Texas - new biker in Houston

I would like to try this Tour de East 288 next Saturday also. I am in the 14-15 mph range ( maybe faster, but I am still waiting for the sensor for my bike ). I am up for the whole tour. I commute to work via my bike so I tolerate the weather and am used to several hour rides. There is an HEB just past the JCC heading east right?

yeah, my head gets really hot in this heat too. I didn't mean the whole bandana/skull cap thingee, just the headband
http://store.haloheadband.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/halo-ii%20photo.jpg


Does this make you feel hotter too?


yah, that's what i've got; i mean, it's not /significantly/ hotter, but it's an extra layer, so it just traps in heat; I notice it after I remove the headband more than while I wear it, like "i could've been cooler"

I would like to try this Tour de East 288 next Saturday also. I am in the 14-15 mph range ( maybe faster, but I am still waiting for the sensor for my bike ). I am up for the whole tour. I commute to work via my bike so I tolerate the weather and am used to several hour rides. There is an HEB just past the JCC heading east right?

Correct. The JCC is by the footpath across the bayou just west of the HEB.

yah, that's what i've got; i mean, it's not /significantly/ hotter, but it's an extra layer, so it just traps in heat; I notice it after I remove the headband more than while I wear it, like "i could've been cooler"

Yeah, you're right. In heat like this, I have to take it off and wring it out sometimes too.

Had my first long(ish) ride this weekend, just tooled around the bike paths in GB park for an hour. It was fun, but my bottom started to hurt. I think it's a combination of my poor form, and the lack of padding. Looks like I get to buy those super-cool bike shorts!

Had my first long(ish) ride this weekend, just tooled around the bike paths in GB park for an hour. It was fun, but my bottom started to hurt. I think it's a combination of my poor form, and the lack of padding. Looks like I get to buy those super-cool bike shorts!

What did you do? Did you ride Briar Forest all the way down to Hwy 6 ? Did you ride Terry Hershey? Or did you pack up the bike with the car and drive down there?

Had my first long(ish) ride this weekend, just tooled around the bike paths in GB park for an hour. It was fun, but my bottom started to hurt. I think it's a combination of my poor form, and the lack of padding. Looks like I get to buy those super-cool bike shorts!

Don't cheap out on those shorts. Buy a good pair the 1st time!

What did you do? Did you ride Briar Forest all the way down to Hwy 6 ? Did you ride Terry Hershey? Or did you pack up the bike with the car and drive down there?

i drove to the equestrian park (though, i didn't see any horses...) and then just got on the bike path from there


Don't cheap out on those shorts. Buy a good pair the 1st time!

thanks, how much can i expect to spend? should I try them on? what should i look for?

I would like to try this Tour de East 288 next Saturday also.

Wish I could go this Sat, but I have company coming Friday, spending the night for my daughters birthday party the following morning. Y'all leave bread crumbs and I'll follow them some other time.

i drove to the equestrian park (though, i didn't see any horses...) and then just got on the bike path from there



thanks, how much can i expect to spend? should I try them on? what should i look for?

Don't ask me, I'll tell you to buy Assos :thumb:

Don't ask me, I'll tell you to buy Assos :thumb:


hmm, yah, i think i'd like to spend about half that... :innocent:

Honestly the best cycling shorts I've worn are the $20 ones from Academy (Insport). I have a pair of $60-70 Mt Borah shorts but I much prefer the Insports.

Honestly the best cycling shorts I've worn are the $20 ones from Academy (Insport). I have a pair of $60-70 Mt Borah shorts but I much prefer the Insports.


what features/qualities make the academy ones better?

The thing with the Mt Borah shorts is that they were just unbelievably tight and constrictive. And I am not a big guy, either (5' 10" 140 lbs with a 31 inch waist).

The Mt Borahs are 90% micro-poly (whatever that is) and 10% spandex, whereas the Insports are 80% nylon and 20% lycra spandex. The difference was almost night and day when I tried on the Insports - there was much more give and it felt a whole more comfortable. I've worn the Insports for about a year now and they've been great. The padding is sufficient for long (5-6 hr) rides and they wick away moisture very well.

Unfortunately, once you try on a pair of cycling shorts (or tell the salesperson that you tried it on) they're not going to let you return it. So I'm stuck with the Mt Borah shorts and the store won't take them back even after I told them I thoroughly washed them after wearing them for a few mins.

Honestly the best cycling shorts I've worn are the $20 ones from Academy (Insport). I have a pair of $60-70 Mt Borah shorts but I much prefer the Insports.

