Texas Bicycling News October 28th, 2022

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Why Dallas LOOP trail’s Victory-Design District link stalled out despite City Council OK

By Sharon Grigsby | www.dallasnews.com

The Hi Line Connector work is at the courthouse, not the construction site, as a contractor cries foul.

Remember the Hi Line Connector — the critical link needed to hook together the Katy Trail and the Trinity and close a hole in the grand 50-mile bike-and-hike loop through Dallas?

Given that the City Council approved the bid for this mile-long connection six months ago and groundbreaking was set for May, you probably figure construction dirt is flying.

Nope. Not a single shovelful has been turned on this stretch between the Victory neighborhood and the Design District.

The only work being done is in the courthouse as Dallas fights a lawsuit brought by a contractor who believes he — not the company council ultimately selected — deserved to get the deal.

Gadberry Construction had the …

Regalan 100 bicicletas y luego invitan a un paseo en grupo por Oak Cliff

By María Ramos Pacheco | www.dallasnews.com

La división Unidos del Departamento de Policía de Dallas junto con las organizaciones Happy Riders DTX y Bike Friendly Oak Cliff celebrarán el Día de Muertos en Oak Cliff con un paseo en bicicleta comunitario.

En el evento familiar que se llevará a cabo el sábado 29 de octubre a las 10 a.m. se obsequiarán 100 bicicletas a las personas conforme vayan llegando.

Las bicicletas gratuitas se entregarán a partir de las 8:30 a.m.

El punto de encuentro será en la escuela primaria Jimmie Tyler Brashear, ubicada en el 2959 S Hampton Rd y de ahí partirán en bicicleta hacia el parque Kiest. …

ACA Southern Tier

By Terry Rimmer | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 33 Buescher state park: That’s what you get

Thursday October 27, 2022, 54 miles (87 km) – Total so far: 1,801 miles (2,898 km) I kind of wished I had not talked about dogs yesterday for at mile 17 out of Austin there was a four way stop where I was turning left. Over a dozen dogs were gathered just looking for trouble. As I said yesterday coming from behind is not a problem but riding up to dogs is a different story. I zapped them as I rode forward which saw some off but there were a few who chased me across the junction, without stopping, and down the road. It gave me the jitters for a while but did not spoil my day. A secondary defence of air horn may be purchased, the only thing being I only have one free hand to discharge my ‘weapons’, hey ho.

The ride out of Austin was mostly on bike lanes and when I needed to make a left turn across lanes of traffic people were mostly very kind and let me in. On leaving the main roads, it was quiet country cycling, very flat so not much in the way of views but very pleasant.

I came upon a large crossing of the Colorado river with a new bridge shadowing the old which looked like it had been used as a pedestrian crossing but was now closed. Across the other side was the old town of Bastrop which is …

Day 34 Somerville: Who’ll stop the rain

Friday October 28, 2022, 66 miles (106 km) – Total so far: 1,867 miles (3,005 km) We have had a few false weather alarms and last night was one of them, it rained just a little around midnight. We awake to a moody sky but no rain and it was warm. We had breakfast in one of the shelters and not long after everyone left camp. Todays’s ride was an alternative to the normal route to avoid a very large antique festival at Round Top with stalls extending 11 miles along highway 237. There was likely to be lots of traffic about, most of it standing.

I was alone most of the day, as usual since nobody is cycling at my pace. I caught the main part of the group up just before Winchester and then pedalled on. We all knew there would be rain today, there was a 100% certainty and at around 10am it started. I donned my Goretex gear and carried on. For a while it stopped but then I turned a corner and I could see the storm in front of me, I could even see the streaks of rain falling.

It seemed as though God had emptied his bath water from above and then was moving his furniture about at the same time as playing with his light switches. The road quickly turned into a long puddle at about 1” deep. There was also …

Southern Tier West to East 2022

By Jim Elicker | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 25: Marfa to Marathon: Riding the Wind!

