Whew! Can we take a breather? I mean, an amazing Clasica San Sebastian, http://goo.gl/6lhgP1, ongoing Tour of Poland, upcoming Tour of Utah Aug 6-11, USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado Aug 19-25, the Vuelta a EspaƱa starts on Aug 24 thru Sept 15 (this may conflict with work), Quebec on Sept 13, Montreal on Sept 15, the 80th UCI Road World Championship in Florence, Italy at the end of September, Lombardia on Oct 5, everyone's favorite UCI 2.HC ranked Tour of Hainan October, and the Tour of Hangzhou and Tour of Beijing in mid-Oct, and then back at it with the Tour Down Under starts on January 22. Heck, if i ain't a-ridin', then i'mma watchin' bikes!
But, what about riding talk, and your doing this riding? Well, glad you asked! Saddle up for another week's worth of Austin road bike doin's. The cats are free
**The Weather Report
**Bike Pron
**Club the Week, Weekly Club Rides
**Free-Range Rides (weak list of benefits, charities, fondos, regional races)
**Smart Product Alert
**Recipe for Food (will return!)
**The Weather Report, Reporte, from the National Weather Service! (for 78705).
Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 102. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Wednesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind around 10 mph.
Saturday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 77.
Sunday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 77.
Monday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
**Bike Pron, to get you in the mood.
This just caught my eye, the Argon 18 Gallium Pro, http://goo.gl/4v8jXC
Seen a few Argon's around town and now I know a little more about 'em. This model comes with a lower and super-large bottom bracket for better handling. And it's Canadian. (Montreal). Worth a read. homepage, http://www.cyclesgervaisrioux.com
**Club the Week, Weekly Club Rides
1) Mondays, 6:30am.
VOP (Velo On Peloton) Ride, http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/
'A fast-paced, 32- mile loop going out south on Mopac/45 to the dead-end and then back north to La Crosse and then to Escarpement and then to Wm Cannon Drive where we go southwest SW Parkway to Barton Creek Blvd. to Lost Creek Blvd. to Hwy. 360 South back to the start. **This ride is a little different as it is by appointment only.** You need to tell the riders you are coming so they will look for you. Sometimes they vary the start time and place a little. Send an email to me a few days in advance if you are planning to go. Brad (at) BradHoustonLaw.com.'
2) Mondays, 5:45pm.
Austin Tri-Cyclist Downtown, http://www.austintricyclist.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm
'Rothe Ride: This is a casual, fun, recovery ride and open to anyone. Route will alternate every other week. Ride time: 1.5hrs.' I finally rode along and enjoyed the relaxed pace and conversation! I don't remember any of the book recommendations, hmpf. Everyone should take this rare opportunity to go for an easy spin with these pro-caliber riders.
3) Mondays, 7pm thru September.
Nelo's Cycle's, http://www.neloscycles.com/shop-ride.html
Meet at 6:50pm to leave at 7pm. Club-paced with regular stops to regroup. nice, simple interval stuff with light climbing. gets back to the shop by 8:15pm, so brings lights! the shop is roughly 30mins from campus, so leave a little early so you can gaze at the luscious bike porn everywhere in the shop. check it out! you just feel better about the week, afterwards....
4) Tuesdays, 7am.
Mellow Johnny's Violet Crown Ride, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/tt-violet-crown-ride/
Hey, the website now has several maps, sweet! Violet Crown leads a brand-spankin' new 7am 30-mile road ride from Mellow Johnny's. Start rollin' at 7:05am, back by 9:15am.
5) Tuesdays, 5:30pm.
Mellow Ladies’ Ride, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/2013-season-mellow-ladies-ride/
'Led by the ladies (of Mellow Johnny’s) and for the ladies, this in-town ride will teach valuable group riding skills and provide the opportunity to introduce you to other women cyclists. It’s great for loosening up the legs after a long weekend of riding. Expectations: some group riding experience and ability to maintain 14-15mph pace.'
6) Tuesdays, 6pm.
Tuesday Nighter race series, http://www.facebook.com/groups/406090176085776/
'The Tueday night training race. Brought to you by Austin Cyclists. Leaves Mellow Johnny's at 5pm for a roll to a southeast loop for some of the fastest group riding in the world.' One word: Brutal. May be best to think of this as riding in a pack for 10mins, then riding the remaining three laps either alone or picking up other dropped, wayward souls. Do it for the experience of riding with Cat 1 racers and then wait at the convenience store to ride back into town with everyone afterwards and listen to their stories, neat!
7) Wednesdays, 6:30am.
VOP (Velo On Peloton) Ride, http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/
'Fast, race-paced hills – 28-mile loop going out and back on SW Parkway to Barton Creek Blvd. to Bee Cave Rd.for a short distance to a shortcut into the Lost Creek Subdivision, finishing with the Lost Creek Blvd. climb plus a hilly spur, then back to Loop 360. Bring some bread crumbs in case you get lost, it is fast!'
8) Wednesdays, 6pm.
