Texas - Fort Worth commuters

Hello all just wanted to see how many fort worth commuters are out there. How long and what is your route like? What do you do about the heat, although it has not been so bad this year yet. Do you commute year round? What do you take with you on your commute, besides water and your bike. My commute is 6 miles one way, one good hill. I carry a few tools an extra tube, a pump, a laptop, and clothes. It takes me roughly 25 mins depending on lights and the like. I have just started commuting.
Take care

I work about a mile from home, and commute a couple of times a week. What stinks is, my job is such that I have to dress up (and a few days go see clients), and we don't have facilities here at work, so I usually only commute on casual days. It takes about 10 minutes.

Edit: I carry a backpack with a MacBook and some other files/ generic work docs.

I commute one day a week, because I'm a wimp, from Paradise to Fort Worth. It's either 36 or 40 miles each way depending on the route I take. There are several killer hills between Paradise and Boyd, but it's smooth sailing from Boyd to Fort Worth. It takes me between 2 hours and 2:15 depending on the wind. I carry tools and stuff, but have had good luck taking my clothes in the day before. I have only been doing this for a few months, I tried it first last fall and enjoyed it, but I would rather not go out in the cold. The rain was fun for awhile, but the novelty has worn off.

I normally ride in 3-4 times a week, though it's been about 2 weeks since I have been able to due to dr's appts and weather. My ride is right at 11 miles one way. I ride my road bike with a tube, CO2 inflator, water and backpack. I often have a stock of clothes in my office, though some days I carry clothes in my backpack. I work at TCU, so I can shower at the rec center after my ride. One decent hill (Rogers), but most of my ride is on the trail.

I normally ride in 3-4 times a week, though it's been about 2 weeks since I have been able to due to dr's appts and weather. My ride is right at 11 miles one way. I ride my road bike with a tube, CO2 inflator, water and backpack. I often have a stock of clothes in my office, though some days I carry clothes in my backpack. I work at TCU, so I can shower at the rec center after my ride. One decent hill (Rogers), but most of my ride is on the trail.
which way are you coming from? Do you have to ride up univerity?

which way are you coming from? Do you have to ride up univerity?

I'm coming from Benbrook. I exit the trail at Rogers avenue, just west of University. Click here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=&daddr=32.72379,-97.364788&mrsp=1&sz=15&mra=mi&sll=32.723573,-97.364702&sspn=0.015561,0.039911&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=15&om=1) for a Google map / satellite of where I get off the trail. You can see the parking lot at the red arrow. From there, go south on Rogers. Rogers merges with Colonial drive just past the bridge over the trinity, and then you take the next left -- it is where Rogers re-starts. The hill is a bit steep, but short. Rogers then runs into TCU.

I live on Gorman, near Bikes, Inc. I usually ride from there to access the Trinity Trail near Bellaire, then ride the TT to 7th, where I get on 7th and ride to the Intermodal TRE station. I take the train to Centreport, then ride the mile or so from the station to to my office.

Sometimes I ride a Miyata roadie, but lately I've been rocking the old Supercaliber 29er with 'cross tires and a Brooks on it.

I'm coming from Benbrook. I exit the trail at Rogers avenue, just west of University. Click here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=&daddr=32.72379,-97.364788&mrsp=1&sz=15&mra=mi&sll=32.723573,-97.364702&sspn=0.015561,0.039911&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=15&om=1) for a Google map / satellite of where I get off the trail. You can see the parking lot at the red arrow. From there, go south on Rogers. Rogers merges with Colonial drive just past the bridge over the trinity, and then you take the next left -- it is where Rogers re-starts. The hill is a bit steep, but short. Rogers then runs into TCU.
I use rogers on my way home tonight.
Man o Man, that hill is a blast going down. I don't envey you on the way up. I shaved about 12 mins off my ride home using rogers. Nice.

I use rogers on my way home tonight.
Man o Man, that hill is a blast going down. I don't envey you on the way up. I shaved about 12 mins off my ride home using rogers. Nice.

I used to live in VA. My favorite climb was about 4 miles that averaged a bit steeper than Rogers.:D It's not so bad once you get used to it. (fastest time on that climb: 34:52).

If you go around and hit Rogers, Overton Park, Ranch View and Arlin a few times in quick succession, you can make your lungs cry. No grannies allowed.

^^^ Just curious -- any chance you have a map of this route? Sounds fun -- do you cross Hulen on Ranch View, or stay on the east side? I am often clueless, a bit of direction would be helpful.

^^^ Just curious -- any chance you have a map of this route? Sounds fun -- do you cross Hulen on Ranch View, or stay on the east side? I am often clueless, a bit of direction would be helpful.

It's just an alternate route home on days when I'm feeling froggy. It looks like this:http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1134531

You have to ride hard on Hartwood and Encanto to keep your vitals up, though.

Ok, A stupid question I am sure. I have only been commuting for 1 week all five days. I take the same short hill everyday and it seems like I am not getting any stronger. It still takes the breath out me. Any pointers?