Friday October 28, 2022, 60 miles (97 km) – Total so far: 1,230 miles (1,979 km) It was a perfect day of cycling in the Big Bend region. Would that we could have these great conditions all the way through this big state! Sunny, 75F in the afternoon, good road surface most of the way, and a helpful steady tailwind most of the day. I used my highest gear range a lot today, for the first time on this trip. Cruising at 20+ mph on the flats with little effort, faster on the downhills. We rode 25 miles up to Alpine, had a fine lunch at the Reata. I had tortilla soup, David had apple cobbler w ice cream! Then 30 more miles to Marathon, riding the wind. Greeted by Ingrid, the proprietor of La Loma del Chivo, an amazing …

Day 26: Marathon to Sanderson: Still Flying!

Saturday October 29, 2022, 55 miles (89 km) – Total so far: 1,285 miles (2,068 km) Not much to say about today’s ride, except that we traveled at a blistering pace, thanks to the strongest tailwind ever. 55 miles in 3.5 hours of riding, average 16 mph. The wind was blowing so hard (I guess up to 30 mph) it felt uncomfortable to stop. So our stops were brief. We were SO glad this was not a headwind! I don’t think we could have ridden this distance. There were some notable events today. David saw javelinas skittering across …

Harlingen launches hike and bike trail’s third phase

By Fernando Del Valle | myrgv.com

HARLINGEN — After more than 20 years, the Arroyo Hike and Bike Trail is getting ready to branch out across the city, connecting neighborhoods and schools to shopping areas.

In 2000, the city opened the trial’s first stretch, running 2.1 miles across winding banks, crossing three bridges, from McKelvey Park to Arroyo Park.

After more than three years of planning, officials are getting ready to complete the six-foot-wide asphalt trail’s second phase — a $1.5 million, 1.5-mile stretch from Arroyo Park to Dixieland Park.

Now, officials are launching the trail’s third phase, a 1.1-mile span from …

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Zwift Clasica “La Historica” ZESP Watopia Handful of Gravel

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Monday I rode Zwift, Tuesday I tried Wahoo RGT, Wednesday and Thursday I rode on real concrete and asphalt. Today I was back to Watopia riding the gravel. I am a weather wimp and with the temperature in the mid 60’s and a strong line of rain approaching from the west I decided to stay dry (from the rain anyway). Scanning the upcoming Zwift events I found the Clasica “La Historica” ZESP riding the Watopia Handful of Gravel route. It started at 12:05 PM and lasted 60 minutes. I rode my Blue Norcross AL bike attached to a Wahoo Kickr Core smart trainer. I didn’t remember riding this route before but afterwards I checked SportTracks and saw that on March 21st of this year I rode it. I did much better in the March 21st ride than today: longer distance, shorter time, and a much higher average speed. I thought I was riding fast today but I was mistaken.

In Group D I came in first place according to ZwiftPower.com. In the last 10 minutes Rui Silva passed me but when the road started going up again I passed Rui and finished first. I changed to a gravel bike and gravel wheels but maybe a road bike would’ve been better. My average power was lower than the other D group riders and my average w/kg was lower.

10-28-2022 ZwiftPower Results Watopia Handful of Gravel
10-28-2022 ZwiftPower Results Watopia Handful of Gravel

Handful of Gravel basics: Length: 6.1 km (3.8 miles), Elevation: 73.5 m (241‘), Lead-In: 4.1 km (2.5 miles). Looking at my route profile I went over the climb 2 times and started a third. I was getting familiar with the scenery and turns. The sway back bridge was the best downhill portion. From ZwiftInsider.com it is described “Introduced for Tour of Watopia 2022, this route covers the upper half of the Jungle Circuit. The route begins at a large stone arch located 4.1km from the start pens, but free riders will spawn just before the arch. Once you’re through the start arch you’ll decend the dirt a bit before turning right onto the Mayan Bridge road. This twisty cutoff road is a mixture of dirt, stone, and wood, and takes you across the river to the other side of the Jungle Circuit. Turn right at the end of the cutoff and you’re back on the Jungle Circuit, riding uphill. Wave to the sloth, cross the rope bridge, and descend to the stone arch/start finish. All done!”

