No further information was released at this time. Police said the incident remains under investigation.

Deep In The Hart of Texas

###  by Josh Hart & Shoeless Jo        longbikeride.com

There’s no one else here at the Law West of The Pecos Trading Co. It’s just Jo and I holding down this five acre parcel on the southeast corner of Highway 90 and Loop 25, a road that detours a few curious travelers through what appears to be a ghost-town.
I was drinking coffee at the Budget Inn, watching from my window as the entire group of Adventure Cyclists went stampeding out of the parking lot, a parade of neon. I took a quick glance at the weather, then wrote my last blog, and snagged a quick shower. The owner, Danny, came walking up to my room moments later with a tray of what he said were, …

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https://twitter.com/joeyTWOwheels/status/583984386875461632

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Stroker Road From Another Direction

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Under a cloudy sky I set out on a route I haven’t exactly done before. I added Walden and Atascocita south of Atascocita Road to the Stroker Road – Huffman route. The new route is now “Walden – Stroker Road – Huffman”. I wasn’t sure how long this route would be but I guessed it was more than 40 miles. It turned out to be 43.05 miles long. I rode the Stroker Road section in reverse from the usual direction taking Old Atascocita Road east to Ramsey Road and then south to Stroker Road and onto FM2100. I was kind of glad I did this because of the wind from the SW. On the Ramsey Road section there is no protection from the wind until just before the Peters Road intersection where a patch of trees have survived the grass farms need for space. I could tell when I got behind those trees but it didn’t last long. After crossing through the intersection the wind had a good shot at me. In addition to the wind the right hand lane of Ramsey Road between Peters and Stroker has some patches of torn up asphalt. I had to ride around them. At one a big grass truck was in the opposite lane coming my direction but there was enough room to get through.

At 31.1 miles I reached the Huffman Chevron station and took a rest break. A couple of snacks and a sport drink helped me recover for the last 11 or miles home. While I was there I felt safe with 2 deputy sheriffs and a deputy constable visiting the Chevron. After a 20 minute or break I was back on the bike heading west. On FM1960 the wind was from my left and I was able to keep my speed at 16+ mph but it wasn’t easy. The west bound traffic helped some.

A couple of times some light rain fell on me but I rode out of it. The first time it didn’t rain enough to put more than a couple of drops on the Garmin but the second one covered the Garmin’s face enough I couldn’t read it. I was wondering if I would get home dry but the rain was very spotty and I made it home without getting too wet from rain; sweat was another issue.

It was 76 when I left home and I probably over dressed with a long sleeve and short sleeve jersey. By the time I got home it was up to 82. I think two jersey weather is almost gone until fall although a slight cool front is supposed to pass through tonight. I am not sure this will affect biking on Saturday.

I saw 8 other bikers out on Good Friday. Schools were closed and traffic was light. Several golf courses I rode by were busy.

Huffman weather at the rest stop

Huffman weather at the rest stop

[iframe https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/736332950 465px 500px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/278662867/embed/f480f806a062322283e08c222d090a2629380060 590px 500px]

Texas Bicycling News Digest April 2nd

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Texas A&M Tunis Roubaix at William Penn

Words and photo compliments of Kyle Walker, Texas Tech University        texasbikeracing.com


The SCCCC met for Texas A&MÓ³ annual Spring Classic, The Tunis Roubaix at William Penn on March 28-29. For the third race of the season, riders battled the wind, the heat, and the treacherous gravel roads. Being in a perfectly central location within the conference, all schools were well represented to make the Tunis Roubaix one for the ages.
Saturday morning, riders faced the ominous ten mile William Penn road race course. With over two miles of dirt/gravel it tested not only the riderÓ³ bike handling skills but their true grit and determination. In the WomenÓ³ A, the field was stacked with several contenders such as Flora Yan (UT-Dallas), Katy Brown (Oklahoma), Ashley Weaver and …

BIKE PLAN PASSES COUNCIL!!

Bike friendly Mckinney

This was a great, great evening! The city council adopted the On-Street Bicycle Plan, and weÓ²e now clear to start work! There was one Ô®ayÔ vote by Ray Ricchi, and Geralyn Kever was absent this evening, but there was a clear majority to pass the plan.
The turnout of support from Bike Friendly McKinney and all who are following the blog and FaceBook pages was fantastic Ö I canÓ´ thank you all enough! The opposition was present and had a chance to make their point, so it was awesome having a strong citizen representation in …

Day 312:Fabens-El Paso: The heat is on!

