Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for November 14th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Bike Friday recalls 3,800 Tikit folding bikes
by Lynette Carpiet                Bicycle Retailer & Industry News

EUGENE, OR (BRAIN) — Bike Friday is recalling about 3,800 Tikit folding bikes as part of a voluntary recall in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The handlebar stem on the Tikit can break. So far Bike Friday has received six reports of breakage, two of which resulted in injuries.

The Tikit was manufactured in the U.S. by Eugene, Oregon’s Bike Friday. The bikes came with 16-inch wheels in various colors. They were sold direct and through Bike Friday dealers from January 2007 through September 2012 for between $900 and $5,000.

Consumers are being told to contact Bike Friday to schedule a free repair at (800) 777-0258 or visit www.bikefriday.com for more information.

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ST. JUDE HOME HEALTH to sponsor 2nd Annual Pedal Against Child Abuse
MCALLEN  -   ST. JUDE HOME HEALTH is one of the proud sponsors of the 2nd Annual Pedal Against Child Abuse.  The McAllen Police Cycling Team (MCPD Cycling Team) and Angels of Love will host the 2ND ANNUAL  PEDAL AGAINST CHILD ABUSE bike ride and kids bike rodeo on Saturday, November 17, 2012.  The McAllen Police Cycling Team (MCPD Cycling Team) is a not for profit organization whose goal is to promote and grow the sport of amateur cycling throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, TX., by participating in different cycling events.  The team’s main goal is the promotion of fair and honest cycling for all levels of riders without discrimination.

Angels of Love is a division of a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide abused and neglected children of the Rio Grande Valley, and their families with individualized services in a safe and loving environment…

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Sansom workday Sun 11/18
by Team SAM            Fort Worth Mountain Bikers’ Association
we’ll be @ it again this Sunday – meet @ the big dirt lot off Cahoba Rd @ 8:00. We’re almost complete with the west side extension to LW & will be building a big ole berm past the last transition. We’ll need it given how fast the transition rides now.

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First independent cycling studio opens in Sugar Land
by Sharon Knight            www.ultimatefortbend.com
Revolution Studio, an indoor cycling studio, opened for business Friday, Oct. 26 in Sugar Land Town Square.

Located at 2125 Lone Star Drive, the studio operates in a state-of-the-art facility and offers an online reservations system, according to a press release.

“Revolution Studio is perfect for anyone looking to have fun and mentally escape the day while getting an intense, invigorating cardio workout with proven results,” co-owner Kim Syma said in the release, adding…

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Improving walks and bike rides
by Shawn Lewis            San Angelo Standard-Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — We San Angeloans love our cars … and/or pickup trucks. But a new local movement afoot is spurring folks to want to be on their feet … and/or on two wheels.

The city of San Angelo has sought to be on the front edge of that wave, crafting bike and pedestrian plans that not only would offer the paths that walkers and cyclists crave, but also would ensure a useful functionality along with amenities that might convince more citizens to trade four wheels for two (or none).

San Angelo would be further along toward this goal but for a lack of funding. What has…

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Vicious cycling
By Amil Malik            The Daily Texan
On a recent evening, due to no fault of my own, a rogue cyclist almost crashed into my car.

Here’s what happened: Around 8:15 p.m. my car stood still, waiting for the light at 35th and Jefferson to change to green. The street was dark and empty except for one car behind me at the stoplight. A few seconds later, the light changed to green, and I drove forward. I was halfway across Jefferson when a cyclist suddenly appeared in my car’s path. The cyclist was turning left on Jefferson from the other side of 35th. He had ignored his red light, and his poor judgment landed him right in the path of my car. I hit the brakes, he pedaled fast and we managed to avoid a collision.

But what if I had hit the cyclist? People would assume it was my fault as the one driving the car, even though I was not…

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Exxon 471 Ride
Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
15355 W FM 471, San Antonio, TX
Ride starts at 9:00.  Meet at the parking area next to the Exxon Station (15355 W FM471) on FM 471 outside Loop 1604.  This is an easy 32 mile ride from the Exxon Station to Castroville, where we will stop at the Haby Bakery, and back.  There is a shorter 16 mile option if you turn around at Rio Medina, our mid-ride stop.  Directions:  Take Culebra Road past 1604, where it becomes FM471, until you come to the Exxon station on your right.  For more information contact ride leader Roy Munro at…

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Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic
by Roy and Christine        Pedal Pushers
Christine and I missed the Fredericksburg ride this year due to my hip replacement. However, Jerry Middleton and his wife Cindy were able to go. They took some great shots of the ride and of their adventures and passed them on to me. I would like to be their ghost writer and tell their story as well as I can. Jerry, if I forgot some of the things you said about the ride or ad lib incorrectly, let me know (gently) and I will correct them.

