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the sci guy 03-16-16 09:48 PM

Yeah I saw that on their Facebook page. Kind of disappointed. Also the whole point of having police at intersections is so that we don't have to stop - unless they tell us to because traffic is backed up which is completely fine.

Is really like to hear a statement from the organizers or participants of the Saturday ride since they're the ones that screwed everything up.

SAGit 03-17-16 06:47 AM

It's going to be an interesting Saturday morning with R2R and "Ride for Just Cause" n Waller. With every cyclist stopping at each stop sign, traffic will backed up because motor vehicles can't really pass cyclist safely and/or pass at an intersection. In addition, cyclists may not need to move over to the right at intersections because they are not moving slower than vehicles when slowing down and stopping at intersections.

the sci guy 03-17-16 01:49 PM

Yup, this is really just going to cause more problems than it solves. The fallout should be interesting. The county is really shooting themselves in the foot here. They think cyclists should always stop at every stop sign - that actually makes it worse for auto traffic, not better.

Riding in large groups is something cyclists need to pay attention to, and not act like a bunch of dicks, but I imagine its only a matter of time before a car plows through a group.

aggarcia 03-20-16 06:52 PM

I rode the BBX last Sunday. This calling up of the Waller deputies left many intersections unmanned that were normally have officers controlling traffic. The officers writing tickets were generally watching stop signs and roads on the additional loop for 55 and 75 routes. I did see a patrol car near the end that kept moving around, but no stop signs in that area.

Complaints were multiple riders riding abreast, not stopping for stop signs where no officer present, littering along the roads, riders using the roadside as their restroom. Many of these complaints were not at the BBX specifically, but all cyclist in that area in general.

The MS Society has already meet with Waller county officials. On Sat there was a recommended ride and Ready2Roll rides in Waller. No other issues have been reported after those rides. The weather may have reduced riders for these riders, so who knows where this situation really is. I am betting Waller leadership does not want the MS and cycling groups to pull their events and the related monies despite what some unhappy residences are complaining about.

the sci guy 03-22-16 10:18 AM

There's really no true answer. A lot of people will say yes, you'll have some trouble simply because all things being equal, you're trying to push a heavier bike than him, so you'll be slower. But sometimes, weight doesn't matter if you've got the fitness level. I would probably say that it'll be a little harder for you, but if you're super fit, I wouldn't put too much thought into it. You can always change the tires and wheels on the Motobecane. Every little thing helps to keep the weight down.

Steel bikes are just heavier. I've got a Surly Cross-Check, which is also exactly the kind of bike you're looking for. Tourer/commuter/CX, it does everything, all you do is change the tires! But it's decently heavy too. I'd recommend checking that out - it's cheaper than a Trek 520. You can see and test ride them at West End Bikes. I'm a short small guy, I can't ride fast because I just don't have the muscles for it - but on a calm day I can ride pretty consistently around 15-16mph. With wind at my back about 18-20, more if I really try, and with wind in my face, down around 12-13.

Honestly, I'd just get 2 bikes. Get a decent mid-level CF bike, like Giant Defy Advanced or Specialized Roubaix (both around $2k), then get a cheap used bike to commute with for a while until you save up to afford a nicer steel commuter like the Cross Check or the Motobecane - then the weight issues doesn't matter.

I had the same thought as you - which is why I got my Surly, and while I've done 2 MS150s on it, I'm now saving to buy a CF bike because it's just too hard for me to push a heavy bike that distance and try to keep up with other riders. I used it to commute some days, but I also have 2 other steel bikes I commute on.

SAGit 03-22-16 05:03 PM


Originally Posted by mtb_addict (Post 18627625)
Hi. A newbie question here.

I've decided to train and do long distance big-group rides (like MS150) with a buddy.
He already bought a fancy carbon-fiber bike costing thousands of dollars.

I've not got my bike yet. The problem is that I like to get a Touring bike so I can also use it to commute (15 miles/day).
So, I have my heart set on a Motobekane Grand Tourism (user review: 30+ lbs).

My question is that is it a bad idea if I want to keep up with my buddy on CFB?

We 're both equal age and fitness level. But his CF bike is probably under 20 lbs. The Motobekane is over ten pounds heavier and wider tires.

Am I going to blow out my knees trying to keep up with him?

Or should I just train/ride solo.

P.s. Looks like Trek sells a Touring bike called 520. Trek claims it is 25 lbs. So, would the 520 do better to keep up with CFB on MS150?