Please don't take offence to this, but have you ever tried road shorts or bibs with a chamois made by a real cycling company like Assos, DeMarchi, Casetelli, or even Pearl Izumi? Good bibs are 85% chamois, 5% fit, 5% shorts material, and 5% comfort of the grippers imho.

I would never recommend a bib that costs less than $75. Ever. And honestly, I would recommend getting into the $100 minimum if you really want to be comfortable over any 30+ kind of distance.

I've never worn them, but several folks in the Road forum recommend the Hammer Nutrition branded Voler bibs as a good cheap alternative and I think they're less than $100.

Unfortunately, now that I've worn Assos, I'll never go back to PI.

Think about it, if there is one place you want to protect and not go cheap, it's your taint :D

But then again, I did say, "Don't ask me, I'll tell you to wear Assos", so maybe I should shut up :twitchy:

I just hate seeing so many posts where people say over and over, "Wow, I thought my <pick a budget brand> shorts were awesome, but then I broke down and bought a pair of <pick a higher end brand> and WOW, what a difference!!"

No, I have not tried any of those shorts / bibs that you have listed, and quite frankly have no intention of paying $100 to try them out.

I have just tried the $70 Mt Borah shorts and the $20 Academy ones, and I find that I much prefer the $20 ones. They're comfortable, they do the job, and I can buy a whole week's worth of them for the price of one piece of clothing from Real-Cyclist-Clothing-Co. I'm not a competitive cyclist, just a guy who rides his bike everywhere (sometimes for up to 6 hrs in 95-degree weather).

I would prefer to just wear regular clothes when riding my bike, but I would much rather wear tight shorts than have soggy underwear for the entire work day (if you know what I mean). When I do wear cycling shorts, it's only for rides during the summer days that are 30 mins. and longer. And I always wear baggy soccer shorts over them, because I feel silly walking around in public with tight shorts when I'm off the bike (but that's just me).

You and others may have more stringent criteria about cycling clothing and would be willing to pay much more than $20 to find something that fits those standards. But for me - the $20 Academy ones fit the bill. To each his own.

Agreed, and again, no offense intended, just trying to provide the asker with both perspectives. :thumb:

No offense taken, don't worry. :)

I just wish more places would accept returns on stuff like cycling shorts. I understand their position - that they can't really resell a used cycling short or piece of swimwear. But it really sucks to be out $70 for something that you can't wear. Personally - I just assume the worst with every pair of cycling shorts that I buy and give it a thorough washing before I wear it.

If anyone wants a (washed) barely-used pair of medium Mt Borah shorts, just PM me.

^^^ regarding the cycling shorts issue, my riding partner wears cargo shorts (with all the pockets) and underwear and a cotton T-shirt. Those sweat and salt rings sure ain't pretty. He rides 100+ mile rides regularly without issues. I would think $20 cycling shorts would be a step up from that.

^^^ regarding the cycling shorts issue, my riding partner wears cargo shorts (with all the pockets) and underwear and a cotton T-shirt. Those sweat and salt rings sure ain't pretty. He rides 100+ mile rides regularly without issues. I would think $20 cycling shorts would be a step up from that.

Doh! Your partner wears just about the same thing I do. Well, for my first century I did wear a jersey I found for $8 in a thrift store. :D

I do enjoy all the discussions about Assos and Butt Cream and thank the gods I don't have to worry about that stuff. That I seem to get along somehow without all that. Your partner and I must not be serious cyclists since we don't squeeze our buns into a tight wrapper with plenty of condiments.:roflmao2:

If I did that for 5 miles I would be hamburger. It has nothing to do with being " serious "

I'm amazed at how fast people go to this, "I don't have good shorts so I must not be a serious cyclist" argument. Apparently not wearing spandex comes with a huge chip to put on your shoulder. In fact, I was so sure this chip would come flying out that, without reason, I apologized for disagreeing, TWICE.

You can understand that for reasons of comfort some people wear tightie whities without a problem, and some go to boxers, and some go to tight boxers, etc.. etc., right? And you also understand that some people need to wear a knee brace when playing sports and some do not. So why can't you understand that some people are comfortable with something rubbing on their hot sweaty taint for 50 miles and some are not? It has nothing to do with "serious". If you think you're cool because you don't need cycling shorts, good for you, but quit with the "oohhhhh, you're a serious cyclist " when 99% of people riding a bike for speed or distance do in fact need a little help.

Just sayin'.

