Texas Bicycling Blog and News Roundup for April 16th

Texbiker.net Posted on by

His heart whole, he’s ready to roll in MS 150
Avid cyclist John Snider had quadruple bypass surgery five months ago, now he’s geared to go in today’s charity ride from Houston to Austin
By ROBERTA MACINNIS, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
When heart patients learn they need surgery, their typical reaction is to ask, “Will I live?”

But when John Snider, a 57-year-old avid cyclist heard the somber news, what he wanted to know was, “Will I be able to ride in the MS 150?”…

USA Cycling welcomes DORBA to its family of race organizers
DORBA puts on nine mountain bike races each year.
USA Cycling is pleased to welcome the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) to the USA Cycling family.

Known around North Texas for its outstanding trail advocacy efforts, DORBA has grown quite a bit since its 1988 founding and is now one of the largest off-road clubs in the country with more than 1,250 members. …

Brazo Valley Cyclists
2011 The Monday Social Ride has started up again for the 2011 season. This is the ultimate beginner-friendly ride. We do 15-20 miles at the pace of the slowest rider; the purpose is to ride and chat. Meet at 6:00 pm on the southern bridge on Technology Loop in TAMUs Research Park. A clear headlight, red taillight and a helmet are required equipment for participation in this ride. However, no fancy bike needed. More info…

Looking for a cool workout? Hydrobike Lady Bird Lake
by Austin 360
Every year since 1974, a Texas cycling club has organized a multiday riding tour through the Texas Hill Country. This year, it’s the Austin Cycling Club’s turn to host the annual Easter Hill Country Tour, featuring three days of pedaling the rolling …

WheelBrothers at Ride for Heroes


The Wheelbrothers had a great time at this years ‘Ride for Heroes’!  Unlike the last several years,  the weather finally cooperated.  Due to some family issues,  we could only do the 44 mile route this year but we’ll be back for more next year.

The fragrance of honeysuckle – April 16th Bike Ride

Texbiker.net Posted on by

The fragrance of honeysuckle was in the air as I rode through the country today. The fragrance was pushed quickly by the strong 11.5 mph north wind that the arriving cool front brought with it. I did not get as early of a start this morning because the temperature was 49 degrees when I got up at 6:30. By the time I started riding it had warmed up to 68. The skies were a clear blue and the humidity was going to be very low today, around 20% thanks to that front. This low humidity and the lack of rain has our area under a fire watch as is most of Texas. We are so far behind on rain, the drought is a real problem. We have not been this dry since the 1950’s. Some wildflowers were blooming but I still have not seen any Bluebonnets.

The first 18.28 miles were into that 1.5 mph north wind. You can see my low speed and cadence on the charts below. The prudent way to ride is start out into the wind so that you do not over ride your ability to get back. This was the case today. Once I turned west and then southerly the tailwind allowed me to ride around 18 to 20 mph with no extreme effort.

I was thinking I must be the only biker not riding in the BP MS150 until I spotted another biker on SR 242 at Old Houston Road. Other than that no other riders were seen.

When I got home I had enough time and strength to switch my tires around to even out the tread wear. With over 1500 miles on these tires this rotation should get another 1000 to 1500 miles.

April mileage update:

  • April miles 347.12
  • YTD miles 1173.79

4-16-2011 Ride Data and Map

4-16-2011 Home Weather Finish

Additional charts, weather and map: [nggallery id=202]

Daily News Roundup April 15th – Texas Bicycling

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Fort Worth Bicycling Association
May Rides Announced
The May ride list is up. Please go to the Ride Events page for all of the exciting details!