Thanks.
Trying to avoid regret.

That's a good deal on the gran turismo at $630, but I would follow Science guy advice and get a road bike. Your buddy will likely drop you on the hills and will get tired waiting for you at the break point.

However, I would buy used road bike now...many would be MS150 riders are selling their bikes due to layoffs in the energy industry.

SAGit 03-22-16 05:12 PM


Originally Posted by aggarcia (Post 18623639)
I rode the BBX last Sunday. This calling up of the Waller deputies left many intersections unmanned that were normally have officers controlling traffic. The officers writing tickets were generally watching stop signs and roads on the additional loop for 55 and 75 routes. I did see a patrol car near the end that kept moving around, but no stop signs in that area.

Complaints were multiple riders riding abreast, not stopping for stop signs where no officer present, littering along the roads, riders using the roadside as their restroom. Many of these complaints were not at the BBX specifically, but all cyclist in that area in general.

The MS Society has already meet with Waller county officials. On Sat there was a recommended ride and Ready2Roll rides in Waller. No other issues have been reported after those rides. The weather may have reduced riders for these riders, so who knows where this situation really is. I am betting Waller leadership does not want the MS and cycling groups to pull their events and the related monies despite what some unhappy residences are complaining about.

That was a tough R2R ride. We couldn't ride echelon style in the 25 mph crosswinds cause most were riding in single file. Steve Moskowitz at R2R does a great job keeping all the riders informed of the situation. I saw two unmarked trucks at two stop signs....looked again...uniformed officer was sitting inside. We all stopped and I think the day went smoothly. Still, there were some vehicles passing to close to the riders. They just assumed we can stayed in a straight line in the 25mph wind.��

money talks, so we need to spend money every time we go through the small towns. Please remembered to buy gas, drinks, lunch or even spend the night. There has to be some give and take on each side.

aggarcia 03-22-16 05:37 PM

I normally ride the R2R series, but I was tired of that same area. Too many rides on the most flat country side. My team mates all complained of the strong wind.

I skipped out and rode with some friends in Brenham. I wanted some more hill action.

People are watching the Waller situation very closely. We need to be good representatives of cycling when out on the road. Also spending money in the area of these rides puts your money where your mouth is.

txags92 03-22-16 08:25 PM

Yeah, tough ride on Saturday. Spent some time in a group with SAGit on the way to Monaville. Looked like everybody was on their best behavior, but it was hard to tell if it was just because we were way out in front of the main group or if the ride crowd was just small due to the wind. Figured out a few miles past of Monaville that I had a cut rear tire and was riding on less than 40 psi. Managed to boot the tire and keep going. Really enjoyed the tailwind on the way back...but that crosswind down Morton sucked big time.

AgeOfEmpires 03-23-16 07:03 PM


Originally Posted by txags92 (Post 18629572)
Yeah, tough ride on Saturday. Spent some time in a group with SAGit on the way to Monaville. Looked like everybody was on their best behavior, but it was hard to tell if it was just because we were way out in front of the main group or if the ride crowd was just small due to the wind. Figured out a few miles past of Monaville that I had a cut rear tire and was riding on less than 40 psi. Managed to boot the tire and keep going. Really enjoyed the tailwind on the way back...but that crosswind down Morton sucked big time.

The ride out of Simonton, up through Brookshire and north of 529, on Saturday was tough also. The 50 mile route was largely dead into the wind the first 23 miles or so. However, about 17 of the last 20 was pure joy.

There were officers at a number of intersections on our ride. I still slowed and verbally made sure they were giving me the "go-ahead" before proceeding through the stop sign. I also thanked each and every one. However, I routinely do this anyway.

the sci guy 03-24-16 05:48 PM


Originally Posted by mtb_addict (Post 18633890)
Hi,

What is MSRP for Cross-check? I can't seem to find any prices on their website.

Does West-End Bike do trade-in's?
I've a very expensive Dutch bike (Gazelle) that I would have to trade/sell before I can get a new bike.

Depending on how they built the bike at the shop you'll pay about $1100-1400 I think. Mine was stock built for $1250 if I recall - it was almost 2 years ago.
Not sure about trade ins you'd have to ask. I don't feel like many shops do that but what do I know! They might be able to help you off load it though.

