It’s hard to overstate the awesomeness of the annual Hotter’N Hell weekend. Nowhere else can you find such a fun and cycling-centric event like this one. Just look at the agenda:
1. Load up on sleep. Chances are, you’ll be riding on some combination of excited-nervous-scared come HHH Eve, so plan to get some extra sleep leading up to the big event.
2. Pack the day before. And then, double-check your equipment the night before. Be sure to arrive early, too, so you can triple-check your gear and get a good parking spot!
bike (with chain lubed, shifting checked, and tires pumped)
helmet
headband/bandana/cycling hat
gloves
shoes and socks
bottles: filled with water or electrolyte drink and preferably insulated
heart rate monitor, GPS, or cycling computer: charged
cell phone: charged with a re-sealable plastic bag to keep it safe from sweat
SUNSCREEN
extra tubes, patch kit, bike multi-tool, tire levers, CO? or pump
gels, chews, bars, real food, and/or salt supplements
3. Apply and reapply sunscreen. You’ll be riding for 5+ hours at 90+ degrees. Make sure you’re covered before the ride starts and reapply as directed on the bottle or every 2 hours at a minimum. Don’t forget trouble spots like the back of the neck, backs of the legs and tips of the ears!
4. HYDRATE! In the coming days, “fill your tank” by drinking extra water throughout the day so that you’re well-hydrated at the start of the ride. During the ride, have a plan to keep you on track so that you’re not playing catch-up later. Try setting a reminder on your phone or cycling computer/GPS, or plan to drink at rest stops or at mileages 10-30-50-70-90. Remember that your body absorbs water gradually, so you benefit more from taking small and frequent sips than from chugging an entire bottle every 20 miles. Take advantage of rest stops to fill your bottles and douse yourself in cool water to keep your internal temperature down. And check out these Wheelbrothers tips for staying cool on hot summer rides. As an added bonus, check out this video to see cool tricks for eating on the bike.
5. Ride courteously and safely. Ride with a group and if you don’t have one, take this opportunity to make some new friends. Draft if you feel comfortable with your skills and if the group you’re in looks like they know what they’re doing. When drafting, ask permission first and practice good communication: tap your hip or flick your elbow before finishing a pull and point or shout out road debris/potholes to those behind you. Know that there are mobile medical units at every rest stop that can treat everything from bee stings to dehydration to over-hydration to road rash to heat illnesses. Pace yourself: ride the distance that you’ve prepared for and don’t be too proud to take the cut-off for the 100K or 75-mile options if you’re just not feeling the 100-miler.
6. Have fun! Enjoy the ride with more than 13,000 of your new closest friends and revel in the unique experiences the HHH has to offer as you take part in one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. You even get to ride through airmen alley on Sheppard Air Force Base! And did you know that each rest stop is staffed by a different Wichita Falls community organization, and that the HHH weekend relies on about 4,000 volunteers to get the job done? Without them, this massive event wouldn’t be possible—they rock! And whatever you do, don’t forget to refuel at the Finish Line Village with a post-ride beer or whatever celebratory food or drink you desire—you earned it!
15th Annual Tour de Cypress on April 20, 2019 in Mt Vernon, Texas
Shaded country roads, five beautiful route options, a free bike raffle, high chances of a tailwind, and BBQ and pizza…what more could you ask from a spring rally in Texas?
Tour de Cypress Bike Tour and Ride, Mount Vernon, Texas
Come down to Mt Vernon on Saturday, April 20, and join the local Rotary Club in celebrating their 15th annual Tour de Cypress. The tour is always held on the third Saturday of April, with a free barbecue dinner on the eve of the rally to kick off the weekend and free beer and pizza in front of a live band on the downtown square after the ride.
The Rotary Club is also raffling off a Trek bicycle that was donated by R&K Distributors, with proceeds benefiting local third-grade classrooms.
Brad Sears, Director of Club Service, shared some exclusive information about the new and improved routes for this year: the 50-mile and 100-kilometer courses will include “10 miles of the newest asphalt shoulder in Texas, just finished last week.” And being a local rider, he also knows that there is often a tailwind on the northbound portions of the routes.
This rally is known for beautiful country scenery, with the 40-mile, 50-mile, and 100k rides all taking you over the dam of Lake Cypress Springs. If you’re in the mood for maximum adventure, the 100k ride traverses three counties and may include some surprises—according to Brad, this route goes by the zoo, where you might catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife like camels or kangaroos as you pedal by.
