The sun lured me away from the windtrainer (this was not hard) even though it was 59 degrees outside. After not biking since December 2nd I was ready to get some miles in. So I bundled up with leg warmers, long sleeve jersey, short sleeve jersey and full finger gloves. For the first couple of miles the sun was out but that was just a trick as the clouds rolled in and the wind chill (15 mph to 11 mph northeast) was more of a problem. I did warmup as I rode but it was still chilly. It was great to be out on the trails and I managed to ride in some dirt which still had some mud puddles from our last rain. I was able to get around them without getting muddy. There were a few people out walking the trails and I did pass one other biker going the opposite direction.
Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be cooler so I will not be outside but Monday through Wednesday could be in the 60’s and 70’s. I need to get some biking in to reach my 200 mile goal for the month. Today’s 15.47 miles bring my December total to 63.33 miles and year to date is now 5434.64 miles. I was able to average 1.2 mph with a max speed of 26.1 mph. My average cadence was 75.9 RPM.
This has to be the most fascinating display of data I’ve seen all year. It is an interactive map of “virtually†every death that occurred on United States roads that involved a collision with a car. When you zoom into a specific area, you can see where the fatality…
Friday Roundup – Bicycle Bits & Pieces
www.bikerumor.com
–Chrome Bags is giving away a Miller High Life Raleigh cyclocross bike to match the limited edition bags they recently released. All you have to do to win this super exclusive Miller-inspired Raleigh cross frame is email a picture of yourself with a Miller High Life beer (+ your frame size). Easy peasy. They’ll post them to Facebook and the image with the most likes wins. …
–Bicycling Magazine has just launched their iPad app for the newsstand. Download it free, then order up single issues for…
Already time to start thinking about spring events
By Bill Cullins         San Angelo Standard-Times
Most cyclists (excluding cyclocross fanatics) have ended their competitive season by now and are doing base-period endurance rides and strength workouts.
Triathletes have retreated indoors to heated pools and spin classes, and local runners are taking advantage of the cooler weather as they prepare for the Resolution Run on Dec. 31.
People are looking ahead to identify the races they’ll…
CRANKSGIVING PHOTOS!!!!!
Austin Ridge Riders
Finally…
these are from the first lap. A few of these folks missed a turn (and got bonus raffle tickets) and unfortunately ventured on to trails we had closed. after a short (4.6? mile) lap #1, everyone else made the correct turns and turned 100’s of laps! I took a few butt shots to see how dirty people were getting (not because I’m a perv).
Rough count is 90% smiles. This really is my favorite local MTB event. Thank you to everyone that turned their CRANKS to help Austin Ridge Riders GIVE again this year. I’m hoping that Spinnincin will give us an update on how much we raised to donate to…
Brick Benefit (Bike/Run) Saturday, December 10, 2011
www.tylerbicycleclub.com
This saturday, December 10th, 9am we will be hosting a Brick Benefit for Tim Myers at Faulkner Park Trail Head. The run will take place on the trail and the cycle part will be on Loop 49. As most of you know Tim is recovering from serious injuries from being hit by a car while riding. He has had some additional complications and has not been able to go back to work. He needs our help in getting through this rough time and as a cycling community it would be nice to help one of our own.
The event is FREE but we are hoping the community of cyclists and triathletes will come out and help us help Tim through donations. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Farris at sffrun@aol.com or (903)539-9484.
Bike Building 2 a PBA Success
by Chris Mathews      Plano Bicycle Association
Thanks go to Lori and Rick for the use of Rick’s warehouse, Steve for his generous financial contribution, and all the PBA members and families that put together 26 bicycles for the Boys and Girls Club of Plano. …
Bike Share Program Gaining Popularity
Ryan Loyd – Texas Public Radio News
Bicycling downtown is definitely a different experience. Sightseeing or making a meeting is traffic congestion-free.
Daniel Farruggia works near the Alamo and has been on a parking lot waiting list for nearly a year.
“I see a lot of people downtown riding bikes, and I know it is tough to get a location to park, and it’s expensive. It seems to be a good idea.â€
Farruggia is considering a Bike Share pass.
So far, there are 950 annual members, 20 bike stations and tens of thousands of miles ridden. San Antonio Bike Share Executive…
TxDOT project shuts down hike-bike trail
By ALLAN TURNER, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
To state highway engineers, Monday’s barricade of a popular Houston bayou hike and bike trail simply was intended to keep the public out of a dangerous construction zone. To some of the trail users, however, the two-year closure was a heavy-handed decision that disregarded public sentiment and needs.
