Long White Sleeves – June 5th Bike Ride

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The rear tire patch yesterday did not take so I had to redo it. I think my problem was leaving the cellophane on the patch. This kept the patch from flexing with the tube and coming loose. My ride today confirmed the patch is in place and holding 105 psi air.

Today I rode south through Eagle Springs before heading off to Walden and over the FM1960 Lake Houston Causeway on my way to Huffman. I was relieved to not endure the fermenting piles of bugs as much as Monday with the dry air sucking out the moisture. I did vary the route some by going north on E. Lake Houston Parkway rather than Fairlake Drive. This does not change the distance so much but I did get a little different scenery. Also I stayed north of the railroad tracks in case a train came through. The route distance came to 33.91 miles and I averaged 15.4 mph. The first 3 miles put me in an average speed deficit because I rode past Kingwood High School and some students were walking on the greenbelt trail so I slowed down to get past them. June miles are now 145.13 towards the 524 mile goal and year to date I biked 2585 miles.

To combat the sun I wore a white long sleeve jersey which was not too hot even though the temperature was 85 when I left at 10:31 and 92 when I finished at 1:20. Partly cloudy sky and a light 10 mph breeze helped. When I stopped in Huffman at the Chevron station the breeze felt nice in the shade as I sit on a plastic milk carrier. I broke my habit and drank a Sunkist 10 orange soda. This seemed appropriate for the time of the year.

While I was drinking and resting I checked my phone for email and read one from my webhost about Texbiker.net using too much CPU resources. They turned off my website. Since I was away from home there wasn’t much I could do. Once I got home my wife said the webhost company had called to alert us to the problem. I was surprised but glad. I started checking things out and I think the problem was from a table crashing in the mySQL database. After I repaired the table Texbiker.net was up and running again with low CPU usage. These things never seem to happen at a convenient time. I may be able to use this at the Houston WordPress Meetup Group meeting tonight.

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Texas Bicycling Daily News Roundup June 4th

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Dallas Now Has a Bike Score, and It Sucks
By Eric Nicholson        blogs.dallasobserver.com

Walk Score became a thing almost as soon as the company first began rating the pedestrian-friendliness of cities and neighborhoods in 2007. By now, it’s so firmly established that it’s worked its way into the vernacular of real estate and urban planning. Zillow, for example, includes a walk score for every property it lists, and Phoenix used the data to determine where to locate light-rail stations.
A year ago, the company branched out into wheeled transport and began giving a bike score to an ever-expanding circle of neighborhoods and cities. That circle now…

More prominent role for cycling envisioned
Cyclists say momentum on their side
By Lindsay Peyton        www.chron.com
As cycling’s popularity rises in Houston, city officials and planners see the west side of the Inner Loop as the logical next place to focus energy on developing a more prominent role for the quiet, eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Rice University, the Texas Medical Center and area shopping districts already attract cyclists, said Laura Spanjian, sustainability director for Mayor Annise Parker.
“There’s a lot of bike commuters to Rice,” she said. “There’s already some good infrastructure there.”

The city is looking at ways to expand offerings in the neighborhood, with one option being…

Feds will stop hyping effectiveness of bike helmets
by Jim Titus        greatergreaterwashington.org
Two federal government agencies will withdraw their longstanding claims that bicycle helmets prevent head injuries. The decision comes in response to a petition the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) filed under the federal Data Quality Act.

In 1989, a study in Seattle estimated that helmets prevent 85% of head injuries. Later efforts to replicate those results found a weaker connection between helmets and head injuries, but public health advocates, government web sites, and the news media often present it as fact.

Bad information can cause problems, even when it is promoted with the best intentions. If people think that…

Cedar Park High School grad cycling 4000 miles to Alaska
www.hillcountrynews.com

CEDAR PARK — Rachel Engler, a 2009 graduate of Cedar Park High School, won’t spend her first summer after college graduation looking for a job. Instead, she will pedal more than 4,000 miles from Cedar Park to Anchorage, Alaska with Texas 4000, the longest annual charity event bike ride in the world.

For Engler, who graduated May 17 from UT’s nursing’s undergraduate honors program, the ride is a fitting start to her career plan. “I will be working with cancer patients in my role as a nurse,” she said. “Texas 4000 is such an…

TxDOT Proposes Banning Cyclists from Toll Roads
BikeTexas.org
The May 30 Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) meeting included an agenda item regarding the possibility of banning cyclists from all TxDOT-controlled toll roads in Texas. BikeTexas heard about this agenda item at the last minute and was able to go to the meeting to testify against banning cyclists from toll roads. Watch the testimony here; click on Item 11 to skip straight to the discussion of toll roads. The BikeTexas testimony begins at 18:30 in the Item 11 video.

