Late Start in the Heat – September 7th Bicycle Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

This could be the last day of high 90’s temperatures for several days. It was 97 degrees when I finished riding and Weather Underground said it felt like 111 degrees, combining the heat and humidity. I got a late start (11:37 am) because I was watching stage 19 of the Vuelta a Espana. My watching came to an abrupt end when the interest video stream stopped with about 35 kilometers to the finish. I tried to find another stream but no success. (I watched the recap when I got back from riding) I rode the Huffman TX route with the thought of not riding that far but I ended up going 28.71 miles. This route avoids the Love bugs mostly but there were a few at the Huffman Chevron station while I drank a Sunkist Diet Orange. I wrung out my wrist bands while I rested but my gloves were only half wet. The station was busy and several people commented about the heat and riding. I averaged 15.4 mph with a 21.1 mph max speed and 79.1 RPM average cadence. The scattered clouds and calm wind accentuated the heat feeling. I did see a couple of other bicyclists today in Kingwood.

Other metrics:

  • 1:51:34 moving time, 26:30 time stopped
  • 130.41 miles this week
  • 146.73 miles in September (almost up to last year’s monthly total with 23 days to go)
  • 4864.0 miles YTD
  • RidewithGPS.com map and metrics

I will not ride the next two days due to other commitments.

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What makes a good trail?

Texbiker.net Posted on by

What Makes A Good Trail?

I’ve been thinking a lot about which trails here in Dallas-Fort Worth would make my top 5 trails list. The big question in my head, what makes a good trail.

You’re probably already thinking of your top 5 in your head, I’m sure everyone has at least 2 of the same ones in mind.

The reason that I keep diliberating back and forth is because there is so much variety here in DFW, and in all of Texas really.

What is the criteria that you make your picks based on? 

Would you base your top trails on the fact that they are the most scenic? What about the most technical, or most climbing. What about the trails with the best flow or maybe even just simple convenience to where you live.

There are so many different things you could list as being the reason you chose a particular trail. It makes the question so much more difficult.

If you were going to pick your top 5 trails, what criteria would you use to choose?

I would for you to share your thoughts with the world on what makes a good trail.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.

-Shawn

The post What makes a good trail? appeared first on Texas Mountain Bike Trails.

Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for September 6th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

GHORBA All-Level Group Ride at the Anthills!
by soccerdude        forums.mtbr.com
As many of you know, The Anthills were recently added as one of GHORBA’s official trails and since that time the trail gnomes have been hard at work armoring weak spots, working to improve flow, and rebuilding bridges to make this one of Houston’s top trails. If you’ve ever had trouble finding the trails, or you don’t know the best direction to take, or maybe you want to ride the ‘secret’ jumps then now’s your chance! Join us on Saturday September 15th at 9:00 am and let our team of expert ride leaders show you the best The Anthills has to offer and all for free! Don’t miss this opportunity to ride one of the best trails in town and hang out with your fellow riders. GHORBA will have…

First Social Ride for Fall 2012
Bronc Cycling Team
Great turn out at Bucky’s Block Party last Thursday! Come and join us for our first Social Ride of the year on Wednesday, September 19th at 6 PM! We’ll have have more information about the spring semester and information regarding the team, so come on out! We will meet at the Quad in the middle of campus! Hope to see you there!

Prosecutors rest at bicycle death trial
By Craig Kapitan        www.mysanantonio.com

Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday in the criminally negligent homicide trial of Gilbert John Sullaway Jr., who could face up to 10 years behind bars if jurors decide a wreck he caused that killed two bicyclists amounts to a felony.

Sullaway, 43, swerved off Texas 16 and onto an improved shoulder, hitting Gregory and Alexandra Bruehler as they…

Upcoming Rides
Bike Barn Houston
At Bike Barn we pride ourselves on supporting the Houston Cycling Community.  We show that support through our commitments with various rides and charities around the greater Houston area.  In addition we strive to enhance your experience and share our passion for cycling by providing free weekly rides and one free monthly group ride.  The weekly rides start from each of our store locations and are very casual, our monthly ride location…

https://twitter.com/BicycleNewsGato/status/243656049880608768

Those Pesky Bugs – September 6th Bicycle Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

My road bike felt left out so today I was back on the road. This might be one of the last days with the temperature close 100 degrees or Friday might be. The weather forecast still thinks Sunday the high temperature will be in the 80’s. Well today it was 95 when I got back home on the ride. The dry heat meant a free flow of perspiration. My recent addition of wrist bands continues to slow down the flow onto the brake levers/shifters. They barely get wet now. I wrung them out once during the ride around the 16 mile point. My gloves did not yield much water when I tried to wring them out which proves the wrist bands absorbed the bulk of the sweat. The scattered clouds and very light breeze did not provide much relief from the heat. Stopping at an underpass provided some relief while I waited on the traffic to clear out at Kingwood Drive and US59.

I added some little variations to the Roman Forest – Valley Ranch route. The starting mile was new and going through the Auburn Trails on this route was different. Because of the changes I wasn’t sure how long this route would be. It turned out to be 28.55 miles at 15.3 mph average speed, max speed of 20.4 mph. The only problem on this route was the “love bug” flying along side Loop 494. I think the tall grass beside the road harbors the pesky bugs. The number of bugs seems to be increasing but maybe the vehicles driving by will lower the bug population. I see many cars and trucks with hundreds of bug splats on their windshields. I think I was the only rider out along my route.

Some statistics:

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