Texas Bicycling News Digest – May 3, 2023

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BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY: Austin-based Woom celebrates w/ a bike train at Blackshear Elementary

by Allison Miller | cbsaustin.com

On Wednesday, May 3, Austin-based premium kids bike brand, woom, partnered with the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative to celebrate National Bike to School Day with a bike train for the Blackshear Elementary School community to enjoy biking to school safely in a group with friends and neighbors.

The 30-minute route covered approximately 1.5 miles and meandered through the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood, picking up students along the way. …

Video: Tim Ryan and ‘Team Ugly’ raise money for Bike MS

www.fox4news.com

Good Day got the chance to catch up with an old friend. Tim Ryan and his team will tackle the annual two-day Bike MS Round Up Ride this weekend. It’s a huge race to raise awareness and money to help find a cure.

TxDOT gathers community input on proposed US 69 Lumberton-Kountze relief route during first public meeting

Author: Lupita Villarreal, Cameron Sibert | www.12newsnow.com

The exact route is still undecided. TxDOT officials are considering four locations and feedback from these public meetings could help them settle on the right spot.

LUMBERTON, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation held its first public meeting Tuesday to get input from Southeast Texans on the future location of their proposed evacuation route.

TxDOT’s Beaumont District is proposing a US 69 relief route with the intentions of providing a route to support safe and efficient north to south movement of people and goods between Beaumont and Woodville, according to TxDOT’s website.

The project would stretch approximately 20.2 miles from Cooks Lake Road, which is south of Lumberton, to FM 1003, which is north of Kountze, in Hardin County. …

… The project will also include a two-lane frontage road in each direction. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will be considered. …

DART’s Annual Bike to Work Day Event is May 12

By IrvingWeekly Staff | www.irvingweekly.com

On Friday, May 12, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) invites North Texans to pedal to work as part of the Dallas area’s 2023 Bike to Work Day annual event.

Launched in 2001, Bike to Work Day is a national event to encourage people to try bicycle commuting as a healthy and safe alternative to driving. DART buses and trains have features that make it simple to combine riding your bike with riding transit. On the front of DART buses, you’ll find easy-to-use storage racks, while on rail you can just roll your bike onto the train. At rail stations and transit centers, DART offers bike racks as well as bike lids. Both are free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis. …

Crime Reports: $1,600 electronic bicycle reported stolen from Abilene school

by: Erica Garner | www.bigcountryhomepage.com

… 3200 block of State Street – Theft of Property A victim reported her son’s electric bicycle worth $1,600 was stolen from school. …

Video: Laredo proclaims May as National Bike Month

By Roger Uvalle | www.kgns.tv

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – It’s a movement that advocates for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.

The city of Laredo has proclaimed May as National Bike Month in an effort to raise awareness for bicycle safety and active transportation.

Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, there are so many ways to celebrate bike month.

The Laredo Webb County Area Metropolitan Planning Organization said it is investing in more bike lanes as well as trying to implement bike-sharing and creating a bike network around the city. Juan Mendive, the director of the organization said, ”We have more than two trails but right now we have Zacate Creek trail and Chacon Creek trail. Each of them is about four miles long, but …

Southern Tier CoMotion

By Keith Misegades | www.crazyguyonabike.com

In the Rio Grande Valley: For Hancock to El Paso

Tuesday May 2, 2023, 46 miles (74 km) – Total so far: 2,173 miles (3,497 km) Today was a bit shorter riding distance, but it didn’t much feel like it due to the headwind. It wasn’t a real strong headwind, but was one that over a distance wears you down. I averaged 10.9 mph, so for a route that only gained 472 feet of elevation, the wind held me back a bit. I am now in the Rio Grande Valley with the Rio Grande River and Mexico just off my left shoulder for most of the day. At one point, I could have thrown a rock into the river or swam to the other side, but I didn’t want to get arrested.

