Texas Bicycling News and Blogs Updates February 15th

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Border Patrol agent charged with misdemeanor in biker death

By Aaron Bracamontes \ El Paso Times

A Border Patrol agent who allegedly killed a bicycle rider by accidentally striking him with a vehicle this past August was charged with careless driving in December, court records show.
On Aug. 17, Anthony Aragon, 29, allegedly hit Floyd Hancock, 47, on New Mexico State Road 136. Hancock was riding his bike and Aragon was in a vehicle.
Aragon was charged with careless driving, a misdemeanor, on Dec. 9, according to Dona Ana County Court records.
If he is convicted he can face a…

Central Texas Ramble

By Renee Powell

Fayetteville, Texas to Sheridan, Texas
Friday December 30, 2011, 50 miles (80 km) – Total so far: 145 miles (233 km)
I wake up the next morning feeling completely rejunvenated! I am up around 7 and have coffee and a wonderful leisurely breakfast with one of the innkeepers, Kathleen. She makes an amazing breakfast of baked apples with cream and homemade granola, eggs Benedict, french toast, bacon, and homemade yogurt with fresh fruit. We talk over breakfast and eventually the owner shows up. Clovis is an amazing man in his 80’s, still practicing architecture and playing tennis, as well as helping to run the B&B. We chat for a while, talking about various things and then he invites me to see his art gallery as well as his personal art studio. In the adjacent building, I find that Clovis is a gifted painter and Kathleen is a talented photographer. Staying here last night was just what I needed to restore my soul. Meeting and connecting with unique people is one of the main reasons I want to bike tour. Something about the bike acts like a magnet to draw people near and hopefully, the connection makes each person’s life better.
I get a late start and head out around 9:30. My destination today is in Sheridan at the home of my longtime friends Helen and…

Central Texas Ramble

By Renee Powell

Sheridan, Texas to Bellville, Texas: Another fun day of cycling and crossed paths with another cyclist
Saturday December 31, 2011, 59 miles (94 km) – Total so far: 204 miles (328 km)
Woke up this morning feeling great. Carlos, Helen, and I went for a ginormous breakfast in Sheridan, then went back to their lakehouse for a bit more visiting. Finally, I decided I’d better hit the road and head toward my destination of Bellville. My husband and son were headed there to meet me later that day. We had plans for New Years and I needed to get home, so they were going to meet me in Bellville and pick me up for the drive home. But it wasn’t looking too promising for me to make it there at a reasonable time, so I gave them my route and just told them to head my way whenever they were ready and we’d meet up when we met up!
As I headed east on Hwy 90 back toward Houston, I crossed paths with another bike tourist headed west. Alphonso had traveled from the east coast and had been on…

Cedar Hill Festival

txbra.org


38 scholastic racers from fourth grade through seniors in high school watch for the “go signal” before the start of the Scholastic Open race at the 2014 Cedar Hill Race Festival.
Photo courtesy Greg Kissee.

Volunteers Needed For Pace Bend Race

by John        www.austinbike.com

Bicycle Sport Shop is sponsoring their annual Pace Bend Race and need volunteers to sign up now to assist in the race activities.  Nothing will get you closer to the action than being a volunteer.  It’s like Formula One, only the pits smell a little different. The race will be held on March 15th and 16th.
If you are interested in helping, you can…

Volunteer Opportunity @ The BSS Pace Bend Race

The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group

Saturday, March 15, 2014 9:00 AM    to Sunday, March 16, 2014, 5:00 PM
Pace Bend Park
2011 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX (map)
It’s time for the Bicycle Sport Shop / Austin Ridge Rider Pace Bend Race.  This year the race will be the weekend of March 15-16.  We need lots of volunteers to make the race possible.  Visit the bikereg page for positions, times, and to register to volunteer! …

Iris Stagner Stage Race – Day 1: Stage 1 & 2

Me, My Bike, and My Life        Written by Chris Degenaars

Today was the first day of the 2014 Iris Stagner Stage Race here in Mineral Wells. This year I am racing the 4/5 race with 2 of my teammates. It is a 3 stage – 2 day race, today we did the Circuit Race in the morning and the Time Trial in the afternoon, tomorrow we will do the Road Race in early morning.
So for stage 1, the circuit race, we did a 3 mile loop (more or less) for about 45 minutes. It wasn’t too bad overall, the roads were a little ruff on the back straight with many patches of different cement which made it bumpy. There were 3 bridge crossing, the first one was pretty smooth, but there were no sides on it not that it really effected us or the race, the promoters crew did a great job marking the bridge and putting bright orange flags on the sides. The second bridge was just past the 1 Kilometer sign and was overall good minus the lip of the bridge switching from the road to the bridge, other than that it…

