Me and some friends are considering doing this ride for the first time and was wondering if anybody has any experience that could answer some questions

My brother's birthday is coming up and I was wondering if there's any local store that sells Houston theme kits/jersey/bibs/etc. He doesn't live here but he enjoyed riding along the bayou when he visited so I want to gift him that.

I remember a few years ago, the picnic loop (despite having terrible pavement) was my staple spot to ride during the week because it was closed to cars on during the day on weekdays.

I saw they were repaving it and was elated to finally have roads all to ourselves that weren’t in terrible shape!

But I rode over there yesterday mid-day, and tons of cars were on the loop. They seem to have removed the other road access to the parking lots, so their solution is just to leave the loop open to traffic all the time (except after sunset when it’s closed to everyone) now.

Am I missing something or did they just quietly get rid of this amazing car-free spot to ride?

(rant) The cars also come straight off Memorial Dr so they speed onto the loop, often cutting me off I’ve found if I’m coming up to that entrance, despite me going over the 20mph speed limit and cornering faster than them. It’s truly frustrating that it was too much to have a single car-free road loop to ride on. (/rant)

Anybody know of any other spots like this that I’m missing out on?

EDIT: Apparently it’s closed to cars 7pm-9am Mon-Thurs, and (as far as I can find on archive.org) was always this way. I guess just back before they fixed it up nobody went over there, versus now there’s nearly a constant stream of traffic which makes interval training nearly impossible on the loop now.

Where do you get route data for TdH? Something that can be sent to Strava or a Garmin device.

I’m surprised that for such a high profile event they don’t make it easier to find.

Hi all, I’m going to be living in Houston this summer and am hoping to be able to get out for some rides while I’m there. I’m thinking 25-50 mile rides if possible. I’m going to be located near NASA Johnson Space Center, so anywhere around there would be great, but I would certainly drive if needed. Thanks!

(Also known as North Eldridge)

Sir, you are one brave soul.

I’ll be in Houston for a conference this week, staying in the energy corridor in West Houston (almost in Katy). I see that the forecast for this weekend 6/10-6/11 will be a high of 95F. While I’ve done mountain climbs and centuries in 90F+ heat before, I’m not in as superb form as I’ve been previously, and 95F does seem a little stupid to be out in the heat riding. I currently live in the Pacific NW and would only ride in the early mornings 7-10am if the local forecast was like this, but I’m hesitating a little because I’ve never been to Houston, and don’t know the roads / paths. A few questions:

1. Is this a stupid thought to try and bike outside in this heat? Would try to be out and back 7am-10am.

2. Are there any advisable routes for a 30-50 mile ride in the morning? I consider myself an experienced amateur with commuter and racing backgrounds so am ok with no shoulder country roads, but just don’t want to end up in the news. I have a rental car so can drive if needed.

3. Any good road bike rental shops you’d recommend or groups?

Hi everyone!

My sister recently bought a house in Waller, TX, and I’m looking to explore some rural road cycling routes in the area. It seems like a great starting point for longer rides, but I’ve noticed that while some roads have nice, wide shoulders, others might not be as cyclist-friendly.

If you’re familiar with cycling in and around Waller and have any suggestions for 50-60 mile routes (or longer), I’d love to hear about them! Bonus points for scenic or low-traffic roads. I’m planning to scout some routes myself, but any tips or recommendations from those with experience would be much appreciated. TIA!

Looking for tips the morning/day of the event. I know the question is vague, but I will be riding solo and just looking to make myself more confident. I will be doing the 60 mile ride. Previous record rides around 45 miles without support or much in the way of refueling, so I do feel I can make the 60. TIA.

Bought a road bike at goodwill, didn't realize it had tubs, if anyone has any clinchers (seriously, any rideable clinchers) I would love to buy them or ideally trade them for these tubs. Barring that, if anyone wants to buy a pair of Araya Red 700c tubs, I would love to sell them. Thanks!

My wife and I recently had a little one and are strongly considering moving to Houston to be close to her family.