Bicycle Sports Shop Research Store Beginners Ride, http://bicyclesportshop.com/about/weekly-shop-road-rides-pg1918.htm?
9) Wednesdays 7pm thru September.
Nelo's Cycle's, http://www.neloscycles.com/shop-ride.html
Meet at 6:50 to leave at 7pm.
10) Wednesday, 7pm. (week-to-week)
Cycleast's Heavy Breather Ride, http://www.facebook.com/events/1378406199051401/?ref=3
'Social Cycling and Cycleast are bringing back the Heavy Breather Ride, just in time for the heat! This is a speedy ride for the rest of us. Between social pace and race pace, we'll get out on some nice fast roads and open it up! Anticipate a little warm up period, some light to medium hills, and then some good old fashioned road to run! Also, there will be a half way stop at a convenience store for refueling purposes. Meeting at Cycleast, 501 Pedernales at 7 pm, wheels down at 730!! bring your helmet, your water bottles, and your lungs. Also, bring some lights, flat changing materials, and your best high five abilities. Again, bring LIGHTS!!!
11) Wednesdays 6:30pm.
AJ's Wednesday nite ride, http://www.ajcyclery.com (see the events calendar) (512) 351-3179.
'Shop ride heading north on Parmer/Ronald Reagan. All riders and skills welcome beginner (C), intermediate (B) and advanced (A) riders. AJ's to highway 29 and back 22 miles, Great mid week workout *** Lights required***'
12) Thursdays, 7am.
Mellow Johnny's Violet Crown Ride, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/tt-violet-crown-ride/
rolling at 7:05am. Be back around 9:15am.
13) Thursdays 5pm - 8pm.
Pure Austin Driveway Series, http://www.drivewayseries.com
Like to race? Like to watch bike races? Then this is your place! Every Thursday afternoon. This is organized racing, not club riding. And it costs a little money to partic-i-pate but is free to spec-u-tate. Please fire an email thru the UT Cycling email list if you’re going, when, and where to meet, especially if you’d like to ride with others. This is a fun way to experience bike racing. Everyone on this email list is encouraged to go!
14) Fridays, 6:30am.
VOP (Velo On Peloton) Ride, http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/
'Medium to fast paced, moderate rollers and hills - 28-mile loop going out Bee Caves Road and down River Hills Road and up through Seven Oaks back to Bee Caves Road out to the Bee Cave city limit sign. Some folks skipped the river valley and go to Barton Creek West entrance on Bee Caves Road and turn around for about 19 miles.'
15) Fridays, 2:30pm.
Mellow Johnny's Friday Truancy Ride, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/friday-truancy-ride-2/
For those less adventurous but easily led into mischief, there's our hallowed and churning, 2:30, and burning, Truancy Ride. The Friday Truancy Ride at MJ's leaves the shop for a 30mi spin around the city. I'm leading this ride, too. Lots of visitors--Austrians, Bostonians, Pheonex-ians, Floridians, Los Angelenos and a new guy named Jurgen! What's more? They all happen to like riding bikes! Think of it as a spirited Shoal Creek Shoot-out with hot-spot sprints and mini-interval stuff. Local Cat 3-4 Team Voodoo makes a reliable attendance. Come join in the hilarity and spin the week's worries right off. Fun! Fun! Pew! Pew!
16) Fridays, 4pm? 5:30pm?
Shoal Creek Shoot-out....maybe, if anyone's leading this ride....
Roll on up to Gregory Gym for the Friday Shoal Creek Shootout, leaving the steps on the west side of Gregory Gym for an approx 20-25mi ride up, down and around Shoal Creek and Great Northern. Fun, relaxed pace that’s great for anyone getting into cycling. Hopefully we'll see some of the other veterans this week to teach the new blood a thing er two....Come with at least one water bottle, helmet, and a smile. Be prepared to ride at least 20 miles. Would be smart to have a white front light and a red rear light. NO earphones or cars, please.
17) Saturdays, 7:30am.
VOP (Velo On Peloton) Ride, http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/
'This is a fast ride of lots of hills.The longer loops include the Dam Loop, which is a variation of the Wednesday loop, but adding Hwy 620 to either River Place or Anderson Mill Road. This is usually a spirited ride with a fast pace (race like conditions). Two water stops.'
18) Saturdays, 8am.
Led from Mellow Johnny's by 787Racing - Saturday and Sunday mornings, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/787cycling-team-weekend-rides/
19) Saturdays, 8am !! NEW !!
The MJ 100k, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/mj-100k/
'Longer and faster than the Middle Of The Road (MOTR).'
20) Saturdays, 8am.
Violet Crown Bagel Ride, http://www.violetcrown.org
'Saturday 6/22/2013 - The Bagel Ride - Einstein Brothers Bagels 12400 N. IH-35 (Southwest corner Parmer/IH-35 intersection), 8:00am roll-out. I would like to do the same thing we did last weekend - keep the ride a little shorter, have some hard efforts but keep the majority of the ride steady - long ride will be 70 - 75 miles and I am sure there will be a short option as well.'
