Texas Bicycling News May 5th 2022

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Ride 2 Recovery

By Blair Dupre | www.forthoodsentinel.com

More than 20 cyclists bike through Fort Hood More than 20 bikers participating in the Project Hero: Ride 2 Recovery Texas Challenge were greeted by Soldiers at III Corps and Fort Hood Headquarters before making their way to Waco April 28.

The 1st Cavalry Division Band played fun, upbeat music as the bikers made a few laps around the flagpole circle, saying hello to the Soldiers.

The non-profit, Project Hero, was founded in 2008 to help veterans, service members and first responders, suffering with both …

Workshop to solicit input from residents who live along East Loop 281 corridor

By Yoleyne Romero | www.news-journal.com

From left, Carl Owens, David Townsend and Michael Tubb bike in March 2017 down Tryon Road. Residents who live along the East Loop 281 corridor from Tryon Road to Page Road/Delia Drive are asked to provide input on traffic and safety during a public workshop scheduled next week.

Residents who live along the East Loop 281 corridor from Tryon Road to Page Road/Delia Drive are asked to provide input on traffic and safety during a public workshop scheduled next week.

Bryan McBride, transportation planning manager and director of the Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization, said the workshop Tuesday is an opportunity for residents within that area to give their opinions on needed improvements. …

Letters To The Editor

www.texarkanagazette.com

I’m a 6th-grader at Pleasant Grove Middle School and I walk home from school everyday and I think walking from school can be dangerous sometimes.

One of the problems with walking home is not having any sidewalks to use. Some kids walk on the side of the road and they can be hit by a car. When it’s raining my shoes get wet and muddy because I am not allowed to walk in the street and I have to walk in the grass.

Another problem is that there is no bike lane. I would like to ride my bike to school but my mom won’t let me because there is no sidewalk or bike lane. I see my friends ride their bikes to school and they have to ride their bikes in the middle of the street. My mom worries they might get hit by a car.

People speeding is also a problem. When kids are walking home cars do not slow down or move over, this is dangerous because kids riding their bikes or walking in the street can get hit by a speeding car.

I like walking home from school and think sidewalks and bike lanes would be a great addition to keep kids safe who walk home like I do.

Roman Martinez

Shaun’s east-to-west solo Route 66 tour

By Shaun Ivory | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 32: Conway, TX to Amarillo, TX

Wednesday May 4, 2022, 39 miles (63 km) – Total so far: 1,310 miles (2,108 km) The wind forecast was a little inaccurate, and I ended up having a slight tailwind most of the day, so today became a really easy, short day.

I started off the ride taking pictures of the Slug Bug Ranch, which was just around the corner from my motel. I didn’t stop there yesterday, because there were a bunch of people there, but it was just me this morning.

I kind feel about the same regarding the Slug Bug Ranch as I did about the Cadillac Ranch the last time I saw it, in July, 2000. It’s a little depressing, because there was so much litter around it, including lots of empty spray paint cans. But it is very colorful!

The rest of the ride was uneventful until I passed …

[Ft. Worth to New Orleans](https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3d2&page_id=628248&v=10

By Jo Hodgin | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Buffalo, TX to Crockett, TX: Pre-Tier Plusses and Minuses

Friday April 29, 2022, 46 miles (74 km) – Total so far: 46 miles (74 km) We’re creating our own route to get us from our start in Buffalo to the actual Southern Tier at Bon Wier.

Pluses: 1.Gorgeous weather. 2. Texas wildflowers. 3. Stunning shortcut from Rt 75 to 7. (Take 831 and 1550. 4. whitetail deer who thought he was a dog. He wore a kerchief around his neck and actually ran the fence line with his brother the boxer. I think he would have barked if he could. Gently rolling hills. 5. More running: a small herd of cows running in their field for the fun of it. Larry was pretty sure they were racing us. 6. A tailwind most of the day. That never happens! 7. Just enough clouds and sprinkles to makea nice cool riding day. 8 Courteous drivers. 9. Mimsy’s Barbecue in Crockett. Fantastic food, friendly service and really fun entertainment.