Brad offers a couple more tips: “the 30-mile route includes the steepest sections and the 40-miler is the prettiest.” The Tour de Cypress promises well-marked routes, excellent SAG on the course, and rest stops every five to ten miles.
While you’re exploring Mt Vernon before or after the rally, stop by the Old Fire Station Museum and check out the Don Meredith Exhibit, and rare bird egg and butterfly collections. The area also offers camping near town and at beautiful Lake Cypress Springs in addition to lodging at local motels and B&Bs. With gorgeous scenery, shady roads, a likely tailwind, and friendly festivities before and after the ride, you don’t want to miss the Tour de Cypress!
Tour de Cypress Bike Tour and Ride, Mount Vernon, Texas
Date and Time: Saturday, April 20, 2019, at 9:00 am (packet pick-up at 7:00 am)
Routes: Gene Smith 10-mile Family Ride (flat and easy) and 30, 40, 50, and 62 (100 k) miles
Marin Campbell is a contributing writer for WheelBrothers, an avid cyclist, and a former competitive mountain biker and triathlete. She also works as a physical therapist specializing in sports rehab and bike fitting.
It’s early season and the perfect time to ramp up the training miles or get motivated to take on a big event! But what do you do if you’re having pain while on the bike, or even after your ride?
It can be nerve-wracking when your favorite activity causes pain or discomfort, especially if you have a goal of increasing your mileage or training intensity this season. If this sounds familiar (if you’ve just recently started experiencing pain or if you have an old injury and are just getting back into cycling), it might be time to look into a bike fit!
Bicycling is a repetitive sport—each time you complete a pedal stroke, you are logging another repetition of ankle, knee, and hip flexion and extension. With each of those revolutions, the associated anatomical structures undergo stress. And while your legs are pedaling, your upper body is stabilizing your trunk and head, absorbing road vibration in the process. An appropriate bike fit can decrease those stresses to your body while allowing you to be as efficient and powerful as possible. An optimal position is different for each individual cyclist and dependent on variables like your unique anatomy, the type of bike you ride, your training load, and your pedaling style.
Why Should I Get Fit?
A quick peek at the research (see Resources below) on cycling overuse injuries shows that an improper bike fit is correlates to a higher risk of injury. Common injuries include knee pain, back or neck pain, pain or sores in the saddle region, and wrist or shoulder pain. If you’re already having any of these issues, looking into a bike fit can be a critical piece of the puzzle. You may consider doing some targeted strength training to ward off pain, also. Ongoing or significant pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or your primary care provider.
If you’ve just purchased a new bike or are planning to increase your training, a bike fit is a great way to ensure that your effort is efficient and your position puts the minimal amount of unnecessary stress on your body.
What Should I Expect During a Fit?
Most bike fits take between one and three hours and may include 3D motion capture technology (like the Retul or GURU fit systems), plus by-hand measurements, a pedaling assessment, and an off-bike evaluation of your flexibility and strength. Be sure to bring your bike, helmet, shoes, gloves, and the clothing you normally ride in. Before your fit, take note of details like at what point (time or distance) your pain comes on during a ride, or what part of your body fatigues first on a challenging ride.
Changes to your position on the bike are made from any of three contact points between your body and the bicycle: your hands, your “undercarriage,” and your feet, and include adjustments to your seat height and fore/aft position, handlebar height and fore/aft, and pedal or cleat orientation. Your fitter may also suggest a modification that requires the purchase of a different stem, handlebar or tape, saddle, or pedals to best accommodate your body on your bike.
Who is the Best Person to Fit Me?
Often, shops will offer a basic fit with the purchase of a bike, and this is a great place to start! Some stores have experienced fitters on staff that can perform an advanced or performance-based fit. There are also independent experts who do nothing but bike fit. If you have pain with cycling or an injury that needs to be taken into account, consider seeking a healthcare professional with fitting expertise, a fitter with a strong background in anatomy and physiology, and/or someone with training that is consistent with evidence-based standards like those endorsed by the Medicine of Cycling.
Remember, a comprehensive fit will evaluate the anatomy of your bicycle in the context of your body’s flexibility and strength. It should also take into account other variables like training volume, pedaling style, local terrain, and current or past injuries, and should offer follow-up adjustments to your initial fit as you settle into your new position. For more information about fitting and some DIY tips to get you started, check out this Bicyclingarticle.
If you have a new bike, are dealing with an injury, or are ramping up your training, consider investing in a professional fit. Because the only suffering you should be doing on the bike should be by choice!
