{"id":19802,"date":"2013-01-02T23:45:16","date_gmt":"2013-01-03T05:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.texbiker.net\/blog\/?p=19802"},"modified":"2013-01-02T23:45:16","modified_gmt":"2013-01-03T05:45:16","slug":"daily-news-roundup-december-24th-texas-bicycling-january-2nd-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texbiker.net\/blog\/2013\/01\/02\/daily-news-roundup-december-24th-texas-bicycling-january-2nd-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Bicycling Daily News Roundup January 2nd"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Road to Ourselves: Cycling in the Texas Mountains<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nBy Beth Nobles\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0BikeTexas.org
\n\"\"
\nFrom the saddle, I whiz past mountains, yell \u00e2\u20ac\u0153howdy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to ranch cattle, and glance up to see hawks circling a crisp perfectly blue sky. My saddle isn’t on a horse, but it doesn’t matter. I have the frontier to myself; the last car passed 30 minutes ago.<\/p>\n

There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s something special about cycling the roads and trails of Far West Texas. Pick your speed; take things as slow or as fast as you want. Power yourself down mountain passes. Dawdle and you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll spot the red blossoms of claret cup cactus. There\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s time to look, think, sweat, imagine. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re free, not confined to the metal box of a car…<\/p>\n

\n

Local gear swap\/sale…<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby In_Yo_Grill\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0forums.mtbr.com\/texas
\nI’ve been riding for going on two years now. Like many of the guys on this site I’ve changed out parts on my bikes to find the sweet balance of comfort and trail effectiveness. Of course I’m sure I’ve given into some of the hype and marketing…lol<\/p>\n

Anyways…let’s get down to the nitty gritty. I have many parts that I no longer use and want to see if we could get the guys together and see if we could help one another out. I guess we could just post up here and then try to organize a gathering of sorts.<\/p>\n

\n

Bike Recommendations for my son<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby Marker 37\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0www.bikeforums.net
\nMy son is almost 10 and I would like to buy a trail bike for his birthday. he is about 4’8″ and I am 6’2″. I grew a bunch after my sophomore year in high school, so I figure this bike will last him until he is driving. any suggestions on the size bike to buy and what type of gears, frame, etc, to look for. not looking to break the bank here but am comfortable with $500 on the high side. also would be interested in a used bike of the right kind. appreciate any help.<\/p>\n

by DISCDS
\nI don’t know that it’s realistic to buy him a bike that will serve him well from age 10 to 16. In buying a bike, how it fits is the ultimate factor. (However, I have seen some pretty big kids riding really small BMX bikes and they don’t seem to care much that their knees are only millimeters from hitting the handlebars.)<\/p>\n

My general recommendation is almost ALWAYS to go to a local bike shop (LBS) and be sure it fits before you buy. But, that advice is generally given with the thought that the bike is going to be used for quite some time. I don’t know that shelling out the price for new bike is the best way to go at his age. (But then again, I don’t understand parents dropping big money for Air Jordans for tiny kids that will outgrow them in a…<\/p>\n

\n

City Park Ride Pics – 1-1-13<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby John\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 AustinBike.com
\n\"\"
\nWhat better way to start off the year than with a ride.\u00c2\u00a0 Although it was cold and had rained for most of yesterday, the trails at City Park drain well, and by the afternoon they were perfect (unless you were running a small block 8 on the back.<\/p>\n

Five of us headed out for two laps and Brian caught up with us and joined in on the riding even though he…<\/p>\n

\n

Replacing a Bottom Bracket<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby John\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0AustinBike.com
\n\"\"
\nThe bottom bracket contains the bearings that help keep your crank spinning smoothly. Modern bottom brackets now have outboard bearings meaning that they sit outside of the shell, not inside like years ago.\u00c2\u00a0 This makes them more durable and able to withstand more torque and pressure.\u00c2\u00a0 However, especially in the case of Shimano, the bearings are not really…<\/p>\n

\n

Replacing Crank Rings<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby John\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0AustinBike.com
\n\"\"
\nIf you have a Shimano crankset and need to replace the rings, the job is not that difficult if you have the right tools.\u00c2\u00a0 I think the whole job took me under 30 minutes.<\/p>\n

The first step in the process is to take off the chain.\u00c2\u00a0 I highly recommend either SRAM chains or getting a SRAM removable link on a Shimano chain.\u00c2\u00a0 This allows you to take a chain apart and put it back together without a…<\/p>\n

\n

Tuesday Ride at Walnut Creek – Intermediate ride level<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nThe Austin Mountain Bikers Meetup Group
\nTuesday, January 8, 2013\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a04:30 PM
\nWalnut Creek Park
\n12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX (map)
\nGetting dark earlier so starting this at 4:30 pm so we have time to get a full loop in.
\nPlease be there and be ready to roll by 4:30 pm. We meet in the parking lot near the pool in the middle of the island.<\/p>\n

Any question please call\/text\u00c2\u00a0 me at [masked]
\nIntermediate level ride with no drop.
\nRide at your own risk and helmets are required!<\/p>\n

\n

Tuesday: Intermediate\/Advanced Mountain Bike Ride at the Ant Hills<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nHouston Cycling Club
\nTuesday, January 8, 2013\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a06:15 PM
\n15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, Te (map)
\nLook for group and ask if it’s us! call me, Jeff @ [masked] if you have any questions or are going to be late.<\/p>\n