At issue is a mile-long stretch of the White Oak Bayou Hike and Bike Trail between Ella and 34th streets, closed as work begins on…
Check out FrankenBike, a free bike swap meet held monthly in Austin, where love abounds for everything from shifters to derailleurs and powerlink chains make the world go ‘round.
The event (which has the greatest name ever, don’t you think?) is open to anyone who wants to…
Spokes for Folks Wrench Day – Dec. 11th
by marc@mcmumby.com       BikeDFW
We have a lot to do this Sunday—
We are still trying to fill a 50 bike request for the four locations of Family Gateway
Just received a new request for 36 bikes from the Heart of Africa associated with Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church.
30 – 50 families are coming from Jubilee Center to work and earn bikes for their kids—we need…
The City of Richardson has been awarded federal funding through a Safe Routes to School grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for two schools in Richardson: Richland Elementary and Yale Elementary.
At Monday’s work session, the City Council was briefed by staff on the City’s efforts to acquire this funding, the status of the programmed projects and the improvements that will be made around the schools. …
Richardson Police Department Bike Patrol – On The Job
by dickdavid      Bike Friendly Richardson
You know you live in a bike friendly city when the police department has a bike patrol. These guys were keeping spectators and attendees safe during last weekend’s annual Christmas parade.
Now all we need is postal delivery and meter readers done via bike.
Below 60 degree weather persisted today so I was not out biking. It is supposed to almost reach 60 tomorrow so I hope to be out.
Staff Transitions at BikeTexas
www.biketexas.org
Fall in Texas provides a dramatic example of how good change feels. Change is inspiring because there’s the challenge of learning and growth. At BikeTexas, we are excited about this Fall’s changes…
Leslie Luciano, Donna Hoffman, Freddie Summer, Emma Cravey & Jack Sanford…
Another stab at the perfect saddle?
Evolution of the Specialized Romin Saddle – Interview with Dr. Roger Minkow
posted by Tyler (Editor) Â Â Â www.bikerumor.com
Earlier this week, Specialized sent out a PR piece about their new Romin Evo Pro saddle being featured in Men’s Journal’s gear of the year round up. That’s nice, I thought, but we typically don’t promote other pubs’ “top 10? lists and stuff. But the piece was quite interesting, so I followed up to get a little more info.
I got a lot more info.
Back in 1997, Dr. Roger Minkow saw a Bicycling Magazine story about how bike saddles inhibited blood flow and were causing erectile dysfunction. Dr. Minkow specialized in ergonomics, having developed exercise equipment, hospital spine centers and the pilots seats for United Airlines, among other things. Using the…
Another reason to bike with your smartphone!
Review: 60Beats RX Heart Rate Monitor for iPhone and Android
posted by ErikD Â Â Â Â Â Â www.bikerumor.com
60beat HR Monitor Receiver for iPhone and Android The 60beat system is a nifty little device that plugs into one’s smart phone allowing an athlete to use their iPhone or Android phone as a HR (Heart Rate) monitor. First you’ll need to download one of 20 iPhone and two Android apps that capture or display HR data, turn on the 60beat receiver, put on your HR strap and get to work. I used an iPhone 4 and the HR monitor strap that accompanies the 60beat, but you can use any compatible HR monitor strap if you prefer.
I had a few questions when setting up the apps I chose to use, so I sent a message to customer service and received very timely replies. One question I had was if any of the available Apps allow for HR data storage? They replied that Runtastic and Logyourrun both have websites that allow for storage and are the most…
Support your LBS – Austin Independent Business Alliance Holiday Contest
Austin Ridge Riders
I just wanted to call out to the community that Cycle Progression is the only Bike Shop competing as a finalist in IBIZ’s Holiday Window Shopping Contest. Even if they’re not your LBS, if you love your LBS community I know the guys at CP would love the support from the community.
In full disclosure I’m an out of towner, but Alex and the guys were great to me this past Spring when I was in town for business and needed a rental and trail recommendations. Since then I had them build my dream bike this summer, a 5.7, …
Carrollton Cycling Club
EFFECTIVE 12/07/11
New Start Time 9:00AM
Saturday Morning Ride
Downtown Carrollton Gazebo
Austin Bike Culture Calendar Events: 12/8- 12/14/11
by elliott         Austin on Two Wheels
It is with sadness I noted this week will be the end of cyclocross season in Austin. The last Austin area TXBRA races are this weekend and the Dirt Derby will wrap up its final edition of the fall on Tuesday (they will be back for a winter session in January.) After a strong start in training and practice, my cyclocross season went off the tracks as a new job and some illness put an end to my barrier jumping. Oh, well, I can still provide beer ups and…
Planning and Zoning board approves Bike Plan
by bikedenton
Last night, Denton’s P&Z board voted 7-0 to approve the Bike Plan after spoken support from 7 year old Zarian (pictured above) and Amber Briggle, and supportive comment cards. Nobody opposed the plan.
