Recently in Cycling Category

What better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon than with good friends, good food, great bike trails and maybe even a little shopping? Find out on Sunday, August 2, at 8:00 am, at the annual San Antonio Wheelmen Picnic held at Eisenhower Park. Take a brisk ride along an 18, 29 or 52-mile route and then kick back and relax while you chow down on some delicious food courtesy of Rudy's BBQ.


As if that isn't enough, there will also be a Schwappenbike. What, you may ask, is a Schwappenbike? It is kind of like a garage sale/swap meet where you bring any extra gear and equipment you don't want anymore and then barter and sell.


 Lunch will be served at at 11:30 am, and the cost is an $8 donation. You MUST  RSVP by July 31 in order to reserve food for you and your family. Visit www.sawheelmen.com.

Helping you get back on track

By Janis Turk

Are you a cool cat who loves to cycle in San Antonio?

Then why not join the Cool Cats Cycling Club, The San Antonio Wheelmen or the Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club, or any one of many other local clubs for cycling enthusiasts in our area? It's a good way to get some support as you get back on the bike this summer and get in shape or just have some fun. You don't have to be an expert cyclist at all--most welcome even novice cyclists. All you need is a bike of some kind, a desire to ride, and the interest in sharing the experience with others.

While you're getting back on track, there are some other helpful organizations that the Cool Cats Cycling Club Web site says may be helpful to you, too:

•    Bicycle Texas www.bicycletexas.com - This Web site will give you lots of useful information on cycling in Texas, including a good calendar of upcoming rides.

•    The Texas Bicycle Coalition (TBC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing bicycle access, safety and education in Texas. See their Web site at www.biketexas.org

•    The League of American Bicyclists is a national organization dedicated to advancing the interests of cyclists nationwide. See their Web site at www.bikeleague.org

Get on a bike!

By Bonny Osterhage

This May marks 50 years since the League of American Cyclists created National Bike Month. In addition to simply encouraging people to get out and ride, the league this year is actively promoting a "people bike to work week," May 14-18. Of course in a city the size of San Antonio, we know that it is not always possible to get to work on two wheels -- but don't let that keep you from celebrating National Bike Month anyway.

The League of American Cyclists has a pamphlet that offers 50 suggestions on ways to participate in National Bike Month that are as easy as, well, riding a bike. The pamphlet can be viewed at www.bikeleague.org. Here are just a few examples of what you will find:

1.    Join a local bicycle club.
2.    Organize a group to clean a local bike trail.
3.    Write your congressman about the importance of bicycling.
4.    Organize a neighborhood bike parade.
5.    Put on a bike rodeo at your child's school.

No matter how you choose to celebrate this month, do it on two wheels--it's good for you, body and soul, and great for the environment, too.

April 22 is Earth Day 2009

By Bonny Osterhage

Earth Day is just around the corner, so if you are wondering how you can contribute to making our world a better place, consider leaving the car in the garage and hopping on a bike on April 22--or any day at all. Why not every day?

Sure, riding a bike to work may not be as practical in San Antonio as it is in larger urban areas with bike trails and such for those who want to bike their daily commute, but even just taking your bike to the store means one fewer car on the road.

Here are just some of the benefits biking brings to planet earth and its inhabitants.

Biking decreases traffic congestion, thereby lowering stress.

Biking reduces air pollution as bikes produce no toxic emissions.

Fewer cars mean less carbon emissions that contribute to global warming.

Biking reduces noise pollution -- a common complaint of urbanites.

Biking releases endorphins which lead to an elevated mood.

Biking means less water pollution (yes, cars contribute to water pollution).

Biking burns calories..

Bikes don't use gas -- they run on natural energy -- yours!

Stay between the lines: Learn
biking rules and regulations

By Bonnie Osterhage

If you really love to ride but aren't 100 percent certain of all of the rules and regulations governing biking, you should attend the "Share the Road and the Trails" Cycling Program being held from 9 a.m.-noon March 21 at Government Canyon State Natural Area.

Participants will become familiar with the commuting concept of "Same Road, Same Rules, Same Rights" as well as learn the best practices for mountain biking. The class will consist of a review of road rules, a video demonstration and a chance to practice what you have learned.

"The workshop brings recreational cycling together with commuter cycling," says Lydia Kelly, bicycle/pedestrian transportation planner for the San Antonio-Bexar County Planning Organization. "There are many similarities and differences."

Kelly adds that, in San Antonio, more and more off-road trails are becoming available, and some can even be incorporated into the transportation system.

"This allows commuters to ride away from motorized vehicles, making for a safer journey," she explains.

The workshop is open to all ages, but an adult must accompany children. Class size is limited, and reservations will be taken beginning at noon on February 21. For reservations and more information, e-mail reservations@friendsofgc.org. Include your name, (and age if you're not under 18), along with your e-mail address and telephone number, or call (210) 688-9055 ext. 291.