By Janet Anspach-Rickey        www.crazyguyonabike.com

The Promised Tour – TransAm, UGRR, Gap, C&O, Southern Tier and Pacific Coast
Saturday March 28, 2015, 35 miles (56 km) – Total so far: 9,032 miles (14,536 km)
Had a great rest at the Fabens Fire Station. Rode up to McDo alds for coffee and breakfast. We wanted to stop at Walmart so we rode down 20. It was two lanes so we claimed the right lane as long as we could. Found a Walmart, did our shopping and hopped over to 76. It was busy but traffic was very friendly and we glided along without difficulty. Once we turned onto Delta there was no traffic so we zipped into downtown!
I’ve been trying to upload pictures for thirty minutes! We rode downtown and spotted a Starbucks! We sad outside with an iced Americano! Victor and Melissa stopped by. They want to encourage us all to ride through the city and enjoy its offerings! He gave me his card for Velopaso, bicycles pedestrian coalition and his website is …

ARR TMBRA BSS Pace Bend Race: Registration, Kids Kup, Pre-Ride

Saturday, Apr 11, 2015, 9:00 AM

Pace Bend Park
2011 Pace Bend Rd N Spicewood, TX

5 Mountain Bikers Went

– The Austin Ridge Riders Present -2015 TMBRA Texas XC MTB State Championship SeriesThe Bicycle Sport Shop Pace Bend RacePace Bend Park – April 11-12, 2015REGISTRATION FEES:$40 Adults 19 and up/ $35 pre-registration$15 Juniors 13-18$10 Juniors 12 and underTo pre-register, go to BikeReg.com.  Online pre-registration ends April 5, 2015. USA…

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ARR TMBRA BSS Pace Bend Race

Sunday, Apr 12, 2015, 7:00 AM

Pace Bend Park
2011 Pace Bend Rd N Spicewood, TX

17 Mountain Bikers Went

– The Austin Ridge Riders Present -2015 TMBRA Texas XC MTB State Championship SeriesThe Bicycle Sport Shop Pace Bend RacePace Bend Park – April 11-12, 2015REGISTRATION FEES:$40 Adults 19 and up/ $35 pre-registration$15 Juniors 13-18$10 Juniors 12 and underTo pre-register, go to BikeReg.com.  Online pre-registration ends April 5, 2015. USA…

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Grand Prairie mayor leads residents through downtown stroll, announces plan to lead bike rides

By NANETTE LIGHT        www.dallasnews.com


Mayor Ron Jensen grew up riding bikes.
As a kid, his two wheels took him down Skyline Road to Grand Prairie’s old downtown.
He’d pass Uptown Theater — now restored as a performing arts center. Its vintage red vertical sign remains a landmark down Main Street.
Across the street, he’d stop at the old Millar Drug for a hamburger. Now, it’s Tuscany’s Pasta and Pizza.
Jensen noted the downtown transformation March 28 during a 2-mile walking tour the city has named Strollin’ with the Mayor. There, he also announced plans to hold six …

Morning Club Ride

Brazosport Bicycle Club

Saturday April 4, 2015 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Weekly on Sunday, Friday, and Saturday, until May 24, 2015
333 Fm 2004, Lake Jackson, Tx 77566  (map)
Leaving from Family Fitness.

Klunkytown Klassic – Sunday April 26, 2015 – Sansom Park

fort Worth Mountain Bikers’ Asscoiation


A classic braggin’ rights time trial down the Dam Drop! Lots of cool prizes, great sponsors, and a fun day to grip it & rip it! Two classes: Your current bike, and the “Klunker”. Coaster brake, old-school deathtrap!
“Klunkers” must meet the following criteria and and meet the approval of the race committee before your run. …

Saturday 4/4 and Sunday 4/5 Rides AND START TIME CHANGE NOTICE

by Thomas        Steiner Ranch Cycling

It looks like we have reached our favorite part of the year! Its time to switch to 7:30am starts for Saturday and Sunday rides again! 🙂
This Saturday we will tackle a modified Dam Loop with Mt. Bonnell, Red Bud, and Cuernavaca for 57 miles of fun! Please join us for a 7:30am departure from Cups & Cones. Ride map: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8487971
This Sunday is the Coffee Shop ride where …