The next and final stop for the Bike Plan is at city council in February, and that is the public’s last opportunity to give input and show support.
The turnout (for the Bike Plan agenda item) at last night’s meeting was low, but that’s unsurprising given the number of public Bike Plan meetings held since the effort started in 2009. It just seems easier to get turnout for something people are fighting against rather than fighting for. Also, a general lack of controversy might convey an…
I have read about bike polo but I have never seen a game played. I am not sure how different this is from the horse variety.
Urban ride to Willow Park – Friday Dec 9th 10:00am
Corinth Cycling Club
by Scottie
Luke and I will be riding from Corinth City Hall to Willow Grove Park and back on Friday for a total of about 20 miles. Start time of the ride is 10:00am. Pace will be casual. This is a urban trail ride so a mountain bike is required.
It hasn’t been this bad yet but this lady sure has a big smile in all of the snow and cold. I would not be so happy in all of that snow and cold.
Winter Biking Inspiration
by UrbanPedal      Dallas Cycle Chic
It’s been cold this week. If you’re like me and really cherished poolside time this long hot summer, this cold-weather thing came all at once a little abruptly. I’m still pulling out my winter-wear and it’s been below freezing for 3 nights already.
SO in the spirit of fun winter fashion and gearing up for our Chic Boutique Ride coming up this Sunday, here is…
Sometimes it’s hard to keep chugging away when temperatures drop below freezing.
You’ll feel better, though, if you do.
I’ve had to modify my routine this week. I swim at Rollingwood Pool at 7 a.m. three or four mornings a week. I usually make the 8-mile trek to the pool by bike, but when it’s storming or below 28 degrees, I just can’t do it.
That happened earlier this week. Instead of…
Bicycling in Fort Worth offers freedom of more than just transportation
by Kevin Buchanan of Fortworthology
I can’t quite recall when I got my first bicycle. The one that’s burned most vividly into my memory was perhaps the second or third, somewhere during the morass of awkwardness and social incompetence that characterized the years of my life from late elementary school through junior high and high school (an only slightly less crippling variant of which still…
Installing Bicycle Grips
Since I had to install new grips on the Bloggipede, I thought I would take some photos of the process so that someone looking for a “how to” would be able to find one.
Installing grips is very easy. You will need a pair of grips, hairspray, and a bike to install them on.
There are a number of bikers that use this application.
Strava Updates iPhone App, Improves Access, Control and Ride Details
by Tyler (Editor) – www.bikerumor.com
strava cycling app for iPhone tracks bike rides via GPS and uploads to social network for sharing and comparingStrava has updated its iPhone app with improvements on virtually every front.
You can now log in using Facebook Connect or via email, and you have improved access to your account settings, making it easier to change your profile or controls from the phone.
Location initialization is said to be faster, and pausing and starting your rides are easier. Post activity, you can pull up a more detailed…
Sometimes when I am fixing a flat I wish I had this inside my tires.
Mr. Tuffy Ultra-Lite Tire Liner
urbanvelo.org
Mr. Tuffy tire liners have been around forever as far as I’m concerned—I remember placing them in my mountain tires back when I was a kid. They’re still around, and even with significant advances in tires with integrated flat protection Mr. Tuffy liners have their fans that swear by them.
Mr. Tuffy liners are dual durometer polyurethane strips made to fit a given tire width and diameter, with different sizes available for just about…
Bigger in Texas? Yes. How about Bikier?
blog.bikeleague.org
Houston, TX, is not known for its bicycle-friendliness, at least not yet. A group of nearly 60 advocates, agency staff, and elected officials are aiming to change that. A full room of people interested in dedicating more transportation funds to bicycling and walking met in Houston on Friday for an Advocacy Advance Action 2020 workshop.