Jerry and Cindy Middleton were joined by John Dampier from San Angelo. I am not sure what distance John was going to ride but Jerry and Cindy were taking on the 25 mile route. …

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Tweets

https://twitter.com/JuliaBikes/status/268752059862487041

https://twitter.com/FtWMntBikers/status/268743014673965058

https://twitter.com/BBQ44/status/268825911976157185

https://twitter.com/BBQ44/status/268824422104854529

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Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for November 13th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Still no riding today. My sinus is getting better, slowly! The temperature hovered around my cutoff point at 60 degrees. I am still thinking of Friday.

Trainer Night Begins!
By Kim

WHO: Anyone with a bike that rolls.
WHAT: Indoor trainer session. Sufferfest videos that will make you cry for your mom.
WHERE: Bicycles Outback 4707 W.Waco Drive Waco, TX.
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 p.m. till the suffering is over.
WHY: It’s dark outside. You need to ride. Misery loves company.
HOW: Bring your own bike, trainer, towel, water, wheel block, and change of dry clothes for afterwards. You will be drenched in sweat. Loaner trainers first come, first serve.
FREE EVENT. Bring a friend!

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maybe moving to Dallas from NJ. lots of questions!
by RTM                forums.mtbr.com
Hey all, I may have the opportunity to move to Dallas for work. I’m not thrilled about uprooting, but I’m trying to eliminate emotion and weigh the pros & cons. I figured you guys might understand the importance of riding and outdoor activity in my decision. Having a variety of riding close by is crucial to me as, with two small children, my weeknight rides are so much easier if I can be on the trail within 30 minutes.

So, I’ve seen mountainbiketx.com, but I’m completely unfamiliar with the area. I’m having a hard time piecing it all together. Thanks in advance for having the conversation.

I lean more toward the all-mountain & DH side of the spectrum. I do enjoy the challenge of a tough climb, and “cardio” rides are fun once in a while but definitely the exception if I can help it. How is the terrain in the Dallas area?

Is Dallas an outdoor-activity/fitness friendly city? Thinking about their attention to the park system, bike/jogging paths, hiking trails, lakes, rec. sports teams, etc., playgrounds for the kids? Safety?

What are a few towns & areas where a run of the mill, upper middle class family with young children should look for housing? Good schools are crucial and I’m not sure we could afford private schools.

I’m very interested to hear from like-minded people.

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Born in Arkansas, but visiting Texas 🙂
by rasnickj1982                forums.mtbr.com
Hey, I’m coming to Dallas Texas for a week around Thanksgiving to visit the in-laws. Was wondering if you could help me find some fun long rides on single track, possibly a way to get 3-4 hours in at a 8-9mph pace. Heard you guys were famous for your hospitality…hoping I won’t be disappointed

one reply…

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Lake Georgetown/Goodwater Trail Tips?
by jnroyal                forums.mtbr.com
I’m spending a week at Christmas again with the in-laws in Georgetown this year and plan to bring a steel hardtail to leave at their place for good. They live just a couple of miles from the dam at Lake Georgetown so I’m hoping to do the Goodwater Trail at least once on this trip. Any tips on riding this trail, especially as regards not getting lost? Is the trail easier to follow clockwise or counter-clockwise?

And what tires do you recommend – I’m thinking maybe 2.4″ Ardents?

Any other “can’t miss” trails in the area? I’ve hiked/run along the Barton Creek Greenbelt and it seemed pretty cool.

Thanks in advance for any advice and I hope to see you guys out on the trail in about 6 weeks!

4 replies…

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West Texas Cycling Association Monthly Meeting
Date: December 7, 2012
Time: 6:30 PM
Host: McInturff Conference Center
Phone: 806-775-8260
Where:     602 Indiana Avenue
Lubbock, TX

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Swap Meet this Monday!
Lone Star Cyclists
This coming Monday is our monthly club meeting. We will be having a swap meet. So clean out your garage, closet and bookshelves and look for items that you no longer need or use. Bring items to sell, trade or give away to your fellow cyclists. This is a great opportunity to make room for all the goodies Santa will be bringing! The meeting starts at 7:30 at the Bob Duncan Center in Arlington at 2800 South Center Street Arlington, TX 76014. The board members meet at 6:30 and all are welcome to join us.

