Month of May Bucket List Ride: South Around Lake Houston

Texbiker.net Posted on by

At the start of May there were two rides I wanted to do, bike south around Lake Houston and ride in Galveston. The weather and my time haven’t cooperated with those wishes until today. I rode South Around Lake Houston today. A new route though I have done parts of it before. I rode the Humble Lions Club Ride 8 times dating back to 2009 and the Ride Like An Eagle event twice. Sadly both of those rides no longer take place. Those rides inspired me to ride around Lake Houston and the recently opened overpass on Timber Forest Drive made it possible to only bike on a short portion of W. Lake Houston Parkway in Summerwood instead of the longer distance from Summerwood to Will Clayton Parkway. The route maps of those rides below show their similarities and differences. The Humble Lions ride started in Humble and the Ride Like An Eagle started at Atascocita High School.

5-17-2023 Humble Lions Club Ride from 2-8-2020 Route
5-17-2023 Humble Lions Club Ride from 2-8-2020 Route
5-17-2023 Ride Like An Eagle Ride from 4-2-2016 Route
5-17-2023 Ride Like An Eagle Ride from 4-2-2016 Route

The weather was comfortable as I rolled away at 9:01 AM on my Cervelo Caledonia bike. Because I was starting and finishing from different locations than the inspiration rides I wasn’t sure of the distance. I wanted to ride at least 50 miles. I took the most direct route from the start skipping the usual streets I use when biking to Huffman. It turns out I could’ve added some streets because I ended up riding 49.64 miles. Back in Kingwood I thought about adding a couple of streets to get to 50+ miles but decided not to. The next time I ride this route I will add the streets at the beginning of the ride for continuity. I finished at 12;56 PM. I thought it would be later.

One thing I didn’t expect was the number of other cyclists I would see on the route on a Wednesday morning. I think all of them are in the video.

Traffic wasn’t bad on most roads except for a short time on Garrett Road from Sheldon Road to Aqueduct Road. A number of 18 wheelers passed me and the road didn’t have a shoulder. All of them gave me plenty of room, one even stopped for me to make the turn from Sheldon Road onto Garrett Road. They were noisy though. The worst road title goes to Aqueduct Road with some potholes big enough to swallow a bike wheel whole and rough asphalt patches.

It was the first time to use my new CamelBak. The extra distance and potential lack of convenience stores called for more water than one water bottle can hold. It replaced another one. I was impressed with the lightness even filled with water and the comfort of the straps and back contact. Plus it has a big pocket to hold the snacks I brought.

Weather conditions: Start 77 degrees, 75% humidity, 69.5 dew point, a few clouds, wind W 4 mph; Finish 81 degrees, 62% humidity, 67 dew point, mostly cloudy, wind N 7 mph.

For a new route Strava found a number of segments for medals. Four of them: PR on Timber Forest (2:30), PR on M to the WC (6:02), PR on Northbound Timberlake (16:33), and 2nd fastest time on Crosby Eagleton – SB (16:37). Because I wasn’t sure of the distance I didn’t contest any starred segments. From the AXS.SRAM.com ride report I see that I pedaled the 35×13 gears for 2:52:54 (41.5 miles) with only 27 rear derailleur shifts.

5-17-2023 Strava Ride Summary South Around Lake Houston
5-17-2023 Strava Ride Summary South Around Lake Houston

Texas Bicycling News Roundup – May 16, 2023

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Dallas mountain bike trail to be one of a kind

By Philip Hiatt Haigh | www.dallasnews.com

Jacob Nilz, president of Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA), goes down a double black diamond mountain bike trail in the Big Cedar Wilderness on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Dallas. The city is about to add more biking trails at Creekside Park near White Rock Lake.(Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)

What if I told you that Dallas — of Blackland Prairie fame — could be home to a world-class mountain bike trail system in the city’s urban core? Last week, the Dallas City Council unanimously approved the new 50-acre Creekside Park a mile from White Rock Lake, and four miles from downtown, just below Tenison Glen Golf Course. Crews are on site already to prepare for construction starting this week. The council’s approval of the project adds a major amenity competitive with projects of our suburban neighbors.

