March Is A Wrap

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Yesterday (Sunday) we drove home from Fredericksburg. This time I didn’t get off the best route. We even took time to stop at the Buc-ee’s in Bastrop. This is a superstore with more stuff and gas pumps than you can imagine. After roaming the aisles for a while we gathered a few items to snack on. The cars and RV’s flowing in and out is non-stop. Getting into the parking lot was not easy. On SR 71 the traffic was backed up for a mile to turn left on to SR21 where Buc-ee’s entrance was. We had a pleasant drive home looking at the bluebonnets and other wildflowers. In many places people were out of the vehicles taking pictures. My wife was concerned they did not know if snakes were lurking amongst the flowers. I didn’t see anyone running out of the flowers but we were speeding by.

Today the weather was beautiful for biking. The partly cloudy sky allowed the sun to run in and out from behind the clouds keeping it cool. When I left home at 1:33 it was 77 degrees and when I got back at 4:47 it was 79. The downside was the wind: 15 mph from the south with 23 mph gusts at the start and 13mph with 22 mph gusts at the end. The route went south and east through the grass farms east of FM2100. Whenever I was in the open the wind was brutal until I reached Stroker Road off FM2100. Once I turned left onto Stroker Road the wind was from right or a tailwind back to Huffman. I was able to make up for the lost speed from there to home. Riding south on FM2100 for 2 miles or so was a slow section with my speed about 12 to 13 mph as the wind wanted to push back. The route totaled 39.32 miles and I averaged 15.8 mph overall. This was a fitting end to March rides. March totaled 555.12 miles, 50 over my goal. I stand at 1260 miles year to date.

I am not sure if March is leaving like a lamb weather wise.

March statistics:

  • 36 hours riding
  • elevation gain 8002 ft. (much of this at the LBJ100)
  • average speed 15.4 mph
  • 15 rides
  • average pace 3:53 minutes per mile

The wind does try to move the high profile wheels on my Stradalli. Riding west on the FM1960 causeway over Lake Houston where there is no cover and two places where the wind goes under the causeway as well as over I had to keep a firm grip on the handlebars to fight the wind. I noticed I leaned into the wind to offset the gusts putting we left of perpendicular.

Tomorrow is forecast to be 80 degrees and partly cloudy. The wind is supposed to be less than today.

Links to Garmin Connect and RideWithGPS maps and metrics.

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Texas Bicycling Blog and News Digest March 30th

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El Paso police investigate off-duty officer in bicycling incident

By Alex Hinojosa / El Paso Times

El Paso police are investigating an off-duty officer who allegedly drove through a group of bicyclists in downtown El Paso Friday on his motorcycle.
The incident occurred at 8 p.m. while a group of bicyclists participated in the Critical Mass ride on Campbell Street. There were injuries.
According to the Velo Paso’s Facebook page, an off-duty officer drove his motorcycle through the group and chased a rider. Velo Paso is a non-profit organization made up of avid cyclists who want…

EP Cyclists

Awesome Sunday Joint ride with EP Cyclists and El Paso Bicycle Club, we had a great turn out, we had a fast advanced group that went to Vado and came back through highway 28, an intermediate group that rode all the rollers all the way to Mesquite and back, and a great beginners ride that rode 17 miles on the rollers. Pictures will be…

Sunday 3/30/14 Advanced, Intermediate & Beginner Ride

EP Cyclists


Mankad: Bicyclists, pedestrians set to roll on road

By Raj Mankad        www.chron.com

Walking and bicycling have received unprecedented attention in Houston. Mayor Annise Parker committed to a Complete Streets policy last year and, a little more than a week ago, she announced a zero bicycle fatalities safety campaign. Organizers of the monthly bike ride known as Critical Mass are cooperating with police in an attempt to accommodate the growing event. Public opinion is changing, too. Houston voters overwhelmingly passed a 2012 bond for the Bayou Greenways Initiative and results from Stephen Klineberg’s annual survey show that a majority of Houstonians want a more walkable city. The perspective missing in all this, perhaps, is that we already have streets with great potential for walking and bicycling. We can reimagine the city we…

Cycling Has Made Me a Better Driver

Bike Noob

The ride Sunday morning had been an uneventful one. Four of us set off for Creedmoor, southeast of Austin. We found that one of the country roads we take to get there had been partially graded to prepare for resurfacing, and was not in good shape for cycling. If we go that way again, we’ll have to figure out an alternate route. One of the highlights along the way is an exotic game ranch, featuring lots of African deer and antelope, zebras, ostriches and emus, and other critters.

It’s only about 17 miles to Creedmoor, but for some reason, every group I ride with tends to stop there for a long time. We take turns going in to…

Rocky Hill Ranch!!!!

The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group

Saturday, April 12, 2014    9:00 AM
Rocky Hill Ranch
578 Farm-to-Market 153, Smithville, TX (map)
I will be starting at 9 am. It will be a nice casual pace beginner to advanced beginner. If anyone wants to do an intermediate or advanced pace you are welcome too. This is a self supported ride and you are responsible for your own food, drink, and anything else you may need to ride. Also you will need to pay $10.00 per person entrance fee. Standard disclaimers apply:
Ride at your own risk
Helmet required
Carry plenty of water
You need a working mountain bike and the ability to keep it that…

Spring Burma Time Trial

San Angelo Bicycle Association

8 crazy cyclist braved the 25mph wind today for the Spring Burma Time Trial. Thanks to the volunteers to help time.

B/IG-Braking, Shifting, Cornering

El Paso Bicycle Club Ride

Tuesday, April 15        5:45PM
Description: Braking, Cornering and Shifting, Oh My!
April 15 program is Braking, Cornering and Shifting, Oh My! On this short ride we will practice cornering, learn about those funny levers on the handle bar (aka gear shifter) and of course give the brakes a try (hopefully they work.)
Program starts at 5:45pm and the ride takes off at 6:00pm. All riders should be there at least 15 minutes early. Meet at Rio Plaza, 6205 Upper Valley Road at the intersection of Artcraft & Upper Valley. Basic lesson on road biking followed by ride through Upper Valley roads.
For questions or more information please contact Margaret O’Kelley 915-588-3825 or check out the B/IG web page.
Helmets are required for all riders.
Resources:
Braking, Cornering & Shifting Handout
B/IG Webpage
Map to Rio Plaza
Weather Forecast…

Upcoming Rides and Events

San Antonio Wheelmen

Saturday, 4/5:             Kendalia-Crabapple Ride
Sunday, 4/6:               Elemendorf Ride

With Siclovía, you don’t have to look both ways

By John MacCormack        www.mysanantonio.com


SAN ANTONIO — Bicycles, roller skates, wheel-chairs, skateboards, baby carriages, low-riders, scooters and kids’ wagons.
You name it. If it had wheels, you could probably find it Sunday morning rolling along South St. Mary’s Street in the latest edition of Siclovía.
Not to mention dogs of all description and means of conveyance, from bike baskets to special canine wagons. And not a few got a free nail job en route.
Under clear blue skies, it was a perfect day for…

U.S. sweeps top podium spots at the 2014 N. American Continental BMX Champs

www.usacycling.org

Chula Vista, Calif. (March 30, 2014) — Supercross racing continued at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., on Sunday with the 2014 UCI North American Continental BMX Championships. Americans Connor Fields (Henderson, Nev./Chase BMX), Alise Post (Saint Cloud, Minn./Redline Bicycles) and Shealen Reno (Plano, Texas/Hyper Bicycles) doubled up on the wins after their victories at the Elite BMX Nationals the day before. Sean Gaian (Santee, Calif./Factory GT Bicycles) topped the junior elite men’s event. …

April 5th and 6th Rides!

Steiner Ranch Cycling

For the first time in a long time we had great weather this weekend.  The blue bonnets were out and there were plenty of athletic events to participate in.
Saturday was the LBJ100 Ride which is a great ride on country roads and the proceeds go to preserve the history of LBJ and his ranch for future generations.  As many of you already know LBJ was the only American President that was born and claimed Texas as his home.  Also this year is the 50 year anniversary of the Civil Rights Act being enacted.  I believe next month all the living Presidents will be visiting the LBJ Presidential Library downtown so you might want to check that out.
Sunday only a hand full of us showed up for a nice flat 30 mile ride out to Spicewood and…

