Texas Bicycling News October 18th, 2022

Texbiker.net Posted on by

ACA Southern Tier

By Terry Rimmer | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 23 Marathon: The wind and the rain

Sunday October 16, 2022, 57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 1,282 miles (2,063 km) Yesterday we had anticipated some rain but mother nature exceeded expectations in every way. We were all sitting in a communal kitchen which had a simple corrugated iron roof, dinner was finished. All of a sudden, the hail stones started, big ones which made a hell of a din on the roof. Soon that was followed by torrential rain which went on and on and on. After about half an hour the rain started running off the grass and forming streams and then rivers. The kitchen concrete floor soon became covered in water as a stream passed through. When there was a slight break in the storm, we took the opportunity to check our tents. That’s when I discovered along with a few other members of our group that our tents were in the middle of streams and the water was getting higher. I looked inside my tent and the base was like a water mattress and slight smattering of water had managed to get inside. It was time to evacuate and move the tent and everything to a bandstand which had a large canopy. I decided to this stage that there was no use in trying to get back into the tent. I made sure everything was in watertight bags and took my sleeping bag & mattress in search of somewhere dry. I managed to get inside a static tent which had been used but not cleaned, perfect. I spent the night dry and …

Alzheimer’s Association holds Ride to End ALZ in Wimberley

By Tierra Neubaum | www.fox7austin.com

WIMBERLEY, Texas – You can enjoy views of the Texas Hill Country while biking for a good cause.

The Alzheimer’s Association is holding its Ride to End ALZ on November 6. …

Houston Army veteran disappeared 4 years ago while on bike ride, family says never received media coverage

Amy Gordon | localtoday.news

The Missing: Have you seen Verona Kay Sanders?

FOX 26 reporter Gabby Hart spoke to family members looking for answers in hopes of finding Veronda Kay Sanders.

HOUSTON – FOX 26 is dedicated to shedding a light on the thousands of people who have disappeared from the greater Houston area and have disappeared without a trace.

In this installment of The Missing, FOX 26’s Gabby Hart introduces an Army veteran who went for a bike ride and never came home.

Veronda K. Sanders served in the US Army as a cook and toured Germany. She was 60 when she took a bike ride through her community in southeast Houston near MLK Blvd. and Bellfort Ave. on October 17, 2018. She never returned home. …

6 Houston Cycling Trails You Need to Ride

by Megan Broussard | www.houston.org

The City of Houston has a 345-mile interconnected bikeway network that includes high quality cycling routes for all experience levels. These trails offer beautiful city views like the skyline at sunset as well as plenty of lush greenery and natural landscapes. Below is a list of our favorite trails to explore in the greater Houston area. Bear Creek Pioneers Park

Why we recommend: There is so much to do here in addition to biking, such as a visit to the wildlife habitat and aviary or a round of tennis. Come for a bike ride and stay for a relaxing picnic, walk around the pond or wildlife encounter. Learn more Brazos Bend State Park

Why we recommend: This trail takes you through a forest and circles the …

Southern Tier Cross Country Tour

By Adam Wolf | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 24: Marathon, TX to Sanderson, TX

Tuesday October 18, 2022, 55 miles (89 km) – Total so far: 1,252 miles (2,015 km) The hotel last night worked out really well. It got quite chilly and was about 45 degrees when we got up this morning. Fortunately it was not raining. We did not think we needed to rush to get on the road because the ride was "only" 55 miles and the final 34 miles looked to be downhill based on the map. We left the hotel/campground around 9:20 and headed out on US 90 again. As usual, we had headwinds but not as strong as yesterday. Only about 10 mph with somewhat stronger gusts.