Cyclists and motorist share a highway in Texas.

Right now, most of the roads that would be affected by such a ban are in Central Texas. However, it would set a dangerous precedent for future TxDOT toll road expansion and give more teeth to…

Bicycle Skills 101 Hands on Course
bikehouston.org
Presented by
Northwest Cycling Club/League of American Bicyclists

17560 Roberts Rd, Hockley,
Hockley, TX
Saturday, June 08, 2013

Online Registration Closes Friday, June 07, 2013 at 8:00 AM, Central Standard Time
Follow this link to the registration page

Northwest Cycling Club in conjunction with League of American Bicyclists is offering a class designed to teach adult cyclists how to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility, and sport under various highway, climate, terrain, and traffic conditions.

There is a pre-requisite for this hands-on course – you must complete the free online ‘classroom’ portion. This is available at www.bikeed.org. Once you get to the site you will need…

Pics And Recap Of DART’s ‘Ride The Link’ Event
by Richard Wezensky        BikeDFW.org

Last Saturday, BikeDFW participated in a bike event called, Ride The Link. Hosted by DART, we celebrated the completion of Centralink, which is the bike trail connector that goes through downtown Dallas and connects Oak Cliff, the Trinity Strand Trail, the Katy Trail and the Santa Fe Trail. Centralink represents the spirit of regionalism and cooperation between DART, the City of Dallas, Downtown Dallas and bike trail organizations. Together, we’re expanding transportation choices and…

Lake Bryan Trail Status Source?
by Bike_Ninja        forums.mtbr.com/texas
Does anyone have a good source for current trail status for Lake Bryan in case I pass through College Station again?

I was in College Station on Saturday. Leading up to the trip, I kept an eye on Brazos Valley Mountain Bike Association and weather site for recent rainfall totals. Recent rainfall showed less than .2 inches in the previous few days. I rode nearby Waco Friday and it was completely dry. Even the slower drying…

Flintridge Work Party
GHORBA.org
Trail: Flintridge
Saturday, June 8, 2013 – 9:00am
Howdy ladies and gentlemen,

I’ll be out again this weekend at 0900 to move a little further on getting Flintridge back into peak shape. I’ll be bringing a power tool this time to aid our progress. I have three loppers and…

PCC Riders Invade Surfside on an EPIC Bike Ride!
Pearland Cycling Club

Ride Report by Dave Moulton

I hate long trip reports!

This June 1, 2013, ride was most Epic-cellent! Pearland rollout in high spirits with ~15 riders. Tommy and Bryan (thanks for the Gatorade and crackers!) joined us at Mohawk Camp and we battled serious headwinds through the Swamp. Some peeled off early and completed their “Epic Lite” ride. Bridges before Bastrop Marina and Surfside were fun. Sandwiches and pictures in Surfside.

Rockin’ and rollin’ home like a freight train with the tailwind. When Adrian’s shifter battery died in an easy gear, he was spinning like a kid on a BMX trying to keep up with the grownups! And he was doing ok, but I could tell it sucked. We manually changed the…

El Paso Bicycle Club Rides & Events
Saturday, June 8
• 7:00 am : Practice Duathlon Meet at PTEP at River Run Plaza, 1071 Country Club Road. 5K run along river levee to Valley Crest Park, return along ditch patch. 20K bike ride to McNutt/Airport/Artcraft/Upper Valley Rd. Option to run the 5K again. PTEP will keep an eye on bikes during the run. Randy Limbird, 915-328-4110. (Non-runners welcome to join bike ride at about 7:20-7:30 a.m.) This will be an opportunity to prepare for the June 23 Mission Valley Duathlon or just to give a duathlon a try.??20130608

• 2:00 pm : Hot and Easy Wine Cruise Meet at Zin Valle in Canutillo for leisurely 15-mile round trip along Hwy 28. Wine tasting at Sombra Antigua in Chamberino, La Vina in La Union and Zin Valle wineries. SAG vehicle will bring wine purchases back to Zin Valle for pickup at 4:30 pm. Randy Limbird, 915-328-4110.

