All up to date 2021 Texas bicycle rides in one location

1. What is the official name of your rally? European Tour of Texas Challenge
2. What is the date and start time of your rally? There are actually four different dates, and start times vary some due to this being a combination of four different events, but they are:

Germanfest Metric Century Bicycle Rally-  4/28 at 10a.m.

Bosque Tour de Norway- 5/19 at 8a.m.

Tour d’Italia Bike Rally- 6/16 at 8a.m.

and Tour de Paris- 7/21 at 8a.m.

3. How many years has this rally been offered? This is the third year for the challenge but each of the rides included has been around longer than that.
4. What is the cost? When are the price increases? The price to enter the challenge is $180 and includes not just the entry into all four rides included in the challenge and the potential to receive a custom jersey after you have completed the challenge. Completing the challenge only involves the rider checking in with registration on ride day at three or four of the four rides.
5. When is the last day to register online? This gets a little tricky. Since it is possible to complete the challenge without attending the first event, online registration will close on the Thursday prior to the first event (Germanfest ride in Muenster, TX) so we can get the list of challenge riders imported into the list of Germanfest-only riders on Friday. But then registration for the challenge will reopen on the Monday after the Germanfest and close again on the Thursday before the Tour de Norway.
6. Can cyclists register on the morning of the event? Yes, at both the Germanfest ride and the Tour de Norway ride. After that it will be impossible to complete the challenge, so we don’t accept any additional entries.
7. What bling comes with registration? This varies by event but all rides include a ride t-shirt.
8. Does the rally support a cause? What cause? The entry fee into the challenge is split evenly between all four rides included in the challenge after the custom jerseys have been bought and shipped out to the riders that earned them.

Here is a little more information about each of the four rides in the Challenge—the information is taken straight from the event sites, and the links are included:

 

Germanfest Metric Century Bicycle Rally

“The 100-kilometer (63 mi.), 65-kilometer (40 mi.), and 35-kilometer (22 mi.) courses are pedaled over paved roads in this beautiful and scenic North Texas area. It is a fast and challenging course. Be prepared for some long and steep climbs up rolling hills and the exhilaration you’ll experience coming down!

Muenster, TX was founded in 1889 by people of German heritage and Catholic faith. This unique German community located in North Texas, of approximately 1,500 inhabitants, is a close-knit family in both kinship and kindred spirit.

This family of common heritage and faith throws one of the biggest parties in Texas, Germanfest, the last full weekend in April. This three-day festival attracts thousands to mouthwatering German sausage, scrumptious apple strudel, hearty cheeses and homemade bread, cakes and pies. So, come to Muenster and let us be your host for food, fun and frolic. Be sure to bring a ‘guten Apetit.’”

http://www.germanfest.net/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=30

https://www.facebook.com/events/1563748257011728/

 

Bosque Tour De Norway

“The seventh Bosque Tour de Norway will be held on May 19, 2018. The start/finish line will be at Clifton High School. We will have 4 routes to choose from 20, 40, 60 and 80 miles. Each will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the top of Texas hill country and be riding through the historical Norse community.

The Norwegian settlement began here in 1854, the same year the county was founded, and was led by Ole Canuteson and included Cleng Peerson, ‘The Father of Norwegian Immigration to America.’ Thousands of Norwegian immigrants, some coming directly from Norway and others from northern states, would eventually settle between Clifton and Cranfills Gap by century’s end. The Norwegian influence in the area is still very evident today, including Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, site of our first rest stop, and St. Olaf Kirke, or as it is better-known, The Old Rock Church.”

http://www.tourdenorway.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BosqueTourDeNorway/

 

Tour d’Italia

“The Tour d’Italia offers routes that appeal to the entire family, from 12, 30, 40, 50 and 63 miles. Whichever route you choose, you will enjoy our great rest stops featuring fresh fruit and including our special ripe plums and nectarines. SAG support is provided by our sponsoring bike shops, the Ellis County Amateur Radio Club, and volunteers from Lone Star Cyclists.

Offering some of the best views of Texas and plenty of rest stops manned by our friendly volunteers, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of country roads. This year we expect 1,500 riders to earn one of our collector-quality t-shirts. After the ride you can enjoy free snow cones, a cold drink, and a hot shower at Italy High School.”

http://www.tourditalia.org/home.html

https://www.facebook.com/tourditalia/

 

Tour de Paris

“The Tour de Paris began in 1984 with just a few enthusiastic cyclists. Since then, it has evolved into a community favorite that now boasts over 1,700 cyclists and volunteers.

Lone Star Cyclists proudly sponsor the 33rd Annual Tour d’Italia. Benefiting Italy High School, the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and other North Texas charities, Tour d’Italia enters its 33rd year, bigger and better than ever. Join over 1,700 riders to earn one of our collector-quality t-shirts and post-ride snow cones! You must pre-register to be guaranteed a shirt. Camping is available at the high school, and in the air conditioned gym.

Current routes available are: County (Road) Rides are offered at 20, 35, 57, 68, and 80 miles and NEW! Northeast Texas Trail Ride are offered at 14 & 25 Miles.

Meals (pay onsite)

 

June 15, Friday evening @ 6:00 pm – Spaghetti Dinner, $6 All You Can Eat

June 16, Saturday morning – Pancake Breakfast, $5 All You Can Eat

June 16, Saturday lunch – Hamburgers $3, Hot Dogs $2, & Bar-B-Q Sandwiches $5

Proceeds for these support Italy High School.

 

After the ride: Enjoy free snow cones, a cold drink, and a hot shower at Italy High School.”

https://www.tourdeparis.org/

https://www.facebook.com/TourdeParis/

 

Remember, once you have registered for the European Tour of Texas you do not have to register for the rides separately. They have a special check-in table for Euro riders and we know that one absence is allowed for the entire tour.

The Lancaster Country Ride is everything you could ever want in a joy ride. My memories of pedaling it through the years include feeling like I stole a bike on the first, sun-shiny day of the year, careening wildly (at least on the descents) through the bluebonnets of Lancaster, Texas. By this point in the year, we’re certainly sick of winter and we’ve completely forgotten the sting of summer to come. It’s the perfect time for a ride like this one.

There’s also a party at both ends of this ride. The Lancaster High School Drum Line and the Commemorative Air Force even see us off with great rhythms and a fantastic flyover. On the routes, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for memories with your bike fam, photo ops, selfies, etc. There are fields of bluebonnets, hungry Clydesdales and curious camels among other zoo creatures to visit, too. And at the finish line, there’s an art festival AND a beer garden, great restaurants, and a town full of people who don’t seem to mind being inundated with cars and bikes in every single possible parking space.

This year is the 20^th anniversary and the perfect time to ride the first time, or celebrate the years to date. SEE YOU THERE!

1. What is the official name of your rally?       Lancaster Country Ride
2. What is the date and start time of your rally?        April 14, 2018 at 9am
3. How many years has this rally been offered?       This is our 20th Anniversary
4. What is the cost? When are the price increases?       Early registration: $25

Late registration (after April 6): $30     Rally day registration: $35

5. When is the last day to register online?      7pm on April 13
6. Can cyclists register on the morning of the event?      Yes, starting at 7am at the rally start
7. What bling comes with registration?

Greater Dallas Bicyclists designed socks made by SockGuy.  This year the socks are matching the anniversary jersey that is available for purchase.  The riders will also receive Clif shots and Chamois Butt’r in their bags.

8. Does the rally support a cause? What is it?

We make a large donation to the Lancaster ISD to purchase school supplies for the less fortunate. Donations also go the surrounding communities that our route travels through. Along with the Family Gateway in Dallas.

9. What distances are offered? Are there rest stops? How often? And SAG?

24, 42 and 62-mile distances available with rest stops approximately every 12 miles

SAG support by the club members and bike shops stationed at every rest stop for those who need minor repairs or supplies.

 

10. Which level of cyclists would enjoy this event?

Any level! We have the racers that participate, the recreational riders along with those that are trying a rally for the first time.

 

11. Will there be police manning the intersections?

Yes, police officers are located at the critical crossings and club members at those areas warning the riders of a turn or curve so they are prepared.

 

12. What is the terrain like? Hilly? Flat? What condition are the roads in?

The route is somewhat flat with some small rollers in certain areas with a couple larger ones on the longer distances. These are country roads and in great condition with smooth and minor chip seal.

13. What’s offered to eat at rest stops and after the rally? Are breakfast snacks and/or lunch included?

Breakfast (pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice) is available for purchase ($6) from the Boy Scouts at the First United Methodist Church, 201 South Dallas Avenue. Each rest stop is equipped with iced water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges, pineapples, various types of cookies and pretzels.  We also have pickle juice located at a couple designated rest stops.  At the finish line there will be various food trucks with options to purchase food and a beer garden to purchase a cold drink.

 

14. The family doesn’t pedal. Is there any entertainment or activities going on for them while cyclists pedal?

Yes, the City of Lancaster hosts, Art Fair on the Square, which is local vendors with their homemade baked goods, homemade crafts, fine pottery and paintings.

 

15. What’s to see on the routes?

Along the first half of the 42 and 62-mile routes the riders will have an opportunity to take photos with local Clydesdales as they try to reach over the fence looking for food that you can offer them. Along the second half of the route the riders will pass the Hi-View Farm. This is where the riders will see several camels along with baby ones, several zebras and kangaroos. A great photo-op without being at a zoo!

 

16. Tell us a secret or little-known fact about your rally.

We believe that we may be the lowest entry fee rally in the area. We pride ourselves for being able to keep the fee low for the rider yet provide amazing support whether it be at the rest stops or along the course and beautiful roads and scenery for them to enjoy.