Resources:
Holmes JC, Pruitt AL, Whalen NJ. Iliotibial band syndrome in cyclists. Am J Sports Med. 1993;21(3):419–424.
Holmes, Pruitt A, Whalen N. Lower Extremity Overuse Injuries in Cycling. Clin Sports Med. 1994;13(1):187–205.
Marsden M, Schwellnus M. Lower back pain in cyclists: A review of epidemiology, pathomechanics and risk factors. Int Sport J. 2010;11(1):216–225.
Pruitt AL, Matheny F. Andy Pruitt’s Medical Guide for Cyclists. Royalton: RBR Publishing Company; 2002.
Sanner WH, O’Halloran WD. The Biomechanics, Etiology, and Treatment of Cycling Injuries. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2000;90(7):354–376.
Marin Campbell is a contributing writer for WheelBrothers, an avid cyclist, and a former competitive mountain biker and triathlete. She also works as a physical therapist, specializing in sports rehab and bike fitting.
Join cyclists again this year in Clifton for the unforgettable ride, scheduled to take place on May 18, 2019. You’ll embark on a ride celebrating the town’s local Norse culture and history that you won’t soon forget.
This event has grown each year thanks to the route’s challenging climbs and breathtaking vistas, the warm local hospitality, and the area’s unique cultural offerings. The Tour de Norway is the second leg of the European Tour of Texas Challenge, a four-city trek that highlights the diverse and expansive European influence on North Central Texas. The other rallies include Italy’s Tour d’Italia, Muenster’s Germanfest, and Paris’s Tour de Paris.
Clifton’s rally has been held on the third Saturday of May since 2012—perfect timing for warm temperatures and blooming wildflowers on a course known for its gorgeous panoramas. The Bosque Tour de Norway offers course options of 20, 40, 60, and 80 miles that each traverse the countryside around Clifton, ensuring the ideal ride for cyclists of all ages and experience levels. Aid stations are situated every 10 miles and are each staffed with knowledgeable local volunteers. Aid stations also offer food and beverage, shady rest, and bathroom facilities. The course will also be patrolled by gear and support vehicles.
Executive Vice President of the Clifton Chamber of Commerce, Paige Key, reports that with over 400 participants expected they will be utilizing about 65 volunteers to staff the event.
Each course begins at the Clifton High School, then travels along Avenue Q to FM 219 and moves toward the Norse Historic District, originally established in 1854 by Norwegian immigrants. Today, it’s full of inviting cultural sites.
Participants wind through the Norse community of North Texas, passing highlights such as St. Olaf’s Kirke—“The Old Rock Church”—a popular rest stop for curious cyclists. The longer courses continue through the tiny hamlet of Cranfills Gap to Meridian, where riders on the 60-mile journey will travel Hwy 22 across the northern reaches of the tour, later returning to Clifton across the prairie that originally attracted 19th-century German immigrants to the fertile farmland of the Womack community.
Cyclists participating in the 40 and 80-mile tours depart Meridian on Hwy 6, pedaling south on their way back toward Clifton. Those who have chosen the 80-mile circuit will turn west on FM 2136, returning to Cranfills Gap and then back to Clifton via FM 219 for the finish line.
After the ride, cyclists and their families are encouraged to linger in town and discover local gems like the Bosque Art Center, Art Alley, the Edward Olsen Railroad Museum, antique malls, historical buildings, boutiques, and a variety of unique restaurants—all of which look forward to the arrival of cyclists each year come the Tour de Norway event!
Paige Key sums it up nicely: “Clifton is that rare small-town gem which seems to offer a little bit of everything for those wishing to leave the stress of city life for a relaxing, fun-filled time in a nostalgic country setting. Clifton is one of 40 Cultural Arts Districts in Texas and home to more than twenty nationally and regionally acclaimed artists…and the Norwegian Capital of Texas.”
Get out and ride this May on your choice of 20, 40, 60, or 80 miles of beautiful country roads around Clifton while you discover the local Norse culture!
Date and Time: May 18, 2019, starting at 8:00 am with the course closing at 3:00 pm
Location: Clifton High School, 1101 N Avenue Q, Clifton, TX 76634
Registration: online at Active.com or day-of starting at 6:30 am in the Clifton High Scool gym
For more information: contact the Clifton Chamber of Commerce at (254) 675-3720, visit tourdenorway.com, or check out their Facebook page.
Marin Campbell is a contributing writer for WheelBrothers, an avid cyclist, and a former competitive mountain biker and triathlete. She resides in Denver where she also works as a physical therapist.
If you’re into gran fondos, then put March 30, 2019 on your calendars—this is a big one!