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Urban Action, Short and Long
Lone Star Cyclists
Pace: Touring (varied pace with frequent stops averaging 12-15 mph)
Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012 – 8:30am
Location: River Legacy Park, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington
Google 32.790152,-97.113444

Distances: 19 and 52 miles
Stay to the right as you enter River Legacy Park, and park in the last parking lot east of the restroom pavilion.

This Saturday’s ride will feature a short route that loops around north Arlington and a long route that encircles DFW Airport, with several stops at stores along the way.

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Four Pedals of the Rose Mountain Bike Time Trial Series
Tyler Bicycle Club
This winter the Tyler Bicycle Club and East Texas Triathletes are hosting a mountain bike time trial series.  This series will consist of 4 time trials, one time trial at each of the Tyler area trails.  Simpson’s Fitness & Adventure Sports will be giving away a Gary Fisher Design Trek Marlin Single speed 29er sport mountain bike.  To qualify for the prize drawing, each participant must ride in three of the four time trials.   The dates/places for this series are 12/2 – UT Tyler trail, 12/16 – Faulkner trail, 1/20 – Tyler State Park trail, 2/3 – Lindsey trail. The trials will begin at 2 pm.  You must be an active member of either club to participate.  Check the forum and Facebook pages for updates.

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CHeWing ThE PHat: Too Much Torque!
by JaredS                Texas Mountain Bike Trails
Too Much Torque

Have you ever tightened a bolt on your mountain bike and then all of a sudden SNAP?!  Yeah, you just tightened it too much causing the bolt to break and possibly crushed the part it was attached to.  I remember putting my first couple of bikes together at the bike shop in upstate NY where I twisted off numerous handlebar bolts.  Tighter has to be better right?  Not so much….
Why care about the tightness and torque? …

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Plan, Set, Match. Now what?
by bikedenton

Of the many things Denton is known for, resident advocacy and passion for issues can certainly be considered the norm.

You see it with the public input towards the natural gas drilling ordinance rewrite. You see it with food trucks. And we most certainly saw it / participated in / reveled in the passing of the Pedestrian and Bike Linkage components to the Denton Mobility Plan.

Denton was passionate, Denton showed up, and Denton got a plan with funding.

But what happens after advocacy pays off?

Since the Bike/Ped Plan was unanimously approved by Council in late February, seemingly little has tangibly been put into effect. There has of course been time and energy spent in engineering of the plan, but where and…

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Biker’s trek puts spotlight on DeKalb, Bowie County portion of 130 mile trail
www.news-journal.com (Longview, TX)

Over a three-day weekend from Oct. 26-28, 2012, biking enthusiasts and supporters of the 130 mile Northeast Texas Trail, Steve DeBauge and Joseph Pitchford, completed a “thru-bike” of the entire route, cycling more than 130 miles from Farmersville to New Boston.

Pitchford chronicled the pair’s trip in great detail calling it “a challenge, logistically and physically—-but well worth it.”

Pitchford said, “In spite of some difficult and even impassible segments, we came away convinced that the NETT vision will ultimately yield a recreational treasure and tourism draw for Northeast Texas. That said, there is a reason this end-to-end trip had never been accomplished before—the NETT is simply not ready yet. For every well-maintained and rideable segment, there is one that is seriously overgrown. It will take even more hard work, passion and yes, some money, to get the entire route ready…

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NICA appoints Austin McInerny as new executive director
By: Cycling News
McInerny replaces Selee in high school mountain bike organization

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), the youth development organization governing high school mountain biking in the United States, announced on Tuesday the appointment of Austin McInerny, formerly NICA’s education programs director, as executive director. In his new role, McInerny will strengthen NICA and provide leadership to reach its goal of being coast-to-coast by 2020.

McInerny replaces Doug Selee, who took over as the organization’s Executive Director this summer, but has since parted ways with NICA.