21) Saturdays, 8:30am.
MOTR (Middle Of The Road) this week says Creedmoor but, who really knows? http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/middle-of-the-road-ride-motr-creedmoor/
Show up at Juan Pelota's early for an espresso ($) and a chat (free). JP's opens at 7am Saturdays. I'm usually spinning south by Gregory Gym between 7:40 and 7:50am in case you'd like to ride down there with someone. Wheels down at Mellow Johnny's at 8:30am. This ride is approximately 40mi. Back at the shop, PLEASE be sure to say 'Thank you' to the ever-amicable and suuper-supportive MJ's sales and mechanic staff! They help set up and break down the new ride registration table, the water jug, and the sign-in sheets, as well as making weekly updates to the MJ's website. And they will often do a quick mechanical, like lube your chain or adjust cables, while you wait (if they see that you help out!) MJ's does so much for us, so we should be appreciative every chance we get. I think there's a new MJ's deal: $20 for a quick and pro-level bike cleaning. Inquire within!
22) Saturdays, 8:30am.
Austin Tri-Cyclist Downtown, http://www.austintricyclist.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm
'A moderate to fast paced group ride with 30 and 50 mile options.'
23) Saturdays, 9am.
Mellow Johnny's Scout-a-Route Mueller Meander, 20mi. http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/scout-a-route-mueller-meander-extended/
'These rides are co-hosted by Mellow Johnny’s and the Austin Cycling Association. This no-drop, co-ed group ride is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or bike commuting, returning to the bike or just looking for a more casual ride. The routes are designed to help riders navigate the city bike routes and other safe bike commuting options.' Follow the link for more details.
24) Saturdays, 9am.
Bicycle Sports Shop Parmer Store Saturday Ride, http://bicyclesportshop.com/about/weekly-shop-road-rides-pg1918.htm?
25) Sundays, 8am.
VOP (Velo On Peloton) Ride, http://www.bradhoustonlaw.com/gruppo-vop/
'This 27 mile Recovery Ride can be spirited, but hold your horses and you will be fine. Mopac/State Hwy 45 to FM 1826, coming back Slaughter Lane to Mopac. This is a more social ride and it is ideal for an introduction to Gruppo VOP. The ride is generally completed by 9:45-9:50am.'
26) Sundays, 8am.
Bicycle Sports Shop Lamar Store Sunday Ride, http://bicyclesportshop.com/about/weekly-shop-road-rides-pg1918.htm?
27) Sundays, 8:15am.
Mellow Johnny's Violet Crown Recovery Ride, http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/sunday-mellow-ride-8/
'The Sunday Violet Crown Ride is less intense than the Saturday VC Ride, but still a speedy group ride. This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider with good fitness who is accustomed to riding in groups. This co-ed ride averages 17-18mph for 50-60 miles.'
28) Sundays. 9am.
Austin Tri-Cyclist on Loop 360, http://www.austintricyclist.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm
'Our kinda hilly Sunday ride - 30-40 miles'
29<) Various rides posted by you, the reader, throughout the week. Right?
Pleeeease!
**Free-Range Rides (benefits, charities, fondos, regional races)
1) August 10, 7am.
Thrall of a Pop, http://www.hillcountryrandonneurs.com
Prior Notice: Application must be received before ride is ridden.
Starting location: Berry Creek Shell 301 SH 195, Georgetown, TX 78628
This is a flat out and back route in Georgetown, TX. Controls are close together and
it is a great first Pop or a Pop to ride on a hot day.
If you want more information or to notify me that you would like to ride it, please send
an email to phnagel@yahoo.com.'
2) August 24
http://www.hh100.org/
'The Hotter’N Hell Hundred is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation. Fitness oriented riders and bicycle racers will come to Wichita Falls, Texas, from virtually every state and several foreign countries. They will set their calendars for the week of Aug 22 - Aug 25, 2013. The official HHH Endurance Ride start will be approximately 7am (official sunrise) on Saturday, Aug 24, 2013. The USA Cycling Road Race is Saturday, Aug 24, 2013 with USA Cycling Criterium racing on Friday and Sunday. The HHH will continue to offer a mountain bike race on Friday, August 23, 2013 and a trail run on Sunday, August 25, 2013 as well. By the way, the HHH is always 9 days before Labor Day.'
3) tba.
The University of Texas Sweatin Burnt Orange
4) August 31 - Sept 2
Tour of Austin 2013, http://www.tourdeaustin.com/
**Smart Product
Arm Coolers for Summer Cycling: A Look at Rapha and DeFeet, http://goo.gl/lBFQDB
This is an excellent article on something i knew nothing about, arm coolers! Even includes a helpful list of other arm cooler options. The comments are worth a quick flip. The DeFeet offer abrasion protection, hmpf! The Rapha are light-weight, and Rapha.
Alright, enough of this jibba-jabba. I gots ta eats if I'm gonna be on my bike by 7am tomorrow!
Let's Ride Bikes!
:)
BikePaulie