The successful Hincapie Gran Fondo series, that has already passed through Greenville, SC, and Chattanooga, TN, is expanding to Fort Worth this year. Join current and past professional cyclists, weekend warriors, and first-time riders on routes planned and tested by George Hincapie himself.
Greenville, the original city in the series, is now in its seventh year and cycling strong. The Hincapie events include routes of 15, 50, and 80 miles, and are known for attracting cycling celebrities, being safe and well-run, and offering plenty of free family festivities. Check out the routes on their website map.
Hincapie’s pro pals also tend to show up! And in Fort Worth, Lance Armstrong plans to ride the 80-mile Gran route this year with George Hincapie, his former teammate.
“I’m excited to join George for the ride,” says Armstrong. “The Gran Fondo Hincapie events are always a lot of fun, and I’m sure the Fort Worth ride will be a blast.” Armstrong has maintained a high profile lately as the owner of the Mellow Johnny’s bike shops and endurance brand WEDU, as well as host of the podcast, “THEMOVE.”
This gran fondo sets itself apart by offering a more luxurious experience, highlighted by a Celebrity Chef dinner on the eve of the ride. Anyone (cyclists and non-cyclists) are welcome to purchase tickets to the event, and the evening is included for those who spring for the VIP option. Packet pickup will happen at the Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant and the event will be catered in part by Righteous Foods, a popular local eatery specializing in healthy options. Lanny Lancarte II, owner and executive chef of Righteous Foods, will be the featured celebrity chef at this event. Ground zero for the Gran Fondo will be located at The Shops at Clearfork, and the awards ceremony and family festival will be at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork.
Sold yet?
Proceeds from the fondo will also benefit FitWorth, a family-focused initiative that promotes healthy and active lifestyles in Fort Worth through an individualized and sustainable approach to community wellness.
What to do for the die-hard cyclist this weekend? You could catch the final stage of the new UAE Tour, grab your bike and get some winter miles in, or stay in town and catch a ride with everyone’s favorite ex-pro, Jens Voigt. He’ll be in Arlington for the Grand Opening of Trek’s new store.
“Jensie” is one of road cycling’s biggest personalities, known for his colorful commentary during the Tour de France and his memorable quotes, including Shut up legs! Even my non-cycling friends get excited to hear him when the Tour is on. But aside from his insightful commentary and entertaining personality, he’s amassed quite the collection of professional achievements over his 20 years as a pro: winner of the Criterium International five times, many other stage racing overall victories, one Giro d’Italia and two Tour de France stage wins, and (brief) holder of the Hour Record.
Jens is also German, something he has in common with a couple of well-known locals, Eddie Holsopple and Dieter Scholtyssek. Dieter is the brain behind Wheelbrothers.com and Eddie and his partners are bringing Trek’s new concept store to Arlington. Eddie is well-known and loved in the local cycling community after having spent over 25 years in the bike business, including many years as manager of Bicycles Inc.
When talking to Eddie about his goals for the grand opening, he responded that “I just want to ride and get a photo taken of me riding with Jens”. Eddie takes pride in his German heritage and is more than excited for Jens, the athlete that has the best of both worlds, German and raced for Trek, to come see him open his new store.
So whether you’re interested in meeting and riding with Jens or supporting our own local cycling legend as he embarks on his new adventure with Trek, make it a point to swing by Trek Bikes of Arlington on Saturday, March 2nd, at 9 am if you’re interested in the ride or between 1 and 5 pm for Grand Opening festivities.
Here are the ride details from the Trek press release:
Morning group ride leaving at 9AM with two ride distances, 35 and 60 miles. The Ride With GPS map files of the route are posted on the event’s facebook page. The 60 mile ride is a 18-20 mph pace DROP ride with a rest stop at mile 31 at Fellowship United Methodist Church. The 35 mile 15-16 mph pace no drop ride is a short airport loop that cuts through Viridian and then heads to Airfield Drive for a short airport loop then concludes the ride with an exciting downhill that ends at the shop. Rockstar Energy Drink will be out with a support vehicle along with two vehicles provided by Park Place Mercedes Benz.
The Grand Opening will kick off at 1 PM. Trek invites families to bring their kids and bikes for a bike rodeo and family fun ride. The fun ride starts at 2:45 and the bike rodeo which goes over safety on the bike will begin at 2:00 PM. There will be many festivities throughout the day open to all. There will prizes and raffles all day and music by Adrian Garza a DJ and performer!
