J.D.L

Hi everyone I'm new to the forum and would like to know if anyone in the North Dallas area are signed up. I would like to meet up with people here since I really don't know anyone and perhaps go on bike rides. I usually go from Preston and Spring Valley to Valley View Park then take the trail to White Rock then back on Saturdays and Sunday mornings.

I would love to train for the MS 150 and be apart of this. Have you participated in the MS150 and if so how was your experience?

yeamac 

about 13,000, give or take

Mash Master

way too crowded for me. I did it twice and it is just plain dangerous.

I much more prefer doing the MS 150 ride at Mount Rushmore. 100 or so people

H-Bear

This will be my 3rd year, 2nd with Saint Arnold, and it's a fantastic experience.

If you're looking for training rides -> Link

I don't see any participating DFW bike shops on their website but I'm sure your favorite local shop can offer suggestions.

Feel free to look at my photobucket from previous MS150s:

2010
2009

mymilkexpired

I've ridden the ride a few times (2004 & 2005). There are a few too many riders in my opinion and it can be sketchy at times with all the unexperienced cyclists. However, it IS a blast.

I'll be coming back for the 2011 tour...

alpha_bravo

Have done it the past two years. I don't have any regrets although I'm not doing it this year. Partly because I DNF'd last year with 20 miles to go when another rider crashed into me and partly because I'd like to ride the Austin to Shiner Century. It is a great cause and a great experience though. I'm sure you will enjoy it, just be sure to keep an eye out all around you. If you're not comfortable riding in a group, don't try drafting others during the event.

My best advice is to work on climbing. Although it's not as hilly as the Houston to Austin, the second day is surprisingly hilly with a couple of short, steep climbs, and a long(ish) but shallow one up Eagle Mountain Lake. I saw lots of people having to walk their bikes up on the second day. There are a slew of recommended training rides throughout the year, and a couple of weeks before the event, there is an organized and supported long ride in Plano that's free to all. Follow BikeMS_DFW on twitter, they frequently had weekly training rides organized. Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a blast. It's a great event.

ppena

I did the MS 150, Frisco to Ft. Worth, for the first time last year and it was a blast. I'm on the Deloitte team for the 2011 ride. Let me know if you'd like to join my team.

GreenRiver

I'm in for '11. Did it in '06 & '07 and had a great time. I'm also looking forward to the training rides after the 1st.

aCab

Just signed up. My dad and I are riding on Team BP.

GreenRiver, I'm in The Woodlands too. Maybe we could meet up start doing some training rides? I'm really only around on the weekends (travel for work mon-fri).

aggarcia

I rode it this year and I am on the fence for 2011. I over trained this Spring and my wife & kids suffered. I will most likely sign up next week, but only use my normal rides as training. It is a great ride anda unique experience. Hill training is a must or you will suffer.

I also rode the Shiner ride in May. It has rough roads and much less climbing. The support and SAG are thin or non-existent towards the end. You never knew where the rest stops would be and what they had. The rough roads beat me up. The party in unlike any other - Shiner beer and barbecue.

alpha_bravo

Apologies for the thread jack, but did you ride the Houston to Shiner or Austin to shiner route?

AvocadoRubio

I have done MS150s in the Midwest and have done the Houston-Austin ride three times. The Houston to Austin ride is a blast with the huge crowd and scenic route (at least scenic for TX) but probably a bit dicey for an experienced cyclist. There are way too many wrecks and silly things going on for me to participate again but I'd be open to other, less congested MS150 rides.

aggarcia

I was traveling in the Houston to Shiner route.

Teeleton

I'm in for the '11 ride from Houston to Austin. Never really had too much issue with the less experienced riders. Sure they tend to clog the climbs a bit and ride in the middle of the road, but they tend to thin out a bit in the later sections of the ride.

Mash Master

Since there are so many starting points you never get rid of them. The last time I rode about 1 mile from the finish going up maybe a 2% grade someone fell into me. luckily I saw it happening in slow motion and was able to unclip and get off the bike just in time without going over the handlebars. She didn't even apologize..... grrr

Little Dwight

I'm signed up. Houston to Austin ride.

aggarcia

I finally signed up. This year a small 1st year team. I will train lightly on my own. Last year at the MS150 no close calls or even any incidents. I guess I was ahead of the crazy riders on day 1. On day 2 I saw several riders down and several mechanical related accidents, but I always ride defensively.

Underground

I was in it last year (my first time), in it again this year. I had a blast. I am prepared this time, I have a new saddle, so it should be much more comfortable! I also talked a friend into riding, so he got a new Fuji. I'm jealous of his ride, but he is jealous of my speed. haha

I was in a decent pace line just outside of La Grange, but they almost caused a wreck because nobody shouted when they were stopping. I quickly dropped off that line. Take your time and things are fun. If you go too fast, the new/casual riders will get ya!

cumberdale

I've done it twice and have really enjoyed it. Last year, it opened in the morning and by the time I got home from work it was already filled. I plan on doing some of the training rides and am considering doing the Ft. Worth ride this year if I can find a good team to join.

DoubleTap

Is anybody involved with a team who might welcome an out-of-state rider? I'm originally from Texas, now living in Denver, and I'd like to do the Houston-Austin MS150 ride in 2011, but none of my Texas friends are cyclists. I'd like to find a team with which to ride, and maybe a virtual training partner in the meantime. I rode Colorado's MS150 last year and plan to do so this year, and I have quite a bit of experience in the large group rides.

duderdude1

I'm signed up for the Frisco one. I will be riding with the Dr. Pepper team

Tyrell

This will be my 4th MS150 in a row. Riding with Team Tacodeli (Austin-based team).

@DoubleTap: Most teams are happy to have you on their team as long as you pay your dues and raise your money. Let me know if you're interested in joining Team Tacodeli. I had a bunch of fun with the group last year.

canopus 

Pulled the plug last night. This will be my second year, without a team.

88txaggie

My husband and I are riding the BP again this year....will be our (?) 6th or 7th, I forget which. I've also ridden in the DFW and San Antonio MS 150s. I like BP the best. I am an experienced turtle rider - can ride all day but not fast. So I'm always surrounded by all levels of riders. Just be aware of others, don't join pacelines you don't know, and you will most likely be fine.

Kuotient

I can't wait! wooohooooo