Steam N Wheels

Pedal Pushers

Steam N Wheels
March 22, 2014
Abilene, Texas
Steam N Wheels is an annual ritual for a lot of us from San Angelo. Besides being a close-by good ride, if you come in 1,2, or 3 in your age group, you win a prize. If you don’t place in the top three places…it is a well supported fun tour. You can’t lose.
The assembly point of the ride is the Abilene Zoo parking lot. …

8:00am – Harden Dental Team Ride

Corinth Cycling

When: Sat Apr 19, 2014 8am to 11am  CDT
Where: Ronny Crownover Middle School
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This is the weekly training ride for the Corinth Cycling/Harden Dental race team. This is a 62 mile loop on an established route. Expect a fast pace and be prepared to fix your own mechanicals. There are no stops on this ride. …

Ride Out of Midlothian

Lone Star Cyclists

Pace: Touring with a Fast Pace Option (Touring is a varied pace with frequent stops averaging 12-15 mph)
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2014 – 8:30am
Location: Southeast corner of N 8th St and W Ave E, Midlothian, by the log cabin. Be sure to park on the north side, away from the Farmer’s Market.
GPS 32.484162,-96.9943
Distances: 30 and 51 Miles
We’ll head east to Waxahachie and return to Midlothian for a well-deserved lunch. The long riders will split off from the 30 milers in Waxahachie for a visit to Maypearl. They’ll pass the Texas Soaring Association airport on the way back and may even see some gliders either being towed aloft or landing.
Lunch: To…

Tweets

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Event Reminders

Texas Bicycling News and Blog Digest March 29th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Ride 2 Recovery Texas Challenge day 6: team work makes the dream work

by Veronica M. Landry Multimedia Manager/Producer        www.ktsm.com


Friday was the sixth and final day of the Ride 2 Recovery Texas Challenge. The group of more than 200 cyclists rode their bikes 64 miles from Cleburne to Fort Worth on the warm, sunny, spring day, completing their 450 mile journey.
The trek started with a helicopter escort into the town of Keene, where scouts and schoolchildren served breakfast to the riders and R2R staff; the day ended with lunch at…

Friday Night Beginner Ride – Bull Creek Trails

The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group

Friday, April 4, 2014    5:30 PM
Bull Creek
Old Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX (map)
We’ll park near the restrooms and paved parking area – locate the group of cyclists
Hey folks,
We will start out on a short little track that is very smooth and easy. (a slight step up from Lady Bird Lake paths) If the group is …

Middle Concho MTB

San Angelo Bicycle Association

04/02/2014    6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Location: Middle Concho Park
Be ready to roll at 6:30PM. This is a no-drop social mountain bike ride at Middle Concho. Routes vary and groups are formed if needed based on skill level. All riders welcome.

4th of July Ride!!! To Freedom!

Tyler Bicycle Club

July 4 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
We normally go south, updates will be available soon.

Oblate Bike Ride 2014

McAllen Police Cycling Team


Members of the MCPD Cycling Team participated in the Oblate Bike Ride on March 29, 2014 from Brownsville, TX to Mission TX.
Members attending Ben, Frank, Danny, Estela, Elias and Edgar (SAG).

Hotter’N Hell 100

Witchita Falls bicycle Club

This little guy just finished his first race for the WFBC / HH100 team, way to go Baron. Hotter’N Hell 100 has always been about the family, and with support like this, it’ll stay that way. Happy spring riding everyone! — with Ryan Raeke.

Tour of Abilene cycling event kicks off at ACU

By Dora Miller        www.ktxs.com (video)

ABILENE, Texas – Abilene Christian University hosted the “Tour of Abilene” cycling race Saturday morning.
Around 100 cyclists came from seven D1 universities including University of Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M University, Texas State University and Oklahoma University to participate in the race.
Traffic was limited to one lane on Ambler Ave. while cyclists lapped the ACU campus. They will meet again on Sunday at…

A Near Head-On Collision In Gateway Park Before Going To Town Talk

Durango Texas

What with today being Saturday and what with none of the predicted rain falling in anywhere near copious amounts, at my location, I opted to have myself a mighty fine time mountain biking on the Gateway Park mountain bike trails today, prior to my regularly scheduled Saturday treasure hunt at Town Talk.
A large number of others also thought today was a fine day to roll their wheels in Gateway Park, with one of those rollers rolling the…