The store’s service center will be putting on a fix a flat race at 1:15 with prizes to the winner who can fix a flat the fastest, and don’t worry the skilled technicians at Trek Arlington will not be competing. The service center will also be raffling off a maintenance clinic for the winner and 20 friends to get an exclusive maintenance clinic at the store.
To conclude the event the store will host a single speed cruiser crit race. For those who don’t know a crit, short for criterium, is a timed race where the course is a tight loop. It’s perfect for spectators because you can watch the whole race take place from one spot. The cruiser is designed to be silly and fun because cruisers are probably the worst kind of bikes for a tight course. So the added challenge of riding and handling the cruisers will make for an entertaining ride for all. Spectators are encouraged to support the race by yelling, heckling, and cheering. The use of cowbells is strongly encouraged.
Trek Bikes of Arlington:
1001 NE Green Oaks Blvd, Suite 190, Arlington, TX 76006
(817) 642-5039
Marin Campbell is a contributing writer for WheelBrothers, an avid cyclist, and a former competitive mountain biker and triathlete. She resides in Denver where she also works as a physical therapist.
That phrase alone is enough to strike fear or excitement (or maybe a little bit of both?) in the hearts of cyclists around the country. One of the oldest organized rides in Colorado, and arguably the best-known, the Triple Bypass is put on by Team Evergreen and covers 120 miles, challenging riders with over 10,000 feet of climbing as they leave Evergreen and traverse Juniper Pass (11,140 ft), Loveland Pass (11,990 ft), and Vail Pass (10,560 ft) to finish in Avon.
Last year, for the event’s 30th anniversary, organizers introduced two shorter distances: the “Single” starts in Copper and climbs over Vail Pass (35 miles), and the “Double” launches from Georgetown and includes both the Loveland and Vail passes (75 miles). Cyclists can start from any one of those three points, but all will finish together in Avon, allowing Triple and Double riders to reconvene with friends doing either of the shorter distances.
If you’ve never taken the plunge, here are a few reasons to make 2019 the year:
Epic scenery
Challenging terrain
Excellent swag and food
And an almost completely closed course
If that’s not enough to pique your interest, consider also that the proceeds from the ride fund local nonprofits, and the new shorter options make the ride more accessible to newbies.
I spoke with Jennifer Barbour, co-director of the Triple Bypass as Team Evergreen’s Executive Director, about the event. She told me that Texas brings the largest group of out of state riders.
What are the date and start time of the event? This year the ride is on July 13, 2019. We recommend a 6:00 a.m. start; people can start earlier but we can’t guarantee that the aid stations will be open. We close the start at 8:00 a.m. due to the cut-off time, but if riders get caught by SAG they can be taken to the next aid station to continue. You want to start early due to the possibility of afternoon monsoons—the earlier the better. We will update the cut-off times on our website, but 8:00 p.m. will be when we close the finish.
What is the cost? Are there group discounts? Registration for the Triple is $225 and includes a jersey, five well-stocked aid stations, lunch at Loveland Ski Area, and tacos from McDevitt Taco Supply and beer from Colorado Native at the finish line. Also included is the price of closing mountain roads and the support of the Colorado State Patrol in keeping the ride safe. Groups of 10 to 20 can register on the same team and 10% of the fees will be given to the nonprofit of your choice. Groups larger than 20 riders will have a 15% donation made in their name.
What was the motivation behind starting the event and who benefits from it? In 1988, a group of people in Evergreen formed Team Evergreen Cycling. Mike Dern had a great idea for a ride from Evergreen to Vail and to call it the Triple Bypass. There was a recent item in Outside by Mike’s son. Profits from the Triple are given to nonprofits that help produce the ride including the Special Olympics, American Diabetes Association, the local food bank, and the local animal shelter. We gave $200,000 last year and expect even more this year.
What suggestions would you give a first-time rider of your event?
Start with a shorter route. The Single can be a fun family thing where [riders of longer distances can meet family] in Copper and complete the ride as a family.
Spend time in the saddle; elevation and hills are good, but really what it takes is getting used to time in the saddle. We offer free training programs of different lengths on our website.
Buy a good chamois—we have the Team Evergreen kit on sale on the website and it’s a got a great chamois. There’s also Primal gear on the Triple site.
Make sure your gear is in good condition. It gets cold on the descents, so a good trick can be using those shower caps from hotels over your helmet. You can also use disposable latex gloves under your bike gloves [to cut the wind].
Eat often—every 45 minutes take in a gel, bar, or hydration drink. Honey Stinger and Nuun will be out on course. We also have gluten-free options throughout, including at lunch and the finish. Stay hydrated and stay fed.
