{"id":46751,"date":"2018-12-20T22:59:58","date_gmt":"2018-12-21T04:59:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texbiker.net\/blog\/?p=46751"},"modified":"2018-12-20T23:00:05","modified_gmt":"2018-12-21T05:00:05","slug":"texas-bicycling-news-digest-december-20th-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texbiker.net\/blog\/2018\/12\/20\/texas-bicycling-news-digest-december-20th-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Bicycling News Digest December 20th 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Holiday Kids Bike Giveaway!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Austin’s Yellow Bike Project | austinyellowbike.org<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s here! We did it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing warms our hearts around here more than giving bikes away to folks that need them most. Plain and simple, every kid deserves a bike. We aim to make this happen year round, but we get extra warm and fuzzy when the greater YBP community comes together this time of year to help us get bikes to kids in need. \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tell 2018 to Take a Hike with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Special Report | www.yourstephenvilletx.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

AUSTIN\u00e2\u20ac\u201d Hit the trails at a state park on New Year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Day and participate in a First Day Hike. As part of the national initiative, Texas State Parks will be hosting a variety of programs for the whole family to enjoy.
First Day Hikes at Texas\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 state parks and natural areas aim to help visitors commit to their New Year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s resolutions to get healthy.
\u00e2\u20ac\u0153There is no better way to ring in 2019 than outside in Texas,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Home to some of the best views and vistas in Texas, we invite you to spend the day at your favorite Texas State Park and participate in a First Day Hike event. With trails for all skill levels, state parks in Texas are a fantastic way to get active and spend time with the entire family. I look forward to seeing you on the trails!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d
The First Day Hikes events range from strolls on scenic trails, midnight walks, polar plunges, bike rides, and short treks with four-legged family members to more strenuous hikes for experienced visitors. \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Dirt: USAC changes nationals date due to conflict with Whiskey<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spencer Powlison | www.velonews.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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USA Cycling avoids date conflict between marathon nationals and the Whiskey Off-Road, changing Texas race date to early May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to The Dirt, the weekly news round-up on what is happening in the worlds of gravel, mountain biking, and all things rough and dirty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marathon nationals head to Texas in 2019 and 2020
\nTwo weeks ago, many American mountain bikers found themselves with a difficult decision to make. USA Cycling announced the date for its 2019 marathon mountain bike national championships, April 27, which would be the same weekend as the Whiskey Off-Road. Top pro riders would have to choose between Whiskey\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s $30,000 prize purse and a chance to win the Stars and Stripes jersey. \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SRC Weekend Rides \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Clockwise Dam Loop & Red Horn<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brad Weaver | steinerranchcycling.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Happy Holidays!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday there will be two group ride levels leaving at different times (from Cups & Cones) \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Faster Pace and Endurance Pace.
\n\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Faster Pace 7:30 am ride will be led by Gio and plan on some form of a clockwise dam loop that should be ~50 miles.
\no For Track progress or enroute here: \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Austin to New Orleans via Southern Tier 2018<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By MJ O’Neal | www.crazyguyonabike.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eastern Texas Hill Country
Saturday December 8, 2018, 170 miles (274 km) – Total so far: 170 miles (274 km)
In my week of riding around Austin for Uber Eats and through my own exploration of the city, it was very apparent to me that this part of Texas at least, is not flat. I was very glad to have already been riding the long, drifting hills around Austin, but going three times the distance, with 50 pounds extra weight would prove to be a real test of my endurance. Four days ago now is when I left my Austin Warmshowers host Randy’s house. He had initially inspired me to look at doing the Southern Tier for he had done the trip to New Orleans last spring with some friends and had all good things to say about it. It was an uphill battle preparing for this trip though since my front rack no longer worked, so I got a \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Louisiana Livin’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sunday December 9, 2018, 380 miles (612 km) – Total so far: 550 miles (885 km)
