Texas Bicycling Blog and News Digest April 12th

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Bike Masters

The Bike Masters Race Team — at 4th ANNUAL WALK-N-ROLLA (Totally 80’s 5K & Bike Ride).

Chronicle columnist hits the road on BP MS 150

By Ken Hoffman        www.chron.com

Under an overcast sky with temperatures in the low 70s and the wind at my back — perfect biking conditions — I set off with 12,999 other riders Saturday morning on the BP MS 150 from Houston to Austin.
So far, so good. The first rest stop was an easy 9.8 miles from my start at Waller Stadium. (Riders also started from Tully Stadium in Houston and Rhodes Stadium in Katy.)
Next stop: a healthful, energy-packed lunch at the Dairy Queen in Bellville. I’m feeling so good I might have TWO chocolate chip Blizzards.
The 30th annual charity ride is the largest weekend jaunt in the U.S. and is expected to…

BMX rider follows in legendary dad’s tracks

By Jim McBride        amarillo.com


Caleb Wall hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps, and maybe ride his way to the Texas BMX Hall of Fame and beyond.
Caleb’s dad, Danny Wall, was inducted into the Texas Bicycle Motocross Hall of Fame last year, joining another Amarilloan, Albert Delgado, a longtime BMX racer inducted in 2012, according to BMXnews.com. In more than three decades of racing, Wall has captured a host of race victories, including the 1979 American Bicycle Association Grand Nationals and the National Bicycle League Grand Nationals, according to…

Bike task force has its own agenda; ‘Jerry’s Place’ horrible for basketball

newsfixnow.com

DALLAS, TX – Biking is getting big in Dallas. So a number of city council members started a citizen bike task force to push a citywide bike share program and build an on-street cycling infrastructure.
Wow Dallas, that’s a surprisingly decent idea, problem is the task force has an agenda of their own. They want to abolish the mandatory helmet law that seems to be plaguing the streets.
Really Dallas? Sounds like your chosen group may have been hit in the head a few times; last we checked helmets keep that from happening.
Felt good to have the Final Four back in Texas. Too bad it was in Arlington. Even worse AT&T Stadium, it’s a terrible venue for a basketball game, but where else other than Jerry’s World will you find a video screen larger than the basketball court. Poor folks in the upper bowl couldn’t even see the game. But hey, spending hundreds on…

Interview: Tim Johnson on the 2015 Cyclocross Nationals in Austin

theradavist.com

Tim Johnson is one of the key figures in US cyclocross racing. He’s sponsored by Redbull, Mavic and races for Cannondale p/b Cyclocrossworld.com. He is charismatic, funny and dedicated to cyclocross. Today Tim held a cross clinic in Austin, TX – while he was in town to discuss the 2015 Cyclocross Nationals in Austin – and to check out Moto GP.
After shooting some photos at the clinic, I stopped Tim for a quick chat about the 2015 Cyclocross Nationals in Austin. Check that out below!
John: What do you think about Nationals being in Austin?
Tim: I’m really excited that it’s in Austin because what we’ve traditionally done is have nationals in a cold weather city, besides like…

Riders’ journey serves as exercise in hope for those with MS

By St. John Barned-Smith        www.chron.com


Thousands of cyclists from across Texas and beyond descended on Tully Stadium in west Houston in the cool, sticky dawn Saturday to ride in the BP MS 150, a 180-mile trek between Houston and Austin.
Cyclists streamed in just after 6 a.m., checking tires and chains, swigging water and prepping themselves for the 100 miles they will ride in the first leg in the two-day journey. Cyclists starting in Katy and Waller also join in.
It is the 30th year that the ride has taken place here in Houston as a fundraiser for research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, a disease that damages the covers of…

Houston’s BP MS150 cyclists hit the road for Austin (Video)

newsfixnow.com

HOUSTON – Biking 180 miles is no easy feat, but close to 13,000 riders turned out to do just that for the 30th BP MS150.
The annual ride from Houston to Austin raises money and awareness for multiple sclerosis, a chronic illness that affects approximately 400,000 Americans.
The hardcore cyclists took off from Houston’s Tully Stadium at 6:45 Saturday morning.
Despite the bright and early start time, spirits…

Knobbies and Slicks Bike Store Relocating

Bud Zarsk        Knobbies and Slicks

Keller, TX – April, 11 2014 – Knobbies and Slicks, a premiere bicycle store, is relocating to the Arthouse in Keller, TX after three and a half years in its current space in Colleyville. Owners Bud and Debbie Zarsk are responding to an opportunity offered by the City of Keller to promote a cycling culture for healthy living within the city and surrounding region. The anticipated opening date for the 3,500 square foot store is June 1st, located near the corner of Rufe Snow and 1709.
With the move, Knobbies and Slicks will bring its highly-personalized customer service to a larger audience and will continue to increase rider involvement. The new location…

EP Cyclists


Rocky Hill Ranch!!!!

The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group

Saturday, April 26, 2014    9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Rocky Hill Ranch
578 Farm-to-Market 153, Smithville, TX (map)
Slow intermediate level ride. Not too technical but lots of hills and switchbacks. $10 trail fee from ranch. (cash). I am having lunch after the ride in Bastrop if anyone wants to join. Helmits and water, and working…

Bike Austin summit set for May 3-4

By Pam LeBlanc        www.austin360.com

Feel safer pedaling in bike lanes? Wish your favorite restaurant had a bike rack? Want a hand in shaping the future of cycling in Austin?
Bike Austin is hosting a summit May 3-4 to plan its strategy for the next three to five years. The new organization, created by a merger between the Austin Cycling Association and Bike Austin, is dedicated to…

Next Club Social Ride

Houston Bicycle Club

When: Saturday 05/17/14 at: 8:30 AM
Where: Meet at the Sealy B&PW Park at 1008 Main St.
Program: We will have a nice ride followed by a BBQ Lunch from Hinzes at around noon.

WBC Picnic/Meeting

Woodlands Bicycle Club

Location: Woodway Park 2
Description: The picnic will be in place of our regular meeting. There will be a road ride before the picnic and trail rides all afternoon.

SUV driver who hit cyclist on March 29 sought

By Mark D. Wilson, San Antonio Express-News

SAN ANTONIO — Police are searching for a person who struck a cyclist while driving on the South Side last month, then took off.
A woman riding a bicycle at South Presa Street and East Southcross Boulevard on March 29 was hit by a black 2001-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac around 11:18 p.m.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without stopping to render aid.
Witnesses told police the SUV had a…

Tweets

https://twitter.com/m_vince/status/455088378732879872

Keeping The Wheel Straight

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Sometimes planning the ride route or at least thinking of it requires some mental exercise. After living in the same house for 23+ years figuring out a different route can mean changing a couple of streets or roads. Today I varied a couple of streets before crossing over Lake Houston going to the east. Lately when I ride what I call the “Stroker Road – Huffman” route I go south on FM2100 to Stroker Road and then head back to FM2100 through the grass farms. Today I reversed the direction and stayed on Old Atascocita Road to Ramsey Road and on to Stroker Road to FM2100. I don’t know if that direction was the easiest though. The wind going east on Old Atascocita Road from FM2100 to Ramsey Road was brutal. At first there were some trees and scrawny brush on my right hand side to offer some protection from the wind. Next those gave way to a dirt ridge about 10 feet tall that lasted about 300 yards. That provided some relief but I wasn’t prepared to hit the open grass fields where I was the tallest thing around. The wind was unrelenting and I held on to the handlebars to keep going straight. The gusts would try to move me to the left and I would turn back to the right trying to stay about 2 feet from the right edge of the road. When I started the ride at 1:07 the weather showed a SSE wind at 18 mph with 26 mph gusts. I think the wind was stronger than that. By the time I got back home the wind was from the south at 16 mph with 24 mpg gusts.

When I turned to the south on Ramsey Road I got some relief from the side pressure and now had to pedal into the headwind. My speed was no more than 13 mph until the intersection with Peters Road where I turned right. Now the wind was from my left rear quarter and I got a boost instead of resistance. It didn’t last too long when Peters Road turned south for a short stretch to Stroker Road. The south Peters Road has a few trees on both sides and they held the wind back some. Once I was on Stroker Road going west the wind again came from my left rear and I sped to FM2100 to enjoy the tailwind going north to Huffman. I looked at the Garmin a couple of times on FM2100 to check my speed; 21.8 mph. The pedaling effort was much less. I was thinking of changing to the big ring up front but stayed in the 34 front and 9th position rear gear.

I stopped at the Huffman Chevron to regroup. At that point I was 27+ miles into what would end up being a 39.21 mile ride. The sky was cloudy with the sun coming through occasionally. I was glad I wore a long sleeve jersey to counter the wind. (The temperature was 84 when I got home) I ate two Kashi bars and drank a almost Diet Orange Crush. Just as I finished a woman walked towards me and the pumps. She said she wanted to see the wheels on my Stradalli. She thought they looked sharp and told me she rode on Zipp wheels. We talked about the wind affect when riding those type of wheels and I told her how hard it was on Old Atascocita Road. She walked back to her car and I got some ice for my water bottle before heading home on the last 11 miles or so.

To add some variety to the route when I got to Kingwood Greens Drive where I normally turn left I stayed on W. Lake Houston Parkway and turned right onto a side street and then the trail parallel to W. Lake Houston Parkway.