Coming from lower elevations, try and come out a couple days early and get used to the elevation.
Will there be police manning the intersections? Marshals or professional flaggers will be at the roundabouts and the Colorado State Patrol will be a big presence on the course. Though we close many of the westbound roads, follow the rules of the road and stay safe.
What is the terrain like? What condition are the roads in? Most people do the full 120 miles and that includes 10,000 feet of climbing and of course, the descents. The first pass is fun: it’s early in the morning, the sun is coming up, and all the westbound roads are closed. The roads are great: Vail Pass is ridden on bike path, they’re all in great condition—it’s pretty incredible. There’s a new connector trail out of Idaho Springs this year that’s all on bike path so we don’t have to go through town.
What hotel do you suggest? Does it offer a discount related to your event? Our shuttle partner is also handling lodging: Summit Cycles Solutions. They also do the shuttles and hotels for Ride the Rockies. There are spots in the Comfort Inn and Christie Lodge in Avon, and we also partner with Beaver Creek Resort Properties.
How many riders are expected for the ride? About 4,500 overall. How many volunteers do you need to sufficiently staff it? 600 or so.
How long have you been directing the ride? I’ve been the Team Evergreen Director for 7 years, and this is my first year as the ride director, although I’ve been heavily involved during past years.
Do you ride? Yes, I’m a member of Team Evergreen. It’s a recreational club with 700 members, the largest club in the state.
Any advice or last thoughts? Make sure you have your gear and get started early. Don’t eat anything weird before the ride. Remember that it’s a ride, not a race—even at an 8-mph pace, you’ll get done within the allotted time. Also, remember that half the ride is uphill, but half is down! People are intimidated, but it’s worthwhile; it’s the experience of a lifetime and people keep coming back, year after year.
Stay Tuned…for those in search of the most epic challenge, Jennifer teased that the infamous Double-Triple Bypass may come back in next couple of years.
This event typically sells out quickly, so register early!
Marin Campbell is a contributing writer for WheelBrothers, an avid cyclist, and a former competitive mountain biker and triathlete. She resides in Denver where she also works as a physical therapist.
Chris Baab was a presence in the DFW cycling community, and there was nobody more dedicated to helping, encouraging and mentoring others.
Chris always had a ready smile and a joke or two, and was perpetually creating opportunities for old and new friends to join up for a ride. He was a true ambassador for cycling. He was loved and respected by many, and was truly one of a kind.
A Go Fund Me campaign has been established to raise funds to create memorial tribute benches in some of Chris’s favorite trails around the DFW area, including River Legacy Park and Trinity Trails.
We welcome your contribution to help to establish these lasting tributes to Chris. They’ll offer riders a brief rest stop, a place to gather, reflect and connect, and remember what Chris meant to our community.
Please visit the Go Fund Me site and share your favorite Chris photos and stories as we collect stories for his family and loved ones.
MORE ABOUT THE PLAN:
Dennis Welpe, the trail steward for River Legacy Mountain Bike Trails, helped with connecting me to the Parks of Arlington. We are planning for a bench (to match existing park benches) to be placed along the dirt trails with a plaque. Dennis helped to scout out the perfect location.
Mayor Betsy Price opened the door to the City of Fort Worth Parks Department, where there’s more flexibility. We have the opportunity along Trinity Trails to do something beyond a standard bench. These plans will offer a place to gather as well as sit—and that is even more representative of Chris and his love of cycling.
A Park Planner and architect, Patrick (a cyclist who just moved to the area), took his inspiration for this design from a brief discussion where we talked about Chris and the places he loved riding to get creative with some potential design concepts. We really fell in love with the design idea: a bicycle image in form with multiple sitting areas, facing the river along the Trinity Trail! When standing on the trail you will be able to see the bike formed of benches and seats of different types and shapes.
We look forward to all of us celebrating Chris and his joy of riding as we meet at or ride to these wonderful tributes!
UPDATE:
You all are AMAZING! We did it, we met the $10K goal. We have the funds to get the ball rolling on the two tribute projects to honor our friend Chris Baab! Please continue to share, and if you haven’t donated yet, please know yours is still welcome and will go to enhancing the project further! We are keeping the Go Fund Me open, welcoming additional donations, as the Trinity Trail project has no limitation. Additional funds could increase seating within the design or incorporate additional features such as a water fountain. We will get more formalized plans for the existing funds to share with you soon, and some ideas on how additional funds could enhance the plans. And, we will continue to apprise of progress along the way! Again, THANK YOU ALL!