We stopped at about 10 miles in for a quick rest a snack and then again at about 21 miles because there was a picnic area with some signage about the Big Bend area. We ate our sandwich there and then proceeded on to …

My Mom said there would be days like this

Nicole Volek | strava.com

Finally cold snap in the air

Stellie’s Playground

Francisco Simas – US MES | strava.com

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Zwift – Race: ZHR Masters (E) on Innsbruckring in Innsbruck

Texbiker.net Posted on by

I went to the Zwift desktop program and saw the ZHR Masters on Innsbruckring in Innsbruck event starting at 11:30 AM. I had enough time to get ready for four laps around Innsbruck. I chose the E group because that was my age group. Not a large group with only 7 riders. It didn’t take long after the start for the other riders and groups to disappear in the distance. I wasn’t planning on racing just riding the course. The biggest climb was at 8% and I made it up that 4 times as you can see in the profile below. This was my first ride on the innsbruckring course. I’ve rode other routes around Innsbruck though.

ZwiftInsider.com describes the course, “Innsbruckring is the flat(ish), “in town” portion of the Innsbruck course. Beginning and ending at the start/finish banner, this route makes a great crit race course thanks to the “Leg Snapper”, a 450m long, 7% climb located around 5km from the start. This hill forces an attack every lap. Save your feather powerups!”

Outside it was below 60 degrees which is why I was riding in Zwift. That is below my cold threshold and its supposed to get colder tonight so Wednesday might be another Zwift ride day. Last week when my Wahoo Kickr Core arrived I thought it would be several weeks before I rode it but the weather changed. The Kickr resistance made getting up the climbs hard as it should and I changed to bigger rear gears and slowed down to 5 or 6 mph to the top. At the finish I was sweating.

I collected three Strava medals: PR on Legsnapper (2:19), 2nd fastest time on Legsnapper (2:28), 3rd fastest time on Legsnapper (2:31).

10-18-2022 Strava Zwift Ride Summary Innsbruckring
10-18-2022 Strava Zwift Ride Summary Innsbruckring
10-18-2022 Strava Zwift Ride Map Profile Segments Innsbruckring
10-18-2022 Strava Zwift Ride Map Profile Segments Innsbruckring

Texas Bicycling News October 17th, 2022

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Social media creativity leads to career resurgence for pro BMX rider

By Travis Recek | spectrumlocalnews.com

AUSTIN, Texas — Being on a bike is where Brad Simms is most comfortable. He’s been riding since he was pretty young and turned that love of BMX into a career. Simms has been able to ride in over 100 countries around the world and has competed in the X Games. But in 2019 it looked as if his career might have been coming to an end.

“I was down to my last $40 in my account,” says Simms. “I said, ‘It’s got to happen.’ You can be grinding for 10 years straight but if you don’t see it through to the 11th you’ll never know.”

That 11th year for Simms was 2020. The world was dealing with a pandemic and mostly stuck inside. That’s when Simms saw an opportunity.

“I knew people were inside looking at their phones,” says Simms. “People were bored out of their minds.”

It also meant the streets of Austin, Texas were as empty as they’ve ever been. Simms decided to get out on his …

Best Of Houston® 2022: Best Bike Shop

www.houstonpress.com

Best Bike Shop: Urban Bicycle Gallery

Houston has become an unlikely home for many a cycling enthusiast. The city has built and continues to build miles and miles of dedicated bike lanes despite its reputation as a car city. As a result, bike shops like Urban Bicycle Gallery have found a home here. In addition to selling and repairing all manner of cycles, the folks at UBG are heavily involved in the cycling community with regular local rides and a sponsored MS150 team. Like many similar shops, they were propelled by the run on bikes during the pandemic and have made a name for themselves as the shop where riders go to get their gear and get it fixed.

