Texas Bicycling News Digest May 13th 2021

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Journal Profile: Heidi Anderson a natural fit to oversee iconic Austin hike and bike trail

By Patricia Rogers | www.bizjournals.com

Heidi Anderson’s job is a stroll in the park.

As CEO of The Trail Foundation since 2017, it is her job to oversee the nonprofit as it carries out its mission to care for the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Austin’s iconic 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake.

Anderson said a big portion of her time these days is spent on strategic planning to get all the pieces and personnel in place before responsibility for the park’s operations transition from the city to TFF. Already, the nonprofit has been contributing the lion’s share of funds for its upkeep — more than $3 million annually compared to the city’s contribution of less than a million. This larger, more formalized nonprofit/public partnership is a …

Marshall ISD trustees thank Mission Marshall for Read to Ride program

By Bridget Ortigo | www.marshallnewsmessenger.com

Marshall ISD trustees on Wednesday offered special recognition and thanks to Mission Marshall on this, the fifth anniversary of the nonprofit’s Read to Ride program reading partnership with Marshall ISD.

Mission Marshall Executive Director Misty Scott was at Wednesday’s special meeting to receive a plaque and certificate of appreciation from the district for the years of service and reading incentives for students through Read to Ride.

Marshall ISD Elementary ELAR Coordinator Regina Jackson thanked Scott and Mission Marshall on behalf of the district, while also …

Podcast: Hidalgo EDC wants to build a River Walk, 7-mile hike and bike trail to McAllen

By Mario Muñoz | riograndeguardian.com

HIDALGO, Texas – Hidalgo Economic Development Corporation wants to develop a seven-mile hike and bike trail that extends to an existing trail in McAllen and a river walk similar to that in San Antonio.

The ambitious plans were outlined during a recent webinar by Priciliano (J.R.) Treviño, executive director of Hidalgo EDC. The virtual Commercial and Investment Tour of Hidalgo was hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership. …

Video: West Texas Cycling Association taking a ‘Ride of Silence’ to honor cyclists, promote public road safety

By Kase Wilbanks | www.kcbd.com

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The West Texas Cycling Association is taking part in the International Ride of Silence, a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

Paul Friener with the West Texas Cycling Association said the public is invited to take part in the free event, which will occur on May 19. Riders meet at the corner of 19th and Indiana at 6:30 p.m. and the ride begins at 7:00 p.m.

Lubbock Police officers will escort the approximately 11-mile ride. Cyclists are encouraged to social distance and …

Bike to Work Week rolls out May 17

blueribbonnews.com

North Texans encouraged to find creative ways to celebrate Bike Month

May 13, 2021 (DALLAS, TX) – When Bike to Work Week kicks off May 17, pedaling to the office may not be the first thing that comes to mind for some North Texans, especially if the COVID-19 pandemic has them working from home.

But that provides an opportunity for creativity. The League of American Bicyclists, founder and sponsor of this annual event, is asking participants to simply bike more during the week as well as during Bike Month, celebrated throughout May. The North …

"Protected" bike lanes now live on Manor from Cherrywood to Airport

MichaelBluejay | bicycleaustin.info

A few days ago, the City installed those flexible white poles along the bike lanes on Manor Road between Cherrywood and Airport.

After just a day, there were markings on several of the poles showing numerous hits by motor vehicles. …

City hiring bicycle ambassadors: "Walk Bike Roll"

MichaelBluejay | bicycleaustin.info

Connect Austin hiring part-time Walk Bike Roll Ambassodors.

Help Connect Austin as a Community Ambassador for ATX Walk Bike Roll!

We’re excited to announce an opportunity for you to help amplify your community’s voice. The City of Austin is looking for a diverse group of Community Ambassadors to get feedback on updates to our urban trails, sidewalks, and bicycle plans. Community Ambassadors can earn $20/hour for around 15 hours of work per month from June-November 2021.

What is ATX Walk Bike Roll?

This project is the City of Austin’s initiative to update our sidewalk, urban trails, and bicycle plans. These plans influence where and how people walk, bike and roll through Austin. The plans also guide how we build urban trails, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes and …

Land of Fire and Wind

By David Goodrich | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Mason – Fredericksburg: Charlie’s war

Thursday May 13, 2021, 45 miles (73 km) – Total so far: 809 miles (1,302 km) Had a big day today, so I had to get out early. You may recall that I wanted to encounter Billy the Kid, Chester Nimitz and Lyndon Johnson on this ride, and today was Admiral Nimitz’s turn. You might wonder why the Museum of the Pacific War is in Fredericksburg, Texas, an awful long way from the water. Fredericksburg is Nimitz’s hometown, and he was the commander of US Naval forces in the Pacific during World War II. So I needed to cover the …

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Atascocita South – Walden – Huffman Bike Ride

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Headed south and east on the bike ride on my “Atascocita South – Walden – Huffman” route for the third time in 2021. My Canyon Endurace rolled off at 11:39 AM and finished at 2:21 PM. During that time I rode 35.32 miles, consistent with the previous rides on this route. Now the week totals 149.02 miles setting up the potential for a 200 mile week. 2021 YTD now trails 2020 by 60 miles. At least I’m not falling farther behind. I’m getting closer to my 660 mile goal for May with 426.26 miles so far.