“The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) board of directors announced today that Doug Selee has transitioned out of his role as executive director, and Austin McInerny, formerly NICA’s education…

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STCC Drop the Turkey
by sooner1            Shawnee Trail Cycling Club
We started this last year and it was such a big hit, we’ve decided to do it again!  This is the one time of the year that a Shawnee Trail CC ride is not a no-drop.  Of course, the only thing being dropped is the turkey (and the calories and pounds you’re going to ingest later in the day!

We’re planning to do the same routes as the Thursday Night Rider.  The number of pace groups will depend on who shows up, but we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Ride will start in the parking lot next to Rudy’s BBQ (same as Thursdays).  There is a run going on that morning in downtown Frisco, so enter from the tollway service road.

Watch here and on facebook for updates.

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Cycling brings hope to injured Veterans
by WB admin

The 11th of the 11th is a very special day of the year. It’s a day where we stop, thank and honor those who have fought for our safety and freedom. Whether it be through personal observation or attending a parade to show our support, we find a way to say thank you.

This year, a very special cycling club, “Warriors on Wheels” paried up with the non profit organization “Operation Comfort” to make the second annual 500 mile “Ride Texas” bike ride from…

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Tweets

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Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for November 12th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

No riding since Saturday. I got my sinus upset and some cold weather arrived. Maybe by the end of the week.

Bike imports up 29 percent through September
by Steve Frothingham            Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
WASHINGTON, DC (BRAIN) — 2012 bike imports reached 14.4 million through September, a 29 percent increase over last year. Suppliers have continued bringing in substantially more kid’s bikes than last year.

Imports of all kid’s bikes — sidewalk, 20-inch and 24-inch  — were up 37 percent over last year; 20-inch bikes were up a whopping 45 percent. These bikes, 8.7 million so far, are headed to mass-market retailers at roughly the same price as last year. It’s unlikely parents are buying 37 percent more bikes for their kids this year; some of these bikes are probably going into inventory.

Imports of large wheel adult bikes are up, though the percentage increase cannot match the gains in kid’s categories. Imports of 26-inch mountain and comfort bikes are up 20 percent and the average unit value fell to…

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Sunday All-Level Ride at Walnut Creek
Austin Ridge Riders
Repeats every week until Thu Nov 29 2012 .
Sunday, November 18, 2012 – 09:30
Sunday, November 25, 2012 – 09:30
Cooler weather hours are in effect starting on December 4th but we’ll still be hitting the trails early on Sundays in November.

We meet under the trees in the parking lot near the swimming pool. Look for the ARR banner.

We will switch to 1:30 pm start times on december 2nd. 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…

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El Paso Bicycle Club Rides
Sunday, December 2
• 2:00 pm : Fix Kids bikes! At the Sandoval Apratments on the West side. last time over 30 kids showed up. Help with fixing flats, minor repairs and adjustments. If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact Randy Limbard, 915-328-4110.

Saturday, December 8
• 6:30 pm : Annual Christmas Party Details to follow in emails….. At Jeff Michel and Blanca Harp’s house. Pot luck and traditional White Elephant Gift exchange…..

Sunday, December 16
• 9:00 am : Christmas Delight’s Ride Start at Redd Rock Crazy Cat at Redd and Desert. This will be a 25-30 mile moderate ride that will finish with hot beverages (with Christmas cheer) and Christmas goodies. Take advantage of the opportunity and do some last minute shopping at the same time! Patty Van Tine, 915-667-0202 or miflynnsinn@peoplepc.com for more information. Distance has been adjusted in past years depending on the weather/temperature.

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River Rockets Club Rides

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Texas Cup — Georgetown Cyclocross Festival
www.txbra.org

In a very exciting nail-biter, two perennial Texas CX champs go at it head-to-head on Sunday at the Georgetown CX Festival in the P12 race; Bryan Fawley eventually pulled it out with about a 20″ gap and victory over Will Black… Photo courtesy of Lee McDaniel.

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Tapatillo springs!
by utsamtber            forums.mtbr.com
Me and a couple buddies went out to Tapatillo springs resort in boerne to ride today. The trail was top notch! I can’t believe that I havent heard more about this trail on the forum. Good climbing, fun downhills, and a lot of technical riding. Unfortunately it got dark on us so we didn’t get to ride the last few miles of trail, but I can’t wait to go back! …

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The following report from James about his 103 mile ride.

