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Jeff Jilson, Robert Neuser and Cheryl Hulsey stop at Lew's Saddlery in Medina for a break during a recent ride.
Photo contributed
June 22, 2021
Local Cycling Club looks to grow in Bandera County
By Jeff Jilson
Contributed
Texas has seen a tremendous influx of new residents in the last few years, perhaps as a result of economics, the state’s natural beauty and a desire for the additional freedoms one can experience as a Texan.
With Bandera County continuing to grow in population, participation in the cycling sports has expanded very rapidly, especially during the recent pandemic, as both a sport and hobby. There are more and more cyclists on the road, as well as on private trails and in public parks.
Due to the increased interest in cycling, the Bandera Cycling Club (BCC) was recently formed. The majority of the club’s 50-plus members live and work here in the county and in the surrounding area. You might be surprised to know the BCC counts successful professionals, retirees, musicians, artisans, veterans, firemen/women, EMS, nurses, law enforcement and a host of others in its rapidly growing membership.
Remember how much you enjoyed your bicycle as a kid? It’s still fun and also a great way to get in shape. It can be peaceful and calming if you prefer solo riding or join together with friends for the camaraderie or a bit of a sporting challenge.
For those with growing concerns for maintaining optimal health, given the rise in adult-onset diabetes, high blood pressure and stress, cycling is great way to counteract those gremlins, without the stress that running and impact sports places on your knees and other joints.
New cyclists can often feel intimidated at the beginning of their journey. Twenty- to 50-mile rides can seem unachievable, however small steps and support from other riders, riding in neighborhoods and participation in group rides will bring progress.
Eventually, that 20-miler isn’t so daunting. A local and fairly new rider has now notched multiple 50-mile rides, has lost 30 pounds, lowered his blood pressure and is enjoying a new confidence these efforts bring.
Cycling can also yield economic benefits to your local area if there is supporting infrastructure. It’s a great way to help out local organizations and bring business to the community.
Neighboring area cycling events have been used to raise both awareness and financial support for community projects.
There are numerous opportunities for these types of events, right here in Bandera.
Our city park is beautiful, both locals and visitors alike love and admire our little gem on the river. It would be a great location to host a charitable event. We’re proud of what we have here in Bandera, and want to show it off.
There are many options available within the cycling sports and members enjoy the full spectrum of bicycling each discipline offers. The most visible to the general public are road cyclists. Exploring local off-road trails on mountain bikes, traveling down our county’s caliche roads on gravel bikes, or venturing into regional State Parks, such as the Hill Country State Natural Area and Government Canyon, are just a few of the local and readily accessible opportunities. As off-road and trail riders, there is an understanding of the hierarchy of right-of-way on the trails. Horses and horseback riders have right-of-way and cyclists are required to give way to horses, a common courtesy for all parties.
The recent expansion of the gravel bike category and desire to explore some of the unpaved roads in our area has spurred the possibility of a “Tour de Caliche.”
The “Tour," a work still in the planning stages from Bandera's State Natural Area on FM 1077 to Utopia and back, would not be limited to gravel bikes as mountain bikes are also ideal on these same roads.
The concept is to identify certain gravel/caliche roads in the county that members would get credit for, after completing that leg/portion of the “Tour” with a final acknowledgment, once all sections of the “Tour” have been completed. Certain roads that lend well to this consideration and have limited traffic are: Peaceful Valley, Kyle Ranch, Bandera Creek, CR 2107, CR 211 and Seco Creek.
BCC cyclists share the same streets and highways as motor vehicles, and are required to both know and observe the same laws. There is no interest in being inconsiderate cyclists, though there is some local opinion to the contrary.
BCC members do not wish to be viewed as an impedance to the flow of traffic, though at the same time, are very much concerned for their own safety. The general rule is to attempt to ride as close to the right edge of the road, as road maintenance and debris permit, using blinking lights and bright colored clothing to improve visibility.
Higher trafficked roadways generally have some form of shoulder, though many lesser roads have little to no shoulder or little preventive maintenance, presenting a significant safety challenge to both cyclists and motorists attempting to share the road.
The BCC members aren't asking for a major change in driving habits, only asking for the same consideration from motorists as expected for themselves or a family member riding on these roads. If you are driving a motor vehicle, just sound your horn to be sure the cyclist(s) are aware you are there before you pass.
The Bandera Cycling Club looks forward to working within the community, promoting education, safety and outdoor activities. We welcome anyone interested in cycling, whether experienced rider or brand new to the sport.
The Bandera Cycling Club is on Facebook and eagerly awaits your membership and participation.
Cowgirl Coffee Company is the usual gather and end point for the rides, seems that cycling and coffee shops seem to go hand in hand, please check the BCC Facebook page to see when our rides are scheduled and join in.
Come ride with us!
Prophet Post Script: The club has tentative plans for a fundraising ride tentatively scheduled for early Spring 2022 to benefit a well known local charity.
The event will feature multiple distances, such as 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K legs so any level cyclist could participate.
Volunteers would be a large part of the event, manning check points, water stations, before and after event planning and others things that will be needed.