 

17. What has been the biggest draw for your rally?

The socks! Everyone needs a new pair of socks once a year. Following closely behind with the beautiful scenery and amazing spring bluebonnets that cover the countryside.

18. What time does the course close?

Our course closes at 3pm. At this point the SAG drivers will offer a ride to the finish line for anyone still on the course. Many opt to continue riding into the finish themselves.

 

19. What is there to do in town? Any historical features?

Lancaster is a small town with charm and the ride start is at the town’s historic town square. It is located 16 miles south of Dallas and 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth. So lots of historical and interesting sites to see nearby too.

 

20. What hotel do you suggest? Does it offer a discount related to your event?

Many of our riders drive in that morning since we are close to Dallas and Fort Worth.  Although, there are hotels off of 35E between E. Wintergreen Road and E. Pleasant Run Road.  In the past we have had riders drive to the town in their RVs and park them near the start for convenience.

 

21. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

As mentioned, this is our 20th Anniversary so don’t be left out. Order your Lancaster Country Ride jersey and register to ride in a fun and beautiful ride. You won’t be disappointed.

In honor of Black History Month, we’ve compiled a club interview with Iron Riders Dallas Cycling Club. Read all about this intriguing club, find out how to join and more!

1. What is the official name of your club?

Iron Riders Dallas Cycling Club. (IRDCC)

2. When do you offer club rides? From where?

Weather permitting, IRDCC offers weekday Training Rides as well as Saturday and Sunday Group Rides.  To accommodate our membership that is spread throughout the DFW Metroplex, we have rides in Fort Worth on Trinity Trails, Cedar Hill/Mansfield as well as White Rock Lake.

3. How many years has the club been in existence?

This will be our 6th Year as a cycling club.

4. Are there club dues?

Yes.  Annual Membership dues are $25 for Individual and $30 for Families.

5. What is required to join? How do I join?

Membership is a super easy three step process: Complete a membership Application and Signed Club Waiver, Pay dues via PayPal and request to join our Members Only Facebook page.

Visit our website www.ironridersdallascyclingclub.com for more information on becoming a member.

6. Can I pedal with the club as a visitor?

Yes – We welcome guests to join us on the road!  The only requirement is a signed waiver and a fun positive attitude!

7. Do you offer different skill level rides?

IRDCC offers rides to accommodate our members from Novice to Advanced.

8. Does your club support a specific cause? What is it?

IRDCC doesn’t have one specific cause – but rather local charity rides that are near and dear to our members.  We have Teams for the DFW MS150 and Tour de Cure in support of family and friends living with Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes.

Team Iron Riders was in the top 5 fundraising teams for 2016 and 2017.

9. What style of riding does your club enjoy? More than one?

IRDCC primarily enjoys road riding; however, we do have several mountain bikers as well as gravel grinders among our membership. We have plans to offer Cruiser Rides to our weekend fun this season!

10. Is there a club kit?

Yes, We have a club kit with the most recent designed in 2017 as 5th Year Anniversary Kit.

11. Does the club offer social events and get-togethers?

IRDCC enjoys social time on and off the bike!  We have Social Group Rides to celebrate holidays and special events.

For our 5th year BikerVersary, we honored our clubs namesakes the original Iron Riders by duplicating their 41 Day / 1900 Mile Ride.

We end the season with our Annual Year End Celebration where we recognize our collective successes and personal MILEstone Achievements…compare stats from Strava to compete in the Tour D’IRDCC for the White, Yellow, Green and Polka Dot Jersey Awards ….and the comical SAG Awards where members are roasted for funny moments on the road.

12. Does the club participate in races?

IRDCC does not have a race team, but many of our members race on local bike shop sponsored teams  – Mirage, Hilltop Racing and B&B Bicycles Race Team.  Lady Iron Riders get together to compete in Duathlons and Virtual Races as well.

Also, IRDCC boasts several Iron Man Finishers and Ultra Racing competitors.

13. How many members do you currently have?

We are 152 Members strong.

14. Tell us a secret or little-known fact about your club.

Our club was named after the original Iron Riders –  The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Bicycle Corp of 1896.  You can read more about these brave men at:

http://www.historynet.com/us-armys-25th-infantry-bicycle-corps-wheels-of-war.htm

http://www.fortmissoulamuseum.org/blackbicyclecorps.php

What has been the biggest draw for your club?

Well, there are really so many awesome things it’s hard to say, but the two biggest draw of IRDCC are:

1. We are a teaching club – encouraging members with basic riding skills to come out and train, learn the rules of the road and become stronger and more efficient cyclists.
2. Our club membership is diverse and we welcome all to come and join us, but the club membership is majority people of color. It’s important to us to be a present, powerful and positive force in the local community and abroad. We have been successful in demonstrating that cycling is a fantastic recreational activity and sport for EVERYONE to enjoy.
3. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

– We invite you to visit our website www.ironridersdallascyclingclub.com

– Like us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ironridersdallas/

– Follow us on Twitter @IronRidersDFW