New to Houston where to ride
#1
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New to Houston where to ride
I'm on a 2 year work gig in Houston, around the Memorial area and looking for places to take a road bike. I have been doing the Memorial Park bike loop, any suggestions for other riding spots on the west side of town?
Thanks
Thanks
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I'm in the same area. I live off of Ella - a couple of blocks north of the loop.
Mostly I'm a recreational rider - certainly no racer.
I spend most of my riding time tooling through the neighborhoods in the Heights. I also like riding through the neighborhoods in the Montrose area. I try to stay off the main streets in town. If you've not already noticed - these drivers are nuts.
There are some bike trails that run alongside some of the bayous in town.
If you're looking for serious training, I dunno what to tell you.
Mostly I'm a recreational rider - certainly no racer.
I spend most of my riding time tooling through the neighborhoods in the Heights. I also like riding through the neighborhoods in the Montrose area. I try to stay off the main streets in town. If you've not already noticed - these drivers are nuts.
There are some bike trails that run alongside some of the bayous in town.
If you're looking for serious training, I dunno what to tell you.
#3
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On Wednesday evenings a group of serious-looking roadies leaves Bikesport at 6 PM; this is on Joanel between Westheimer and West Alabama, one block west of Edloe. There is a bike shop on Blossom that has group rides, though I cannot recall the day and times; I met one of them when he was walking along through Bellaire after multiple flats had left him walking. If nobody else chimes in with the name of that shop, I will look it up and post it in this thread.
There is a paved trail along Braes Bayou; the stretch nearest me extends from Loop 610 to the Medical Center area. Parts of it bypass streets, and parts of it come up to street level. I got out of the habit of using it when construction in the Medical Center area cut it off, but I plan to inspect it in the coming week, as I am on vacation. I have seen a similar trail in the Timber Grove area along White Oak Bayou inside Loop 610 by T.C. Jester, which I also plan to scout this week.
Almost forgot: Welcome to Texas!
There is a paved trail along Braes Bayou; the stretch nearest me extends from Loop 610 to the Medical Center area. Parts of it bypass streets, and parts of it come up to street level. I got out of the habit of using it when construction in the Medical Center area cut it off, but I plan to inspect it in the coming week, as I am on vacation. I have seen a similar trail in the Timber Grove area along White Oak Bayou inside Loop 610 by T.C. Jester, which I also plan to scout this week.
Almost forgot: Welcome to Texas!
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#4
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wow, i cant imagine riding a bike in the montrose area. its scary enough just driving a car sometimes.
#5
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Surprisingly I find montrose one of the better riding spots inner city, though the weekend nights can be a little crazy, though I was out dancing till early morning hours and rode my bike to the club.
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There's a reason I don't own a handgun.
The trick is to not spend too much time on Montrose itself.
#7
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There is plenty of great riding on the neighborhood streets in and near the Montrose area, though neighborhood streets are not the best for fitness riding, with all the stop signs and such. I used to be able to make a block in the neighborhood north of Westheimer, between South Shepherd and Kirby, with no stop signs and good visibility, on quiet Sunday nights at a good pace, making right turns. To keep my tires wearing evenly, I would then ride to the traffic circle around the statue of Sam Houston by Hermann Park, and make that constant left turn around the statue of General Sam Houston for the same amount of time I had ridden the block in the neighborhood. I no longer live in that neighborhood, off Westheimer, though, and in any case, that block now has stop signs and more cars parked in the street. The good General is still a good destination on quiet nights, though.
To get OT a bit, Sam Houston was quite a guy, historically. In spite of what is now believed to have been bipolar disorder, a.k.a. manic depressive disorder, which he self-medicated with alcohol, he was governor of Tennessee for while, and like many prominent and not-so-prominent Tennesseeans, came to Texas when it was still part of Mexico. He was appointed to lead the Texian Army during the Revolution, and later became President of Texas, and later Governor after Texas became a state. He opposed secession from the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War, and in hindsight, he was right; Texas really could do without the South economically, and could have sat that one out and come out ahead.
Yes, I did spell Texian correctly. In those days, it was not Texican, and not Texan, either, yet.
Another ride that works OK on quiet mornings is Allen Parkway, if you are intrepid enough, or have a willing person to follow in a car or other support vehicle. The speed limit is 35 MPH, but the swooping curves tempt some motorists to treat it like a race course. I would use bright blinkies, for sure, if it is dark, or bright jerseys in the daylight. Really, sight distance is only bad at the Montrose and Waugh underpasses, so if those are avoided, Allen Parkway should be quite safe, while allowing long stretches with no stops. Some people use Memorial Drive on quiet mornings, though between downtown and a few blocks west of Shepherd, the minimum speed limit is 40 MPH, and, though the signs have largely disappeared through attrition and theft, it is posted as off-limits to pedestrians, bicycles, and non-motorized traffic in that stretch.
