Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for November 11th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Diamondback recalls about 40 ‘cross bikes
by Steve Frothingham                                 Bicycle Retailer & Industry News

KENT, WA (BRAIN) — Diamondback is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commision on a recall of about 40 cyclocross bikes that were assembled with incorrect headset parts. The incorrect part could cause the steerer tube to fail, although the company has had no reports of incidents.

The model year 2013 Diamondback Steilacoom RCX bicycles were manufactured by Universal Cycle Corp., of Guang Zhou, China. They were sold online through Promotive.com and 3point5.com, as well as through authorized Diamondback retailers nationwide from August 2012 through September 2012 for between $900 and $1100.

The bikes included in the recall are black in color and sold in various sizes ranging from 50-cm to 59-cm. “RCX” is printed on the top tube of the bicycle.

Consumers are being told to stop using the bikes immediately and contact Diamondback Bicycles at (800) 222-5527 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.diamondback.com.

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Spring Lake Preserve – San Marcos
www.austinbike.com

I haven’t had a chance to ride this trail, but here is some brief information on it. If any of you can help fill in with more details and possibly send some pictures, that would be great.

This trail is located in San Marcos and is short, but if you live in the general vicinity it is probably a good place to ride based on proximity. …

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Bikes for Kids Needs Volunteers
www.austinbike.com
This year, again, Mellow Johnny’s is putting together another “Bikes for Kids” program.  They need volunteers to help assemble bikes.  It’s a great cause and it will provide a lot of benefit back to the community.  In a world where people don’t like those of us on two wheels, what better way to show your commitment to the community.

There was a request for a “Mojo night” where we can all get together and do some wrenching.  Perhaps a special “urban R&I”?  I think that idea has legs.

Regardless, for more information, check out their site: http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/bikes-for-kids-volunteers/

Let’s all get involved.

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Repurpose a Parmesan Cheese Container Into a Bicycle Emergency Kit
David Galloway                makezine.com

If you spend time on your bicycle you know how valuable small items like an inner tube patch kit or an Allen wrench can be when you have problems and there are lots of commercial bags you can purchase to keep these items handy on your bike but save some money by reusing a plastic parmesan cheese container—a waterproof container that fits in your water bottle holder.

Make zine’s YouTube channel originally shared this tip from Make staffer Nick Normal. His kit includes a rag, crescent wrench, multitool, patch kit, LED flashlight, Allen wrenches, adhesive…

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Trail Work Day @ Pace Bend
Austin Ridge Riders
Saturday, November 17, 2012 – 09:00
Come out and help prep Pace Bend for the Pace Bend 6-Hour Ride on November 24. Please RSVP using the SIGN UP tab or email arrwebsite@gmail.com as we will be letting the gate Park Staff know who has volunteered.  We can’t get you a comped entry if you don’t let us know you are coming out to help!

Volunteer your time and muscle and then ride!…

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Warriors On Wheels Travel To Corpus Christi Sunday
by Morgan Frances             www.kristv.com

CORPUS CHRISTI — The Warriors on Wheels Cycling Club is traveling 500 miles from Wichita Falls to Corpus Christi and they’re expected to arrive here tomorrow.

The second annual “Ride Texas” benefits the non-profit “Operation Comfort” which provides support to wounded service members and…

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Susan Peak Wind Tunnel
by Roy and Christine        Pedal Pushers

Susan Peak Group Ride
Saturday November 10, 2012
If the blog title did not tell the tale, the flags on the Rocking Chair ranch give the rest of the plot away. I think 21 mph wind from the south was the slowest predicted speed of the day. One person said that we were to have gusts up to 40 mph.
Yet 12 riders showed up for the ride to the end of Susan Peak and back. Shown from the left: Eddie Trevino, John Dampier, Christine Lamberson (new to San Angelo and first time to ride with us), Dorothy Langdon, Rick Ogan, Tate Drysdale, and Karen Frambgen. Christine was conducting an experiment with the car, and Velma…

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Tweets

https://twitter.com/2Quik_Carbon/status/267709707219775491/photo/1

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Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for November 10th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Any pansy places to ride in Texas?
by swiftchick            forums.mtbr.com
I’ve been mountain biking a couple months, and I’ve gotten to ride some cool trails at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Cameron Park in Waco, Bluff Creek Ranch in Warda and Solavaca in Glen Rose. I realize the thrill of moutain biking is the challenge of technical stuff but sometimes I just wish I could go spin and hit some singletrack without stressing about big drops or a ton of rocks.

Are there any REALLY easy places that are fun to ride? Particularly in Waco or Austin? …

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clipless pedals for a beginner
by Rivers                forums.mtbr.com
What kind of clipless pedals would you guys recommend for a beginner? I have been looking into the Shimano S-324 multi-use pedal… Any suggestions??

I’d recommend the M530 (Shimano)
by addATX
Shimano PD M530 SLX Trail Clipless Pedal > Components > Pedals, Cleats, Toe Clips, Straps > Pedals | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop

When I was getting my first pair of clipless, I thought I wanted something like the one you mentioned (one side flat, one side w/ clips). But, a more experienced rider convinced me to…

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Ride Seasonal Changes
Greater Dallas Bicyclists
The Airport Ride and Distance Builder Ride start time has now changed to 9am for the winter.

The Sunday Roll start time is now 9:30am for the winter.

Veterans Day Ride
Don’t forget that Monday, November 12th is the annual GDB Veterans Day Ride.

It will be rolling from US75 & Forest Lane (southwest corner in the Office Depot/Schlotzkys parking lot) at 9:30am. The ride will head down to the parade, then back up to find some lunch afterward.
Thanks to all the veterans who have served our country. GDB Salutes YOU!