It's just an alternate route home on days when I'm feeling froggy. It looks like this:http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1134531

You have to ride hard on Hartwood and Encanto to keep your vitals up, though.

thank you

Ok, A stupid question I am sure. I have only been commuting for 1 week all five days. I take the same short hill everyday and it seems like I am not getting any stronger. It still takes the breath out me. Any pointers?

It may take a while before you notice improvement. I wish I could give you different advice, but basically ride it every day. On days where you want to ride for pleasure, find a hill, go up it. Go down the hill. Go back up it. It will hurt, but it's the good kind of hurt.;)

One day, you will be riding up the hill and think to yourself, "Huh, I seem to be going up this faster than I used to. And I am using a harder gear."

Want an anecdote? No you say? Tough, you're going to get one anyway. When I moved to Virginia from Texas, having been seriously riding for all of 3 months, I immediately hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At my launch point, I went up for about 6-7 miles. I thought I was going to die. I didn't catch my breath until after I had coasted down that same climb and proceeded to the car. Two years later, I road that same hill as part of my first solo century and was glad because though long, the grade was not too steep and I could rest while I climbed it. It's all relative.

Cool. I noticed a diffrence on the way home. I am going fixed in the comming months. eeek
I test road today. It was awesome! I think I am gonna go with a Surly steamroller! I hope.

Well, I commute just about everyday from roughly the intersection of I-30 and Camp Bowie to just across the street from TCU.
I usually go up Rogers in the morning, and take the back way around Colonial in the p.m., and sometimes go around the path and wind up coming up Hidden Road. That'll get the heart rate RIGHT up.

Go Colonels. One of the best bike shops on the planet!

www.colonelsbikes.com

Go Colonels. One of the best bike shops on the planet!

www.colonelsbikes.com

What he said.

I am pretty fond of panther city... Check out the promo I did for them. They are a good guys

http://web.mac.com/fashionaluminum/Down/Panther_City_Spot.html

Jason and Bernie need to set up another Alley Cat.

that would be cool!

hey, i work @ colonel's tue-sat and on monday i messenger for bernie. ya get the idea that i like bikes? LOL
yep, another alley cat would be good.
the 1st one i was still on crutches, and the 2nd one i had to work.

NICE promo!

hey, i work @ colonel's tue-sat and on monday i messenger for bernie. ya get the idea that i like bikes? LOL
yep, another alley cat would be good.
the 1st one i was still on crutches, and the 2nd one i had to work.

Hiya, Tim.

anyone here have a fixed wheel set they would consider trading for a 30 gig ipod?
I think my rear wheel is on its last leg

No fixed wheel, still looking for a frame to build. Love the promo!

^ hey thanks. What size frame you looking for?
I have a smaller one. Let me know.

My road bike is a 56, so anything between a 55 and 57 would work.

hmmmm. I think mine would be too small. How tall are you?

I am 6 ft., weigh about 195. Would love to know if you hear of a cheap, good frame someone is selling. I'd like to start building a SS/Fixie for beater or commuter bike. I've thought about finding a Pista and adding a brake but I like the odd paint jobs (i.e. chalk bike) and I look forward to learning more about the SS/ Fixie bikes.

I am 6 ft., weigh about 195. Would love to know if you hear of a cheap, good frame someone is selling. I'd like to start building a SS/Fixie for beater or commuter bike. I've thought about finding a Pista and adding a brake but I like the odd paint jobs (i.e. chalk bike) and I look forward to learning more about the SS/ Fixie bikes.

My is way too small, I think it has a 30" standover. But I will keep my eye out. Actually there is a pretty nice schwinn at a pawn shop off of hemphill. It is red and it looked to be your size It is probably a older 80s or so.

A 1 Pawn & Jewelry
(817) 923-6130 4201 Hemphill St
Fort Worth, TX

That is the address. If you go there and get it let me know Cause I have a single speed cassette.

Great, thanks for the tip. I'll definitely check it out and let you know.

Wow didn't know there were this many West fort worth riders around here... Definitely a few hills around the TCU area that can be fun if you're going the right direction lol.

Any other routes that people want to share would be great, I live on northern edge of benbrook and am trying to start riding again... I'm stuck with a MTB at the moment, but will probably pick up a new road bike in the next month or so. Excited because it will be soo much nicer with some new wheels under me!

Hey, if any of y'all are the guy who's on the trail in Trinity Park about 6:45 with an HID headlight - will you please angle that 'humper down a bit when you're off the street? That is, uness you actually WANT blind people coming at you fast on bikes.

I appreciate that it's great to be able to see, but man, you're frickin' killing what night vision I have left for some time after we pass.

Friend and I are contemplating a 50 mile ride through Mansfield and Grand Prairie...or....a 45 mile loop from University and I-30 that combines the Trinity Trails, Benbrook, Azle, and South and West Fort Worth.

Would anyone else be interested - I would imagine a 18 - 19mph pace.

Can't do it on weekdays for various reasons, but gonna try a commute in the morning. Ride the bike up to the Dart station on Walnut in Garland, take Dart to Union Station, take TRE to Centreport, then ride two miles to my office. See how it goes.

