it was discontinued as a sponsored ride because despite excellent safety briefings prior to the ride, on every occasion I rode, there were a handful of people who chose to blatantly disregard the rules of the road and routinely created hazards for themselves, other riders and the motorists we share the roads with...
That is a matter of perspective. I have ridden many times, yet have not noticed this. And I have been at the front, the middle and back at various different times.
All the aforementioned tweenie schoolgirl drama and gossip aside (calling the police for example), I generally like the club. There are some really nice people and skill levels both in the club and among the general riders who are continuing on with the HEB ride regardless of the WCC decision to cede it's endorsement. I believe that the WCC action was a little knee jerk and dramatic as well, but that is the nature of things when dealing with such obvious egos. Nevertheless, on their forum someone posted a link to a biker's blog that really made a lot of sense in their defence. The topic discussed was the difference between cyclists and POBs (people on bikes).
The problem that I have personally with the WCC rides is that unless you plan on practically racing 22-30mph, you are stuck with beginner rides. Perhaps I am incorrect, but there doesn't seem to be a ride for anyone wanting to average 18-22mph without the time or energy for the 50 mile trip.
Having been on the HEB ride multiple times, I can attest to it's viability as an additional option for those who like to vary their usual rides. Come on out sometime. It starts every Sunday at 8:30am at the HEB in TW Towncenter and goes about 29-35 miles, after which many of us enjoy congregating at the Jamba Juice and Starbucks in Towncenter. If you prefer the FM routes as currently riden by the WCC and don't mind the distance and/or speeds, their website is
here.