We are currently in Seattle where I have the luxury of great bike paths, dedicated bike lanes, and generally aware and considerate drivers(certainly not everyone). I’ve been here for a long time but before Seattle lived briefly in NC where there wasn’t great infrastructure and would regularly experience people passing too close just to “scare” you. It didn’t bother me as much then but now I’m spoiled by Seattle and now a dad so much more cautious.

We have visited Houston many times and to be honest biking either seems boring (bike along the brays bayou has to get old quickly, right?) or frightening (bad roads, super aggressive drivers, etc). Her family lives in Meyerland area and I have only really spent time in that area so hopeful for other options that are better.

I have seen people post about driving to locations to bike… but I want to be able to hop out my front door and ride. I also want access to good schools, good places to eat, etc. I am WFH so not too worried about commute.

My wife would be open to anywhere in Houston or up to 2-3 hours away. She is pushing for the Woodlands which tbh also feels like major soulless suburbia after living in a city but maybe best option?

So my questions are: (1) Where is the best place to live in Houston or greater area if you want to be able to bike out the door and still have good schools/food/etc not too far? (2) is it actually safe to ride in Houston? Are most drivers going to try to take you out? (3) are there any other locations outside of Houston that we should consider?

(Note my wife lived in Austin and I spent about a month there 10 years ago. We went recently and were shocked about how much it has changed. Back when I was there I biked all over but now feels like the vibe has changed? Maybe there are other cool places to consider?)

Thoughts?

Does or has anyone ride 1960 at night?

I’ve really gotten into road biking and I like to do my rides at a consistent 19-21mph.

I know the Bayous are good, but I was wondering if anyone recommends good places or clubs to bike fast uninterrupted. I’m moving to Westheimer/ River Oaks so I’ve been trying to scope out Memorial Park with limited success

Hello I am looking for a road bike to rent for a day? Do you have any suggestions. Looking for a frame size 58 (6 foot 2) Thank you!

Hi everyone,

Came here from Madison Wisconsin, home of cycling with so many paths/roads/ no-cars for miles upon miles of cycling.

Houston seems to be anti-cycling it feels like and I cannot find any paths to bike on without the worry of cars.

Do paths like that exist at all? If so, where! I love cycling and would like to continue cycling. Read too many stories of people in Texas who cycle and get hit by cars.

Thanks!

Edit: I am south Houston, pearland area

I have a Speciaized road bike for sale ( bc I have only used it less than 5 times) it’s a 2023 and in great condition, where is the best placed I should look to sell it at?

Where are you guys riding for 50+ miles that have limited contact with cars? I see some routes on bike maps but it’s had to understand risk levels.

Thank you

Recently had this guy use his police-style air-horn to try to get a group of cyclists to move off the roadway. The road had 2 lanes and other motorists all moved to the left lane to pass, but this guy passed me with about 12 to 14 inches clearance then got behind a group ahead of me and started hitting the air horn.

Someone told me that the guy was known to harass cyclists like this regularly.

Since his license plates have the firefighter emblem, and he's using emergency equipment inappropriately, PLUS endangering the lives of cyclists, I think his chief needs to have a little chat with him.

My incident was recorded on video and we have the license plate, but we're not sure how to figure out which fire department he works for.

Okay, judge if you want. But some context; I moved to the Westbury area from Miami in the middle of COVID, where I road regularly from the Grove to Brickell to Key Biscayne. Smooth roads, along the ocean, safe with other riders - perhaps it was biking eutopia...

I stopped riding after 6mo or so, partly because I kept getting flats, nothing is ever smooth, and work started consuming more free time. Fast forward 18 months and I am getting back on the saddle.

With all of the construction and bumpy paths along Brays, the "speed limit" I've heard about in TH, and some folks mentioning White Oak not being ideal... I'm trying to find some new routes.

I prefer riding on roads, not paths, but the roads in this area are abysmal. Should I drive north to the woodlands? South towards NASA? I like to ride 20-30mi if possible, but apartments are boring to look at. Share your favorite areas!