If I did that for 5 miles I would be hamburger. It has nothing to do with being " serious "

I'm amazed at how fast people go to this, "I don't have good shorts so I must not be a serious cyclist" argument. Apparently not wearing spandex comes with a huge chip to put on your shoulder. In fact, I was so sure this chip would come flying out that, without reason, I apologized for disagreeing, TWICE.

You can understand that for reasons of comfort some people wear tightie whities without a problem, and some go to boxers, and some go to tight boxers, etc.. etc., right? And you also understand that some people need to wear a knee brace when playing sports and some do not. So why can't you understand that some people are comfortable with something rubbing on their hot sweaty taint for 50 miles and some are not? It has nothing to do with "serious". If you think you're cool because you don't need cycling shorts, good for you, but quit with the "oohhhhh, you're a serious cyclist " when 99% of people riding a bike for speed or distance do in fact need a little help.

Just sayin'.

:thumb:

If I did that for 5 miles I would be hamburger. It has nothing to do with being " serious "

I'm amazed at how fast people go to this, "I don't have good shorts so I must not be a serious cyclist" argument. Apparently not wearing spandex comes with a huge chip to put on your shoulder. In fact, I was so sure this chip would come flying out that, without reason, I apologized for disagreeing, TWICE.

You can understand that for reasons of comfort some people wear tightie whities without a problem, and some go to boxers, and some go to tight boxers, etc.. etc., right? And you also understand that some people need to wear a knee brace when playing sports and some do not. So why can't you understand that some people are comfortable with something rubbing on their hot sweaty taint for 50 miles and some are not? It has nothing to do with "serious". If you think you're cool because you don't need cycling shorts, good for you, but quit with the "oohhhhh, you're a serious cyclist " when 99% of people riding a bike for speed or distance do in fact need a little help.

Just sayin'.

Actually, I was refering to how some of the "Full Kit" crowd can't seem to be bothered to give a nod to someone like me that they see riding the MUPs in my white polo shirt and black cargo pants leisurely riding down the path on a blue and white Del Sol SPF7 comfort bike ( with step through frame cause it's my wifes bike :D ).

Like today. I decided to go for a little ride down Braes Bayou. I rode out to Scott and turned around then decided to see what the Columbia Tap was like. Got downtown and thought, "I've come this far might as well make a loop of it." I rode down Capital until I reached Buffalo Bayou and rode on the north side of the bayou. Long story short I rode in Memorial Park and made a nice interesting 40 mile loop. Nothing serious. I stopped three times to sit in the shade, drink water, and read my book. Got in just before noon.

I traced my route on Bikely: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Urban-Bike-Trails

That sounds serious enough to me, Tex! :thumb:

FWIW, I was out in the Westheimer@SH6 area Saturday, in the car, and scouted Briar Forest from SH6 to Voss. I recorded the distance from 6 at various cross streets, and also noted that Briar Forest seemed quite bike-friendly in that stretch. I will have to enter the distances later, as it is time to shower and dress for work.

Tour de East 288 - Is This going to happen this coming Saturday (06/20/09)? I just got my road bike back and the new sensor for my bike computer came in also.

so, tomorrow I'm planning my first long ride
going from my apartment on westheimer to briarpark, then towards hwy 6, then down eldrige, to double back on richmond, then back to my apartment via fondren; if i'm feeling good, I /might/ stop by the starbucks on westheimer & fondren to have a frapucino, and share my workout-stink with everyone there
i estimate it should take a solid chunk of my morning out; so I'm going to wake up around 5:30, have a small breakfast (probably a Stinger energy bar- god i love those things), pack an energy bar, and very diluted gatorade, and then hit the road. i'll be staying on roads mostly, and will hopefully be home before it gets too hot out!

any pointers/tips?

note to self- buy bike shorts tonight!

so, tomorrow I'm planning my first long ride
going from my apartment on westheimer to briarpark, then towards hwy 6, then down eldrige, to double back on richmond, then back to my apartment via fondren; if i'm feeling good, I /might/ stop by the starbucks on westheimer & fondren to have a frapucino, and share my workout-stink with everyone there
i estimate it should take a solid chunk of my morning out; so I'm going to wake up around 5:30, have a small breakfast (probably a Stinger energy bar- god i love those things), pack an energy bar, and very diluted gatorade, and then hit the road. i'll be staying on roads mostly, and will hopefully be home before it gets too hot out!

any pointers/tips?

note to self- buy bike shorts tonight!

It gets HOT about 12 Noon.
I rode 86 mi yesterday and 73 mi today.