Leading trail builders often pursue projects on hundreds of acres in places like Colorado, Wyoming or Arkansas. This trail, within 10 miles of more than 600,000 people — a diverse community where many …

A heart transplant helped a 4-year-old boy return home after 281 days at Texas Children’s Hospital

Evan MacDonald | www.houstonchronicle.com

Oliver Blankenship was born with a severe heart defect that required three surgeries and finally a heart transplant before he returned home with his family.

After spending 281 days at Texas Children’s Hospital, Oliver Blankenship was ready to test out his new heart the moment he got home last month.

Oliver is 4 years old, but he’s already spent enough time in hospitals for a lifetime due to a severe congenital heart defect. Doctors tried to treat him through a series of surgeries beginning one week after he was born in 2018, but he needed a transplant after he went into heart failure last summer.

He finally returned home on April 14 with his parents, …

Bike ride planned for Wednesday to give support to Andy’s Home Cafe

Ariana Garcia | www.chron.com

The cyclists plan to dine at the historic restaurant after their ride in a show of solidarity.

When the sun goes down on Wednesday, a group of cyclists will take a mile-long ride from Stude Park to Andy’s Home Cafe in the Houston Heights in a show of solidarity with the neighborhood staple facing potential closure. The ride will also serve to highlight the use of the nearby 11th Street bike lane, which runs in front of the late night Tex-Mex restaurant currently facing challenges from a local real estate developer that have taken a toll on business.

Ride organizer Lex Perez said when learned that the owners of Andy’s were …

This Cyclist Has Raised More Than $14,000 for Multiple Sclerosis Research

By Curtis Spear, as told to Emily Shiffer | www.bicycling.com

Name: Curtis Spear Age: 33 Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas Occupation: Product marketing manager Time Cycling: 5 years Reason for Cycling: I got started in cycling when I worked for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society managing their social media for Bike MS, a charity cycling series. I wanted to better connect with my audience and ended up finding a passion.

Growing up my dad was a cyclist and I remember always thinking it was funny seeing him in spandex clothing and cycling gear. Well, look at me now!

In 2017, I accepted a job with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a nonprofit whose mission is to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis, an …

The Chain Link Bicycle Shop serves as a central hub for local cyclists

By Amira Van Leeuwen | communityimpact.com

The Chain Link Bicycle Shop opened in December 2011 and has since been a pillar for the New Braunfels cycling community. Shop owner Seana Rousseau carries a couple of notable bike brands, including Specialized, Reid, Sun, Surly and E11even.

The Chain Link also sells bicycle accessories, including helmets, locks, baskets, cycling shoes, parts and more. They also offer a variety of maintenance services and service plans.

The bicycle shop also has Ladies Corner, a monthly bike ride led by women. Although the pandemic put a pause on the activity, Rousseau hopes to start it again soon. Rousseau noted the …

RGV’s Little Elves summer bike distribution

by: Jesse Mendez | www.valleycentral.com

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — RGV’s Little Elves is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019.

Their mission is to help the children and families of the Rio Grande Valley by meeting specific needs based on current events and the season.

RGV’s Little Elves have participated in several projects such as annual holiday toy drives and have helped distribute almost 1,000 toys in 2022. …

Police release vehicle description connected to bicyclist’s death in Texas City

abc13.com

TEXAS CITY, Texas (KTRK) — Police released the description of a vehicle that they believe is connected to a fatal hit-and-run last month.

Investigators said 36-year-old Darion Rodriguez was riding his bike home in the 6800 block of Emmett F Lowry Expressway when a driver hit and left him on the side of the road to die on April 9 at about 3:15 a.m.

On Tuesday, authorities said the suspect’s vehicle is a maroon or burgundy 2013 Ford Fusion. The Texas City Police Department said the vehicle may have damage to the front bumper and …

Video: Laredo Cycling Club invites community to annual Ride of Silence

By KGNS Staff | www.kgns.tv

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) – Local cyclists are invited to take part in a silent ride that aims to speak volumes across the country.

Every year hundreds of thousands of cyclists across the U.S. take part in the event to bring awareness to road equality.

The Laredo Bike Club will hold its annual Ride of Silence event at North Central Park this Wednesday.

The group will honor cyclists who have been injured or passed away while riding on the road.

Fernando Baldazo with the …

Join the ‘Ride of Silence’ to raise biker awareness

by: Jesse Zaragoza | www.yourbasin.com

MIDLAND, TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ) – The Ride of Silence event will be celebrating its 17th anniversary in Midland tomorrow night. This is event is to support biker safety as well as mourn those who have lost their lives from bicycle accidents overs the years. …

FREE – Kids on Bikes in Parks this Saturday, May 20!
by u/violetcrowncycling in BikingATX

Cycling Consistently May 13, 2023

Veloharmony | www.youtube.com

If you’re in the North Houston area and would like to ride with us: https://groupme.com/join_group/876488…

Prologue: 00:00 Route Map: 00:43 Warming up with the group before Fishcreek: 02:05 Fishcreek Blvd – The open Road: 05:54 Heading East on 2854 in Conroe, Texas: 23:33

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Bumped One Route For Another. Blue Sky Weather

Texbiker.net Posted on by

My initial route choice got bumped when some of the roads might repeat on tomorrow’s longer ride south around Lake Houston. I changed to the Atascocita – Walden – Indian Shores Road route which also includes roads from tomorrow’s planned ride but not east of FM 2100 or as far south. I rolled away at 9:37 AM on my Cervelo Caledonia bike. With the probability of rain much lower I thought I would risk riding the Cervelo. While eating breakfast I watched stage 10 of the Giro D’Italia until there was about 49km to the finish. I would watch the replay after the ride along with day 1 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque.

The weather improved from yesterday. Sun and what felt like lower humidity helped. Conditions: Start 78 degrees, humidity 77%, dew point 70.4, partly cloudy, wind W 4 mph; Finish 84 degrees, humidity 64%, dew point 70.7, partly cloudy, wind W 7 mph.

This was the fourth time on this route since it is a new one. I wanted to ride at least 37 miles and ended up biking 38.98 miles. I’m chipping away at my 750 goal for May with 501.75 miles now, 67% of the way there. I finished at 12:36 PM. Today’s ride was the shortest distance of the four. I must’ve left out some streets. I need to check the previous rides before the next ride on the route. I rode the Rocky Woods loop in Kings Forest thinking it would add a few 10th’s of a mile. In the video I cover the power and cadence sensors not showing data on the Bolt computer. I powered of the Bolt without saving the ride and when it powered up the ride restored and the power and cadence reported data. I had this problem riding the Lynskey Helix bike but this is the first for the Cervelo. If it happens again I will “forget” the power meter sensor and add it back.

5-16-2023 SportTracks Ride History Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road
5-16-2023 SportTracks Ride History Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road

There were 7 starred Strava segments on the ride but I didn’t get any new records. I contested 2 of them and the others I went quickly but not all out. Checking the AXS.SRAM.com ride report I used the 35×13 gears 1:49:58 (26.9 miles) and the 35×15 gears 42:05 (8.1 miles) making 22 rear derailleur shifts.

5-16-2023 Strava Ride Summary Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road
5-16-2023 Strava Ride Summary Atascocita-Walden-Indian Shores Road

Texas Bicycling News Digest – May 15, 2023

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Local cyclists call for bike lane safety with annual ‘Ride of Silence’

www.kvue.com

Answer Line: Cyclists must stay off Longview sidewalks

By Jo Lee Ferguson | www.news-journal.com

QUESTION: The paper this past week described a situation where a person on a motorized scooter was hit while in a traffic lane. Your response stated that motorized scooters are considered pedestrians and must not be in traffic lanes. What about bicycles? I have been told that bikes must follows vehicles traffic laws and ride in lane with traffic. Can you clarify this?

ANSWER: You are correct about bicycles. State law and city ordinance say bicycles must follow traffic laws just like cars, trucks and vans. No state law prohibits bicycles from riding on sidewalks, but local governments can …

TABC Bikes and Austin Breweries. Could it Get Any Better?

Wheels Down Texas Blog | wheelsdowntexas.com

If you like beer almost as much as you love cycling, there’s a new group to check out. The Austin Brewery Cyclists (TABC) has created a ride group that combines two of the best things on the planet – breweries and bikes.

TABC, which defines itself as “Your friendly, do-gooding bike club, backed by local, independent breweries," meets on Saturdays and Sundays for intermediate rides starting and finishing at some of …

Georgetown Free Bikes Puts Cycling Within Reach for Everyone

Wheels Down Texas Blog | wheelsdowntexas.com

Cycling might be a hobby or sport for some, but for others, it’s a means of getting to school, work, or running errands. Unfortunately, a good, quality bike can be financially out of reach for many.