Dr. Gabe Mirkin’s Fitness and Health E-Zine
April 17, 2011
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates in Your Diet

Since the 1940s, North Americans have suffered an incredible increase in disease. Today, 70 percent are overweight, 35 percent become diabetic, 40 percent die of heart attacks, and we have very high rates of certain cancers.   Major culprits appear to be refined carbohydrates and lack of exercise.
In the late 1940s, Ancel Keys noted the increasing heart attack rate in North America and blamed dietary saturated fats and cholesterol in animal products.  John Yudkin in England blamed…

Bike Plan meeting recap
by bikedenton

So that was good. Not amazing, but the Bike Plan appears to be moving forward. The turnout was modest, maybe 40 people, but perhaps fewer than the input meeting from 2010, a similar event that preceded this plan initiative. City engineer Noreen Houseright introduced Wednesday’s meeting, and consultant Kevin St. Jacques explained the goals of the plan, saying “If you see people out riding bikes, that’s a sign of community…

Plano Candidates Respond to Questions About Cycling Issues
by marc@mcmumby.com (Administrator)
Members of the Plano Bicycle Association, with some assistance from BikeDFW, put together a questionnaire about cycling-related issues that was sent to nine candidates for the upcoming city council election. The questions covered quality of life and health issues, the Plano bicycle transportation plan, a safe-passing…

April 16-17th in Dallas
by Christopher Curnutt
Saturday, April 16th: Bike DFW will be manning a booth at the Plano Live Green Expo 9 AM – 6 PM | Plano Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074 (map) Ride to Live Green Expo …

Frisco Ccycling Club
Saturday Westside Bandit ride (1 post)
Short update on the Westside Saturday loop. 4 of us made the maiden ride – 2 went on to the RBM and 2 circled back to complete the loop back to Teel/Main. …

A Bike-Friendly Denton
by NBC Dallas-Fort Worth
Denton is the latest North Texas city to consider ways to become more “bike-friendly.” By Sara Story Like several other North Texas cities, Denton is becoming more bike-friendly. The city has passed a city ordinance intended to make the roads safer for …

Upcoming fitness events!
from www.austin360.com
By Pam LeBlanc
…Austin Bike Summit — Hundreds of bicyclists will meet this weekend for workshops to improve bicycling in Austin. The Austin Bike Summit 2011 will offer advocate training, discuss advocacy goals and give overviews of bicycle infrastructure. The event is from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Pine Street Station, 1101. E. Fifth St. Panelists and workshop leaders will include the League of Bicycling Voters, Austin Cycling Association, Austin’s Yellow Bike Project, BikeTexas, the City of Austin, and others. The event is free and open to the public. …

Finding a cure for multiple sclerosis motives cyclists pedaling in the ride
from ultimatebellaire.com
by ASHLEY N. ANDERSON, HOUSTON CHRONICLE published April 14, 2011 12:16 pm
Cyclist travel down 159 near Bellville, Texas during the 2008 BP MS 150 Houston to Austin bike tour Saturday, April 12, 2008. Billy Smith II / Chronicle )
Each year, Alford Bleeker, 59, of Meyerland rides his bicycle with the hope his effort will help find the cause of and cure for multiple sclerosis.

Since 1994, he has accumulated 3,162 miles to raise money for research and supportive programs for multiple sclerosis and with a hope to end the disease. …

Miracles in progress
For disabled man and comrades, it’s more than a team name — it’s a way of life
By DALE ROBERTSON
The worst hurricane season in memory did billions of dollars in damage, killed thousands of people and almost ruined Leslie Johnston’s life.

Some might say it did ruin Johnston’s life. He would disagree, however, and he’ll state his case this weekend when he attempts to hand-crank a bicycle from…

Ride your bike to the Main Street Arts Festival in Fort Worth, Texas!
by admin
Ride your bikes,  to the Main Street Arts Festival in downtown Fort Worth and take advantage of Bicycles Inc. free valet parking.

Three terrific days remain to enjoy the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, which showcases a juried art fair,savory food, live concerts, performance artists and street performers! Artist Award Winners will be announced today at 10AM.  NOTE: Artists are allowed to close at 8:00 PM Fri/Sat, and all will close at 6:00 on Sunday. …