10-28-2022 Strava Zwift Ride Data Summary Watopia Handful of Gravel
10-28-2022 Strava Zwift Ride Data Summary Watopia Handful of Gravel

Texas Bicycling News October 27th, 2022

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Mueller Gets a Skate Park

By Ali Juell | www.austinchronicle.com

Skaters and bikers christened the concrete of the Mueller Southeast Greenway Park

On Friday, skaters and bikers of all ages could be found christening the concrete of the Mueller residential community’s (almost) brand-spanking-new skate park and pump track. Community members and project officials rang in the Mueller Southeast Greenway Park’s official grand opening with music, free popsicles, and a skate safety demonstration.

The skate park off of Manor Road, which has been open since late August, is outfitted with ramps, a grind rail, and a quarterpipe. The pump track is a separate area, which includes an …

Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally

www.discoverdenton.com

Presented By: Denton Breakfast Kiwanis (DBK) Club Dates: November 19, 2022 3001 Bronco Way Denton, TX 76207 Time: 9:00 AM

Denton Breakfast Kiwanis (DBK) Club invites you to our 40th Turkey Roll Bicycle Rally! We have four (4) routes, ranging from 29 miles to 68 miles, giving riders a picturesque fall day through northern Denton and southern Cooke counties. There will be plenty of sag wagons and rest stops, including the Raising Cane’s Chicken Finger stop at Wishbone Pass, the Rudy’s Bar-B-Q stop for the 68 milers, and our greatest ever Celebration Station at the finish line. …

Community briefs for Oct. 27

katytimes.com

… Friends of Willow Fork Park staging biking event Saturday

The Greater Cinco Ranch area has over 50 miles of dedicated bike trails. On Saturday, Greg Nady, an avid biker and Willow Fork Drainage District director, will lead a ride that enables people to learn about those trails.

This free event is a collaboration between Cool Cat Cycles and Willow Fork Drainage District. There will be two rides: a short family ride to WFDD park starting at Cool Cat Cycles store (near Local Table restaurant in Villagio Town Center) and a longer adult ride (starting/ending at Willow Fork Park) for anyone who wants to explore this area. Participants must have bicycles in good working condition. Kids who participate must not be using training wheels on their bicycles. All kids under 14 years of age must wear helmets.

The event is set for Saturday at Central Green, 5597 Gardena Lane. Activities are scheduled as follows:

8-8:30 a.m.: Ride from Cool Cats Cycle to Willow Fork Park.
8:30-9 a.m.: Bike Trails program and Dedication of new bike trails.
9-10:30 a.m.: Roundtrip bike ride from Willow Fork Park.

Install Bike Lanes on Speedway

Augustine D’Eramo | thedailytexan.com

Since its completion in April 2018, Speedway Mall has served a vital role for students on the UT campus. Once a car-centric street, it now serves the student body as a pedestrian pathway for commuting between classes.

However, with the current design of Speedway, cyclists can pose a safety hazard to pedestrians as they pass through large crowds at high speeds. To help mitigate the risk of bike collision injuries, UT should install separate bike lanes on Speedway.

There are various possibilities for the design of Speedway bike lanes that could help address safety issues. One option is to place them on the west side of Speedway with one lane flowing north and the other south. The …

Southern Tier (Eastern Half) – Redo

By TexasSalsa | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Southern Tier revisited: Jacksonville to Houston

Earlier this year I attempted a solo, self supported ride from Houston to Jacksonville but abandoned halfway through Louisiana due to mechanical issues. This time I’ll ride the opposite direction, hoping for better luck. On this ride I’ll be accompanied by my good friend Tom Smith, whom I’ve know for nearly 50 years since we attended the same high school in Antwerp, Belgium.

My real goal is to ride the perimeter of the US. However, despite being retired, I can’t take a year to do it all in one go so I’m doing it in ~1000 mi. increments. Depending on the exact route, this leg should be roughly 1200 mi.

We’ll fly to Jacksonville on October 25, and start riding the next day. Tom and I did Natchez Trace last year, but he hasn’t ridden a lot since so he’ll have to ride himself into shape! We’ll keep mileage low (~50 mi/day) until he can regain fitness. We’ll mostly follow the ACA Southern Tier maps but hope to take a detour to Panama City Beach to visit a friend we’ve known since the 1970’s when we lived in Belgium. How time flies!

Waco Bicyclist dead after being hit by 2018 Ford Expedition

By Angela Bonilla | www.kwtx.com

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A bicyclist is dead following an accident Wednesday evening in Waco.