Action 2020 workshop participants in Houston, including members of BikeHouston, discuss transportation funding. …
BikeTexas Receives Award from Texas NAACP
www.biketexas.org
NAACP Award_Ceremony_Ft_Worth-0554On October 7th, 2011, the Texas NAACP presented BikeTexas with Texas President Award at the 75th Annual Texas NAACP State Convention. Gary Bledsoe, President of the Texas NAACP, handed the award to Robin Stallings, Executive Director of BikeTexas. Inscribed on the award are the words “For going above and beyond the call of duty to develop interest in biking and green benefits from…
Which Bicycle Wheels Are Best for Heavier Riders?
by Tyler (Editor) – www.bikerumor.com
Rolf Prima 2012 VCX disc brake cyclocross wheels for heavy riders
Recently we got an email asking which wheels we’d recommend for a cyclist around 250lbs.
Well, we didn’t know, so we turned to several wheel manufacturers to see which of their models they’d recommend for everything from road to mountain bike to cyclocross, even downhill and touring bikes. We also asked ENVE and Chris King how they’d build up wheels for bigger riders, just to get the opinion of folks that…
With the cold weather this is something to think about but not for me. Where is my windtrainer?
Winter cycling means wearing layers
by Christopher Curnutt      Biking in Dallas
Whether you’re a dedicated commuter or just ride for health and recreation, when the thermometer drops to near and sub-freezing temperatures cycling loses a bit of it’s luster. This is especially true when the sun goes down.
A couple of years ago when I rode in my first Christmas light ride and as soon as darkness settled I thought I might start crying like a baby. It was damn cold. I wore the wrong shoes, socks, gloves, and…
Big Bend State Park Focuses on Drought Resistant Tourism
Shelley Childers         CBS 7 News
Big Bend State Park, TX – Texas Parks and Wildlife has sent out an S.O.S asking Texas residents to help make up $4.6 million they expect to lose because of wildfires and droughts that have impacted tourism numbers.
Big Bend Ranch State Park says their numbers have been on par, and they are operating as normal, but because state parks like Bastrop State Park, which brings in about $1 million a year, will see a huge decline other parks will now be forced to pick up the slack.
Big Bend Ranch State Park Superintendent Barrett Durst tells us they will be focusing on drought resistent tourism like mountain biking to bring in more visitors.
For the second year in a row the state park will be hosting their Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Festival, a three-day mountain biking event. …
Coming soon to Kyle: Sidewalks, bike lanes
by Jonathan York       haysfreepress.com
Getting around Kyle is not so much fun, however you choose to do it. There are potholes if you drive, tight lanes if you bike and ditches if you walk.
In council meetings this fall the city’s leaders have talked at length about how to fix our troubled roads. And most of the focus has been on motor traffic, which is a natural choice for a town that makes its living along the interstate.
There have been a few indications, too, that the city is interested in helping non-motorists get around. The new city planner, Sofia Nelson, told the Hays Free Press that she is…
Recreational Sports Calendar & Sign-up Sheet – Dec. 7, 2011
San Antonio Express-News
Bicycling: Today, 8 a.m., Wheelers Senior Ride, 30 miles, Floore’s Country Store, Helotes. 210-643-0314.
Bicycling: Saturday, 9 a.m., Boerne Ride, 25 to 70 miles, city hall, Boerne. 210-325-2500, 210-524-9393. …
Great Video About Texas Mountain Biking
goodbyecycle.com
This is a super video produced by the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Fred is inspiration to all of us who ride mountain bikes, I hope I am still riding at bicycles at…
Installing The M210 Mini Monkey Light Bike Light – And A Review
by Justin      The Plano Cyclist
One of the things I dislike the most about cycling in Dallas is riding at night; I never feel like I am visible enough. One option is to dress like a cellphone while I ride so that drivers will pay attention to me. The other is to light myself up like a Christmas tree and pray that I catch someone’s eye so they don’t kill me on their way home. …
December STCC Express Ride
by sooner1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Shawnee Trail Cycling Club
Tell your friends! It’s time again for our STCC Express Ride. It’s Saturday, Dec 10th, and is now on schedule for the 2nd Saturday of every month. A little different this month in that we guarantee there will be two pace groups. We had combined the groups the last two months, which has made for a fun ride, but challenging for those wanting a true A or B pace.   Same start location, different route. …
This biker better be careful he doesn’t go into any banks to get warm. I would be dressed like this too if I could stand anything below 60 degrees.
Coming Back From Hiatus
by Ken         Texas Racing Life
Cycling is a sport that traditionally has a definitive off-season. In Texas, this off season can be blurred thanks to mostly nice winter weather. For instance, up until last week, weather in Houston this fall/winter has been downright balmy: mostly in the 70’s and sunny. Only now has the temperatures dipped below comfort levels. Cold days can be brutal, but I just think about kicking the pants off the guys that aren’t willing to brave the…