Minuses:

  1. Rt.7 shoulder disappeared a few miles after we joined the route. And of course that’s when the trucks showed up. Pretty sure "Strike the shoulders, cue the trucks" is some sort of cosmic stage direction.

  2. We are in wretched shape.

Crockett, TX to Trinity, TX: Riding Lessons from a Gravel Road

Saturday April 30, 2022, 30 miles (48 km) – Total so far: 76 miles (122 km) The day started with a flat tire in our hotel room, the best place for that to happen. Larry swapped out the sealant in his tubeless Compass tire for a tube that we’re carrying with us.

With only 30 miles to travel today, we took a Google detour from the straight shot Highway 19 with it’s big, wide shoulders and constant traffic Great choice, seriously!

The detour included …

Trinity ,TX to Livingston, TX: The Long Unwinding Road and Holy Ghost Slides for a Sunday

Sunday May 1, 2022, 35 miles (56 km) – Total so far: 111 miles (179 km) We started earlier and ate a little more today, which makes the ride much more enjoyable. Texas FM 356 from Trinity to Onalaska took us from ranch country to the little marinas and fishing camps at the top of Lake Livingston.

In Onalaska, we recommend Jerry’s Cafe. We split the daily special: roast chicken, dressing, cranberry sauce, seriously delicious rolls, broccoli-cheese cornbread, and a church supper’s worth of sides. Cost: $15

Highway 190 punished us with …

Livingston, TX to Woodville, TX: Define moderate…

Monday May 2, 2022, 38 miles (61 km) – Total so far: 149 miles (240 km) Back on 190 today, on a route that Google describes as "moderately hilly." The hills aren’t high, but they are long, and constant. So 50/50 toil and fun.

For most of the day, there was no navigation required, leaving me free to ponder questions like this:

Is road grime an exfoliant?

Woodville, TX to Jasper, TX

Tuesday May 3, 2022, 29 miles (47 km) – Total so far: 178 miles (286 km) We had all the weather today, including a chilly downpour that considerately timed itself to arrive while we were shopping in the only market between Woodville and Jasper. Serendipity!

We broke out the ponchos today to get through some rainy spots

The wonderful wide Rt. 190 shoulder outdid itself again, for the most part even cleaner and smoother than ever. The shoulder disappeared on the long causeway crossing the Steingahen Reservoir, but traffic is considerate. I love this route!

Get in Gear for National Bike Month With These 5 Rides Around Texas

by Ian Dille | texashighways.com

These routes satisfy every skill level, from a smooth ride along the San Antonio River Walk to a challenging, mixed-surface course in the Hill Country

I’ve ridden bikes and written about riding bikes all over the world, but there’s no place I prefer to pedal more than here in Texas. From the Chihuahuan Desert in West Texas to the Piney Woods in the East, the state boasts a diversity of terrain, an ever-evolving network of paved and dirt trails, and—if you’re hip to the gravel bike trend—more miles of dirt road than anywhere else in the nation. May is National Bike Month, so saddle up, amigos. These are some of the best bike rides in the Lone Star State. …

Texas Challenge riders make a ‘pitstop’ at Fort Hood

By Blair Dupre | www.army.mil

FORT HOOD, Texas – More than 20 cyclists participating in the Project Hero: Ride 2 Recovery Texas Challenge were greeted by Soldiers at III Corps and Fort Hood Headquarters before making their way to Waco, Texas, April 28.

The 1st Cavalry Division Band played fun, upbeat music as the riders made a few laps around the flagpole circle, saying hello to the Soldiers.

The non-profit, Project Hero, was founded in 2008 to help veterans, service members and first responders, suffering with both …

Dallas nonprofit gives free bicycle maintenance, training and education

by: Tyler Manning | cw33.com

DALLAS (KDAF) — One Dallas nonprofit says it’s dedicated to wellness through bike riding. It’s called Bike Friendly South Dallas and it all started back in 2016.

Officials say they help the community with mobility and mentoring through bicycle riding. They give free maintenance, safety skills training and education.

The nonprofit also donates bikes and provides free repairs to children and adults of all ages who need help with transportation.