Georgetown Free Bikes works to make cycling available to everyone by gathering, fixing, and giving away donated bikes. Volunteers assemble and repair bikes that are donated. They also sell higher-end bikes to fund the workshop and materials.

Jeff Radke, an avid cyclist and leader of Georgetown Casual Bicycling, started Georgetown Free Bikes in 2020 in his workshop. …

COTA to host bike night charity event for Dell Children’s Foundation

By Amanda Cutshall | communityimpact.com

Circuit of the Americas is set to host a charity event May 16 to benefit the Dell Children’s Foundation.

"We are grateful for our relationship with Circuit of the Americas and their support of Dell Children’s Foundation with the May 16 Dell Children’s Bike Night," said Adam Bauman, vice president of orthopedics and sports performance for Ascension Texas, in a news release. "We look forward to a fun night for a great cause, with a focus on health, wellness and family.”

Using the Strava app, participants will record their laps during the charity event. Afterward, COTA will donate $1 for each lap logged between 6 p.m. and sunset.

Since 1996, Dell Children’s Foundation has raised more than $252 million for Central Texas patients. …

Active Cycling Shop opens in Katy

By Asia Armour | communityimpact.com

Active Cycling, a specialty bicycle shop near Katy’s historic town square, opened April 15.

The store is located at 5415 E. Fifth St., Katy. Active Cycling offers bicycles and parts as well as accessories and clothing for riding enthusiasts. Services also include maintenance and repair for varying types of bikes.

The shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 346-387-6104. www.activecycling.us

Bike trails roll forward

By Alexandria Randolph | www.lampasasdispatchrecord.com

Local cycling group furthers development of trails at sports complex

After years of slow but steady progress, a local group of mountain bike enthusiasts has initiated the next step in establishing trails at the 580 Sports Complex. About 34 months since the initial grassroots development of the trails, Lampasas citizens have taken matters into their own hands. Shannon Martin, one of the local cycling enthusiasts who is spearheading the project, presented the …

ATLAS 4000 bike ride for cancer to take place this weekend

By Hunter King | www.lampasasdispatchrecord.com

The annual ATLAS 4000 bicycle ride across the country begins this weekend. The unofficial send-off for the trek to Alaska will be Friday, starting at 8 a.m. on The University of Texas campus. On Saturday, the ride begins. Those interested in cycling with the group of UT students can sign up a 25-mile or 50-mile stretch across a portion of Lampasas County to help raise funds for cancer research …

Dallas partnering with nonprofit to create off-road bike trails

By Cecilia Lenzen | communityimpact.com

Dallas is getting a new off-road bike trail system thanks to an agreement between the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, and nonprofit the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association.

The 10-year agreement will allow the association to develop, operate and maintain off-road bike trails at several parks across the city, including Harry S. Moss Park in Lake Highlands and Creekside Park in East Dallas. Dallas City Council approved the agreement during its May 10 meeting.

Philip Hiatt Haigh, executive director of The Loop Dallas and member of the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association, spoke during the council meeting, saying the agreement will allow for the …

Heart of the High Plains: 24 Hours in the Canyon

by: Jack Kessler | www.myhighplains.com

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — For more than a decade, cyclists have filled Palo Duro Canyon during the summer for the 24 Hours in the Canyon mountain bike and road bike event.

Officials said that 100% of funds raised from the race are donated to the 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center, with the event being the only simultaneous 24-hour mountain bike and road bike event in the country.

This year, June 3rd – 4th, 2023 will be the 17th year of 24 Hours in the Canyon and Event Director Ryan Parnell said it continues to grow.

“The very first year, it looked like a little Saturday group ride. We had about 100 folks all from Amarillo and we have blossomed into where we are today where we are expecting …

Waco to seek grants for $13.2M in bike-ped projects in downtown, East Waco

Kourtney David | wacotrib.com

The city of Waco is poised to pursue another round of federal funding for street projects, with sections of Dallas Street, 11th Street and Austin Avenue up for $13.2 million in new bike lanes, sidewalks and other pedestrian features.

The Waco City Council will vote Tuesday on submitting an application to the Texas Department of Transportation for the three projects under the federal Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program. The grants would cover 80% of each project’s cost, with the city providing a 20% match, estimated at nearly $3 million.