The weather is here…

An Old Guy On Two Wheels

…wish you were beautiful
Another fabulous February day dawns clear.  A little chill in the air as the sun climbs, then it warms up nicely.  Grandson’s last basketball game today.  The league he’s in plays at an elementary school on the other side of town.  Perfect excuse to don the lycra and do some pedaling.
Meandering, twisting route through the city.  I started out early and had some time to get down there.  A mere 23 mile jaunt at a pace that allowed for observations.
First thing I noticed is that TxDOT is taking their time cleaning up all that gravel they laid down for our latest ice-pocalypse.  And thanks to the sweeping action of cars, guess…

Tweets

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Humble Lions Bike Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

The alarm went off at 5:45 and I went to the kitchen to check on the temperature. When I went to bed around 11:30PM it was in the 50’s but now it said 44 degrees. As I walked to the bathroom I had to pass the nice warm bed. Thoughts of getting back in the bed flooded my mind but I made it past and started getting ready. Anticipating the chill I added an extra jersey to my clothes lineup last night and now I was wonder if three would be enough. I am a confessed temperature wimp. Anything below 60 requires a super effort to get me on the bike.

Other than the chill the day promised to be a great day to ride and it came through. I bundled up with 2 long sleeve jerseys sandwiching a short sleeve one. The leg warmers are a marvelous thing and my legs stayed warm the whole ride. The windbreaker jacket over the 3 jerseys did its job though towards the end I noticed moisture building up inside because this one does not have any vents. Full finger gloves were a must. When we left the starting line I wondered if the gloves would keep my fingers warm but the sun helped to overcome the wind chill.

Most of the roads we traveled are ones I ride on my own but there were a few east of US90 that I don’t ride. The road surfaces were good and with the number of riders we claimed a lane on the FM1960 causeway over Lake Houston keeping us out of the gravel on the shoulder. The wind was not high coming from the east and the chill was noticeable when we turned into it. I slowed down with the headwind and struggled into the 26 mile rest stop. Leaving that stop the route generally headed west with the wind. The sun on my back felt good and probably accounted for the buildup of moisture. At the 26 mile stop I took my gloves off to let them dry and my hands as well.

Signs along the ride said the long route was 51.1 miles but the Garmin 510 recorded 52.01 miles. I was surprised that I averaged 16.0 mph which the tailwind from Crosby to Humble contributed to most likely. The 52 miles moved February up to 166.36 miles, leaving 204 to the 370 mile goal. Year to date now totals 495 miles.

The ride started at the Humble High School and when I got there I was surprised to see just a few cars. Signs directed us to the north parking lot. Several people, including me, were looking for the registration area. No signs with directions. I had not read the instructions very well but vaguely remembered the registration was on the south side in the Technology Center and I moved my Jeep to that parking area. From there I saw people walking to the east and followed them. Success! Duly registered I went back to the Jeep handing out some Texbiker.net business cards along the way. I was pleasantly surprised when two riders said they visited Texbiker.net and asked if I was Rick. It is pleasing to know people come to the website.

After the ride I hate lunched and talked with Andy at my table. A lady was handing out business cards for the TWFG Gran Fondo on March 30th. I gave her a Texbiker.net card in exchange.

This is the longest ride so far this year and the muscles are telling me about it as I write this. My sit bones have to toughen up more. Maybe the weather will cooperate and I can ride more in the coming days. Overall the ride was great. Rest stops were well stocked (the two I stopped at). Everyone was cheerful. I would guess 600 bikers participated.

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Texas Bicycling News February 14th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Our Favorite Bike Trails!

Richardson Bike Mart Richardson Bike Mart


Listen to Ken “Woody” Smith talk about the great trails around Dallas!

ARR/RLAG Club Ride @ Pace Bend Park

The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group

Saturday, March 8, 2014    9:00 AM
Pace Bend Park
2011 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX (map)
Just past the East Trail Head Parking area – see map link below
Austin Ridge Rider & Ride Like A Girl Monthly Club Ride Pace Bend Park!
All mountain bikers are welcome, riders will break into groups based on skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and pace (fast, casual, slow). This is a No Drop ride so no one gets left behind or lost, we will get you back to the trail head for the after party;)
Remember to bring your helmet, plenty of water, and cash for the park entry fee. Everyone is also…

Upcoming Events

Brazosport Bicycle Club

Tue 2/18     star Tuesday Morning Ride     8:00 PM – 11:00 PM     Abner Jackson Park and Ride on 2004 near Lake Road
Fri 2/21     star Friday Morning Ride     8:00 AM – 11:00 AM     Abner Jackson Park and Ride on 2004 near Lake Road
Sat 2/22     star Saturday Morning Ride     8:00 AM – 11:00 AM     Lake Jackson Recreation Center
Sun 2/23     star Sunday Morning Ride     8:00 AM – 11:00 AM     Park and Ride on 288 and 35 in Angleton- meet at Bucee’s
Tue 2/25     star Tuesday Morning Ride     8:00 PM – 11:00 PM     Abner Jackson Park and Ride on 2004 near Lake Road
Fri 2/28     star Friday Morning Ride     8:00 AM – 11:00 AM     Abner Jackson Park and Ride on 2004 near Lake Road …