Urban Bicycle Gallery 801 Durham, Houston 713-863-0991 urbanbicyclegallery.com

Fort Bend Kia’s Recap of the Fort Hood Challenge

Drop Bar, Texas: A cycling podcast | anchor.fm

By Paul Negrete

Fort Bend Kia’s Simon Edmundson and Gabriel Odreman discuss their Fort Hood races, results, and training. They also provide info on how others can join or ride with Fort Bend Kia Cycling. Then, we have a look around Texas for upcoming cycling events on the calendar.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Links: Fort Bend Kia Cycling (FB), Fort Bend Kia Racing (IG), Kerrville Mountain Bike Festival, CX Under the Lights, Webberville Cyclocross Weekend, and Drop Bar Texas store.

Upcoming Rides

Chasing Watts | chasingwatts.com

Cycling Addicks Tuesday 24 Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

Trek West U Ride Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

MCC Tuesday – PM Edition. Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 6:15 PM

Tuesday / Thursday Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

Trek Memorial Tues Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 7:00 PM

Morning SBux Crew (Tues) Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 8:00 AM

Justice League Tuesday Night Ride Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 7:00 PM

MCC Tuesday – Shell to McKeever Tuesday, October 18, 2022 @ 6:30 AM

The Boot Ride Wednesday, October 19, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

Trek Sugar Land – Wed. Night Ride Wednesday, October 19, 2022 @ 6:00 PM

The Boot Wednesday, October 19, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

Taco Wednesday Wednesday, October 19, 2022 @ 6:00 PM

UBG 26 mile Wednesday Night Wednesday, October 19, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

Lasersnakes Wednesday Ride Wednesday, October 19, 2022 @ 7:00 PM

WALKING STICK THURSDAYS Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

MCC Thursday – PM Edition Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:15 PM

Look Pro Go Slow Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 7:00 PM

MCC Thursday – Shell to McKeever Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:30 AM

Tuesday / Thursday Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

JL Thursday Power Hour Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:00 AM

Trek West U – Bridges 2.2.1 Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

TREK West U – Beginners Ride Thursday, October 20, 2022 @ 6:30 PM

JL Friday Spice Power Hour Friday, October 21, 2022 @ 6:00 AM

Bike Around the Bay 2022 – Day-1 | Team Pearland Bicycles Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 7:30 AM

Trek Sugar Land – Sat Group 46 mi. Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 7:30 AM

JL 48 Miles thru Rosharon Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 6:00 AM

Bike Medicine Saturday Training Ride Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 8:00 AM

Blue Line Brunch Ride Saturday, October 22, 2022 @ 8:00 AM

Bike Barn West U Sunday, October 23, 2022 @ 7:30 AM

Active Passion Sunday Roll Sunday, October 23, 2022 @ 8:00 AM

Sunday Morning Ride with Kingwood Bicycles Sunday, October 23, 2022 @ 7:30 AM

JL Recovery & Coffee Ride Sunday, October 23, 2022 @ 6:30 AM

ACA Southern Tier

By Terry Rimmer | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 22 Marfa rest day: This much is now clear

Saturday October 15, 2022 We are staying at the El Cosmo campsite which without doubt is the most unique campsite I’ve ever stayed at. There are no vehicles allowed on site, you have to transport your gear with a wheelbarrow which is provided. Accommodation ranges from old converted caravans to teepees, yurts, tent cabins and other quite bizarre canvas structures. There are plenty of regular camp pitches like ours and a great clubhouse where you can just go and chill out. Free coffee is provided in the morning and the people running the place could not be more friendly. Last night, there was some live music which was really good. I would recommend this place on your southern tier intinerary.

I wandered into Marfa to have a look around and check out the local sights and shops. It is a cool place worth exploring. I finished up at an ice cream parlour where I met Zeke, organiser of the Marfa 100k cycling race yesterday and a …

Day 23: Marfa, TX to Marathon, TX

Monday October 17, 2022, 57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 1,197 miles (1,926 km) Last night it rained really hard! We even had a little hail. Thank goodness we were in the Safari tent at El Cosmico instead of our own tent. Many of our ride mates ended up moving their tents to the pavilion shelter in the tenting area during the night. The Safari tent took on a little water on the floor but the bed stayed high and dry and we had all of our stuff off the floor so it worked out OK. We even had the bike inside the tent so it stayed dry as well.

