the sci guy 

I emailed the folks at Bike for Mike last night, and got a reply saying as much:

" We added the 51 and only way we could make it work is to do the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] loop twice (the blue one), but at least getting the extra miles on the bike."

So there you have it. that's probably what I will do - depending on time. According to the email yesterday the festivities and lunch will only be served to 1:30.

Anyone up for carpooling? I have no idea where I am going. I'm on the west side - Dairy ashford/briar forest area.

rpecot

I'll probably do the 51 mile route as well.

I was seriously considering just riding to the start. I live about 6.5 miles away. But since my daughter will be riding with me, we'll probably drive. This is basically my "usual" weekend ride with an extra loop thrown in for good measure. With food, wine, and music too. Let's not forget that.

Your best bet would have been Westpark, but it will be closed this weekend. Take I-10 to the first Brookshire exit and go south on FM 359.

the sci guy 

yikes, that adds like 10 miles to the way to get there. STUPID WESTPARK TOLLWAY CONSTRUCTION

txags92

SG,

I believe the start is basically at the vacant lot where we worked the R2R breakpoint. Or within a block or so one way or another. So if you just head out I-10 to 359, take 359 south, and turn right a block or two before you get to the stop light in Fulshear, I would imagine you can't help but run into somewhere to park and get to the start. I am pretty sure my wife and I are going to ride it. I had dental surgery on Tuesday afternoon, and won't likely be going very hard. But I do need to get some good longer rides in before mid-June, because I did end up agreeing to do the bike leg of a Half Ironman relay with my brother up in Boise, so I can't totally slack off for the next few weeks. I have been on a liquid diet for two days and started soft foods last night, so I am really going to miss pigging out on BBQ after the ride

the sci guy 

We should have a houston bike forums meetup tomorrow. I'm already meeting up with @rpecot

I'll be wearing a my Syracuse Orange jersey (this: Amazon.com : NCAA Syracuse Orange Cycling Jersey : Sports & Outdoors) with tall SU colors argyle socks. so I should be easy to spot.

rpecot

You are correct sir. Basically. The winery (and start) is on the property across the street. Last year, I parked in that vacant lot.

George

How early would it take, to get a spot to park there?

jtolive

I'll be there too. Wearing a SWCC jersey with a red Roubaix.

rpecot

Shouldn't take long I guess. I always like to get there an hour before ride time, just so I'm not rushed getting everything together.

the sci guy 

Nice.
Come find me! I'd say I'd wait by something, but I don't know what the area is like at all so, I'm just going to be following the crowd.

Y'all know my green Surly - probably be the only one there!

My name is Dan (or Sci Guy I guess haha)

txags92

I will be in a white jersey with a maroon ATM logo on the front and a 12 on the back and riding a black Emonda.

jtolive

Sorry missed everyone. Probably ahead of most of the crowd to start with. A flat put a few of us back a little more in the main group. Did the 68 mile loop. We(SWCC) had a tent right by the Swinging Door folks.

Great day weather wise - even better ride!

txags92

I saw y'all sitting in the SWCC tent, but had no idea which was you. We had a good ride doing the 51 mile route. Wife got hit right between the eyes by a bee coming up Bois d' Arc and rode the last few miles into the breakpoint with the stinger still stuck in her skin on the bridge of her nose. She went on with the ride and finished strong, but it is pretty swollen right now. Looks like a long few days with Benadryl and ice packs in her future. Really enjoyed the lunch and treats afterwards. They take great care of us out there. Did meet another BF member out there, Bruce, but I don't remember his username. Nice to see a good turnout for the ride this year.

the sci guy 

I saw a bunch of y'all at the tent but was hoping you would see me since all your jerseys are the same hahaha
The guy from Groundroll was there, can't remember his name though.


I didn't see you all day dude.
Saw Bruce in line to start, he's a great guy, did some rides with him last year. He's bkj on here.
I stopped after 35 since I was on a time constraint and wanted to enjoy some lunch and a beer before heading out.
Took some good pics, will post later.

bkj

Howdy all. It was a great day and a great ride. Nice to meet you txags92 and rpecot. I did the 68. Rpecot was right, 1458 after the right turn past Simonton was a little rough, but my bike (blue SOMA with the double top tube) has big tires and the vibration wasn't too bad. The wind picked up a little and I got a tailwind all the way in from Pattison. I didn't get in until 11:50, but I got a couple of beers before the kegs ran out. I'm glad to say I helped with that process!

Next week is the Columbus ride, another favorite of mine.

SAGit

That was a nice ride but I was there for brunch. Thank you Sweet Tooth, Swinging Door, Peperoni, etc....

I had the pleasure of meeting Surleybiker and Rpecot. You guys are nicer in person than your online personality.

I will see y'all in Columbus.

the sci guy 

LoL - I think this is a compliment?

Putting faces to names is always nice! Enjoyed chatting with you during lunch!

the sci guy 

Some Bike for Mike pics:

Starting line at the entrance to the Ranch/Vineyards


Lined up to go. Smaller crowd, which was fabulous after being crunched with huge crowds for Ready 2 Roll


Finally got a chance to rock my new jersey and socks. Got a few compliments on the socks specifically. Let's Go Orange!


Beautiful day, beautiful countryside!







Coming back into town after the first 35 miles. Would have gone another loop to hit the 51 but needed to go home soon and wanted to enjoy lunch and beers.



Sherman lined up with his friends



Lunch parade!



Fabulous venue. This ride is great.

datsme40

Sounds like y'all had a good ride this past weekend.

I'm finally ready to get back on the bike (been running, of all things). Last race is over. Restarting my bike commuting at least once a week and hitting the roads on the weekends.

Target rides are Katy Flatlands and Tour de Cure.

Anyone signed up for Tour de Racha this weekend?

txags92

We have been contemplating the Rolling Hills Challenge in Columbus, but as of last time I checked, it was looking like a good chance of rain all weekend.

the sci guy 

Yeah I'm registered for Rolling Hills Challenge. Hope the rain holds off...

datsme40

Oh, I remember reading about that ride at some point. Have a good ride.

rpecot

Think I'm going to skip the Columbus ride this weekend. @txags92 - have you ever ridden with the Handlebar Cyclery group on Saturdays?

txags92

I haven't, how is their ride? I am kind of looking for somewhat hillier ~3 hour weekend rides over the next few weeks as I get ready for Boise, but I will probably be trying out some different groups after that is over. That is why I am hopeful that the rain will hold off and we can do the Rolling Hills ride.

rpecot

Gotcha... The Handlebar ride is basically Bike for Mike in reverse. In fact we passed them on Winner Foster going in opposite directions last week. The A group is way too fast for me. I can hang on to the B group - they typically average 18+. Last time I rode with them, there was at least a dozen in the B group. It was a fun group. C/Beginners is no drop; they do a 25ish mile route.

A nearby, hilly option is to park at Royal HS in Brookshire and ride to Bellville and back. After you cross the Brazos, get off 529 and ride Coshatte Rd into Bellville. Wife and I did that one weekend when our schedule conflicted with R2R.