New Houston Bikers: Getting Acclimated to the Area

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by Emma Summers
People interested in relocating to the Houston area should be happy to know that the city is an advocate of cyclists and recreational biking; reflecting this support in their residential and common area construction. Here’s a brief look at what prospective residents may be in store for when it comes to the cycling community and events going on here in Houston.

Individuals will be surrounded by fellow biking enthusiasts on a regular basis as the city has implemented the Houston Bikeway Program, which is a 300-mile interconnected bikeway network that spans 500 square miles. This has brought on organizations such as the Houston Bicycle Club, one of the city’s largest cycling groups. Houston is also home to a growing number of cycling events in general, which happen to span all across town and throughout Texas as well.

Those interested in residing in Houston apartments have the option of choosing communities along one of the many bike lanes, routes, “hike and bike” shared-use paths, or other cyclist-friendly areas. Various residential locations contain private trails or access paths to larger ones where hiking and biking are encouraged.

Houston weather can vary with some incredibly hot summers; however, resident cyclists make the most of it, continuing to host events throughout the seasons. The city contains various shops and experts to help residents locate the ideal equipment and services to suit their needs.

Through its various municipal utility districts, Harris County alone has developed over 160 miles of bikeways within city limits. Houston is home to cyclists that bike both for recreation and as their main mode of transportation, prompting the city to offer numerous avenues for individuals to enjoy this activity, including private and city-sponsored rides. The city of Houston is an excellent choice for folks who have made biking a part of their life.

Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for September 9th

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Friday Film Fun: The Dutch Side Saddle Hop
by elliott        Austin on Two Wheels
With cyclocross season fast approaching, we hope you can join us for our third cyclocross skills practice this Sunday at 6:30 PM, this time at Garrison Park. Being a clinic open to beginners, we’ll tackle the most important skill newbies need to learn: dismounting and remounting the bike. We’ll…

6:20pm – Nano Steamer    Corinth Cycling Club
by scottfranklin@gmail.com
When: Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:20pm to Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:20pm  CDT
Where: Corinth City Hall
Event Description: This is a group training ride with no attacks or finish line sprints. The pace will be 18+mph and is a great opportunity to work on paceline and tempo riding skills. The ride departs from Stephens Elementary.

13th edition of Cowboy Days set for Sept. 16-18
By NICKI BRUCE LOGAN Herald Lifestyles Editor
Nothing brings out the cowboy in a Texan like Plainview’s Cowboy Days, so expect the town to be overrun by boots and buckles when the 13th edition is held Sept. 16-18.

…Activities on Saturday, Sept. 17 will begin early with registration for the Plainview Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Hale on Wheels Bike Ride and a 5K run. Gabriel Martinez and Ed Self are in charge of the bike ride, which was hugely popular last year, and Ron Appling is organizing the run. Participants will be on their way between 8:30-8:45 a.m., leaving Amigos and United Supermarket volunteers time to assist on the route. Members of Soroptimist International will man way stations for the bike ride.

New this year will be the Texas Tech University bike team coming to lead off the bike race. …

Rub elbows with heroes at local events
By Bill Cullins     www.gosanangelo.com
Ever wanted to line up next to a cycling or running hero?

No problem — just participate in San Angelo events, and you’ll probably be lined up next to someone who’s been on the podium recently.

Although the larger events put on by out-of-town promoters get the most attention, our local races are the bread-and-butter for San Angelo athletes of all ability levels.

You might be surprised both at how many local events there are and the “race resumes” of some local athletes who participate in those events. …

No Club Ride in October
Austin Ridge Riders
The ARR Board regrets that there will be no Monthly Club Ride in October due to the fact that we are busy coordinating the Volunteer Appreciation Event.

Our next event is the amazing New Belgium Tour de Fat Festival on Saturday October 22nd at Fiesta Gardens. …

Reimers Closed until Sept 17
by Laura Scagno     www.austinridgeriders.com
Message from Travis County Parks Division Manager

Reimers Ranch Park was impacted by the recent wildfires, and fire crews are still fighting small fires in the park. Before Reimers can reopen, park staff need to clear fallen trees and other hazards from the various park trails. Therefore, the park is going to be closed until Saturday, September 17.

November 2011 Club Ride @ Reimers Ranch
Austin Ridge Riders
Saturday, November 12, 2011 – 09:00
November’s Ride will be at beautiful Reimers Ranch. As usual, riders will break into groups according to skill level and pace.  ARR will provide a post ride lunch and beverages.

You do not have to be an ARR member to ride but we’d love to have you sign up. Members are reimbursed entry/gate fees to you are paid back in just two rides. everyone must properly wear a helmet when riding and sign a waiver.