The BCC hopes to raise public awareness and hopefully, support for and possible sponsorships for the event.
Details will be released closer to the date of the event and will be shared on the BCC and Bandera Prophet Facebook pages and website.
With Bandera County continuing to grow in population, participation in the cycling sports has expanded very rapidly, especially during the recent pandemic, as both a sport and hobby. There are more and more cyclists on the road, as well as on private trails and in public parks.
Due to the increased interest in cycling, the Bandera Cycling Club (BCC) was recently formed. The majority of the club’s 50-plus members live and work here in the county and in the surrounding area. You might be surprised to know the BCC counts successful professionals, retirees, musicians, artisans, veterans, firemen/women, EMS, nurses, law enforcement and a host of others in its rapidly growing membership.
Remember how much you enjoyed your bicycle as a kid? It’s still fun and also a great way to get in shape. It can be peaceful and calming if you prefer solo riding or join together with friends for the camaraderie or a bit of a sporting challenge.
For those with growing concerns for maintaining optimal health, given the rise in adult-onset diabetes, high blood pressure and stress, cycling is great way to counteract those gremlins, without the stress that running and impact sports places on your knees and other joints.
New cyclists can often feel intimidated at the beginning of their journey. Twenty- to 50-mile rides can seem unachievable, however small steps and support from other riders, riding in neighborhoods and participation in group rides will bring progress.
Eventually, that 20-miler isn’t so daunting. A local and fairly new rider has now notched multiple 50-mile rides, has lost 30 pounds, lowered his blood pressure and is enjoying a new confidence these efforts bring.
Cycling can also yield economic benefits to your local area if there is supporting infrastructure. It’s a great way to help out local organizations and bring business to the community.
Neighboring area cycling events have been used to raise both awareness and financial support for community projects.
There are numerous opportunities for these types of events, right here in Bandera.
Our city park is beautiful, both locals and visitors alike love and admire our little gem on the river. It would be a great location to host a charitable event. We’re proud of what we have here in Bandera, and want to show it off.
There are many options available within the cycling sports and members enjoy the full spectrum of bicycling each discipline offers. The most visible to the general public are road cyclists. Exploring local off-road trails on mountain bikes, traveling down our county’s caliche roads on gravel bikes, or venturing into regional State Parks, such as the Hill Country State Natural Area and Government Canyon, are just a few of the local and readily accessible opportunities. As off-road and trail riders, there is an understanding of the hierarchy of right-of-way on the trails. Horses and horseback riders have right-of-way and cyclists are required to give way to horses, a common courtesy for all parties.
The recent expansion of the gravel bike category and desire to explore some of the unpaved roads in our area has spurred the possibility of a “Tour de Caliche.”
The “Tour," a work still in the planning stages from Bandera's State Natural Area on FM 1077 to Utopia and back, would not be limited to gravel bikes as mountain bikes are also ideal on these same roads.
The concept is to identify certain gravel/caliche roads in the county that members would get credit for, after completing that leg/portion of the “Tour” with a final acknowledgment, once all sections of the “Tour” have been completed. Certain roads that lend well to this consideration and have limited traffic are: Peaceful Valley, Kyle Ranch, Bandera Creek, CR 2107, CR 211 and Seco Creek.
BCC cyclists share the same streets and highways as motor vehicles, and are required to both know and observe the same laws. There is no interest in being inconsiderate cyclists, though there is some local opinion to the contrary.
BCC members do not wish to be viewed as an impedance to the flow of traffic, though at the same time, are very much concerned for their own safety. The general rule is to attempt to ride as close to the right edge of the road, as road maintenance and debris permit, using blinking lights and bright colored clothing to improve visibility.
Higher trafficked roadways generally have some form of shoulder, though many lesser roads have little to no shoulder or little preventive maintenance, presenting a significant safety challenge to both cyclists and motorists attempting to share the road.
The BCC members aren't asking for a major change in driving habits, only asking for the same consideration from motorists as expected for themselves or a family member riding on these roads. If you are driving a motor vehicle, just sound your horn to be sure the cyclist(s) are aware you are there before you pass.
The Bandera Cycling Club looks forward to working within the community, promoting education, safety and outdoor activities. We welcome anyone interested in cycling, whether experienced rider or brand new to the sport.
The Bandera Cycling Club is on Facebook and eagerly awaits your membership and participation.
Cowgirl Coffee Company is the usual gather and end point for the rides, seems that cycling and coffee shops seem to go hand in hand, please check the BCC Facebook page to see when our rides are scheduled and join in.
Come ride with us!
Prophet Post Script: The club has tentative plans for a fundraising ride tentatively scheduled for early Spring 2022 to benefit a well known local charity.
The event will feature multiple distances, such as 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K legs so any level cyclist could participate.
Volunteers would be a large part of the event, manning check points, water stations, before and after event planning and others things that will be needed.
The BCC hopes to raise public awareness and hopefully, support for and possible sponsorships for the event.
Details will be released closer to the date of the event and will be shared on the BCC and Bandera Prophet Facebook pages and website.
Max Konz on a trail at the Hill Country State Natural Area.