Daily Texas Bicycling News Digest April 22nd
El Paso driver gets 10 years in bicyclist death
www.valleymorningstar.com
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A West Texas driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for striking and killing a bicyclist in a 2009 daytime wreck.
A jury in El Paso on Monday sentenced 29-year-old Araceli Nava, who was convicted last week of manslaughter.
The case involved the death of 47-year-old Gustavo Vega. The victim on Aug. 29, 2009, was riding his bicycle on the shoulder of a road when he was hit by an SUV in a midmorning accident.
Prosecutors say Nava had been…
El Paso woman sentenced to 10 years in prison in bicyclist’s death
By Adriana M. Chávez \ El Paso Times
The family of a bicyclist struck and killed by a motorist in 2009 said Monday they finally felt justice was done after waiting almost five years for a jury’s verdict.
Last week, a state district court jury convicted Araceli Marrufo Nava, 29, of manslaughter in the death of Gustavo Vega, 47. Nava had been accused of hitting Vega while driving a Nissan XTerra SUV in the 15100 block of North Loop Drive about 10 a.m. on Aug. 29, 2009. The same jury on Monday sentenced Nava to 10 years in prison and recommended she pay a $10,000 fine.
Vega had been riding his bicycle on the shoulder of North Loop when he was struck by Nava, who admitted to 911 dispatchers that she had been drinking and using her phone and falling asleep while driving.
When 346th District Judge Angie Juarez Barill announced the…
City of Tyler recognized by Texas Trails Network
www.tylerpaper.com
Various local entities have received recognition from the Texas Trails Network, the city of Tyler announced.
According to a news release, Texas Trails Network recently honored the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, the Tyler Bicycle Club, Smith County Court at Law No. 3 and All Saints Episcopal School with the “Great Texas Two Step Award†for their work with the Lindsey Park Mountain Bike Trail.
Based on the nomination, the trail was constructed by volunteers and opened in January 2013.
“Community partnerships and involvement are important in our community,†Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Rollings said in a statement. “This award is an example of how working together brings success.â€
About the time that the trail was being developed, Tyler Bicycle Club members sought permission to use Smith County Jail inmates as part of their labor force. Bicycle club members Billy Hibbs Jr. and Trey Bryant also received permission from the Tyler parks board for use of the land.
Trail work was significantly moved forward through assistance from Smith County Court at Law No. 3 Judge Floyd Getz, according to a news release, and…
Six new MetroBike Shelters opening
By Kate Weidaw      kxan.com
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Commuters who ride MetroRail have a new option beginning Tuesday.
Because more and more people are biking to the station, Capital Metro has come up with a solution so that commuters don’t have to bring their bikes on the train.
It’s called a MetroBike Shelter.
It’s a fully enclosed bike-lock area that can only be accessed by purchasing a card. The idea is to give commuters a safer option for leaving their bike.
Plus, according to CapMetro officials, bikes take up enough room for four people to stand. And since the trains are standing-room-only many mornings and evenings, the hope is to…
Spring DADA Bike Swarm and Uptown Ciclovia
Bike Friendly Oak Cliff
There’s always an opportunity to ride a bicycle in our great city of Dallas, TX, but these two upcoming events are expecting a big bicycle crowd to take part!
Let’s roll!
First up, the Spring edition of Dallas Art Dealer’s Association or DADA will host another Bike Swarm in conjunction with their bi-annual gallery tour.  Here are the details: …
Ride With Richard at MuensterFest!
Cycling Center Dallas
If there’s a fun time to be had up in the Red River area, it can be found in Muenster!
This weekend’s Ride With Richard will be at the Muenster GermanFest! It’s got everything!
Great Roads
Varied Terrain
Wind
Bier!
We’ll be riding the 40 mile route, and once again, we will be STARTING FROM THE BACK OF THE PACK. The course will look like this: …
Upcoming Rides
El Paso Bicycle Club
Saturday, April 26
Vamos a Vado-8:00 am
Sunday, April 27
If The Bike Fits/Gear Up Your Bike-7:30 am
Tour de Optimism-8:00 am
Tuesday, April 29
B/IG Interval Training-5:45 pm
Wednesday, April 30
Wednesday Night Ride -5:15 pm
This Week’s Activities
Fort Worth Bicycling Association
Burleson and Beyond
Thursday, April 24, 2014 9:00 am
Burleson: Commerce Street    69ºF
The Rusty Chain Gang Romp
Thursday, April 24, 2014 9:00 am
Benbrook: YMCA    70ºF
Bike Out Hunger – Weatherford
Saturday, April 26, 2014 8:30 am
Joe Pool Lake
Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:00 am
Grand Prairie: Lynn Creek Marina    88º/69ºF
Muenster Germanfest Rally
Saturday, April 26, 2014 11:00 am
Wedding Celebration Ride
Saturday, April 26, 2014 11:00 am
Benbrook Lake Pavillion #1    90º/68ºF
County Road Cool Breeze
Sunday, April 27, 2014 9:00 am
Arlington: Sublett and 287    87º/63ºF
The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble
Tuesday, April 29, 2014 9:00 am
Fort Worth: Columbus Trail City Building…
Upcoming Rides and Events
San Antonio Wheelmen
Saturday,4/26:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Toutant Beauregard Ride
Sunday, 4/27:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Southside Mission Ride
Saturday, 6/14:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Annual Summer Picnic
Friday, 7/4:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Independence Day Ride
Tyler Bicycle Club Advocacy Committee Meeting
Tyler Bicycle Club
On Monday May 5th at 6:45 pm, the TBC Advocacy Committee will be meeting after the TBC Board meeting. This is a preliminary meeting to form the committee, so anyone who is interested in serving on the committee or has ideas about cycling advocacy in the Tyler area is encouraged to show up. Information about the meeting is posted in the calendar.