Tour de East 288 - Is This going to happen this coming Saturday (06/20/09)? I just got my road bike back and the new sensor for my bike computer came in also.

Sent you a PM.

If anyone else wants to join in, I'll be at the foot bridge in front of the JCC at 630am tomorrow (Saturday). I'll be in an argyle jersey and riding a black Orbea.

Hope to see you there.

It gets HOT about 12 Noon.
I rode 86 mi yesterday and 73 mi today.

wow, how do you find time to ride that much?!
(i guess while i sit around and watch cartoons and smoke cigars, you're out putting rubber to pavement...)

i /hope/ to be done before 10, but i've got my camelbak bladder in the fridge full of water, and a .5 liter platypus bottle of strong gatorade (2 scoops of powder when the 'recipe' suggests 3 scoops for a quart) because i get super-overheated and super-dizzy with my cheap (pronounced "poorly ventilated") helmet

i AM however excited about my bike shorts- http://www.rei.com/product/778658

anyways, i'll let you all know how my ride goes!

LOL, he complained because they don't have pockets :lol:

I replied to your PM. See in tomorrow in the AM.

AG



Sent you a PM.

If anyone else wants to join in, I'll be at the foot bridge in front of the JCC at 630am tomorrow (Saturday). I'll be in an argyle jersey and riding a black Orbea.

Hope to see you there.

I replied to your PM. See in tomorrow in the AM.

AG

Great ride, good to meet you.

wow, how do you find time to ride that much?!
(i guess while i sit around and watch cartoons and smoke cigars, you're out putting rubber to pavement...)

i /hope/ to be done before 10, but i've got my camelbak bladder in the fridge full of water, and a .5 liter platypus bottle of strong gatorade (2 scoops of powder when the 'recipe' suggests 3 scoops for a quart) because i get super-overheated and super-dizzy with my cheap (pronounced "poorly ventilated") helmet

iIAM however excited about my bike shorts- http://www.rei.com/product/778658

anyways, i'll let you all know how my ride goes!

Forgot to say that I passed the 8,000 mile mark for this year.

Great ride, good to meet you.

What a great ride. Thanks for the tour rhis Saturday.

Happy Father's Day.

AG

Forgot to say that I passed the 8,000 mile mark for this year.

You are the man 10 Wheels. But you already knew that :D

wow, so I ended up going a bit further than I expected.- I hit 6, tooled around GB park, and then took richmond home. cycling is so amazingly easy on my joints, I felt like I could ride all day (but figured 3 hours was enough)
it was a really well timed ride, too- I ran out of water just as I hit the road to my apartment!

Jehan - just saw this post, I live during the week at San Felipe & Voss and ride to Memorial Park most eveings to ride loops. Best and safest way for me is through Briargrove, I get over to Sugar Hill either via Potomac or Nantucket, take Sugar Hill all the way through till it dead ends at Rocky River take a left then an immediate right then a left on Sage then an immediate right that takes you through a Church parking area (Riverway Drive) take that across South Post Oak till it dead ends then take a left (near Omni) get on the sidewalk on Woodway and take that plus the bike trail to the park (construction on an overpass in the park requires you to carry the bike up some steps (that is temporary) for me a nice 4.5 miles to the park, do some loops and then head back never getting directly on a major road. Saw comments on Terry Hershey, nice ride there as well can go into George Bush and do a nice 32 (total) mile out and back or a shorter one depending on your mood, in that case I just drive over and park in a residential area off of Wilcrest. I've been on a project in Houston for the last year and and half and it is a great place to ride if you know the right places.

I just discovered the Columbia TAP last night while out riding. There wasn't a one other cyclist on it and I only saw two others running out there but it is a nice path. The only drawbacks are that the area isn't exactly the safest and there are intermittant stop signs every 100-200 yards.

Im gonna be PM'ing ya'll when I get a few rides on my bike. Still looking at craigslist for my starter bike.

CL is a good place to look, but buyer beware. Take a very good look at the bike. I bought my Trek 7.2FX off CL and it has been a great bike. Good hunting.

When I finally found the Columbia TAP, I was also disappointed also by all the stop signs. You have to cross every street on the east side. It was a nice trip, but I do not think I will make many trips on the Columbia TAP because it is not a very scenic ride.


I just discovered the Columbia TAP last night while out riding. There wasn't a one other cyclist on it and I only saw two others running out there but it is a nice path. The only drawbacks are that the area isn't exactly the safest and there are intermittant stop signs every 100-200 yards.