Waco Police Department officers responded at 9:08 p.m. Oct. 26 near South 18th Street and Connor Ave.

When officers arrive, they found the bicyclist who was hit by a 2018 2018 Ford Expedition and was taken to the hospital.

Ernest Mclemore, 31, passed away at the hospital.

The next of kin has been notified.

According to police, the driver of the Ford was cooperative with the investigation and officers on the scene, no arrest was made.

The investigation is ongoing.

Mountain Biking: Darr records first place finish at Piney Hills Classic

By Jay Neal | www.jacksonvilleprogress.com

RUSTON, La. – Cullen Darr has won another prestigious race, this time in mountain biking, when he was the first to cross the finish line in the 30th Anniversary Piney Hills Classic Mountain Bike Festival, which took place in Ruston, La. on Sept. 18.

Darr, racing in the Category 1 Men 15-18 division, swiftly made his way through the course that featured climbs, twists and jumps surrounded by plenty of tall pine trees, in a time of 1:18.26.

He finished 2:47 in front of the runner-up, Kai Blankner (1:21.13).

The field included a total of five men.

In this event Darr, who attends Bullard High School, was sponsored by Texas Devo, Torchy’s Taco, Bike Mart and Matrix.

The Piney Hills Classic has a rich history and …

Cycle Progression Texas Cup things you need to know

Dave Bellante | www.tmbra.org

Top 5 Finisher stickers and TMBRA keychains for qualified racers. We will also have Regeared trophies for top 3 in each category. You need to have raced at least 3 races to qualify for Cycle Progression 2023 Texas Cup overall awards. Best 4 races count towards your total. The double points race counts as one race. We are updating the overall points now and will have them finished before the weekend. In order for us to produce fast accurate results PLEASE double check your entry information and make double sure that you have used the exact same name, birthday, and number. …

Texas Biking from Twitter

Cool, Clear Fall Weather Bike Ride On My Cervelo

Texbiker.net Posted on by

After eating breakfast and watching a couple of YouTube videos I slowly got ready for the bike ride. While waiting for the thermometer to hit 70 I fine tuned the left side of the BiSaddle on my Cervelo Caledonia which slipped about a 1/4″ out of where I wanted it to be. (I could tell the difference during the ride) I got dressed for the ride wearing shorts, a long sleeve jersey and a short sleeve jersey over that. I rolled my Cervelo to the driveway and pushed the Bolt computer start button at 11:10 AM. The ride was going south through Atascocita, Walden, east over Lake Houston, Fairlake Lane South, Old Atascocita Road east, FM 2100 south to Spanish Cove Drive where I would make the u-turn to head back to Kingwood. I changed the lead in for the ride to see some different streets and maybe avoid some shade. It would take about 15 minutes to warm up enough to offset the cooler weather. By the time I finished at 1:56 PM I biked 35.42 miles, about average when I include Spanish Cove Drive. 31 times I’ve rode this route in 2022 by far the most frequent route. No other cyclists along the ride today.

Workers at the FM 1960 and Atascocita Shores Drive construction zone positioned rebar for the next phase of concrete pouring. Maybe by next week that will happen making it easier to ride through the work area.

Weather for the bike ride: start 70 (humidity 46%, dew point 48), clear, wind E 8 mph; finish 76 (humidity 37%, dew point 48), mostly clear, wind SE 8 mph. Fortunately the wind stayed in the single digits keeping the headwind manageable.

Below from the AXS.SRAM.com ride report I show 33 RD shifts as I concentrated on shifting to the 35×15 gears from the 35×13 at stop signs and traffic lights. This makes for easier starts for my legs.

10-27-2022 AXS SRAM Ride Report
10-27-2022 AXS SRAM Ride Report
10-27-2022 AXS SRAM Component Summary Gear Usage - Time
10-27-2022 AXS SRAM Component Summary Gear Usage – Time
10-27-2022 AXS SRAM Component Summary Gear Usage - Distance
10-27-2022 AXS SRAM Component Summary Gear Usage – Distance
10-27-2022 Strava Ride Data Summary Atascocita-Walden-Huffman
10-27-2022 Strava Ride Data Summary Atascocita-Walden-Huffman