Last year I used this same title and this year’s ride is a repeat. Weather in March can be unpredictable but today the blue sky and north tailwind for the return to downtown made the trip picture perfect. While the route this year is entirely different, going north instead of south, the experience of riding on the Hardy Toll Road without cars was special. It reminded me of years ago when the toll road first opened and the kickoff included a bike ride from the Spring toll plaza to Beltway 8 and back.

With the change in time the start was before sunrise. I was concerned about this before the ride began but it was not a problem. Over 2,500 riders lined up for the start.

The route included several Houston “mountains” known as highway overpasses. The one over FM 1960 before the Spring toll plaza was a challenge. I am glad we rode the north bound lanes back to downtown because the southbound lanes had some “monster” overpasses that were not in our lanes.

City of Houston Parks and Recreation were on hand to assist with the sag wagons although this is one ride where I think they were not overloaded. I saw several trucks go by but only one had a few riders aboard.

Click on the pictures for a full size version.

Parking underground in the Theater District garage. This year I got here before 6:00 AM to avoid the long lines. I was surprised they were charging people who did not bring their registration letter.

The sun is not yet up as we gather for the start of the 70 mile ride.

The ride marshals get some instructions as they assemble. These riders perform many tasks during the ride. Unfortunately today within the first 3 miles there was a bad crash on the Elysian Viaduct. When I went by the scene at least one rider was down on the payment amidst a pile of bikes. Later on when I returned another rider went down in the same general area but on Hardy Street. This time just one rider was involved.

Guaranty Bank was the title sponsor and had a team of riders take part. They passed out these bright flashing LED lights. Kool!

Rest stop #2 at the Redstone Golf Course was picture perfect. I could not believe the fast pace I was able to ride. Once we got on the Hardy Toll Road I had no trouble going 18 to 20 mph. The one section off of the toll road was to Redstone. The route was well marked and police were at key intersections. I even saw a City of Houston truck marked urban park ranger.

Inside the rest stop #2 tent. There were plenty of Nutri-Grain bars and liquids. I think they even had sport drink that was not lemon-lime flavored.

From the Redstone Golf Course back down Old Humble Road to the Hardy Toll Road.

Rest stop #3 at the Spring toll plaza. This is where one of bicycling’s major miracles took place: the southwest breeze changed to a northwest tailwind for the return to downtown Houston. At the finish I heard many stories about how people were riding at such a quick pace due to this tailwind. It took me 4 hours and 7 minutes to ride 64.5 miles with two rest stops.

At the finish area in front of Houston City Hall. Sack lunches were handed out. Link to all of the pictures

I am not sure of what direction the route will take next year but if the organization keeps at the same level and the weather cooperates this one is a keeper. I had no incidents and managed to talk to several people while handing out texbiker.net business cards. I hope your ride was as enjoyable as mine.

Next Saturday I am off to Katy for the Katy Ram Challenge. Let’s see what the March weather brings then. I am doing a record number of rides this year so far.