I can drive that in 40-45 minutes on a weekend. Bet it takes me 2 hours doing it this way. But it'll be different.

Can't do it on weekdays for various reasons, but gonna try a commute in the morning. Ride the bike up to the Dart station on Walnut in Garland, take Dart to Union Station, take TRE to Centreport, then ride two miles to my office. See how it goes.

I can drive that in 40-45 minutes on a weekend. Bet it takes me 2 hours doing it this way. But it'll be different.

I get off at Centerport too, coming from Ft W.

The round trip adds about 45 minutes to my commuting day - and it's worth every minute.

FYI- didn't work out so good. TRE only runs every 90 minutes or so on Saturdays, I discovered, so I had to wait over an hour at Union Station. So took me about 3 hours 20 minutes to commute 40 miles. Would have been quicker to bicycle all the way if they'd let me ride on the freeways. Then to top it off, my bike was stolen at work, from a fenced and locked business yard.

Well, that blows. Where's your work located? I'm on Cambridge.

I've just begun bike commuting again, and cycling in general, after a long layoff and a few aborted attempts. I ride from Richland Hills to Roanoke. It's about a 15 mile ride each way. So far I'm able to do the rides but the extra weight I am carrying is not helping at all. I just keep telling myself that soon I will laugh and wonder why I found these hills difficult.

It's cool to see the regional forums and the changes to BikeForums since I was a regular rider and contributor. Hopefully this time I will keep riding and posting.

Bump. I see some names of folks I've met on the boards, and some people that either don't post much or run in different circles (I spend a fair amount of time in C&V).

I commute from McCart & Sycamore School Rd. area to 183 & Bryant Irvin, about 7.5 miles each way. For the next couple of weeks you should be able to spot me easily- I have a red Santa hat zip tied to my helmet, and my Nishiki hybrid is sportin' Christmas lights. Wave to me when I come down Gorman, truman!

I started bike-commuting this summer 2-3x per week to Lockheed West Complex (Academy & White Settlement Rd). On "short" days I drive to LMRA on Bryant Irvin and ride the 9 miles in from there. On "long" commute days (Fridays) I start from home near McCart & Columbus Trail, about 17 miles each way. I have some "medium" commutes that are around 11-12 miles I do sometimes.

I just got a road bike (Specialized Ruby Pro) and have the 1978 Schwinn Super LeTour 12.2 for inclement weather days. We have showers at work and I ride with water and a pannier w/ work clothes, some small electronics, toiletries, and sometimes my lunch. So far I haven't had to carry my laptop although I have a laptop insert for the pannier. Luck has favored me so far; I just carry a spare tube, CO2, tire irons, and a cellphone.

I flex my work schedule a bit. I work late on car days so I can have more daylight while on the bike.

My plans are to commute year-round as long as it's fun and the weather is reasonable.

I'm always looking for suggestions for routes. I figure within a couple of years my project will relocate to another office complex.

Well hello, nk! Good to see you here!

I flex my work schedule a bit. I work late on car days so I can have more daylight while on the bike.

I actually did that a bit today because it was hard to tell if bad weather was gonna roll in. If I have to, I'll make it up on the off-Friday.

How exciting to see how many folks we have commuting in Tarrant county! :) My commute is 25 miles RT from Grapevine to Las Colinas (via Airfield drive). Takes me about an hour each way unless theres a fierce wind.

Weather tomorrow is a big question. We're supposed to get sleet tonight! Have any of y'all been out in weather like this? I might need talking down from wimping out.

If the roads are frozen, I would advise everyone to stay off the roads. No sense in slipping down in front of a car or something. We're not like the yankee commuters who get studded tires, so we're not really prepared for this.

By the way, if you see this bike out on the road, make sure you say, "Hi, Doohickie!"

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/Bicycle08/Picture056a.jpg

I haven't used this pix function before. Hope this works. Here's Ginger (my commuter):

That's a good lookin' bike.

This is stolen from a FWBA email:

www.sw2neRail.com also known as: www(dot)sw2neRail(dot)com.

They also allow comments to be posted directly from their site.

http://www.sw2nerail.com/makeacomment.asp (go here, then click
on "View and comment on the DEIS" to get to the comment page)

This would also be the time to request mile markers, emergency
call boxes, and maybe even restrooms at the Rail Stations.

I looked at the FAQ page and found no mention of bicycle trails, so we
better ACT NOW!

If you have any interest in promoting biking in our area, and you
can find a few minutes this week, the Rail Corridor wants to hear from
you by DEC 15 (next week).

Tarrant county is working on a commuter
train that will run from far SW Ft. Worth to DFW airport (about 37
miles).

Do you like the idea of being able to ride your bike to
anyone of the stations and:
*take your bike on the train
*lock your bike in a secured locker
*ride your bike on the adjoining bike path

The overseeing group is very receptive to input at info@... .

A quick, easy note asking them to include bike transport space on
trains; enclosed bike lockers at stations; and completion of the bike
path all along the train railway; goes along way toward making it
happen.

These things will only happen if they are part of the original plan,
when it is cheap and easy to do them.