Day 5- 12\/8: Willis, TX- Shepherd, TX (38 miles) Well it was quite the dreary day leaving my hosts house in Willis. The conditions were adequate enough for riding though, so I just threw my new Frog Toggs rain jacket that I was gifted on and started the day at 11am. This area of Texas had very dense vegetation matter, aptly called the thicket forest. The rain kept getting more and more intense, and the rather solemn atmosphere was confirmed with a huge 50 car funeral procession that I let pass me when leaving the Stephen F. Austin National Forest. In the town of Cold Spring I could tell that I was already running a bit behind but I got some lunch in town anyways to warm up a bit after being in the cold rains. The 20+ mile distances between these \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Southern Tier Route in 28 days<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By David E. | www.crazyguyonabike.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Day 9 Arrived in El Paso, Texas from Hillsboro, NM following the Anthony Pass alternate.: Map #2 of 7 completed on schedule! (4 days per map)
Sunday December 16, 2018, 132 miles (212 km) – Total so far: 915 miles (1,473 km)
Today was another long day but I had quite a bit of downhill and tailwind. Chili peppers, cotton and pecans were the story all day!
The weather started out cold and I wore everything – 2 wool jerseys, heavy gloves, wool cap, wool nexk gaitor, two pair of wool socks and Gore Tex pants and jacket. Hoir by hour I removed items as the weather warmed up. Then in the late afternoon late it started to \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 10, El Paso, Texas to Allamoore, Texas: Great day with warmth and tailwinds!
\nMonday December 17, 2018, 124 miles (200 km) – Total so far: 1,040 miles (1,673 km)
\nThe day didn’t start off very well, I had two low pressure tires and I found goathead thorns in both tires and tubes. I am patching tubes tonight after blogging!
\nThe route was very close to the border with Mexico again. At one point I saw a sign for crossing and noticed the fence. Then about 5 miles later the fence ended. If you don’t like the border guard’s decision, it isn’t a huge walk to get \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allamoore, TX to Davis Mountains State Park: Huge tailwind until the map said to turn right.
Tuesday December 18, 2018, 100 miles (161 km) – Total so far: 1,139 miles (1,834 km)
Today was another great day of cycling. I had a gusting tailwind for the first 50 miles but part of those miles were on I-10 and I got a flat rear tire. The little tiny invisible wires seem to be kicked up by the front tire and imbed in the rear tire. There were 6 wires imbedded in the rear tire but only 2 caused leaks.
The route turned right and I had a gusting crosswind for the next \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6
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Davis Mountain State Park to Dryden, Texas: Big tailwind and lots of downhill on a beautiful sunny day!
\nWednesday December 19, 2018, 135 miles (218 km) – Total so far: 1,410 miles (2,269 km)
\nThis was a great day for bicycling in Texas! I had a strong tailwind for most of the day. The big task for the day was to fix the rear derailleur cable and cable housing that quit working yesterday. I stopped at the Bikeman bike shop in Alpine. John, the owner, let me use his tools to install fresh cable housing for the rear derailleur. The brand \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 14, Dryden, TX to Brackettville, TX: Long day with lots of tailwind and downhill sections
\nThursday December 20, 2018, 133 miles (215 km) – Total so far: 1,543 miles (2,484 km)
\nThis was another long travel day. I didn’t see a cloud all day. It gets cold right away when the sun goes down and it is hard to get out of my down sleeping bag in the morning!
\nThe bike and ride were great today. This will be the last day with an overall downhill route for a while. I started the fourth of the \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kilgore police investigating traffic crash that injured bicyclist<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By: Sue Necessary | www.easttexasmatters.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

KILGORE, Texas (KETK) – Kilgore police are seeking information about a traffic crash that left a bicyclist seriously injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crash happened Wednesday at just after 5 p.m. in the 400 block of US Hwy 259 N Business in Kilgore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A witness told police that a bicyclist who was traveling south next to a truck tractor and semi-trailer fell from the bicycle and \u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Just goofing, new stumpy goofing<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jim Storey | www.strava.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Winter Miles<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Katy McCleskey | www.strava.com<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Texas Bicycling from Twitter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Greetings and Happy Holidays from the Spinistry Crew!

Holiday Ramble pieces are coming together nicely and we wanted to send out one last reminder. This will also be our end of year get together where we crown… https:\/\/t.co\/wkLn0gIskT<\/a><\/p>— The Spinistry (@Spinistry) December 21, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote>