Sunday morning I got up bright and early and road the 30 miles from my house to Berry Springs and met up with the Cyclopaths of Texas for their group ride. The ride up Parmer was nice, other cyclists had the same idea as I passed a few going down Parmer. Surprisingly I didn't see anybody else on a bike until I got to the parking lot. I averaged 19.09 mph to Berry Springs.The ride with the group averaged 16 mph. I was happy the pace wasn't pushed as I knew I still had to get back home and into the wind none the less. One of the guys on the ride was on a fixed gear, he was affiliated with the Violet Crown team. He was talking about the their team, I'm going to check them out. I've looked into them as well as Velossimo Racing and the Austin Flyers in the past.
I didn't do the entire 32 mile route with the Cyclopaths I caught 1431/Chandler Road off of 130 and headed back to Cedar Park. I didn't realize 1431 went so far East. I'll have to add it to my route bag as going East/West on it is nice, especially East of Parmer. West of Parmer has a lot more traffic, until Lakeline there is a shoulder to ride in. Anything West of Lakeline you're taking your life into your own hands traveling on 1431 as there is no shoulder and in spots there isn't even a white line on the shoulder. Which is too bad as 1431 out to Marble Falls would be an awesome ride.
Once I crossed Parmer the wind really picked up, I thought I could get a little more protection from it by going south on Vista Ridge and catching E. Park. I think it helped a little. On my return I averaged 15 mph, not bad but I think I still need to work on my endurance as on the longer rides I see a pattern of my speed slowing down and I feel the burn in my legs. The entire route was 70 miles for 2462 feet of total climbing.
As always check out the route with some route photos on Road Bike Rides.
May 19, 2008 at 9:00 PM And you guys were probably riding in really warm weather too, I bet. It was 37 degrees up here this morning. Winter doesn't want to let go.
May 19, 2008 at 9:53 PM Oh yeah it was warm, I think it was around 85 by the time I got home. Today we set a record of 98 degrees and our air conditioner started to go on the fritz. For my commute tomorrow morning it will be 68 degrees in the morning and 98 for the ride home.
May 20, 2008 at 7:21 AM You're an animal! I see you've linked to the Real Ale Ride--are you planning to ride it this year? My wife and I are thinking about it.
May 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM I guess I better decide my plans for the end of the month. I was kicking around the idea of going up to Copperas Cove for the Festival of Two-wheeled Speed: http://www.theracingpost.us/State%20Age%20Graded%20RR.htm
What route are you doing?
May 21, 2008 at 2:36 AM Just checked it out on roadbikerides and it looks like a great route! Too bad I live in england.
May 23, 2008 at 9:59 PM Both my wife and I are signed up for the 50-mile route.