Speaking of the border, at the time I am riding through here, El Paso is being inundated by a lot of migrants. Many of our military troops are being deployed here to help stem the tide and provide assistance to our border patrol agents. I have talked to a number of the border patrol agents and I can tell that they are tired, under-funded, and under-staffed. It looks like they are doing a great job and are working hard at looking for …

I get feelin’ better when I’m feelin’ some pain

Brent Wells | strava.com

Well, I think that TxDOT must be trying to convince me to purchase a gravel bike based on the conditions of the roads this evening! I am thankful that I was warned ahead of time by Paul Bonamer in the 006 group of which roads to take to avoid most of the loose chipseal. I’m also very pumped… honestly… that I hit the highest wattage I have hit since my accident… 1,214 Watts. As always, I am ultimately thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for saving me both spiritually and physically, for enabling me to return to this sport that I love, and for allowing me to have a safe ride tonight, with no mechanicals or flats?

Evening Ride Harris County, Texas

David Reynolds | strava.com

Evening Ride The Woodlands, Texas

Melissa Kunthea | strava.com

Nice ride. Got a flat. Thanks for recusing me

Evening Ride Schertz, Texas

Anthony Jurina | strava.com

Ccc gravel night Fort Bend County, Texas

Katya | strava.com

South Tomball Oilfield Harris County, Texas

Brad Stauffer | strava.com

Bear Creek Crit 3/4s – Father & Son 1st and 2nd Place Houston, Texas

Jason Rose | strava.com

Tuesday Night Criteriums at Breckinridge Park • Apr 18 2023 • Richardson, TX

Race uploaded by Jacob Read | www.road-results.com

Categories » Master 40+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men Cat 3/4 » Men Cat 4/5 » Men P/1/2/3

Tuesday Night Criteriums at Breckinridge Park • Apr 25 2023 • Richardson, TX

Race uploaded by Jacob Read | www.road-results.com

Categories » Master 40+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men Cat 3/4 » Men Cat 4/5 » Men P/1/2/3

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Problem Averted Before Biking The Calm Spring Creek Greenway

Texbiker.net Posted on by

5/5/2023 Update: I uploaded the wrong video. This is the correct video.

When I checked my bike ride history in SportTracks the last time I biked on the Spring Creek Greenway was April 3rd and today being May 3rd it was good timing. Stage 3 of the La Vuelta Femenina ended early so I started today’s bike ride sooner than I expected rolling away at 10:14 AM. Aboard my Cervelo Caledonia bike the weather was perfect with enough warmth that I could leave the long sleeve jersey at home and wear a short sleeve jersey with arm sleeves. The plan was to ride to John Pundt Park and maybe on to Dennis Johnston Park if I wanted to. When I got to the Carter Park trailhead and the John Pundt Park I rode away from the greenway for a mile or so to add to the mileage so I decided to not bike to Dennis Johnston Park. I may do that when I start earlier. The April ride was 43.14 miles and I wanted to ride around that far today. I finished at 1:50 PM biking 43.67 miles exceeding April’s miles slightly. Considering that I ride other routes multiple times during a month I should ride the greenway more than once a month. Today’s miles put my week and month total at 124.92, 17% of the way to my 750 goal for May. This equals 5.16 days of biking 24.2 miles per day. I have a little cushion on the way to my goal.

5-3-2023 SportTracks 1 year Ride History Spring Creek Greenway to Pundt Park
5-3-2023 SportTracks 1 year Ride History Spring Creek Greenway to Pundt Park

Within the first mile I looked down for my water bottle for some reason and it wasn’t there. In my exuberance in leaving ahead of time I left it at home. I circled back for it and was back on the road quickly.

I saw two cyclists in Kingwood on the way to the greenway which I don’t normally do. I didn’t see very many cyclists on the greenway. Most of the ones riding passed in the opposite direction more than once.

The loop into Jesse Jones Park had a road closed sign before the pool and downhill into the parking lot. I rode the trail to the bridge I usually ride on the way back to the I-69 trailhead even though the signs say no bicycles. I figured since the trail was closed it was okay.

Weather was very nice. The shade on the greenway kept the sun from getting too hot. Weather conditions: Start 77 degrees, 72% humidity, dew point 67, mostly cloudy, wind variable 5 mph; Finish 82 degrees, 54% humidity, dew point 64, partly cloudy, wind E 12 mph gusts 18 mph. All of the trees hid the increased wind but I felt it riding east on Hamblen Road to the entrance of the San Jacinto Bayou Greenway. Biking away from all the traffic noise of other routes was calming.