WheelBrothers in con-junction with “Bikin’ Mike” of the Richardson Bike Mart will be hosting an area event for today’s ride organizers.
In recent years, it’s been harder for many events to keep their numbers up. And unfortunately, in some cases this puts the future of those events in jeopardy.
We don’t want to see your bike tours go away.
In order to help your rides grow, we invite you to join a workshop-style gathering at the Richardson Bike Mart (1451 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080) on Saturday, February 9 from 1pm to 3pm, specifically for ride directors.
The goal of this workshop is to come up with some marketing and promotional activities that will not discount your fees while still adding new riders.
The workshop organizers also hope to share some best practices and methods that can reduce your costs while increasing your marketing reach.
There is no cost to attend, just send us a message to RSVP. If you plan to bring another member of your team, please provide that information.
Whether you’ve just dusted off the bicycle from the garage, bought a new bike from your local bike shop or found new inspiration at the gym or spin class this winter, you’re probably wondering how to prepare for that first bike rally. If you think you’re already prepared, think again. But not to worry! WheelBrothers has your thorough checklist right here.
Peach Pedal 2012, Author’s First Rally
_____Understand the Rules of the Road and Be Familiar with Group Ride Etiquette
The most efficient way to learn the rules of the road and understand group ride etiquette is to ride with a conscientious local shop ride or bike club. Many offer Beginners Rides and teach groups how to manage on bikes among one another and in traffic. This includes essential considerations, such as:
Obeying all traffic laws, signs and stoplights
Calling out debris and other dangers in the road
Riding to the right so that faster bikes or traffic can pass on the left
Calling out “on your left” as you pass slower bike traffic on their left
Taking the lane when the group is turning
Calling out left and right turns
Calling out “slowing” or “stopping” when the group slows or stops
Calling “car up” or “car back” (or “bikes up,” “walkers up,” etc.) when traffic is passing
And more…
Tour de Paris 2017 Team Bicycles Inc
_____Study the Details of the Event, Route Options and Weather
As you begin to consider your Epic Ride options for 2019, head on over to http://ventidev.com/texas-bike-rides/ to browse what’s available across the great state of Texas and beyond! Whether you want to stay close to home, make weekend trips around the state, or cross the border to pedal new roads, WheelBrothers has choices for all! Links are provided for event websites and registration, providing you with all the need-to-know details. Event pages will describe route options, what sort of bling you receive for participating, terrain (hilly, more hilly and off-the-strava-charts climbs), things to do in town, other simultaneous events, places to stay, who the event benefits, pictures from past events, reviews and more.
In Texas and anywhere else, weather is always a factor, so be sure you understand whether or not there is a rain forecasted for the event and whether there’s a return policy or not (many items purchased for an event like this cannot be returned, so flexibility is required here). Watch the weather so you know what to expect for event day. Some events, like Tour de Gruene, allow you to sign up for text updates—very handy, so if it’s offered take them up!
2016 Specialized Ruby Comp in Spring
_____ Make Sure Your Bike Fits and Has Had a Solid Check Over
Nothing is worse than planning for a memorable day on the bike only to have something go wrong that could have been prevented. For starters, your bike should fit you. If you haven’t ever had a fit, give your local bike shop a call to see what is costs. If you are not comfortable on your bike, you will not want to pedal very far. Pro tips: When in your saddle, there should be a slight bend in your knee when your pedal is at 6 o’clock. Your arms and back should form a 90’ angle for your reach, too.
Your local bike shop mechanic can check your bike over to be sure it’s in working order for your next ride. They will check details from front to back and top to bottom, including tire condition, chain condition, brakes, frame, etc. They will make you aware of anything needing attention, too, and you can prioritize from there.
_____ Obtain the Proper Equipment
Most, if not all rally organizers require that participants wear helmets. You should have a source of water (bottle cage and water bottle or Camelbak) and a source of electrolytes if you’re going longer distances or if it’s extra humid or hot. Your bike should be equipped with a seat pack complete with 1-2 tire tubes in case of a flat, CO2 or a small pump, and simple tools, including levers to change a flat. It is okay if you do not know how to change a flat (someone will help you—you’ll notice that we all take care of each other on the road AND that there’s SAG help, or vehicles going by to assist those in need), but it is good manners to have your own equipment. (By the way, it is not that hard to change a flat—I encourage you to learn!) Your local bike shop can also help you choose proper gloves to help you avoid numbing in the hands plus proper shorts and chamois cream to help you avoid discomfort and chaffing “down under.” Shorts and creams are best chosen well before event day while you are still training so you can be sure of tried-and-true gear with no surprises. Many cyclists wear a bracelet called a Road ID or something similar, which alerts first responders in case of emergency whether you have a medical condition or allergies and also lists numbers for whom to call if you have an accident. Most cyclists do carry their phone with them; some download the event route in addition to the route markers provided at the event.