We were hopeful today when we set out from Marfa that we would only have headwinds to deal with. The temperature was cool (high 50s) at 8:30 when we left the campground. The winds were a mixture of headwind and crosswinds in the neighborhood of 15 miles per hour (gusts up to 25 at times). It was a slow ride for the …

Bike around the Bay route and road closures this weekend

by: Carrigan Chauvin | cw39.com

KIAH (CW39) – Bike Around the Bay is happening this weekend October 22 – 23, 2022. Traffic may be a little higher along the coast as riders start their route at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at Houston Raceway – 2525 FM 565, in Baytown, TX. The distance is a whopping 97.5 miles for day 1 riders. …

Inner Loop Southwest, and other sins

Dan – Thoughts from Huntington Place | dannagel1.blogspot.com

Saturday morning’s outing proves that the good people who placed these B Cycle stations, never gave any thought to crazy people trying to bike from one to another in some crazy game. But this is my biking area, so I figured it was high time to knock it out, even though my biking buddy stood me up, again! This time it was lame excuse like being on call, and getting assigned four jobs Saturday Morning. Several times in the past two months, he has thrown me over because his wife wanted to go somewhere, and once he cancelled on me so he could go see his Mommy! Talk about misplaced priorities! Not sure this Bromance is gonna make it!

Anyways, I often ride down Keegans and Brays Bayou Trails. I have actually gone as far as MacGregor Park (and took a bus back!), so this is my territory. I started at the Meyerland Jewish Community Center Station, parked my car in the neighborhood, and grabbed a bike. …

Thursday Night Social Ride – Beetlejuice Costume Theme – Thursday, October 20th 2022 from socialcyclingaustin

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

NSTD, Zwift PETA-Z Social Ride (D) on Greater London Flat in London

Texbiker.net Posted on by

New Smart Trainer Day (NSTD). I replaced my Wahoo Kickr Snap smart trainer with the Kickr Core last week. I didn’t know how soon I would have an opportunity to put it into action and today was the day. The Kickr Core is quieter than the Kickr Snap and my Blue Norcross AL bike sits a little closer to the floor. Before the ride I did a spin down to calibrate the smart trainer getting the speed up to 23 mph and coasting down. I thought it might be real hard to get to 23 mph but I went through the cassette gears and shifted to the big ring up front pretty quickly. Connecting the sensors to the Zwift companion app required a couple of attempts but after that they remained connected for the whole ride. I used the power and cadence sensor from the Kickr core. The setup went quicker than I thought. The opportunity for the NSTD came from the rain that started around 4 AM and continued to when I started the Zwift event.

10-17-2022 Wahoo Kickr Core Smart Trainer-2
10-17-2022 Wahoo Kickr Core Smart Trainer-2
10-17-2022 Wahoo Kickr Core Smart Trainer-1
10-17-2022 Wahoo Kickr Core Smart Trainer-1

With the setup out of the way I joined the social ride I found earlier in the companion app. The PETA-Z Social Ride started at 11:30 AM on the Greater London Flat course for 61 minutes. 175 riders signed up but during the ride the count was 154 as you can see in the video. At the finish the “race” results showed me in the 41st position.

The Kickr Core adjusted the resistance to correspond to the 348 feet of climbing and the descent. I used the towel often to wipe sweat from my arms. Strava reported 2 bronze medals for the ride. I rode this route once earlier this year and three times in previous years. I rode with other Zwifters most of the time until the last third of the time.

10-17-2022 Strava Ride Data Summary Zwift Greater London flat
10-17-2022 Strava Ride Data Summary Zwift Greater London flat
10-17-2022 Strava Ride Route Map Segments Zwift Greater London flat
10-17-2022 Strava Ride Route Map Segments Zwift Greater London flat