November 10 2012 ride report AKA Lake Livingston Ride 103
by James Webster
This is a ride I have been trying to accomplish for several years. The first attempt ended with a courtesy ride back to my car in a sheriffs vehicle. Quite embarrassing. To some degree I hope this ride vindicates me of that. Other attempts just ended and one was at 93 miles.

At I was on the road at 5 am headed clockwise around Lake Livingston http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1796087

It was a quiet start with 800 feet of vertical over the first 10 miles. It seemed tough and it was because the way the drops out are on the touring bike I was using. The wheel had slid forward and started rubbing on the fender bolt slowing me down. I stopped to reset the wheel and it became a lot easier to climb a hill.

Two hours from lake Livingston State Park to Coldspring then on to Point Blank. Then road construction entering Walker County to Riverside.

Riverside was lunch a foot long Philly cheese steak then through Trinity, Onalaska By this time light was fading. Arriving back at the campsite about 9:15 pm.

Stats: 16.25 hours total time. 103 miles I managed energy well with one solid food meal and gator aid prime, Cliff bars, Oat and Honey granola and Power aid. I managed to stay hydrated

Weather: http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/K6R3/2012/11/10/DailyHistory.html?req_city=NA&req_state=NA&req_statename=NA  Nice tailwind to help me get over the hills but 40 miles of headwind

Road conditions: Poor! Chip seal and rough roads. Some places the road surface had failed. Debris and no berm conditions were common.

The sky was perfect sun and clouds mad the day enjoyable despite the poor road conditions. Not much video or picture documentation. This was a forced march 16 hours is about my limit and still have enough whits about me to operate a bike.

Scares: a heavy equipment hauler (empty) ran me off the road. I had to dive into a driveway. He approached me blowing the horn never slowed down (speed limit 70 mph) on a section of road with no berm. The driver never moved left.

Harassment: Duel cab pickup yelled but gave room. Another group of cars. I signaled I was moving into the traffic lane to avoid a section of road that had failed and they did not give me much room ( No oncoming traffic)

Funny: I saw a person in uniform at the subway where I got my lunch and ask her if she was the police. (I wanted to report the truck driver for running me off the road.) She said she worked for the prision.

I said “ so you have a captive audience?” and she didn’t get the joke

At the campsite the campers were concerned that they did not see anyone around my campsite thought something happened to me. So they had the ranger start looking for me. I had left a queue sheet under the camping permit. Just in case I “went missing” (An Alaskan term)

Bottom Line: would i do this ride again?  NO! Reason: Rough road and no berm

I originally thought this would be a good ride to offer as a tour or a ride to showcase the area. It is within riding distance of where i live. and over night stay then ride .  But road conditions are not favorable even to hold an event. The smoothest road i found was in front of Livingston State Park

Clothing and equipment: I use exerciser machine pedals with the counter weight removed. Rubber Croc like shoes. Leg warmer Aerotechdesigns padded underwear with a mountain bike shorts.
A wick undershirt, suspenders then a cycling jersey,  windbreaker jacket and  reflective road vest.

I have the capability ,with LED lights, for 4,000 lumin I used the two R-2 for this trip
Bike a Motobacane Gran Turismo 64 cm set up for touring

Total weight at least 310 lbs

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Signs, Kiosks and Maps for Anthills Trails
by peach            GHORBA

The next order of business for the Anthills is to put information kiosks and trail signage in place. We also need to develop a good map of the trails.

The kiosks will be located at the major street crossings as that is where people typically enter the trail. A trail map, trail etiquette information, contact information, etc. will be displayed inside the kiosks.

The trail signs will be two types. One type will have “place” names on them. The other kind will be the flat flexible slat type signposts that will display trail difficulty colors (green, blue and black like the ski resorts) and will have…

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New Bridge at Jack Brooks
by peach            GHORBA

We replaced the last bridge on the “Beginning” trail with a new & improved version.  We had a good turn out & great weather. Thanks go out to Darrell Hingle, Mike Moran, Mike Renquenz, Brandon Renquenz, Peter Loose, Mike Gardin, & Karl Stoecklein for their hard work!  Contact Jack Brooks Trail Steward Steve Booker  to join in on trail work at Jack Brooks. Come out to Jack Brooks for a great ride.

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Pace Bend skills park helps mountain bikers perfect their bike handling
www.austin360.com            By Pam LeBlanc, American-Statesman Staff

SPICEWOOD — I’m rolling down an elevated boardwalk, reveling in the thunkety-thunk of the wood planks beneath my bike tires as I try hard to stay centered on the 2-foot wide pathway.

