Greater Dallas 100

Sunday, May 19th 2013: The first annual Greater Dallas 100

You can see the Facebook event page here.

GPS Map here.

I, for one, am very excited to ride the Greater Dallas 100. Like the name implies, the route is a century around the Metroplex, around Beltline Road. 

Many cyclists in Dallas believe that the city is getting an unfair reputation as being unfriendly to bicycle riders. So, a handful of Dallas area cyclists are working on a new bike ride in the DFW metro area called the Greater Dallas 100.

But this isn't your ordinary t-shirt Century ride. No, this ride uses a special format: There will be no entry fee and neither a Start or Finish line. The idea is that since Beltline loops around the greater Dallas area riders from around the Metroplex can travel to the nearest point to them on the route and start there. It's made this way so groups can ride this route the way they want to. In either direction.

I like the idea, personally. I believe that especially when you combine this with DART's light rail system you can make a good time of it. Be adventurous and go out, do your own route but still with other people!

Interested cyclists will travel from their home by bicycle or car to the nearest point of Belt Line Road. Then, they will ride on Belt Line Road in any direction they choose. They can ride a short route by going out and back - or they can do the full loop for 100 miles. The Greater Dallas 100 is self-supported and self-determined - it is YOUR ride.

This ride is also a good opportunity to show area cyclists what is being done for cyclists and cycling infrastructure in different parts of the Metroplex. Both good and bad you'll see these communities from the saddle of your bike. Parts of this route are on wide and fast multi-lane roads and others are on off-street bike paths. It's a true mix of urban cycling terrain.

I believe that this ride has the opportunity to show people in these communities how popular cycling is. People who rarely, if ever, see a cyclist in their neighborhoods. By doing this it can spur a change in cities which haven't traditionally invested revenue into developing cycle paths and infrastructure!

The Greater Dallas 100 will provide a platform for the City of Dallas and the other municipalities to promote their cycling plans, bike lanes/trails, health/fitness initiatives, DART, clean air, multi-modal transportation efforts, exercise and regional tourism.

Let's turn DFW into the most cycling friendly area in the Nation. We can do it!

You can find the GPS Map here.



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Guest Post: Donut Delivery Day

Cliff suited up and off to
deliver donuts to his co-workers.
By bicycle!

Cliff Green is a die-hard
commuter, tourista, ride leader
and now track and crit racer.
And a great all-around guy!

A month ago Zach and I had a discussion about the face of cycling. Most people think of cyclists as spandex wearing elite athletes or a hipster with cutoff jeans and a tank top (Which I do both). For National Bike to Work Week I wanted to show a different side of cycling, a well-dressed professional. I also decided to use my B.O.B. trailer to pull four dozen donuts, 15 miles, to the office. 

 

The day went just as planned and with no angry drivers. My route from Dallas to Plano was Greenville Ave to Plano Road and Renner. The reaction at work was amazing and inspired a lot of questions about the DART, routes, and different kinds of bicycles. So far I have commuted on a single speed, fixed gear, and a road bike.

On the ride home I asked myself, is my $80 DART pass worth it and should I ride the entire way every day? After some thinking, taking the train is still a better way because of the summers and the traffic. It took me 20 minutes more to go door to door today. Being on a bike and waiting at red lights is slower than being on a train. So the 40 minutes roundtrip is worth the $80 a month for a DART pass to me.

DART Energizer Stations, where cyclists commuting
 to work can stop for coffee and donuts mid ride!

The rest of the week it will be back to normal for me, taking the train and riding the fixed gear, but I had a lot of fun and look forward to Bike to Work Day on May 17. I will definitely make sure to hit one or two of the energizer stations that will be around DFW for a free breakfast!

Sene at the office.

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Kevin's Tour Divide Sendoff and Fundraiser

June 4th from 6-9PM at
Craft and Growler in Dallas

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Hand up!

The crew from Fixed Touring during
their annual SXSF ride from Dallas to Austin

I recently saw the picture above as I was looking around the world wide web the other day and had to share it. Not only is it a textbook beverage handup (racers take note) but it's two of my very good friends doing what they love best: crazy long rides.

This was in the middle of this year's South by South Fixed ride where these crazies ride from Dallas to Austin for South by South West. But they prefer riding those 240 miles on fixed gears. And it's always a headwind, the whole way, every year.

But really, what better way to get out of the city and see some of Texas' countryside? Everyone who reads my blog knows how I feel about bike touring, I love it! I think more people should try it out for themselves. Leave the burden of the climate controlled bubble behind and travel by bike. But I'll take my gears, please.

SXSF

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To be number 1

Did I win?

He yelled this after following his bike - crashing - across the finish line. We can only immagine what caused this but that isn't what matters.

I think he got it, myself, or maybe I think his attitude deserves it. Who knows.

But good job, buddy, get back out there and keep riding the miles. Let the road rash heal and pin your  number back on. Make it count.

Go for the W!

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Dallas Cycle Style

With inspiration fromCopenhagen Cycle Chic, visually embracing how urban cycling and style converge in our everyday lives, we began Dallas Cycle Style to promote Dallas cyclists flaunting their style.

Dallas Cycle Style has showcased Dallas' own "Southern, fashion-forward" style since 2011. Since then its Facebook Group has blossomed as a place for the cities bikers to come together, chat and share.

From the original Cycle Chic in Copenhagen
I'm a fan of #3

 This weekend Dallas Cycle Style will have its 2nd Annual Cyclist Census Bicycle Party and I for one am looking forward to the excitement. It's an excuse for all of us two-wheel lovers to come out and mingle. This community we have in bicycling is one strong bond and it's one reason I love the bike so much. It's great that this machine and our passion can bring together people which would otherwise have nothing in common.

Come out this Saturday, meet some new friends and check out the bikes and their owners unique style. It's going to be a fun time!

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Complete Streets

One example of a Complete Street -
a street planned around all types of transportation.

The other day I had a video come across my InfoStream labeled 'How the Dutch got their Cycle Paths'. Now, I, like all of you, know about Amsterdam and its bicycle crazed lifestyle. About the bicycle parking garages and the heated bike paths (to prevent the bike lane from icing over) and I know a little of its history but this video piqued my interest.

It went on to talk about an idea I've heard a lot of lately: Complete Streets. A couple weeks ago I got up well before dawn to hop on a bus down to the state capitol in Austin. Here I was with my Band of Advocates. Cyclists from acros the state came out dressed in suits to talk to their Representatives and Senators about BikeTexas' Complete Streets bill. (sign the petition here)

Complete Streets is all about making a street - making a community - more travel-able and livable for everyone. Complete streets mean that you can drive across town to the hardware store but you can also ride your bike to work and feel safe. They mean that you, too, can ride with your daughter to the park and feel secure. Complete Streets is about giving priority to everyone.

That's what the Dutch did in the 70's. They were tired of gridlocked roadways and an ever-increasing number of automobile related deaths, deaths of children and other innocents.

A road crossing designed for the safety of all road users.

Moving toward a community where all transportation types -walking, cycling, scooters and cars - it makes for a happier and healthier place to live and makes financial sense.

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