Billy Hibbs, a current member of TXDoT?s Bicycle Advisory Committee and fellow cyclist, is hosting a meeting at Heartland Secruity Insurance Group
auditorium, one block north of the Chili’s on Loop 323 and across the street from…
Thirteen cycling officials pass USA Cycling National Commissaire Clinic
www.usacycling.org
Colorado Springs, Colo. (April 22, 2014) — Last month, 13 cycling officials successfully passed USA Cycling’s National Commissaire clinic at the national governing body’s headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Held March 3-9, the clinic featured instruction and testing, and was taught by international commissaires Noreen Landis-Tyson, Randy Shafer, and Wayne Pomario. …
Cyndi Smith (Houston, Texas)…
Erwin Park Dirt Duels!
by Shawn McAfee      Texas Mountain Bike Trails
If you’re following what Kevin Lee from The Spinistry and I are doing with Lone Star XC you may have heard about the crazy new race format we are trying in May.
This new format has been lovingly named The Dirt Duels, and it is a short track sprint wrapped into a double elimination tournament. You race head-to-head on a 1 mile course to outsprint your opponent while spectators jeer and…
Choosing a light for night riding; things to keep in mind besides lumens
by Shawn McAfee      Texas Mountain Bike Trails
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nyuGz3ewTH4
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center to Give Away Free Bicycle Helmets
impactnews.com
In order to ensure Bastrop residents remain safe, the St. David’s South Austin Medical Center trauma department will be giving away youth and adult bicycle helmets (while supplies last) and injury prevention materials from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, during Yesterfest in downtown Bastrop.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more children ages 5 to 14 are seen in…
New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar
New Bike Event: Wednesday Urban Ride – Houston, TX: When: Wed May 21, 2014 6:30pm to Wed May 21, 2014 8pmÂ
CDT… http://t.co/ZiEB96YSqy— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 22, 2014
Tweets
Reminder: the MV Wednesday night ride start time moves to 6:00 pm beginning tomorrow (4/23). The Pub will sell you food & bev afterwards.
— McKinney Velo (@McKinneyVelo) April 23, 2014
Only 12 more days!!!!
— Tour du Rouge (@TourduRouge) April 23, 2014
I went for a "Brisk" 33.8 mile road ride with Bicycle World / McAllen. http://t.co/tus1xFwwc7 #strava
— Daniel Cruz (@DCRUZ547) April 23, 2014
Our friend Stephanie out enjoying Mother Earth! Hope everyone had a great #EarthDay! pic.twitter.com/txMzpU4gbq
— Bicycle Sport Shop (@BSS_Austin) April 23, 2014
Summer is officially here! First heat goose bumps of the season on today's training ride.
— Stefan Rothe (@stefanrothe) April 22, 2014
Gorgeous sunset, cycle-friendly hotels, and a new look to our blog: http://t.co/Fs4eJPMpwM@VisitElPasoTX
— Beth Nobles (@trailgirl) April 22, 2014
5/3 Spring Ride the NETT with free camping option
6/28 Hell of the North Texas (inspired by Paris/Roubaix)
8/9… http://t.co/keusKLVzxP— The Spinistry (@Spinistry) April 22, 2014
Event: Memorial Ride for Eddie Arguelles (Edinburg) – When: Thu Apr 24, 2014 5am to 6am CDT Where: 2724 W U… http://t.co/u5fojHe0tR
— BikeTexas (@BikeTexas) April 22, 2014
Group Photo from yesterday's RT Social Ride. Thanks @shivatron for the pic. Oh, @jwhitson of @gritness in there, too pic.twitter.com/p4TWSwU6da
— Stefan Rothe (@stefanrothe) April 22, 2014
May 10- be sure to join us! Fun fun fun for the entire family! @ELPBikeMonth @DWNTWNElPaso @VisitElPasoTX pic.twitter.com/43bFLqLa5K
— VeloPaso (@velopaso) April 22, 2014
Event Reminders
2 Day Alert: KingRacingGroup Thursday Night Crits – Dallas, TX, Apr 24, 2014 05:30PM – Fair Park, Dallas, TX, United States(CST) http://
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) April 22, 2014