Texas - Returning rider in Plano, I have a couple of questions for the more experienced.

Hi, I just took up bicycle commuting with the purchase of a house in Plano - I live 2 blocks from the downtown Plano train station, and I ride to the train, fold up my bike, and get off 3/4 of a mile from work and pedal there. This is not really an economy move, but I am looking to lose a few lbs and this is one way to get it done. Plus, it's green. My wife and I are all about that.

I got a killer deal on a Dahon Boardwalk ($100 on Craigslist) and I am really enjoying riding again. I used to ride all over Japan when I lived there, and I used to ride to school every day when I was at UTD.
Now I take the train and ride around the neighborhood at night.

Also, I am looking for advice on the Richardson bike trails - where do you pick up the trail at Arapaho station? I would love to get off earlier and get some nice easy riding on the way home.

Reading on these forums, I can see I am in trouble. I am already looking at all of the different style bikes to see what is next.

You can get off the red line at the forest lane station, ride the sidewalk East on Forest lane, then south at Ti Blvd(stults), then the right on Jerry at th etop of the hill. This will take you down to the White rock creek trail. Take it down and around the lake for a 20 or so miler.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=forest%20lane%20and%20Ti%20blvd&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl


come on over and join a local commuter forum as well
http://www.dorba.org/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=20

Hey Custer! I'm just up the road from you (W. Parker/Custer). Fairly new rider and commuting for about a month now. Hit me up some time for a casual ride around town. Yesterday I rode down to the White Rock Creek Trail and took it on down to White Rock Lake, nice ride!!

Where are you riding in to? Are you taking the train?

I commute on the Red Line from Parker Rd OR Downtown Plano to Forest Lane station. I also have a route from work (southwest corner of the High 5 Hell Zone) all the way back into Plano and into Allen where I live.

So does anyone know where the trailhead is at Arapaho station, headed North? I could go for a nice long ride.

I love the folding bike. It is fantastic for the train. Downtown to Downtown takes me half an hour. I've been doing it for a few weeks now, and I am seriously thinking about setting up a bike to do the whole thing in the saddle.

Perhaps my eyes are bigger than my stamina.

I am seriously thinking about setting up a bike to do the whole thing in the saddle.

Perhaps my eyes are bigger than my stamina. They may be at first, but with some time and continued riding it is more than possible. There are several on teh DORBA forum who ride more than 40 miles per day, once does it most days. I ride 3 or so days a week for a 42 RT, and believe me when I started it took me more then 2 hours just to go one way. maybe plan to do it 1 way for a while then build it to a RT.

If I get mine set up, it will be 32 RT.

I am going to start off by getting off of the train at Arapaho and riding in to 15th from there. I went out last night and bought a helmet and gloves, so maybe I'll feel a little more comfortable.

What a night and day difference, too. My last helmet was a styrofoam shell with a mesh sock that slipped over it - that was probably 12 years ago. This new Giro is pretty cool.

I am really liking the folding aspect of my bike- it is really convenient to be able to toss it in someone's trunk if I need to.

I saw someone with a folder who got off same place as me at Downtown Plano last evening (9/08 - ~5:40). Was that you?

I reckon. Are you the full on road biker I saw with the yellow Livestrong Jersey?

I reckon. Are you the full on road biker I saw with the yellow Livestrong Jersey?

That was me, although I deny the 'full on road biker' image. I was in my MTB commuter shorts/shoes with my cyclocross bici. The Livestrong jersey was a demand placed by the wifey to wear something yellow since I used to wear a black top.

If you're ever interested you can get off at the Forest Lane station and I'll show the way up to Plano from there. It's a pretty good route.

Sorry - I just really saw the Jersey. Does your route use streets, or is it a lot of bike trails? I am not a big fan of traffic or rought streets - my little folder is cool, but it is older and rattles a little bit on the rough - which makes me apprehensive.

Where do you take your bike on the train? Do you stand against the fromt of the car to stay out of the way? I like my folder, but I think a larger bike might be in order for riding a longer way.

You won't see me today, as I had a meeting and needed to drive.

by the way, I had no idea how much I enjoyed it until today. I didn't look forward to driving at all this morning.

Sorry - I just really saw the Jersey. Does your route use streets, or is it a lot of bike trails? I am not a big fan of traffic or rought streets - my little folder is cool, but it is older and rattles a little bit on the rough - which makes me apprehensive.

Where do you take your bike on the train? Do you stand against the fromt of the car to stay out of the way? I like my folder, but I think a larger bike might be in order for riding a longer way.

You won't see me today, as I had a meeting and needed to drive.

Mostly back streets, only on the trail for a little while. I stand on the train at the front where the single door is. Allows me to move my bike back and forth depending on where the peds will enter/exit.

hey could you tell the route you use or do a google map, I have been looking for a safe route to ride when i dont feel like riding the train to visit friends

mapmyride commute (http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/allen/790367576879)

Thanks that looks like a great route, i will try it this weekend if it dont rain

The trail from the Arapaho station is really jsut a wide sidewalk that goes along the E side of Greenville Ave. Be careful when crossing Campbell - it's a really poorly designed intersection IMO, and motorists are NOT used to seeing bikers there on the trail. Once you get N of Campbell it's fine.

Map here (big pdf):
http://www.cor.net/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=4090

IMO there's not a great way to get from Arapaho or Galatyn to downtown Plano, unless you're comfortable on the road in traffic. I use Plano Rd northbound, but I suppose you could take the trail up to where it dumps out at N. Glenville and 75, then roll down the hill on the frontage rd on 75, then E on Executive to F in Plano. Once you get past the light at 75/Renner, it's not as busy.