Bike Friendly of South Dallas officials hold …

Texarkana public art bike tours continue through May

by Karl Richter | www.texarkanagazette.com

TEXARKANA — Free bicycle tours of public art downtown will continue on Fridays through May.

Sponsored by the Texarkana Arts and Historic Commission, the guided tours spotlight downtown murals and other art.

Destinations include found object sculptures by George Tobolowsky, 1894 Market, Joseph Raymond Art Gallery and various murals, including those at the Kress Gap.

Participants meet at the …

Planned discussion of Houston’s bike progress veers to debate over 11th Street project

Dug Begley | www.houstonchronicle.com

A discussion planned to laud Houston’s efforts to expand bicycling access Thursday turned into a debate on the merits of a two-mile stretch of 11th Street.

The city’s plan to reduce 11th to one lane in each direction from Shepherd to Studewood — cheered by cyclists — has faced late opposition as construction nears. Residents concerned over the traffic impacts of taking away an automobile lane and the benefits of adding protected bicycle lanes used a scheduled discussion about the city’s bike lane progress to reiterate their concerns to City Council’s transportation, technology and infrastructure committee.

Critic Ann Derryberry, who lives near …

Flower Mound Mayor’s Message — May 2022

www.crosstimbersgazette.com

Hello, Flower Mound! I’m thrilled to tell you about some very exciting changes that are happening this month to the Town’s website, www.flower-mound.com. For months, staff has been working with our web provider, CivicPlus, on a website redesign that incorporates an updated, light, and modern design; inclusion of more imagery and video; and a refreshed navigation system. And now, we’re finally at launch time! The new site will be live in early May. …

… The Town’s second annual Bike with the Blue 5K Run and Bike Race will take place on Saturday, May 14 in Lakeside DFW. The event will consist of a 5K run, youth ride where children will ride a short course with multiple law enforcement agencies, civilian bike race, and police bike race. All proceeds will benefit Journey to Dream – Kyle’s Place, a transitional living program for homeless teens working toward independence. Join us for this popular event! Learn more at flower-mound.com/bikewiththeblue. …

Cinco De Mayo ride .. beat the rain

Monica Sosa (SH Toxicas) | strava.com

Thursday

Eduardo Salas (Cyclones) | strava.com

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Shoved Around In The Wind. Huffman – Liberty County Line

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I watched an exciting finish to stage 3 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque before starting today’s bike ride. While sitting at the breakfast table I saw how the wind whipped the bushes around beside the driveway. I hoped this didn’t happen to me on the bike ride. After dressing for the ride I wheeled the Cervelo Caledonia out to start the ride at 10:48 AM. Wanting a ride close to 40 miles I chose my “Huffman – Liberty County Line” thinking it would be about 38 miles but it turned out to be 40.07 miles by the 1:57 PM finish. Checking SportTracks I saw this was the 4th ride on this route in 2022 surprising me. I don’t often ride in Liberty County.

5-5-2022 YTD Bike Rides Summary Huffman - Liberty County Line
5-5-2022 YTD Bike Rides Summary Huffman – Liberty County Line

With today’s miles the week stands at 163.54 miles and the month 184.93. The Strava “Year Progressions” shows 2486 miles YTD 7 miles less than last year on this date.

The wind I saw while eating breakfast was waiting for me. The gusts were determined to shove me and the Cervelo around whenever it wanted. The hardest parts of the ride were going south. Fortunately the route went east and west more than south into the wind. My legs took a beating pedaling in the headwind. Weather conditions: start 81 (humidity 80%, dew point 74), mostly cloudy, wind SW 13 mph gusts 24 mph; finish 87 (humidity 66%, dew point 74), mostly cloudy, wind S 20 mph gusts 33 mph. I don’t need to dress for chilly weather any more. I wonder when the wind will let up some. I watched the weather radar before the ride as some rain moved through the area but none fell on me or the roads during the ride.

There were times when my legs pedaled into the wind that I shifted to the 35×15 gearing and rode less than 10 mph. The AXS.SRAM.com ride report shows 25 RD shifts. The overall riding time was 3:04:00 and somehow I managed to ride 1:37:02 in 35×13 gearing (22.9 miles). The 35×15 gearing totaled 13.3 miles in 1:06:14. My average speed was better than yesterday’s ride at 13.2 mph.