City-wide Bike Friendly Meet and Greet

Bike Friendly Cedars

All:
Bike Friendly Oak Cliff invites you to a City-wide Bike Friendly Meet and Greet at The Foundry (next door to Chicken Scratch on Fort Worth Avenue) on Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30 pm.
We at BFOC are concerned that the City has not yet formed a Bicycle Advisory Council as provided in the Bike Plan. Consequently, some critical bicycle-related issues are not being addressed. We think it would be productive for us all to get to know each other and work together to make Dallas a more bike-friendly city.
Come with an issue in mind and let’s put our heads together (while we tip a few).
If you are no longer a contact for your BF group, or are…

USA Cycling names 2013 Officials of the Year

www.usacycling.org

Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 14, 2014) – USA Cycling is pleased to announce its 2013 Officials of the Year. The national governing body named an overall “National Official of the Year,” five “Regional Officials of the Year,” and 32 “Local Officials of the Year.”
The honored officials were chosen by the USA Cycling Technical Commission and Local Associations based on their demonstrated excellence in technical skills, management and teamwork, and service to their respective local associations and race directors. …
…Steve Crews (Dallas, Texas) – Mountain Region…

Writer’s Block

An Old Guy On Two Wheels

Stumbling around trying to find something to write about.  No epic rides to talk about. Haven’t had a cager try to kill me in some time. Can’t get up any anger about that dolt in Suffolk County, NY (besides a whole bunch of people beat me to it).
I suppose I could work up some cranky comments about how major highway projects are moving faster than simple trail projects.  Can’t seem to work up the energy for that either.
Getting ‘bent
Did have a pleasant experience doing some research for my sister.  She wants to get back into cycling.  Due to some physical issues she’s looking for a recumbent trike.  No really good bike shops where she lives.
So I went to Easy Street Recumbents to look at models and ask questions. Very pleasant experience.  It’s a small shop but well stocked and the people…

Police asking for public’s help in theft of $5,900 bicycle

www.kveo.com

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS (KVEO NEWSCENTER 23) — Brownsville police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect who walked into a store and stole a high end bicycle.
On Wednesday, February 12th at around 5:20 p.m. a man entered the Bicycle World store, located at 1275 N. Expressway, and took off with a red and black “Specialized Turbo S” electric bicycle valued at nearly…

Tweets

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https://twitter.com/RandyATX/status/434419873989398528

https://twitter.com/tsunamicycles/status/434344599658586112

Soakin’ Up the Rays

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Just past the 25 mile point I rode into the Stripes station on FM1314 west of Porter. After walking inside for a Diet Pepsi I grabbed a Greensheet newspaper and sat down outside. The sun was nice and warm which was a big contrast from earlier in the week. Today the temperature varied from 42 at 6:30AM to 77 when I finished the ride at 4:02. I wish I could put some of this in a bank to draw on. Tomorrow would be a good time to do that when I ride the Humble Lions Bike Ride. The overnight low is 43 and the high is 65 degrees. With the ride starting a 8:00AM I suspect it is going to be closer to 43 than 65.

The route today went north so I could get 34+ miles to help move toward the 370 mile goal for February. I am still playing around with the recently found exit from Kingwood and I wasn’t sure how far I would ride. I ended up riding 37.32 miles at a 15.1 mph average speed. The average speed is low because of the wind and my out of shape legs. As I left home at 12:51 the wind was 18 mph from the SSW with 29 mph gusts. This accounts for the warmer temperature today and my slowness. On FM1485 going west to Gene Campbell Road I managed to stay above 15 mph but when I turned onto Gene Campbell Road the headwind got me. For the 5 miles to FM1314 I pedaled hard at 11 to 12 mph. Occasionally I stood up on the pedals to get some speed but as soon as I sat down I drifted back to 12 mph. Interval 4 averaged 13.5 mph which was this section of the ride.

Getting onto FM1314 riding to Porter the wind was more of a friend coming from the right rear quarter. Interval 5 average speed jumped to 17.1 mph and my pedaling was not as hard. The rest at Stripes was well needed and the timing allowed me to dodge the school buses headed to the two schools in Briar Tree; there must have been 10 of them. By the time I got there the traffic was gone. I wasn’t as fortunate in Kings Manor with a multitude of parents lined up to get their children. I inched through the bottle neck.

With the nice weather I did not need a jacket today. My wardrobe consisted of a long sleeve jersey, short sleeve jersey on top and shorts. I wore a new pair of gloves to celebrate the sun.

Update on February: 114.35 miles. 256 to reach the 370 mile goal. Year to date: 443 miles.

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