5-3-2023 Cervelo Caledonia Spring Creek Greenway-1
5-3-2023 Cervelo Caledonia Spring Creek Greenway at John Pundt Park during a short break
5-3-2023 Cervelo Caledonia Spring Creek Greenway-2
5-3-2023 Cervelo Caledonia Spring Creek Greenway leaving to go back to Kingwood

The greenway has many twists and turns making it difficult, at least for me, to ride much faster than the 15 mph speed limit. On the way back from from John Pundt Park my Bolt computer displayed two Strava segments with my previous best times. I pedaled hard but couldn’t beat them. On some of the inclines my legs couldn’t put out any more watts. I restrict my pedaling to the 35×15 gears on the greenway. I probably could’ve went faster if I used the 35×13 gears but I think that is too fast with other people biking and walking. These are four of the eight Strava medals from the ride: 2nd fastest time on The Chute (1:21), 3rd fastest time on SCG between the bridges (23:27), 3rd fastest time on Over Here (6:53), and 3rd fastest time on BANG BANG! (1:35).

I have not figured out why these Strava segments come up on my Wahoo Bolt computer but none on other routes. The other routes have numerous segments too.

5-3-2023 Strava Ride Summary Spring Creek Greenway to Pundt Park
5-3-2023 Strava Ride Summary Spring Creek Greenway to Pundt Park

Texas Bicycling News Digest – May 2, 2023

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Bexar County OKs funding for two southwest sections of Leon Creek Greenway trail system

by Andrea Drusch | sanantonioreport.org

Bexar County Commissioners approved more than $25 million Tuesday to design and construct two new Leon Creek Greenway trail extensions.

One segment will run 4.3 miles and connect the southern end of Pearsall Park to Spicewood Park, near State Highway 16. Commissioners approved $15 million for that project.

The second segment will run 2.6 miles between Dora Jordan Trailhead, at 8802 Military Dr. West, and Rodriguez County Park. That trail connection received $9.6 million. …

Sharing Spaces: Cyclist makes elite team after near death experience 30 years ago

By: Larissa Liska | www.kristv.com

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Local athlete, Orlando Gonzalez, has lived his life pursuing his passion, running and cycling at the highest level of competition. Over 30 years ago his dreams came to a stop, an accident that could have been prevented by sharing spaces.

"There is an adrenaline rush that I receive from riding and running at a high tempo. Apart from the competitive running that I was doing in college, I was still in the offseason competing in triathlons and bicycle races," Gonzalez said. "I’ve always had a love for all three (cycling, running and swimming)."

Gonzalez dedicated miles to training, staying on track and finally …

Recent diagnosis inspired a local woman to ride the Texas MS 150

By Tom Zizka | www.fox26houston.com

HOUSTON – The annual Texas MS 150 returned to Texas roads, with nearly 6,000 people registered to start to two-day charity ride that ends in College Station, at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field.

Among them, was a young woman who discovered, just months ago, why so many people ride. Just a year ago, Andre Bedoy wouldn’t have imagined a simple bike ride would be a big deal. That all changed on a hiking trip, last November, when a headache turned to lost vision, and the right side of her body incapacitated. …

@booksbikes

Texas MS 150 Day 1 was a blast!! #cycling #bikelife #texas #bikems

? We Rise Against (Full) – Jonathan Paulsen

@imwynston

#letsgo My body was exhausted afterwards but I had a great experience #texasms150 #collegestationtexas #bikelife

? X World – Muspace

@cesarchavez713

Texas MS 150 was an experience! Definitely recommend getting out and participating to help people with Multiple Sclerosis. #ms150 #texas #biking For more info, visit the link below. https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=578

? Superhero (Heroes & Villains) – Instrumental – Metro Boomin

@booksbikes

Texas MS 150 Day 2 was ?Always better with frens. #bikems #texasMS150 #bikelife #cycling

? Reflections on 52nd – Psyched on Sound

@melissafitz8

#proudmomma #daughter #heartbursting #TexasMS150 #ms150

? Pretty Girls Walk Up – Pink Paul

Taking Back Texas’ Streets

by Benton Graham | www.texasobserver.org

TxDOT has blocked a plan in San Antonio to turn two lanes of a major thoroughfare into bike paths. What does it mean for other cities?

Whether sharing dry recitations of road-design timelines, impassioned calls for local control, or just general bewilderment, all the speakers at the January 27, 2022 Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) meeting were united around a cause: asking the state to relinquish part of a roadway to the city of San Antonio.