Sunday, June 9
• 7:30 am : If the Bike Fits Ride Start Crazy Cat Cyclery, 6625 Montana (one block west of Airway, north side of street). Meet at 7 a.m .for goodies and treats. Ride starts promptly  at 7:30am with a short presentation on the importance of a proper bike fit and size.  We will ride on the tank trails on Fort Bliss so a driver’s license to enter FT Bliss is a must. We will have a raffle for a complimentary mini- bike fit and Crazy Cat Montana is offering 10% discount to all riders on accessories, clothes etc.  The ride will be 32-35 miles at a moderate 14-16 mph pace. Margaret O’Kelley, 915-588-3825.

Tuesday, June 11
• 5:55 pm : B/IG Lesson/Ride Meet at Rio Plaza, 6205 Upper Valley Rd. Basic lesson on road biking followed by ride through Upper Valley roads. June 11 program is on Sports Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation. Special presentation by Ruben Liano from Liano Physical Therapy on how to prevent sports/cycling injuries and basic care and rehabilitation if you incur an injury. Margaret O’Kelley, 915-588-3825. …

June Newsletter Published
Dallas Area Tandem Enthusiasts
The June edition of the DATES-Line Newsletter is published and available for download from the newsletters page. This month’s edition includes the following:

Upcoming Rides
Norma’s Brunch Ride
Ride Reports
RTR Tactical Exercise
Southwest Tandem Rally
Ride of Silence
Summer DATES Business Meeting
Horse Country Time Trials
Janet Kirklen’s SWTR Cookie Recipe
DATES Rides & Activities

The Texas Bicycle Racing Association – June Events
www.txbra.org

8 Sat ATRA Match Sprint Series (v) Katy (Alkek)
8 Sat Tour de Pepper (o) Dublin
8 Sat CANCELLED: Horse Country Time Trial (r) Aubrey
9 Sun Texas Cup University Oaks Critierum (r) San Antonio
11 Tue Tuesday Night Crit (r) McKinney
12 Wed TBi/TRP Wednesday Night Crits (r) Fort Worth
13 Thu KingRacingGroup Thursday Night Crits (r) Dallas
13 Thu PURE Driveway Series One (r) Austin
14 Fri ATRA Friday Night Omnium Series (v) Katy (Alkek)
15 Sat Texas Cup Mineral Wells Time Trial (r) Mineral Wells
15 Sat Iron Haus Time Trial (r) Castroville
16 Sun Texas Cup Mineral Wells Time Trial (r) Mineral Wells
18 Tue Tuesday Night Crit (r) McKinney
19 Wed TBi/TRP Wednesday Night Crits (r) Fort Worth
20 Thu KingRacingGroup Thursday Night Crits (r) Dallas
20 Thu PURE Driveway Series One (r) Austin
21 Fri Superdrome Points Series (v) Frisco (Superdrome)
22 Sat Texas Cup Masters & Juniors Regionals (v) Katy (Alkek)
23 Sun Texas Cup University Oaks Critierum (r) San Antonio
23 Sun The Dragon Crit Series (r) Southlake
23 Sun Texas Cup Masters & Juniors Regionals (v) Katy (Alkek)
23 Sun LAMBRA Criterium Championships (r) LSU at Alexandria
25 Tue Tuesday Night Crit (r) McKinney
26 Wed TBi/TRP Wednesday Night Crits (r) Fort Worth
27 Thu KingRacingGroup Thursday Night Crits (r) Dallas
27 Thu PURE Driveway Series One (r) Austin
28 Fri Superdrome Points Series (v) Frisco (Superdrome)
28 Fri ATRA Friday Night Omnium Series (v) Katy (Alkek)
29 Sat Texas Cup Texas State Time Trial (r) Lytle
30 Sun Texas Cup Texas State Time Trial (r) Lytle

 Tweets

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Pinched By a Dirt Clod – June 4th Bike Ride

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Another nice weather day for bike riding. To give the decaying bugs more time to do their thing I went north today through New Caney to Roman Forest Blvd and then going south to Valley Ranch then to Oakhurst. The partly cloudy sky, 94 degrees and a variable 6 mph breeze made for a pleasant ride. Yesterday while I stopped at the Huffman Chevron I talked with a man who said he grew up in Brownsville and thought he liked it until he went to Alaska. After living in Alaska he said he couldn’t handle the Texas heat. I don’t claim to handle the Texas heat all of the time but so far this year I like the weather.