The council meets for a 3 p.m. work session and 6 p.m. business session at the Waco Convention Center’s Bosque Theater.

The projects would go before the Texas Transportation Commission in a competitive …

Upcoming Rides

Chasing Watts | chasingwatts.com

MCC Tue/Thurs PM Ride Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

CA Tuesday Brittmoore- Hempstead Loop Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Justice League Tuesday Night Ride Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

TUE Group Ride | MTHCC Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

Trek 15-30 Mile Shop ride Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:10 PM

Tuesday Night Shop Ride | Pearland Bicycles Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Tuesday Night EH Ride Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

MCC Tuesday Morning Ride Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:30 AM

Trek West U Bridges Tame Tuesday Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Morning SBux Crew (Tues) from Dulles Tuesday, May 16, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

UBG 26 mile Wednesday Night Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

The Boot REBOOT Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Sugar Land Wednesday Worlds Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:15 PM

The Boot ReBooted Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

NWCC Hump Day Ride Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

CCC Gravel Wednesday Nights Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Active Cycling Ride Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

Trek Wed. Night Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

The Boot REBOOT Wednesday, May 17, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Beginners Ride | Trek West U Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Look Pro Go Slow Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

Thursday Night Shop Ride | Pearland Bicycles Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Bridgeland Ride Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

MCC Thursday Morning Ride Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:30 AM

MCC TUE/THURS PM RIDE Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Trek West U Bridges Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:30 PM

Look Pro Go Slow Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 7:00 PM

PW -Thursday Steady Pace Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 6:00 PM

Morning SBux Crew (Thurs) Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

44 Mile Sat Group Ride | Pearland Bicycles Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

UBG Saturday Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

R3 Ride 33! Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

CCC Road Ride Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

NWCC Zube park Rides Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

Trek SL Sienna 47 mi Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

NWCC Coffee Ride Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

Richmond to Fulshear Saturday, May 20, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

UBG Sunday – 35-50 miles Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

CCC Gravel Chappell Hill 55 (with options) Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

JL Sunday 30 Miler from PJs Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 7:00 AM

I Cycle Sunday 30+ Miler w/Dan And Juan Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

Sunday Miles 2.0 Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 7:30 AM

USAC TNR Tomorrow! Greater Houston Cycling Foundation

Alkek Velodrome | shoutout.wix.com

The weather made a mess of this weekends racing but I am hopeful we can still run TNR this week. I am working on a potential makeup TT date, Super Sunday #2 won’t be rescheduled but the championship events will be rolled into Super Sunday #3 on June 4th. The next 2 weeks of the YCL are also coming in June, registration will open nearer the time but save the dates! Check the Calendar for more!

Upcoming Events

5:45pm Tues May 16th – USAC TNR p/b Trek & Taco’s a Go-Go 5:45pm Tues May 30th – TNR Bunch Races 8:30am Sat June 3rd – Atomic TT Series #2 8:30am Sun June 4th – HPI Energy Services Super Sunday #3 5:45pm Tues June 6th – USAC TNR 9am June 12th-14th – Lawson Craddock YCL Week 1 9am June 19th-21st – Lawson Craddock YCL Week 2 5:45pm Tues June 20th – TNR Sprint Night with NJS Prizes! …

Upcoming Rides

Fort Worth Bicycling Association | www.fwbaclub.org

Chisholm Rusty Chain Gang Ramble
Tue, May 16, 2023 8:00 AM
4936 McPherson Blvd, Fort Worth, TX
Rusty Romp Tuesday Edition
Tue, May 16, 2023 8:00 AM
Benbrook YMCA, 1899 Winscott Road, Benbrook, TX 76126
Burleson and Beyond
Thu, May 18, 2023 8:00 AM
Spokes Parking Lot, 155 W Bufford St., Burleson, TX
Rusty Romp
Thu, May 18, 2023 8:00 AM
Benbrook YMCA, 1899 Winscott Road, Benbrook, TX 76126
FWBA Picnic 2023
Sat, May 20, 2023 8:00 AM
Elementary School, 409 N Pearson St., Godley
Benbrook - 8am Group and 9am Beginneer's Ride
Sun, May 21, 2023 8:00 AM
Benbrook Ball Fields, 1891 Winscott Rd, Benbrook, TX 76126
Chisholm Rusty Chain Gang Ramble
Tue, May 23, 2023 8:00 AM
4936 McPherson Blvd, Fort Worth, TX

Texas Biking from Twitter