To get OT a bit, Sam Houston was quite a guy, historically. In spite of what is now believed to have been bipolar disorder, a.k.a. manic depressive disorder, which he self-medicated with alcohol, he was governor of Tennessee for while, and like many prominent and not-so-prominent Tennesseeans, came to Texas when it was still part of Mexico. He was appointed to lead the Texian Army during the Revolution, and later became President of Texas, and later Governor after Texas became a state. He opposed secession from the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War, and in hindsight, he was right; Texas really could do without the South economically, and could have sat that one out and come out ahead.
Yes, I did spell Texian correctly. In those days, it was not Texican, and not Texan, either, yet.
Another ride that works OK on quiet mornings is Allen Parkway, if you are intrepid enough, or have a willing person to follow in a car or other support vehicle. The speed limit is 35 MPH, but the swooping curves tempt some motorists to treat it like a race course. I would use bright blinkies, for sure, if it is dark, or bright jerseys in the daylight. Really, sight distance is only bad at the Montrose and Waugh underpasses, so if those are avoided, Allen Parkway should be quite safe, while allowing long stretches with no stops. Some people use Memorial Drive on quiet mornings, though between downtown and a few blocks west of Shepherd, the minimum speed limit is 40 MPH, and, though the signs have largely disappeared through attrition and theft, it is posted as off-limits to pedestrians, bicycles, and non-motorized traffic in that stretch.
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Last edited by Rex G; 05-18-08 at 01:33 PM.
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I usually ride from Katy to the Texas Medical Center and that takes me right through the Montrose area. I like the that portion of my ride quite a bit.
-Nate
-Nate
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There is plenty of great riding on the neighborhood streets in and near the Montrose area, though neighborhood streets are not the best for fitness riding, with all the stop signs and such. I used to be able to make a block in the neighborhood north of Westheimer, between South Shepherd and Kirby, with no stop signs and good visibility, on quiet Sunday nights at a good pace, making right turns. To keep my tires wearing evenly, I would then ride to the traffic circle around the statue of Sam Houston by Hermann Park, and make that constant left turn around the statue of General Sam Houston for the same amount of time I had ridden the block in the neighborhood. I no longer live in that neighborhood, off Westheimer, though, and in any case, that block now has stop signs and more cars parked in the street. The good General is still a good destination on quiet nights, though.
I was just down around Hermann Park last night, as a matter of fact! Late night ride - Ella over to Height Blvd (great bike lane there), through the neighborhoods in montrose area, down to the museum district w/ a rest at the foot of the monument.
You're right - it's nice down there at night. I sat on the steps of the monument, drank my water, listened to the fountain in the traffic circle and the sounds of some party going at one of those hotels. It was peaceful.
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On Wednesday evenings a group of serious-looking roadies leaves Bikesport at 6 PM; this is on Joanel between Westheimer and West Alabama, one block west of Edloe. There is a bike shop on Blossom that has group rides, though I cannot recall the day and times; I met one of them when he was walking along through Bellaire after multiple flats had left him walking. If nobody else chimes in with the name of that shop, I will look it up and post it in this thread.
There is a paved trail along Braes Bayou; the stretch nearest me extends from Loop 610 to the Medical Center area. Parts of it bypass streets, and parts of it come up to street level. I got out of the habit of using it when construction in the Medical Center area cut it off, but I plan to inspect it in the coming week, as I am on vacation. I have seen a similar trail in the Timber Grove area along White Oak Bayou inside Loop 610 by T.C. Jester, which I also plan to scout this week.
Almost forgot: Welcome to Texas!
There is a paved trail along Braes Bayou; the stretch nearest me extends from Loop 610 to the Medical Center area. Parts of it bypass streets, and parts of it come up to street level. I got out of the habit of using it when construction in the Medical Center area cut it off, but I plan to inspect it in the coming week, as I am on vacation. I have seen a similar trail in the Timber Grove area along White Oak Bayou inside Loop 610 by T.C. Jester, which I also plan to scout this week.
Almost forgot: Welcome to Texas!
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To add, here's a link to an events page of one of the bike shops in town, they have a list of weekly as well as upcoming group rides.
https://bikebarn.com/page.cfm?PageID=66
https://bikebarn.com/page.cfm?PageID=66
#12
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https://www.westendbikes.com/fsweall.html - group rides on Wednesday evenings and Sat/Sun mornings, call the shop for more details
https://www.urbanbicyclegallery.com/services.html - same as above, good group of guys.
The White Oak Trail starts at 11th street and winds along side of the bayou for 5 miles to almost Pinemont. The pavement is pretty smooth and you can usually ride at your own pace. You will have to cross 3 intersections, but it's no big deal. Get out there before 8:00am to avoid the blue hairs, moms pushing strollers, and fat women walking 3 abreast ; )
https://www.urbanbicyclegallery.com/services.html - same as above, good group of guys.