A carousel of city officials and mobility advocates took the stand urging the commissioners to delay a decision that soon would reveal itself to be a foregone conclusion. The state refused to budge. It would not follow through on years of work that would have transformed two of the six-car lanes into bike lanes on Broadway, also known as State Loop 368, which passes through the northern end of the city and into Alamo Heights.

“We cannot reduce capacity,” TTC Chairman J. Bruce Bugg Jr. said multiple times after the …

Registration for Bike The Woodlands Month Events, Workshops, and Rides Now Open

hellowoodlands.com

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Township, with support from Bike The Woodlands Coalition, will host several activities throughout the month of May in celebration of National Bike Month, in efforts to create a better community through bicycling.

Bike to Work Day will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive. Bike commuters are invited to meet for refreshments and bike commuting information. New for 2023, businesses are invited to get involved by becoming an Official Energizing Station or registering their …

Cycling Efficiently April 29, 2023

Veloharmony | www.youtube.com

Our content provides group rides with narrated cycling tips, product reviews, bicycle maintenance and cycling training videos to help you go further and faster on each and every ride.

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

Prologue: 00:00

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Exploring Familiar Routes in Reverse: My Latest Biking Adventure

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Most of my biking routes don’t have a different name when I ride all or part of it in reverse. Today’s ride was one of those. The route for today was Kingwood – Stroker Road – Kingwood. No new streets or roads but I biked FM 2100 south to Stroker Road to Ramsey Road to Old Atascocita Road in reverse. The scenery looks different seeing it from the opposite side of the road. The road surface is different too. No climbs or descents changed since the roads around here are basically flat. Riding east on Stroker Road that side of the road is rougher than the other lane with lots of cracks and patches. This route wasn’t feasible until the road construction on FM 2100 was close to completion. The ride history shows the March 25, 2021 route traveled east of Old Atascocita Road, south on Ramsey Road, west on Stroker Road. At Stroker Road the construction forced me to retrace the route back east on Stroker Road, Ramsey Road, and Old Atascocita Road. The other rides, except today, went in the normal clockwise direction. On FM 2100 the construction was to a point I could ride north on or beside FM 2100.

5-2-2023 SportTracks Ride History Kingwood-Stroker Road-Kingwood
5-2-2023 SportTracks Ride History Kingwood-Stroker Road-Kingwood

I started the ride at 10:59 AM after watching stage 2 of the La Vuelta Femenina from Spain. I could’ve started a few minutes sooner but was hoping it would warm up a few degrees more. From early morning fog it turned to an overcast sky with a NE 5 mph breeze. The wind was mostly not a challenge and a couple of places where I expected some headwind it wasn’t a problem. I dressed a little warmer than necessary with a long sleeve jersey under a short sleeve one. Weather during the ride: Start 73 degrees, 82% humidity, dew point 68, overcast, wind NE 5 mph; Finish 80 degrees, 54% humidity, dew point 62, overcast, wind E 9 mph. I finished the ride at 2:19 PM.

Biking 44.08 miles today was about average for this route no matter the direction. Combined with yesterday’s miles the week (and month) is up to 81.24 miles. This is 11% of the way to my 750 mile goal for May. I need average 24.2 miles per day whether I ride or not. I’m at 3.4 days now giving me a small cushion.

Yesterday I received a new Bar Fly Mini 4 computer mount for my GoPro camera. I installed it for today’s ride. The Bar Fly lowers the GoPro below the height of the handlebars maybe reducing the wind resistance a tiny bit. You can see it in the video.

As I was getting ready to ride my Bolt computer downloaded a firmware update with the new summit feature. I’ve watched a couple videos on it and wished I could see it where I ride but there are no summits. One tiny uphill I rode today wasn’t steep enough or long enough to trigger it.

Riding by the tiny trucks on FM 210 I spotted a new tiny truck, a red fire engine with ladders, hose and lights. I’m not sure how practical it is. I don’t think it will get to the scene very quickly and probably doesn’t carry any water or more than 2 firemen.

No saddle changes on the Cervelo. Still riding the Velo Senso TT+.

5-2-2023 Strava Ride Summary Kingwood-Stroker Road-Kingwood
5-2-2023 Strava Ride Summary Kingwood-Stroker Road-Kingwood