The ride went as expected until I ran into some dried dirt on the US59 north bound service road above Kingwood Drive. Around the 29.3 mile mark I ran over a large dirt clod on the pavement and I knew from the sound I had a pinch flat on my rear tire. This is the first flat in a long time and I can’t remember the last time I had a pinch flat. Usually my flats are from the fine wire picked up on the road. Since the flat too place on the service road the noise from the US59 traffic meant finding the leak would be impossible. So I walked about 1/2 mile to North Park Plaza Drive and picked out a spot in the shade on the esplanade. Pulling the tube out of the tire it took several tries to find the snake bite but I did. I was concerned that the patch might be a little too small to cover them but I think it did. I pumped up the tire and remounted the wheel. Squeezing the tire it felt like the patch might be leaking and riding the 5 miles to home might not succeed but I made it. I rode slower than normal and tried to avoid and bumps. This probably accounts for my average speed of 14.8 mph over the 34.55 mile route.

When I got home I aired up the tire to my normal 105 psi. After I finish this report I will check on the patch. Reworking at home is easier than on the road.

June mileage crossed the 100 mile mark to 111.22 and 2551 miles year to date.

Tomorrow’s weather should repeat today’s. Maybe I can get started earlier than 11:37 today. The patch episode delayed getting home until 2:56.

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Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for June 3rd

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All Level Ride @ Walnut Creek Spring/Summer hours
The Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group
Sunday, June 9, 2013        9:30 AM
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
12138 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX (map)

We set up under the trees in the parking lot near the swimming pool. Look for the ARR Banner.

New Spring/Summer hours to help when the weather gets hotter.  Starting 3/31 we go to 9:30 am.
We know that this time change doesn’t work for everyone so we hope you considering hosting a ride for yourself and those who might want to ride at a different time or on a different day.

You do NOT have to be a ARR member to attend most club riders. You will need to sign a waiver and wear a helmets when riding.

This is for all levels of riders, which will break into groups according to ability. Beginners are welcome, and there will be no drops. Meet in…

Erwin Park Summer Series Course #2
by Shawn        Texas Mountain Bike Trails
I know some of you guys are going to hate me for this one. But I promise you nobody is getting you more ready for the fall DORBA and TMBRA races than me!

Course #2 for the Erwin Park Summer Series is laid out below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=82Bukx_AS1U

Since bicyclists spend a lot time in the sun we need to know about this change.

New sunscreen labeling puts a stop to false claims
By Vicky Hallett, The Washington Post
www.mysanantonio.com
Remember that bottle of waterproof sunblock you bought last year? It lied — lotion can’t be waterproof or totally block out harmful rays. Thanks to new sunscreen labeling rules from the Food and Drug Administration that recently went into effect, misleading terminology has been wiped away to help consumers understand what exactly it is they’re buying.

“We don’t want to give users a false sense of security that they can stay in the sun for longer,” says Shelby Moneer, education program manager for the Melanoma Research Foundation, which advocated for…

This Bicycle Race Is No Aggie Joke
by DORIAN DE WIND, Military Affairs Columnist
themoderatevoice.com
How many Aggies does it take to ride a bike?

How about seven: One to actually pedal the bike and six to support the “pedaller.”

As an Aggie, Class of ’69, I have heard hundreds of Aggie jokes, sometimes repeated them — oftentimes replacing “Aggie” with “Longhorn” — and have even made one or two up myself, but never one as lame as this one.

But bear with me because this is really not an Aggie joke…

It is about Dr. José Luis Bermúdez, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University — the “pedaller” — and six other Aggies — the support team — who will be competing in “one the most respected and longest running endurance sports events in…

Conversational Bike Ride
June 05, 2013
Every Wednesday
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Bicycle Sports
2770 Interstate 10
Beaumont, TX 77703
409-860-5959

An easy conversational speed bicycle ride around Beaumont. No one is left behind and speed is adjusted to slowest rider.

Group Bike Ride
June 08, 2013
Every Saturday
8:00 am

Colonade Shopping Center
6410 Phelan Blvd
Beaumont, TX 77706
409-656-3372

Three levels of ride, fast-greater than 20 mph; medium, generally a no drop ride 17-20mph; no drop 10-15 mph. Rides generally last 3-4 hours through the countryside around Beaumont and surrounding communities. The no drop group meets closest to Elena’s restaurant at the Colonade Shopping center, the others in front of Goodwill. Rides may start later when weather is colder. Helmets required.

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