2018 Team Tornado Alley Jersey and Winter Gear
_____ Pack Your Own Nutrition Options…Just in Case
Part of the fun of bicycle rallies are the rest stops provided every 10-12 miles on the route. You get to stretch your legs, chat a short bit with strangers, and grab a snack for fuel. While you likely won’t need to stop at every single rest stop provided, so it’s wise to pack a back-up source of energy gels or bars in case rest stops run low on the standard cookies and fruit or you happen to be between stops and really need a boost. A $5 or $10 bill stashed in a jersey pocket for grabbing a treat at a convenience store is another option. Having your own goodies on-hand gives you control of your day. And always refill your water and electrolytes when you stop. Again, an event is not a place to try new nutrition options! Use the tried and true here for maximum happiness.
____ Layer for the Finish Line
The event start time and your estimated finish time may be forecasted to have very different temperatures. “Dress for the finish line” is the general rule, but you can layer with leg and arm warmers and a wind breaker which can be rolled up and slipped into your jersey pockets when you heat up on the road.
_____ Set Your Gear Out Days Before
Obviously, you’ll want to run through your checklist weeks in advance for training and shopping purposes. But when it’s time to pack up, you need to give yourself time for any last-minute oversights. It’s easy to think you are well-stocked in tubes or energy bars only to remember in the morning while loading that you gave your last tube to a friend or ate that last bar on the way to gym! As you plan for each event, you will get into a rhythm that helps you to remember everything from your helmet to your cleated shoes, to your water bottles and your completely charged phone. For example, I have certain bags for certain gear so I know at a glance whether it is properly packed or not.
24 Hours in the Canyon 2014 “My Gypsy Life with MBBC”
_____ Get There Early
You have managed every single detail to this point, but there are some things that are out of your control. You may hit traffic or construction on the way to the event. It may take time to find parking or you may have to walk a long way to check in. It’s a far better feeling to get there an hour early, have the time to check in and gear up leisurely, avoiding the last-minute inevitable scramble for some. Sometimes the swag is limited, so getting there early also helps the chances of you getting your bling, plus getting bike-ready and on the start line without getting stressed out.
Lancaster Country Ride Registration 2016 and LCR Start Line 2013
_____ Enjoy Every Detail and Plan to Be Social
Every event has its own treats and surprises to offer, whether it be snow cones after the ride at Tour d’Italia, a hot air balloon glow in the evening after Tour de Paris or a visit to The Old Rock Church on the bike route at Tour de Norway. There may be exotic animals, fields of wildflowers, fantastic vistas, and other locations for an opportune selfie. Volunteers often take great pride in their rest stops, and you might see a different theme at each one… sometimes they even compete to be the best one, offering human bike valets, freshly baked cookies by local grandmothers and neck towels soaked in ice water on the hottest summer days! Don’t let yourself leave without taking in all that the event has to offer.
Tour de Norway 2017 The Old Rock Church
_____ Chronicle Your Adventures
Thanks to Facebook and my addiction to posting all-things-bicycle, I have a vast storage unit for resourcing pictures of rallies-past as shown in this article. Facebook, Instagram, or any public or private medium you choose are extremely helpful in recording your memories and tracking your growth and accomplishments. In addition, there are countless apps for tracking your miles like Strava—and many of those are free.
Every once in a while these can become great tools for yourself on an off day when things look less than ideal…it’s helpful to look back and see how far you’ve evolved in 5-7+ years, and exciting to know there is still so much to do!
_____ Say Thank You
I cannot begin to tell you how hard the organizers work to bring you a successful day on the bike. And 90% of that is carried out by volunteers! Once you get your bearings and 2-3 rally rides under your belt, please consider giving back as you are able. Words of thanks at every rest stop are always gratefully received. A kind review on an organizers page means so much. (If you have a valid concern message them privately and allow them time to address the issue.) Consider contributing to the charity that the ride supports. The best way to say thank you? Be a volunteer yourself! You will never see an event the same way again.
Lisa Tilley is a contributing writer for WheelBrothers, is a member of Fort Worth based MBBC, and is in sales at Bicycles Inc.