This will be a medium to fast pace ride through the Ant Hills of Hershey Park! Bring WATER, spare tube\/tire, snacks, etc…Helmets required. Call if you are going to be late so we can wait for you. Wheels rolling by 6:30! See you there<\/p>\n

\n

Georgetown Cyclopaths January Rides<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
RIDE SCHEDULE – January 2013<\/td>\nShort Rides<\/td>\nLong Rides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Day<\/td>\nDate<\/td>\nTime<\/td>\nMeet at<\/td>\nMiles<\/td>\nMap<\/td>\nMiles<\/td>\nMap<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Saturday<\/td>\n1\/5\/2013<\/td>\n9:00 AM<\/td>\n Dale’s Essenhaus Restaurant in Walburg<\/a><\/td>\n32 miles<\/td>\n WA7<\/a><\/td>\n46 miles<\/td>\n WA8<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sunday<\/td>\n1\/6\/2014<\/td>\n12:00 PM<\/td>\n Berry Springs Park<\/a><\/td>\n35 miles<\/td>\n B65<\/a><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Saturday<\/td>\n1\/12\/2013<\/td>\n9:00 AM<\/td>\n Catholic Church in Andice<\/a><\/td>\n35 miles<\/td>\nA12<\/a><\/td>\n48 miles<\/td>\nA14<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sunday<\/td>\n1\/13\/2013<\/td>\n1:30 PM<\/td>\n Berry Springs Park<\/a><\/td>\n32 miles<\/td>\n B39<\/a><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Saturday<\/td>\n1\/19\/2013<\/td>\n9:00 AM<\/td>\n Liberty Hill Elementary School<\/a><\/td>\n32 miles<\/td>\n L12<\/a><\/td>\n45 miles<\/td>\n L1<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sunday<\/td>\n1\/20\/2013<\/td>\n1:30 PM<\/td>\n Berry Springs Park<\/a><\/td>\n32 miles<\/td>\n B68<\/a><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Saturday<\/td>\n1\/26\/2013<\/td>\n9:00 AM<\/td>\nGravel Parking Lot in Weir<\/td>\n27 miles<\/td>\nWE2<\/a><\/td>\n51 miles<\/td>\nWE8<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sunday<\/td>\n1\/27\/2013<\/td>\n1:30 PM<\/td>\n Berry Springs Park<\/a><\/td>\n36 miles<\/td>\nB34<\/a><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n

Somerset Big Bird Ride<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nHill Country Bicycle Touring Club
\nSaturday, January 26th:\u00c2\u00a0 Wheels down at 9:00.\u00c2\u00a0 Meet at the Park and Ride across from Bill Miller\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s at south loop 1604 and Hwy 16 South for a 30 mile ride over mostly flat terrain with some gentle hills. We will travel backroads between Somerset and Lytle and pass by an ostrich farm, where we hope to see Big Bird and his siblings. Several options for lunch: bar-b-q, Mexican, pizza.<\/p>\n

\n

The power of #bikeschool<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby Darryl\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0lovingthebike.com
\nIf you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t already know about the absolute biggest and greatest online meeting place for cyclists, then you most definitely need to check out #bikeschool in 2013.\u00c2\u00a0 If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know the whole #bikeschool story and what it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s all about, have a quick read through our description of this weekly cycling Twitter chat.<\/p>\n

#bikeschool really has taken on a life of its own, and we have the incredible online cycling community to thank for this.\u00c2\u00a0 Although I was one of three people who first created and launched this fun-loving cycling chat, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve sort of stepped down from the weekly organizing and hosting.\u00c2\u00a0 Our #bikeschool community is so…<\/p>\n

\n

Seeing the South from a bike seat<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nWritten by Kevin Kirkpatrick\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0www.desmoinesregister.com
\nAvid bicyclist Roger Netsch is preparing for a new cycling challenge this spring.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The former Indianola High School educator has ridden more than 30 Register\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, three Ride the Rockies and several other state rides.<\/p>\n

In March, Netsch and five of his cycling friends will bike across the southern part of the U.S. The 3,010-mile bicycle ride will start in San Diego on March 1 and end more than a month later in St. Augustine, Fla. The cyclists will pass through Phoenix; El Paso and Austin, Texas…<\/p>\n

\n

Have Yourself a Merry Little Bike Ride<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nby Ken\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0Texas Racing Life
\nI lead an alternative lifestyle, because every year between Thanksgiving and New Years, I lose weight.\u00c2\u00a0 This is the heart of base training in cycling, and I believe can determine how your race season will go.\u00c2\u00a0 But I find it to be the hardest time of year to train, with no light and terrible weather. In the end, you just have to get out there and ride.<\/p>\n

Last year between Christmas and New Years, I did a whopping 18 hours on the bike, which was around 4 more hours than I had ever done in a 7 day stretch. This year, I wanted to do more. …<\/p>\n

\n

Tweets<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Great ride with @jdreiss<\/a> at #FlatRockRanch<\/a>. Weather was chilly at the start but the Green Trail was awesome as was the campfire…<\/p>\n

— STORM (@STORM_MTB) January 3, 2013<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n