Save the Date: TTAT 2016 is March 9-11 in Houston

BikeTexas


After a fantastic 2014 conference in Fort Worth, the Texas Trails Network and BikeTexas are excited to announce that the next Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference will be at the Houston Marriott Medical Center, March 9-11, 2016!
Mark your calendar now, tell your coworkers, save the date, and plan to attend! We’ll be …

Jefferson Cycle Track: Traffic Control (while we wait for the streetcar)

BikeableDallas.com


For the next several weeks, DART will be testing the streetcar vehicles on the new streetcar tracks on the Houston viaduct, Zang Blvd, and Colorado Blvd. Vehicle traffic on Jefferson is being diverted to Marsalis, but the cycle track is still open to bikes. In fact, you may like it more now than ever, since there is a stretch next to Founders Park that will (for now) be open only to bicycles.
We just spent an hour and a half out there with the contractor and other Public Works engineers setting up the …

“Thank God the city built a parking lane on 3rd St!” thought all these drivers…

Austin On A Bike

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Texas Bicycling News Digest April 1st

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Wounded not broken

Story by Spc. Maricris Cosejo        www.dvidshub.net


FORT BLISS, Texas – A crowd of wounded Soldiers lined up in front of a registration booth during the U.S. Army trials, Fort Bliss, Texas, March 29, 2015. One Soldier, wearing a black shirt with the words “Wounded Warrior (some assembly required)” printed in white on his shirt, waited anxiously to pick up his bib number and registration papers.
From behind the registration table, he seemed normal. The long line of competitors behind him eagerly awaited their turn. As soon as he wheeled out from behind the …

Stephen Frederick Agency Announces Support to The Hill Country Ride in the Austin, TX Area to Help Combat AIDS

www.benzinga.com

Stephen Frederick Agency in Austin, TX announced its new charity program designed to support the efforts of The Hill Country Ride, benefitting the local community through an annual cycling event in Central Texas. The event’s mission is to help raise awareness and funds to provide life saving support to thousands of Central Texans living with HIV/AIDS by raising money for 10 local nonprofit organizations dedicated to that same worthy cause.
Since 2006, there has been a 40 percent increase in the number of HIV-positive patients in the Greater Austin area – far outpacing the population boom. While the disease is staging a dramatic comeback in …

In this edition of Spoke&Word…

BikeHouston


A Word from Michael Payne about hope for the future, read more>>
BikeHouston@Work
Find out what BikeHouston has been doing to improve your rides, read more>>
BikeHouston@Events
Come see us at our events from socials to community rides and more, read more>>
BikeHouston&Me
New BikeHouston staff member: meet Nabiha, read more>>
BikeHouston@Reviews
All kind of events and much more,  read more>>
Ride > North West Cycling Club in the spotlight, read more>> …

I’m a Wimp 😉

Pit’s Fritztown News

Last Saturday, at the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour,…

Preparing for the Ride
… I turned around at the first rest stop, after 8.5 miles, so that my total distance was 17 miles. My body and my legs felt very good still when I arrived at that rest stop, but mentally it was a different thing. I kept thinking of the hills that were to come, starting just around the corner of that rest stop, and that, with me averaging about 10 miles per hour, the 42 …

Loop Group Ride

San Angelo Bicycle Association

TX Dept of Transportation
4502 Knickerbocker – San Angelo
Date(s) – 04/14/2015
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: TX Dept of Transportation
Categories: Road Ride
When: Wheels rolling by 6:00 P.M.
Where: Meet in the TX Dot parking lot at the corner of Knickerbocker and Loop 306
A ride of 30, 25, or 20 miles depending on your preference or level of fitness. There are usually two different groups. One of the groups will ride at a pace of 18-21 mph and the other will ride at a pace of 14-18 mph. This is not a no-drop ride, but we tend to stick together in one of the two groups. If you are new to the area, or new to cycling we encourage you to come out and ride. We have always made sure new participants are welcomed to the ride and have always had a volunteer willing to ride with them in order to show them the route.

Arlington Critical Mass – April 2015!

Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm in CDT
Levitt Pavilion Arlington
100 W Abram St, Arlington, Texas 76010
We’ll meetup at Levitt Pavilion Arlington by the brass guitar player again. Route and details TBD later.
Meetup at 7:00P.M., roll-out by 7:30P.M.
As always, bring a helmet, lights, and water as needed.

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Tweets

https://twitter.com/shannontris/status/583368779104546816

https://twitter.com/VILLARREAL_14/status/583344672275234816

https://twitter.com/txbikeracing/status/583292591258484736

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