I curve left, then right, stair-step down a wooden ledge and zip down the off-ramp, all in an effort to hone my mountain biking skills.

Skills parks such as this one at Pace Bend Park west of Austin are designed to teach mountain bikers how to tackle natural obstacles they’ll encounter on the trail. Perfect your skills on…

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Whataburger welcomes cyclists from Warriors on Wheels
By Caller.com staff            Corpus Christi Caller Times

CORPUS CHRISTI — Twenty-four cyclists rode into Whataburger by the Bay about 4 p.m. Sunday as the capstone of Ride Texas event.

The Warriors On Wheels cycling club worked in conjunction with Operation Comfort in the second annual 500-mile trek that takes bikers on a six-day excursion from…

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State Championship Results and Final Series Standings
by League Director                Texas High School Cycling League
State Championship (Tyler Speedwaves) results have been posted as have the final overall South and North series overall standings.

Be sure to check them all out on our Race Series page.  Be sure to check out all three different links and the different tabs of each excel doc!

Congratulations to all of our participants especially to our top individuals and even more especially to our top teams!

Stay tuned for more final details as well as information on our spring road race series schedule which will be announced within a couple weeks.
-andrew-

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Tweets

https://twitter.com/JuliaBikes/status/268011933997883392

https://twitter.com/JuliaBikes/status/267995604523827200

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Book Review – Bicycle Texas, The Lones Star State’s Best Rides By Tom Johanningmeier

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Back in the late 1980’s I bought two books about Texas bike routes. One covered the gulf coast region and the other the Hill Country. Those are long out of print and out of date. Last week I got an email from Barry Shlachter, Top Hand, Great Texas Line Press with information about a recently published booklet with lots of information about routes, bike shops, bicycle clubs and other resources for the casual to avid bicyclist.

The author is a deputy sports editor for the Fort Worth Star Telegram and an avid cyclist according to the biography at the end of the book.

One of the first things that caught my attention when I opened the envelop containing the book was the size. This book will fit in a small space. It measures 5 1/2″ x 4 3/8″ x 1/4″ thick. But don’t let the small size fool you. Each page has a multitude of information about the featured ride. The state is broken up into seven regions with the rides grouped by region. Some of the rides come from bike shops, popular ride events and bicycle clubs. I am familiar with several of the routes Mr. Johanningermeier included.

A rundown of the information provided for each ride: a route map with road numbers or street names, mileage points from start to finish, elevation profile,a brief description of the route or points of interest on the route, length of the route, a dot system showing the difficulty, peak elevation, elevation gain. Sometimes a phone number or website address will offer more information. Each region has 5 or more routes.

At the back of the booklet are sections on bike paths and trails, mountain bike trails, and tips and listings.

The question: does this booklet provide enough information to strike out on a ride? Due to the size of the page and all of the information the maps can be small but the roads are labeled and in some places a blowup of streets is shown. If I was somewhat familiar with an area I think the map is sufficient to get from the start to the finish. Several routes are out and back but many are loops. In lightly populated areas knowing where stores or other supply points are located could be helpful. I think of this booklet as a source of routes that I have not been exposed to. Texas scenery varies widely as the introduction recounts. Someday I would like to ride near Big Bend. The routes look interesting and gives me a place to start. It might be helpful to look at the route area at one of the online map sites to get a picture of the roads and nearby towns. One subject I hear about from cyclists is the road surface. A route may look great on paper but 20 mils on chip’n seal road surfaces will be a killer. Shoulders in high traffic areas are important as well.

Overall I think this booklet will come in handy. When we travel Texas the small size makes this an easy addition to a suitcase. I will use the bicycle club listing and bicycle shop list to validate the information I have on Texbiker.net.

The booklet is now available at Bike Lane, Shenandoah, TX; Houston Cycle Centers; Bike Farm, Austin; Scruffy’s, Austin; Barnes & Noble; Amazon; Trinity Cycles, Fort Worth; Colonel’s Bikes, Fort Worth; Richardson Bike Mart, Bike World, San Antonio; and directly from the publisher, www.greattexasline.com, at a $1 discount. List price $5.95. www.savoryhousepress.com. Also available at Peyton’s Bikes, 4712 N Midkiff Rd, Midland TX 79705.