5-5-2022 Strava Huffman - Liberty County Line Data Summary
5-5-2022 Strava Huffman – Liberty County Line Data Summary

Texas Bicycling News May 4th 2022

Texbiker.net Posted on by

Austin kids bike to school Wednesday

by: Daniel Gravois | www.kxan.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Be careful on your Wednesday morning commute.

Austin Public Works’ Safe Routes to School program is hosting a Bike To School Day. It expects students and families at 24 different schools across Austin to participate.

It’s all part of the 11th annual National Bike & Roll to School Day. The organization says 1,632 events are registered across the country. APW will host a ride and walk from Bartholomew Park to Blanton Elementary along with the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative.

The ride and walk begin at 7 a.m. and will be on Berkman Drive and Rogge Lane. City of Austin, Texas Department of Transportation and Austin Transportation Department will all have representatives there to hand out safety equipment and snacks, and they’ll be available to answer questions

Video: Bicyclist delivering meals injured in hit-and-run on South Side, police say

Rebecca Salinas | www.ksat.com

SAN ANTONIO – A man who was delivering meals on a bicycle was hit by a vehicle on the South Side early Wednesday, according to San Antonio police.

The man in his 50s was traveling in the 3300 block of Fairmeadows Street, not far from Poteet Jourdanton Freeway and Interstate 35, when he was hit before 3 a.m.

He told officers that he had just left an apartment and was delivering meals. Everything went black as the vehicle struck him from behind, he told police.

A witness told officers that they saw a grey SUV drive off toward Palo Alto Road.

The bicyclist was taken to University Hospital in serious but stable condition.

Video from the scene showed pre-packaged meals scattered on the floor by the bicycle.

Video: Couch To 50 offers training for Hotter’N Hell Hundred

By Priscilla Meza | www.newschannel6now.com

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – Hotter’N Hell Hundred is right around the corner and if you need help preparing for it, Endurance House is hosting a program to train people in the community for the biggest cycling event of the year here in Wichita Falls.

Jamie Rice is a real estate agent by day, but at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she transforms into one of the group’s fearless leaders.

“I enjoyed it so much that I started a Facebook group for other cyclists throughout the year that wanted to start cycling,” Rice said.

She’s a leader of Couch To 50, a bicycling group that’s been helping prepare people for Hotter’N Hell for seven years. While there are still a few months left until race day, the community group is encouraging people to start hitting the road now.

“One of our community events that we help with …

Mayor Sylvester Turner says he will look at 11th Street Bikeway design as some residents speak out

By Sofia Gonzalez | communityimpact.com

A project that involves redesigning a portion of 11th Street in the Heights to include better bicycle and pedestrian facilities is nearing the end of the design phase, but Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced May 3 he intends to take a closer look at the project following opposition from some Heights residents.

Turner made the announcement at the May 3 Houston City Council public session, during which multiple people also spoke out against the project. Turner said he will take "ownership" of the city project and use the next 30 days to make an assessment on the design.

Known as the 11th Street Bikeway, the project involves making roadway improvements on …

City to proclaim National Bike Month

By Justin Reyes | www.kgns.tv

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) – You might see more people rolling around town by bicycle this month.

The City of Laredo is hosting a ceremony to proclaim the month of May National Bike Month.

The event is an effort to advocate for bicycle safety, health, and active transportation.

National Bike Month will be celebrated by promoting events such as bike to work week, bike to work day, and other activities that will engage the community to participate during this celebration.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at city hall chambers.

Students walk, ride to Blanton Elementary School for Austin’s ‘Bike to School Day’

by Emily Chavez, Stephanie Becerra | cbsaustin.com

AUSTIN, Texas — ‘Bike to School Day’ is back! The City of Austin’s Safe Routes to School program is once again hosting bike-to-school days.

The program took a break at the beginning of the pandemic and during shutdowns.