SAGit 03-25-16 01:19 PM


Originally Posted by txags92 (Post 18629572)
Yeah, tough ride on Saturday. Spent some time in a group with SAGit on the way to Monaville. Looked like everybody was on their best behavior, but it was hard to tell if it was just because we were way out in front of the main group or if the ride crowd was just small due to the wind. Figured out a few miles past of Monaville that I had a cut rear tire and was riding on less than 40 psi. Managed to boot the tire and keep going. Really enjoyed the tailwind on the way back...but that crosswind down Morton sucked big time.

It was nice to ride with you in the same pace line. Thanks for the pull against the crazy headwind on fm362.

hope to see you on Saturday.

SAGit 03-25-16 01:23 PM

I am thinking about doing the Texas TMCO Grand Fondo on April 3. It's a 90 miles route on the West-Northwest side of Lake Conroe. Anyone familiar with the route?

the sci guy 04-22-16 10:33 AM

Hey y'all I'm selling my 2014 Cross-Check. Excellent shape, just always been a bit too big for me. It's a 52. If interested shoot me a PM. I can list all the specs for you and pics if you want/need.

the sci guy 05-05-16 01:06 PM

Anyone else doing Bike For Mike this Saturday? Weather is looking good I think.

jtolive 05-06-16 03:58 PM


Originally Posted by the sci guy (Post 18743701)
Anyone else doing Bike For Mike this Saturday? Weather is looking good I think.

The weather does look good. Team ride with SWCC. I'm the old guy on a red Sworks Roubaix.

68venable 05-06-16 04:02 PM

Not enough time. May sneak in 20 miles from the house before my wife wakes up though.

the sci guy 05-06-16 09:17 PM


Originally Posted by jtolive (Post 18746804)
The weather does look good. Team ride with SWCC. I'm the old guy on a red Sworks Roubaix.

I'll be the guy in the Syracuse Orange jersey and tall socks with my green cross check with a for sale sign on it.

I'm only doing 35 though so you'll probably be rolling way ahead of me

the sci guy 05-08-16 05:34 PM

Bike for Mike was awesome as always. I did the 35 mile route, and crushed it. I think my avg speed was around 17 for the whole ride - even on my heavy ass Cross-Check. Commuting to work daily on my heavy ass Trek has really helped.
For this ride its better to do a shorter route because you get back to the winery earlier, and you don't have to worry about the food and beer and wine being gone. So, it was an awesome time. Y'all should have come. I'd estimate there were maybe 300-400 riders.

Here's some pics.

Start/End point.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7764/2...8d9c52_b_d.jpg

Getting ready to roll out:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7173/2...6bb855_c_d.jpg


Some Fulshear cows
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7624/2...f7d60e_b_d.jpg


The best rest stop of all time outside the Sweet Tooth candy shop. I had an ice cream, tons of snacks, and enjoyed some rest:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7747/2...c62121_b_d.jpg

and the beautiful countryside
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7756/2...173a2c_b_d.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7650/2...2388a0_b_d.jpg

68venable 05-11-16 03:11 PM

Looks fun. Its a great area to ride.

the sci guy 06-27-16 07:58 PM

Katy Flatland is very soon. I haven't registered yet though. Not sure yet.

texbiker 06-27-16 09:08 PM

You can see rides coming up at the Texbiker.net event calendar. Bicycling Texas | Bicycling events, Texas | cycling events, Texas

B Chris 06-28-16 09:04 AM


Originally Posted by the sci guy (Post 18873917)
Katy Flatland is very soon. I haven't registered yet though. Not sure yet.

Dang. This makes me sad. Last year I did the metric century and felt pretty proud of myself. This year with Bear Creek Park and most of the George Bush Park trail closed for months, I have hardly ridden at all.

Always liked that event. Very well run. Oh well, Bear Creek looks almost ready to open. Time to get back on the bike. Good luck to all who do the KFC.

the sci guy 07-22-16 01:00 PM

a co-worker just told me that a buddy of his mentioned there was a big wreck at the Katy Flatland this past weekend - someone had to be life flighted out and everything. haven't seen anything about it anywhere. Anyone know anything about it?

Tanstaafl 07-25-16 06:17 AM


Originally Posted by the sci guy (Post 18931254)
a co-worker just told me that a buddy of his mentioned there was a big wreck at the Katy Flatland this past weekend - someone had to be life flighted out and everything. haven't seen anything about it anywhere. Anyone know anything about it?

I don't know about a wreck, but an ambulance responded to the finish line around 3:00 or 4:00.


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