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Pedaling for Safer Roads
by Darryl            lovingthebike.com
We need safer streets for cycling worldwide, and my Austin friends over at the Please Be Kind to Cyclists organization is rising up and taking a stand on the issue.

But this post is not only to inform Austin cyclists to take part in the upcoming Pedaling for Safer Roads event, it’s for cyclists around the planet to stand up for safer roads everywhere.

Here’s a word from Please Be Kind to Cyclists founder (and my very good friend) Al Bastidas:

As you know, we have had many fatalities this year on the road where several people on bicycles have lost their lives and about a dozen more have been badly injured.  Our community is very upset and are demanding answers and solutions. Visit links bellow for News stories.

Pedaling for Safer Roads Part II, is a peaceful demonstration ride that will be taking place on November 29th.  We will start from City Hall and ride to the Capitol Grounds arriving at 7:00 PM.  We are expecting between 700 – 1,000 people on bicycles. So far we have 400 confirmed on our Facebook page.  If you…

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SAVE THE DATE: Black Friday Ride #4 – November 23, 2012
by dickdavid            Bike Friendly Richardson

When we launched Bike Friendly Richardson, our inaugural ride was the first Black Friday Ride. This has become somewhat of a tradition, and we’d love for you to come along for the next one.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 23, 2012.

Avoid the malls, the lines and the mad rush to buy things that are already sold out. Instead, enjoy a peaceful, slow paced ride around town. You might even work off some of those Thanksgiving calories.

Stay tuned for details, which are coming soon. Until then, you can RSVP on the Facebook event page.

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Sunday ride through Mission Texas Mountain Bike Trails
by RRS2dio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l0pDCNAsg0
This is a fraction of the current best singletrack trail in the SoTex Valley area. Keep in mind there are no mountains in the “valley” but there are plenty of hills. lol

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Tweets

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Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for November 9th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Corinth Cycling Club

Roland San Miguel – Tour De Gruene

Matt Denton – Tour De Gruene

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Innovation and Best Practices, Notes from the Alliance Leadership Retreat
Alliance for Biking & Walking: People Powered Blog


With 116 advocacy leaders of 80 organizations from 36 states and provinces across North America, the 2012 Leadership Retreat was the largest and most successful Alliance gathering to date. The group gathered for 3 days in early September in Long Beach, CA to regroup, recharge and learn from the successes of their peers. The Retreat featured 30 workshop sessions divided into various tracks, including communications, fundraising, board development, broadening our movement and more. Along with these workshops, advocates also had…

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Running or biking in the dark with Safety Pam
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City

Time for a few words from Safety Pam, the fluorescent-clad, light-studded spokeswoman of Fit City.

This time of year, it’s dark when I leave the house in the morning and dark when I pedal home after work. That means it’s doubly important to swath myself in gear that makes me stand out on the road.

The latest item in my collection of so-bright-it-makes-your-eyeballs-hurt clothing? A hot pink long-sleeved shirt with neon yellow trim from Brooks NightLife that I’ve been wearing for early morning runs.

The jury’s out on whether it’s more visible than my solid neon yellow shirt, but people in the office obviously notice me when…

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Beginners have options for first bike
By Bill Cullins            San Angelo Standard-Times
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Buying that first bike can be a confusing process for a new cyclist.

The options are to buy something cheap from a department store, purchase a higher quality bicycle from a local bike shop, try to find a good deal on a used bike or take the plunge and “build your own.”

Most new cyclists encounter similar problems when they start bike shopping — what type to buy, sticker shock for good quality new bikes and uncertainty about where to…

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Tweets

https://twitter.com/CharlieZamastil/status/266926230358605826

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No Long Sleeves Today – November 9th Bicycle Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

No need for a long sleeve jersey today. While the temperature at 7 AM registered 59 by 11:29 when I rolled down the driveway it moved up to 79. The clear blue sky still hung around though the wind came out of the SSE from the gulf. This usually pushes in some clouds but not today during the ride. The November weather in southeast Texas is one reason why I enjoy living here. If I still lived where I grew up in Zanesville, OH, today would not have been a riding day. The forecast there called for a high of 56, low of 39 and partly cloudy skies but a lighter wind than here. They have real winter there. As I tell people I served my time in the cold while growing up. I can’t remember ever knowing that other parts in the country did not have the winter like we did in Zanesville.

Yesterday I rode to the south and east. Today I wanted to ride north to vary my routes but I hesitated when I looked at the weather online: 13 mph wind with 24 mph gusts from the south. After a few minutes I decided to go north on a route I haven’t taken since 9/21/2012. I altered today’s route slightly from that one with a shorter exit from Kingwood. One reason I did this was to not overlap the outbound route with the return. With this alteration I shortened the route to 38.27 miles from 41.4 miles on the 9/21/2012 route. The strong wind at my back really helped my speed. At the one hour point I rode 16.9 miles but that is where I turned west on FM2090 to Splendora from Tram Road. I still had a slight tailwind until I reached US59 and took the southbound service road. At that point the rest of my ride battled the wind. By the time I got home at 2:28 the wind increased to 20 mph but no gusts. These two graphics show the two comparisons in data and routes.

11-9-2012 compared to 9-21-2012

11-9-2012 route differences are in red, 9-21-2012 route is in blue

Except for the wind today was a perfect day for riding. I reached my goal for the week hitting 104.21 miles. I won’t be able to ride tomorrow and the weather looks iffy for Sunday but I might ride then to add some more miles to the week. November now totals 163.23 miles and YTD stands at 6103.45 miles. My Garmin Edge 500 continues to perform as it should. Garmin Connect (21.1 mph) and RideWithGPS.com (20.9 mph) do not agree with SportTracks (25.6 mph) on my max speed. The data is in closer agreement.

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