Tweets

https://twitter.com/halvish/status/450000344492163072

https://twitter.com/mhughe6/status/449952628311474177

LBJ100 Bike Ride – Stonewall, TX

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My wife and I drove to Fredericksburg on Friday so that I could ride in the LBJ100 on Saturday. I made the mistake of driving through Austin during the Friday afternoon rush hour. We finally arrived in Fredericksburg a little after 5 PM and went to the Hill Country Bicycle Works bike shop to pickup my registration. This took a few minutes and we were on our way to our hotel. The weather Friday was in the 80’s with a strong wind and clear sky. Saturday was going to be different weather. After we checked into our hotel we were going down the elevator with three other people. One lady noticed the HH100 t-shirt I was wearing and asked if I was riding the LBJ100. She and her husband were (They came from San Antonio). Another lady on the elevator wasn’t riding but was driving a sag truck for a team from Corpus Christi.

From my previous time at the LBJ100 I knew the traffic onto the LBJ Ranch National Park was going to be crowded. The road to the runway where the cars are parked is narrow and twisting. We left our hotel at 7:40 and arrived at our parking spot on the LBJ Ranch runway about 8:15. The ride started at 9:00AM so I walked around handing out Texbiker.net business cards and taking some pictures of the bikers. About 8:35 I unloaded the bike and got all of my stuff together to ride to the start line. Because it was a mile away my wife stayed at the Jeep to wait to leave and do her things.

Weather for the start cooled down dramatically from Friday. The Jeep’s weather said 50 degrees and sitting in the open on the runway the wind was blowing strong. The sky was clear and the forecast was for 74 degrees by the afternoon. The wind would be a problem for most of the ride. No matter which direction the road turned the wind seemed to be in my face or almost there. I dressed warm with leg warmers, shorts, 2 long sleeve jerseys and windbreaker jacket. I wore half finger gloves and my hands were warm probably thanks to the sun. In the early miles the shade was cool but shade is not found often in the area. Cactus, mesquite trees and rocks are the typical fare along the roads. Bluebonnets were rare except along a section of RR1323 with some patches of blue beside the road. You can see these in the Flickr photograph link.

During the ride
After I finished

I rode the 62 mile route. The roads generally are a well compacted chip’n seal surface with sections of very smooth surface. I did not encounter any rough road but cattle guards are a common thing. Looking at the cattle guard you would think the ride over them would be rough but actually it is smooth and the exit back onto the pavement is not a problem. The problem would be if you tried to walk over them. The space between the pipes looks like a bike cleat width and the pipe is slick.

Rest stops were frequent and well manned by volunteers. One of them had a donation jar which I don’t see very often. All of the ones I stopped at (4 of them) had plenty of snacks and water. They used a big blue plastic container for water with multiple spigots to fill water bottles. I have not seen these on other bike rides. Cookies and peanut jelly sandwiches were at each of the stops I visited.

Routes were well marked with signs beside the road and flag people at important intersections or turns. With the routes on ranch roads and traffic was light no police were at intersections. This did not cause any problems that I could see. I saw no crashes although one emergency truck passed me with siren and lights flashing. I never did see any bicycle situation where the truck went. Overall the ride was well organized, rest stops spaced appropriately and well stocked.

At the start of the ride my Garmin 510 decided to lock up but I pulled over just past the start line and got it working. I biked 62.85 miles averaging 14.4 mph. Considering the number of hills and the wind I am pleased with the 14.4 mph average speed. My new Stradalli RP-14 Carbon performed great. the gearing was fitting for the hills and wind. I used the 34 front ring and gears 6 through 9 on the rear on the ride. I did standup on a lot of the hills, sometimes for power other times to vary my sitting. When I get home I will upload the ride to the Golden Cheetah program for the official metrics. In the meantime Garmin connect and RideWithGPS show the map and metrics. This ride puts me over my March goal of 505 miles.

When we got back to our hotel the AC unit in our room had frozen and was putting out hot air. The front desk clerk came to look at it and then called a repair man. About 30 minutes later the repair man installed a new AC unit and we are cool now.

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