CRAZY WATER TRAIL RUN Oct 8th  Only
Starting at 8am, this two lap technical run will follow the XC course (approx. 5k) featuring barriers, steps, and lots of turns!
$ 20 pre-reg entry,
$ 25 entry fee day of race,
$ 10 entry fee age 12 and under
Cash Prizes for Top 3 Overall Men & Women! Merchandise Prize raffle for all Trail Run registrants.
Same race schedule both Saturday & Sunday

Cyclehaus Tough Cyclocross
Event Location: Fredericksburg
Bryan Fawley
Contact Phone     304-543-6053
Contact Email     bryan_fawley@hotmail.com

6 HOURS of the DINOSAUR RACE – San Angelo State Park, North Shore, TX

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6 HOURS of the DINOSAUR RACE
October 15, 2011
3 pm – 9 pm(pre-race meeting 2:45pm)
San Angelo State Park, North Shore
WHAT: 6 Hour mountain bike race. Test your endurance…Clock in as many 9 mile laps as you can or Strategize with a team of 2!
Please Select Category:
Solo Male                   Solo Female                Military Team     Co-ed Team
Male Team                   Junior(15 and under) Team  Female Team
Race Entry Fees:                                       Race Day Registration:
$40.00 per person                                      1:00pm – 2:30pm
Please make check payable to SABA                      Packet Pick Up
Mail entry to:                                         1:30pm – 2:30pm race day
San Angelo Bicycling Association                       Online Registration:
PO Box 60942
San Angelo, TX 76906

FMI Contact:      Christina McBride (757)358-8106       coachcm@yahoo.com

There is a $3.00 park entry fee for non-participants

Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for September 8th

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Back to school, back to riding?
from peopleforbikes.org
September means back to school for many American families. Sadly, these days it is rare for children to pedal or walk to that first day of class (or any, for that matter). Only 12 percent of U.S. children walked (11%) or biked (1%) to school in 2009, compared to 48 percent in 1969. Due to a variety of factors, kids are getting to school through passive travel (private car, bus, etc.), not active travel like biking and walking.

This decline in active travel to school has directly correlated with a rise in childhood obesity. During the past 40 years, U.S. childhood obesity rates have tripled, and more than 33% of children and adolescents are overweight, obese, or at risk of becoming so. Kids are getting fatter for a number of reasons, but this…

Austin Bike Culture Calendar Events: 9/8- 9/14/11
by elliott        Austin on Two Wheels
The weather is great so get out on your bike either for fitness or to enjoy the fall like temps. If you do not know how fix a flat, both Social Cycling Austin and Mellow Johnny’s are holding free flat fix classes. If social riding is more your thing, check out the Cow Parade ride on Monday. If doing good is what you need, note the return of…

Advocates call for Bike Plan jumpstart funding
by BikeDenton
To quote PathLessPedaled,”Moms and families on bikes are key to bike advocacy.”

Last night, a crowd of around sixty people asked city council for initial funding for the Bike Plan. Since it was first announced, the city budget surplus rose from $192,000 to 333,676, making Bike Plan jumpstart funds even more plausible.

Among those who spoke in favor, a senior woman (who said she rode 10 miles from Robson Ranch!) and two elementary school girls had the council rapt with…

Marfa 100 charitable cycling event is Saturday
MARFA – Marfa Public Radio (KRTS, 93.5 FM) and the Livestrong Foundation welcome riders to the second annual Marfa 100 on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The 62-mile/100K charitable cycling event will benefit the ongoing fight against cancer and contribute to the cultural enrichment of far West Texas.

The Marfa 100 course starts Saturday morning at the Capri Events Center on U.S. Hwy. 90. From there, the ride proceeds west through town and then turns south on Ranch Road 2810. Riders will go about 30 miles to the turnaround point/hospitality station, then back to…

The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble – Fort Worth Bicycling Association
Date     Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9:00 am
Type of Ride     Club Event
Location     Fort Worth TX
Sponsor     Sherwin Rubin
Phone Contact     817-483-8385
Meet at the City of Fort Worth parking lot at 4100 Columbus Trail. From I-20, take Hulen south to Columbus Trail, then go east on Columbus Trail for about four blocks. (Additional 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1)

Blue Star- Mission Espada Ride
Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club
Start: September 10, 2011 8:30 am
Venue: Blue Star Brewery
Address: 1414 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX
For those who are not doing the Ride To Remember we are offering this in-town ride.  Meet at 8:30 at Blue Starr off at Probant and South Alamo for an approximately 20 mile leisurely ride to Mission Espada and back to Blue Star, parts of if along the newly-opened greenway.  Lunch at Blue Star after the ride.  For more information, contract the ride leader Tommy McMillan at (210) 748-6654.

The September Pedal Pusher has been published!
North West Cycling Club
The September edition of our Club’s newsletter, “The Pedal Pusher” has now been published.  This is the first newsletter edited by Sara Green, NWCC’s new Newsletter Editor.  Once you read her newsletter, I think you’ll agree that Sara deserves a big pat on the back for her accomplishment.  Her first newsletter is jam-packed with plenty of photos and articles, and her upbeat attitude and love for NWCC is evident throughout.

GHORBA Monthly Ride – Saturday, Sept. 10 at Bluff Creek Ranch, Warda
by Veljko Roskar
Wheels down at 9:30 AM.

University of North Texas 2011 Mountain Bike Race
Glen Rose, TX
2011-10-01 – 2011-10-02
USAC Permit Number 2011-3184
Event Description – 2011 University of North Texas collegiate mountain bike race. Part of the 2011 South Central Collegiate Cycling Conference mountain bike season. We will start with time-trials on Saturday morning, short track races mid-day Saturday, and conclude with cross country races Sunday morning.