April miles moved up to 363.11, with 414.89 left to reach April’s goal. For the week so far I rode 209.01 miles and year to date 1623 miles.

The weather forecast for tomorrow (Palm Sunday) shows a 50% chance of rain but it was 80% earlier. I have biked 6 days this week so tomorrow may be a rest day.

Link to RideWithGPS map and metrics.

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Texas Bicycle News and Blog Digest April 11th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Constable hits girl biking to school in Fort Bend County

by KHOU.com staff


FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — A deputy constable struck a 16-year-old girl who was biking to school before sunrise Friday, Fort Bend County officials said.
The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. on Gaston Road at S. Fry Road.
A Precinct 3 constable was driving southbound on Gaston when he hit the girl with his pickup. Deputies said…

Knobbies & Slicks

by Bud Zarsk


Its’ officially Time for some fun! The K&S banner has been hung at our new location in NE Tarrant county! 1st one to take their picture with the banner and post it with the correct location gets a $50 gift card and a K&S hat.

Casual bike ride

Katy Bicycle fun riders

Thursday, April 17, 2014    6:30 PM
Katy Family YMCA
22807 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy, TX (map)
Meet at the bike rack, in front of the Y
We will leave from the Y and ride on a paved trail. Distance very’s.

Shorts — Old and New

Bike Noob

Over the last few months, I have finally acquired some new bike shorts. I’ve been riding the same ones for about four years now — no, wait — five. It’s time to replace some of them.
In our family, the biking clothes of choice are Pearl Izumi. We know they’re not the cream of the crop, but they’re pretty good quality and have served us well. This time though, I wanted to try something different, just for the sake of being different.

My wife gave me a pair of Performance Ultra shorts for Christmas. These shorts, and the…

You are invited May 3-4: Share your wisdom to build a stronger Bike Austin

Austin Cycling Association

Ever thought you might feel safer riding on the road if you had a bike lane?
Wish there was a bike rack outside of your favorite restaurant?
Want to feel like you are part of a strong bicycling community that can make a difference in the quality of life here?
As you may know, Austin Cycling Association and Bike Austin have formed a unified organization (to be known as Bike Austin) dedicated to promoting cycling for transportation and recreation in Central Texas. Now we need the help of the entire community as we take the next steps building a focused, effective bicycling organization that can improve quality of life for people living in…

Kid Trips Ride – Walnut Creek Metro Park

Austin Rige Riders

Saturday, April 19, 2014 – 09:00
It’s time to get the new bikes out of the trailer and on the trails.  We have scheduled a ride for April 19 at Walnut Creek with Travis County.  The ride will begin at 9:00 am so please be at the park by 8:00 to help unload, mark the…

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Tweets

https://twitter.com/westonflick/status/454621465619349504

https://twitter.com/txbikeracing/status/454681816012578816

https://twitter.com/DrewiferdLee/status/454661733177516032

https://twitter.com/bicyclesplus/status/454604601858469888

Event Reminders

Two Tight Squeezes

Texbiker.net Posted on by

I rode to New Caney today and to add to the distance I returned to Kingwood through Forest Cove. This route was 34.48 miles long averaging 15.2 mph. I started a little earlier than usual leaving home at 12:28. This put me in front of the schools letting out except for the last two I passed in Kingwood. Traffic was not a problem generally but on Rock Creek Dr. in Oakhurst I has a moment of excitement. I was going south and in front of was a man driving a golf cart pulling another golf cart. He was in the street and there are two lanes only. Behind a pickup truck pulling a trailer was approaching me. All of a sudden the golf cart driver decided to stop to let the truck go by. I was catching up to the golf carts quickly and couldn’t go around because of the pickup so I had to put my brakes on quickly. The rear tire almost slide out from under me but I maintained control and after the pickup truck passed I passed the golf carts.

Later in Kingwood I was on Riverlawn Dr. going east. In front of me were two pickup trucks one parked on each side of the street leaving one car of width between them. As I pulled around the one on my side of the street I was greeted by another pickup heading between the two trucks. I braked and started to pull over as far as I could but the pickup driver motioned for me to come on through. Another close call.

The wind continued to be a challenge during the ride. When I started the ride I thought it would be calmer than yesterday and it was somewhat. At the beginning the wind was from the SW at 9 mph with 16 mph gusts. When I got up home at 3:27 it was from the south at 15 mph with 22 mph gusts. I struggled whenever I was out in the open. One particular tough section was the south bound US59 service road before I got to the overpass at Sorters Road. I just kept my head down and pedaled. The temperature was pleasant: 77 at the start and 84 at the end. I wore a long sleeve jersey and it was comfortable. This was more for sun protection than warmth.

Check the slides to see the mileage standings. Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS metrics and maps.

Tomorrow’s weather should be a repeat of today.

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