This Wednesday morning around 7 a.m., a group of students from Blanton Elementary School biked or walked to school with their families and crossing guards from Bartholomew Park. …

Austin Public Works Hosts Bike to School Day Celebration

www.austintexas.gov

60+ students participated in a group ride to Blanton Elementary School this morning at one of 20+ Bike to School Day events held across the city.

A chorus of bicycle bells rang out over Berkman Drive in northeast Austin early Wednesday morning as Austin Public Works and Ghisallo Cycling Initiative staff led over 60 students and their guardians on a group ride to Blanton Elementary School.

Austin Public Works’ Safe Routes to School program partnered with the school to organize the ride as part of national Bike & Roll to School Day. The event was just one of over 20 such events held across the Austin area, and one of over 1,600 Bike to School Day events held across the country. …

Video: Speeding cars a constant problem on street where bicyclist was hit, neighbors say

Katrina Webber | www.ksat.com

Police are looking for driver of gray SUV that ran down cyclist

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A crash that left a bicyclist hurt early Wednesday morning didn’t exactly come as a surprise to some people who live in the Southwest Side neighborhood where it happened.

They say speeding cars, increased traffic and a somewhat blind curve have made their once-quiet street a more dangerous place.

The crash, which happened at some time before 3 a.m. in the 3300 block of Fairmeadows, sent a man on a bicycle to a hospital. …

Linking trails in N Houston for roadbiking – Mercer Arb to Spring Creek GW from bikehouston

Saturday Morning Caffeine Cruise May 7th 2022 from socialcyclingaustin

Thursday Night Social Ride May 5th 2022 from socialcyclingaustin

Texas Biking from Twitter

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Just A Few Other Cyclists, Reduced Wind. Spring Creek Greenway

Texbiker.net Posted on by

I decided today would be a good day to bike the Spring Creek Greenway to Pundt Park. I try to bike the greenway at least once in a month. I rode away at 10:21 AM on my Lynskey R300 bike looking forward to seeing other cyclists along with joggers and walkers. It wasn’t very busy today with only a few cyclists, walkers, and joggers. The mowing crews were busy and they all stopped mowing as I passed to minimize the dust and flying grass. This was the 4th bike ride to Pundt Park this year.

5-4-2022 YTD Bike Rides Spring Creek Greenway Pundt Park
5-4-2022 YTD Bike Rides Spring Creek Greenway Pundt Park

I wanted to ride at least 40 miles and added two streets off of the greenway, Treashwig Road at the Carter Park trailhead and Birnhamwood Blvd. at Pundt Park. I thought these would increase the mileage to 42 miles but it turned out to be just slightly longer than the previous ride. I need to look at the map from the March 28th ride to see how it went longer.

Biking the greenway feels different from riding on streets. On the greenway there are no stop signs, many curves, and deceptive inclines. I think my legs get a different workout.

One advantage biking the greenway are the trees for shade and slowing the wind. One disadvantage, I think the foliage blocks the GPS signal. Several times today I looked at the Bolt computer while moving and the speed was 0. After the ride I checked the speed sensor battery and it need to be replaced so that could’ve been the reason too.

Away from the greenway the wind was strong with 23 to 24 mph gusts. I didn’t notice that biking to Pundt Park but on the way back when I went through an open space the wind roared into me. The temperature was pleasant with the shade and wind. A few gray clouds moved by but no rain. Weather conditions: start 80 (humidity 83%, dew point 75), mostly cloudy, wind SE 14 mph gusts 22 mph; finish 85 (humidity 68%, dew point 74), mostly cloudy, wind SE 14 mph gusts 24 mph.

I took a short rest at Pundt Park before heading back. There a number of mothers and children at the swings. There weren’t that many cars in the parking lot.

After finishing at 1:47 PM I checked Strava and saw a number of top results which surprised me because I didn’t think I rode fast enough.

5-4-2022 Strava Spring Creek Greenway Segments-1
5-4-2022 Strava Spring Creek Greenway Segments-1
5-4-2022 Strava Spring Creek Greenway Segments-2
5-4-2022 Strava Spring Creek Greenway Segments-2
5-4-2022 Strava Spring Creek Greenway Data Summary
5-4-2022 Strava Spring Creek Greenway Data Summary