The White Oak Trail starts at 11th street and winds along side of the bayou for 5 miles to almost Pinemont. The pavement is pretty smooth and you can usually ride at your own pace. You will have to cross 3 intersections, but it's no big deal. Get out there before 8:00am to avoid the blue hairs, moms pushing strollers, and fat women walking 3 abreast ; )
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There is actually a map book available from most bike stores and it has alot of the houston rides in it. The west oaks mall ride is pretty busy on the weekends but you would have to drive there for a shorter ride. I live around memorial and wilcrest and the full ride from my door is around 60 miles. If I drove to the mall it would be around a 40 mile ride.
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Skippy, there's another group ride that starts out closer to your neck of the woods. I-Cycle, which is at the confluence of TC Jester and 18th, barely east of Ella has group rides running both Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. I've been out only for the Saturday morning ride, and then only once, but it's a nice group. They guy who owns the shop leads the ride, and he seems a good sort.
I understand they usually have a faster group (20 mph or so) and a slower group (16-17 mph), although when I was there, only faster riders showed up. Anyway, it might be worth checking out for you.
I understand they usually have a faster group (20 mph or so) and a slower group (16-17 mph), although when I was there, only faster riders showed up. Anyway, it might be worth checking out for you.
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Skippy, there's another group ride that starts out closer to your neck of the woods. I-Cycle, which is at the confluence of TC Jester and 18th, barely east of Ella has group rides running both Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. I've been out only for the Saturday morning ride, and then only once, but it's a nice group. They guy who owns the shop leads the ride, and he seems a good sort.
I understand they usually have a faster group (20 mph or so) and a slower group (16-17 mph), although when I was there, only faster riders showed up. Anyway, it might be worth checking out for you.
I understand they usually have a faster group (20 mph or so) and a slower group (16-17 mph), although when I was there, only faster riders showed up. Anyway, it might be worth checking out for you.
I'm familiar w/ I-Cycle though. Very nice little shop. I've picked up a few accessories there. I don't know if the guy I've been dealing w/ is the guy that owns the joint, or the guy that runs it, but he is a nice guy. I've no complaints in my dealings w/ him.
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I've been looking for a route and haven't found one that I like yet.
#17
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I checked the Braes Bayou trail at Scott, when in that part of town yesterday, and found it closed for construction east of Scott; this is by the U of H main campus. This is not, of course, the west side of town, but in case anyone was looking at this thread for other parts of Houston, I put the info here.
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-Nate
#19
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its easy to get from Katy in to the loop if you are coming from the south side of I-10. If you start north of Clay Road, there aren't many good ways to get south of I-10. I pray that they will someday extend Queenston south from Keith Harrow to Clay Road or even south to I-10. Or if they extend Greenhouse south to I-10. That would give me a perfect pathway to George Bush Park.
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There is an airport and a park that stand in the way of Queenston, so I doubt they will ever do that. Green House is realistic and planned. I usually use Eldrige Parkway to get south of I-10 from the north side.
-Nate
-Nate
#21
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I comfirmed with Bikesport on Joanel that the ride that leaves their shop leaves at 6 PM, and this means they leave promptly at 6 PM. I was told their pace is somewhat sedate, even though they do look like serious roadies.
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#22
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Unfortunately, I live between Queenston and Barker Cypress off of West Little York, so there isn't what I would consider a safe way to get from where I live to Eldridge. If I could get to Clay Road without getting on Hwy 6 or Barker Cypress, I could take Clay Road to Eldridge and go from there. But Hwy 6 and BC just aren't safe roads for cycling between west little york and clay road IMO.
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Ha! I encountered that Bikesport group on my way home tonight. (see my whine in the commuter thread if you want the gory details). They don't ride too fast, and I can say this because I was able to keep up with them on my commuter.
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Unfortunately, I live between Queenston and Barker Cypress off of West Little York, so there isn't what I would consider a safe way to get from where I live to Eldridge. If I could get to Clay Road without getting on Hwy 6 or Barker Cypress, I could take Clay Road to Eldridge and go from there. But Hwy 6 and BC just aren't safe roads for cycling between west little york and clay road IMO.
-Nate
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for training - memorial park loop (flat) or hershey park (has some hills and goes from beltway 8 west to hwy 6 or further I can't remember) one parking lot is not usable for hershey due to construction so go to boheme and beltway 8 feeder and park behind the big wall in the neighborhood. the entrance to the park is right at the intersection of boheme and beltway west feeder.
houston also has a critical mass ride the last friday of every month (meets at tranquility park downtown). turnout is getting huge lately and looks to be about 80+ riders but its no hammerfest if thats what you're looking for...just a leisure ride with some cool cats.
houston also has a critical mass ride the last friday of every month (meets at tranquility park downtown). turnout is getting huge lately and looks to be about 80+ riders but its no hammerfest if thats what you're looking for...just a leisure ride with some cool cats.