Before starting I watched the Giro d’Italia race and the Tour of Hungary race. The Giro had some strong wind at the top of one of the climbs.

It warmed up into the low 70’s for the bike ride letting me dress different from yesterday. I wore shorts, a long sleeve jersey, and a short sleeve jersey. At times I felt cool when the wind kicked and I was in the shade. What the weather did: start 74 (67% humidity, 62.2 dew point), mostly cloudy, wind N 9 mph; 75 (61% humidity, 60.8 dew point), overcast, wind NE 16 mph. Riding east over Lake Houston exposed me to the hardest wind and the return was the easiest with a nice almost tailwind. Tomorrow the weather should get closer to the normal conditions.

5-13-2021 SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

Texas Bicycling News May 12th 2021

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Bikes stolen from Dallas Boy Scouts camp found in hidden trailer

By Peyton Yager | www.fox4news.com

DALLAS – Dallas police are still looking for the people responsible for stealing bikes from a Boy Scout camp last month.

Police found the stolen bikes at a hidden trailer inside a homeless camp. It was thanks to members of the cycling community, who had been following what happened.

Dallas police say they know at least one of the suspects involved, but they add …

"Ms 150" update 5/11/2021

Scott P | www.bikeforums.net

The 2021 MS150 being rained out seemed to be a disappointing but unsurprising finish. I know our little team shrank from 15 to 4 riders. I know I had a hard time getting pumped up for it. It was announced late and it was a one day ride. Sure, finishing at Kyle Field wound have been neat, but still, training rides are just as long and only one day. I fully understand the issues with the ride. COVID is still an issue and it’s not easy to make a ride safe for a few thousand riders. Toss in a lack of training rides for these same reasons and a freeze that hurt a bunch of people and I can see why interest was down. Despite the miserable forecast, they tried their best to pull off the ride. They even re-routed the Katy and Waller routes after some roads were flooded after Friday’s rain. I made the decision Friday night not to ride. My wife and kids (7 year old twins) were set to …

How to Plan a Group Bike Overnight

Dynamo Jenny | www.adventurecycling.org

When I applied to the Adventure Cycling Greg Siple Award for Young Adult Bike Travel at the end of 2018, I hadn’t pictured myself as a future tour leader. But as part of the award, I attended the Leadership Training Course in Oregon in May 2019. I left fully inspired to contribute to the cycling community, and I realized that organizing local trips could very well provide the needed nudge for potential adventure cyclists.

Bike overnights, being budget-friendly and easier to fit in a schedule, can accommodate potential adventurers across ages, income levels, and cultural identities.

I led my first bike overnight for Adventure Cycling’s Bike Your Park Day in September 2019. It was hard not to smile as I watched the cohort ahead of me, toting the night’s belongings secured by bungees onto racks and baskets, or strategically arranged in …

At least 21 cyclists have died on SA streets since 2014. A photo project wants drivers to pay attention

by Iris Dimmick | sanantonioreport.org

Mother, friend, daughter, papi, amor. People are naturally at the center of the Human Cyclists Project, which aims to get motorists to view cyclists not as obstacles but as human beings.

“When you put a face to them, it takes a different meaning,” said local photographer Dan Rosales. “It’s not just some kid who’s out on a bike ride. It’s, you know, it’s families.”

The Human Cyclists Project is an initiative of SATX Social Ride, a group that promotes safe bike rides around the city, and features portraits of smiling cyclists holding up signs that identify them as members of families. Rosales has taken more than 200 of these …

You Can Take A Bike Ride With Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope

Chad Hasty | kfyo.com

If you enjoy getting out and riding a bike, you might enjoy an opportunity being put on by the Mayor’s Fitness Council called "Bike With The Mayor".

As the name suggests, Bike With The Mayor is an event where citizens can take a 6.5 mile bike ride with Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope. According to the press release from the City of Lubbock, the bike ride is a chance for the Mayor to bike and connect with citizens in Lubbock.

Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope and the Mayor's Fitness Council will host Bike with the Mayor on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The 6.4 mile bike ride will ...

How researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio are helping the fast-growing city mitigate traffic and make its roads safer

Erica Sweeney | www.businessinsider.com

San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, and with more people comes more traffic.

Researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio are working on solutions for city roadways to better accommodate all modes of transportation, including vehicles, bikes, and scooters.

"We need to find ways to balance out our transportation systems," Greg Griffin, assistant professor of urban and regional planning at UTSA’s College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, told Insider. That includes investing in parking infrastructure and more pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, especially downtown. …

Testing the new wheel

Randy Surguy | www.strava.com

San Antonio bar named in $20 million lawsuit after tragic death of cyclist

Katie Friel | www.mysanantonio.com

A month after 43-year-old Beatrice “Bea” Gonzalez was struck down while riding with her bicycling club, her family filed a lawsuit last week suing the alleged drunk driver and a local bar known only as "Unknown Bar X." On May 12, the name of that local establishment was revealed by the San Antonio Express-News to be Cervecería Chapultepec.

The Mexican chain is a relative newcomer to the San Antonio, and garnered headlines last year when it opened its first San Antonio location just blocks away from where Gonzalez was killed on April 7. Cervecería Chapultepec serves up a hodgepodge menu including …

Learned To Remove S Biking Wichita Bluff Nature Area With Thunder Cracked Window

Durango Texas | durangotexas.blogspot.com

This morning I drove my bike to the east parking lot access to the Circle Trail on Loop 11. I had planned to roll my bike’s wheels east on the Circle Trail to see what the current state of progress is of the construction of the link to the Circle Trail in Lucy Park.

But, the trail in that direction was blocked today by jackhammering on the trail near the parking lot.

So, instead of east I headed west to the Wichita Bluff Nature Area, where I realized today, upon …

Land of Fire and Wind

By David Goodrich | www.crazyguyonabike.com

San Angelo – Menard: West of Eden

Monday May 10, 2021, 64 miles (103 km) – Total so far: 726 miles (1,168 km) Today was a battle of a different sort. I’ve been banging through the big West Texas sun, afternoons well into the 90’s, very little shade of any kind. Every now and then, the shadow of a vulture would pass over, but he’d decide after a while that I wasn’t done yet. It was a shimmering kind of riding.

But the land’s changed after San Angelo, as has the weather. As I’ve ridden east, the mesquite has grown from little scraggly bushes to ten-foot trees. Now corn and wheat fields begin to emerge, and the Chihuahuan Desert is far behind. Today was downright chilly, never out of the low 60’s, spitting rain on occasion, and I would need to make 40 miles into a headwind before lunch. Taking inventory: Toes, cold; arms, cold; neck, sore; legs, firing. Stopping for a break out of the wind behind a barn, it struck me that I really didn’t have an option to getting back on the road. And the longer I stopped, the …

Menard – Rest Day: Adventures with Carleton

Tuesday May 11, 2021 Sometimes you get up in the morning and put on the right shirt.

I walked over to the donut shop next door for breakfast, passing a pickup with the sticker “Jesus. Trump. John Wayne.” Hmm. Might be a good place for me to meld into the background. At the only other table was a group of men. Noticing my Teddy Roosevelt shirt (from the eponymous national park), one of them invited me over: “Now there’s a man I could vote for again for president. Wish we had one like him around.” I settled into my chair, just a little edgy.

Needn’t have been. Two of the men were pecan farmers, one a retired history teacher. One was looking forward to a visit to the Alamo and the chance to hold John Wayne’s rifle, from the movie. The conversation turned to …

Menard – Mason: The ends of empire

Wednesday May 12, 2021, 38 miles (61 km) – Total so far: 764 miles (1,229 km) I met again this morning with the Conference of Elders around the table at the Donut Shop in Menard. Carleton was there again, and they admired my courage for taking a ride with him out to the Presidio yesterday: “Can’t see. Can’t hear. Good thing he can still drive.” They told me I should ride by their pecan farm on the way out of town to see the marker for the mission. …

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20 Degree Drop, Cool Weather Gear, Local Legends

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Weather delayed the start of today’s bike ride as I waited for the temperature to move towards the high for the day of 74. I gave up and decided to pull cool weather clothing from the back of the closet. I thought the cool biking days were done until fall but not the case. I wore shorts, a long sleeve thermal jersey, and a windbreaker jacket. I rolled away on my Lynskey R300 bike at 12:23 PM following my “Kingwood – FM 1485 – Kingwood” route. For a second or two I was tempted to wait longer but my confidence in getting warmer wasn’t high.

While waiting I watched stage 5 of the Giro d’Italia and stage 1 of The Tour of Hungary.

Yesterday evening a cool front that lingered north of Houston finally moved through lowering the temperature after a brief rain. It hung around dropping the temperature 20 degrees from yesterday’s high. Weather when I started and finished: start 66 (88% humidity, 62.6 dew point), overcast, wind N 9 mph; finish 69 (81% humidity, 63.1 dew point), overcast, wind N 12 mph. Biking north the chilly headwind emphasized why I like it in the 80’s and 90’s. After the turn at Caney Creek the tailwind helped me set a good pace back to Kingwood. The wind didn’t feel so chilly then.

I didn’t want to fall behind on the way to a 200 mile week and then need to catch up later in the week. Today’s 31.34 miles increased the week to 113.7 miles reducing the need for a 40+ mile ride.

A result of today’s ride was getting two “Local Legend” awards from Strava.

5-12-2021 Strava Bike Ride Summary