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Fort Worth Forum Bicycle Group Rides


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#1 John T Roberts

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Posted 11 March 2021 - 08:46 AM

First of all, I wanted to say that I have tried this before and it failed.  Secondly, I set a goal of 2,021 miles for the year and currently according to my Strava account, I'm 282 miles behind schedule.  I'm also two weeks past my last dose of the Moderna Vaccine, so I should have a more protection against the virus than I did.  I'm not ready to go out and eat inside a restaurant, but I think that cycling with a small group of people outdoors is relatively safe.  Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday and it would be a good opportunity to get out with others and ride.  I have ridden with a few forum members over the years on an individual basis and those of you have ridden with me know that we do distance from each other socially.  I was wondering if any of you would be interested in riding every Tuesday and Thursday evenings on the trail and even going off of the trail into the neighborhoods, if the group wanted to do that.  I figure if I think I have someone to meet up with two times per week, that would spur me on to get out there to meet up at a specified location.  If no one else showed up and I rode 5 miles to get to the meeting point, I would at least have 10 miles for the day by the time I got back home. 

 

Another factor in this is at a friend of mine and his wife, with whom I have ridden with for almost 30 years retired in July of 2020 and moved to Minnesota.  They were people that I rode with regularly all during that period,

 

I can't always get off at 5 PM every day, but I thought that if we meet on the Trinity Trails, at 6:45, we could at least ride a little bit and we would increase our time as the daylight hours became longer.  I have found that about the earliest I can leave my house is 6:00 PM on a workday.  We could meet on the Clearfork Main Street Bridge.  What do you all think and is anyone interested in doing this all summer?  Weather permitting, we would start on Tuesday, March 16.



#2 Nitixope

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Posted 11 March 2021 - 09:25 AM

This sounds like fun.  I could try for once or twice per month and that meeting spot sounds perfect.  I'm averaging around 11-12 mph solo which is nothing the brag about but I am OK going slower with a group I figure this isn't about speed but more for the enjoyment of the meet-up and getting out. 

 

Checking out some of the neighborhoods would be a good idea too that way we can spread out more side to side vs only on the trail riding tandem.  For distance, I'm comfortable doing around 10-13 miles on my current bike.



#3 John T Roberts

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Posted 11 March 2021 - 11:48 AM

There are some interesting neighborhoods close to the trail and some challenging hills.  Also, there have been so many places where the trail has been expanded and extended.



#4 Doohickie

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Posted 11 March 2021 - 11:31 PM

Post reminders.  I still haven't had my second shot yet but come April I may be inclined to join you.


My blog: Doohickie

#5 John T Roberts

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Posted 12 March 2021 - 08:33 AM

Doohickie, you will be welcome.  Also, take your time.  I know that you will want to wait 2 weeks after your second shot to make sure that you are protected as you can be in this situation. 



#6 John T Roberts

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Posted 15 March 2021 - 07:48 AM

For those of you thinking about riding on Tuesday, please bring some lights.  I am planning to be finished before dark, but it never hurts to have some lights, just in case we get detained somewhere.  I'm riding from my house, so I will end the ride with enough time for me to make it home before dark.  I usually access and leave the trail at the new Mistletoe Heights connection.  However, I can also jump on and off at University Drive, the Clearfork Bridge, and the low water crossing at the Press Cafe. 

 

Since some of you don't know me, I will be on the western side of the bridge at the first seating area overlooking the trail.  I will be wearing a yellow jersey. 



#7 John T Roberts

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Posted 16 March 2021 - 08:49 AM

I am still planning to be on the west side of the Clearfork Main Street Pedestrian Bridge at 6:45 this evening.  I will be wearing a yellow jersey for high visibility. 



#8 Nitixope

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Posted 16 March 2021 - 01:35 PM

I am still planning to be on the west side of the Clearfork Main Street Pedestrian Bridge at 6:45 this evening.  I will be wearing a yellow jersey for high visibility. 

 

John, I'm going to try to make it but have a crew doing some work on the house so I'll text you either way if I'm on my way or not.



#9 John T Roberts

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Posted 16 March 2021 - 01:46 PM

OK.  That will work.  I'm still going to be there, regardless of who does or doesn't show up.



#10 John T Roberts

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Posted 16 March 2021 - 08:19 PM

Nitixope showed up and we rode about 13 miles.  It was a lot of fun and I will be back on the trail on Thursday.  Thanks for taking the time to ride.



#11 John T Roberts

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Posted 17 March 2021 - 09:30 PM

When I started this ride, I said that we wouldn't go if the weather was too bad for cycling.  I was mainly referring to rain.  I don't ride on wet streets or trails.  However, if you noticed today, we had 47 mph wind gusts.  That is too windy to ride.  It makes cycling too difficult and it isn't fun.  Tomorrow, the forecast is for the wind to die down only slightly.  Therefore, I'm thinking that it will not be very enjoyable to be out on the trail, so I'm letting everyone know that I will not be riding tomorrow after work.



#12 John T Roberts

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Posted 22 March 2021 - 08:18 PM

The weather is supposed to be good tomorrow, so I will be on the Clearfork Main Street Bridge at 6:45 PM.



#13 Dylan

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Posted 22 March 2021 - 10:43 PM

I would like to join you, but I have a full time job now. I've been working at DFW six days a week the last two weeks and this week due to a surge of Spring Break travelers.
 
When I start getting two days a week off again, I intend to visit my dad once a week or every other week and start recording city tours for my YouTube channel. I also need some personal time at home.

-Dylan


#14 John T Roberts

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Posted 23 March 2021 - 01:41 PM

Dylan, don't worry about it.  No one is obligated to attend. 



#15 John T Roberts

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Posted 25 March 2021 - 11:58 AM

It's been a busy day at work.  I'm still planning on riding this afternoon.  I may be just right on time, or a little late.



#16 John T Roberts

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Posted 25 March 2021 - 03:42 PM

I have continued to be very busy today after lunch.  It is now looking more doubtful that I will make the ride.  If I don't and other people show up, please enjoy taking a ride on the trail without me.



#17 Nitixope

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Posted 28 March 2021 - 08:45 AM

If anyone is not biking in directly from their residence and unsure about the best place to park for the Forum bike meetups, there is a new trailhead parking lot along the east side of the river on Riverglen Dr. behind the post office about 2-blocks west of Trader Joes. Once you park its just a matter of crossing over the river on the pedestrian / bike bridge which is situated directly underneath the automobile bridge.

https://goo.gl/maps/19mHocHuqyfpc2tA6 Dropped pin

#18 John T Roberts

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Posted 28 March 2021 - 02:38 PM

That's really a great, out-of-the-way place to park.



#19 Dylan

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Posted 29 March 2021 - 11:13 PM

Dylan, don't worry about it.  No one is obligated to attend. 

 

To clarify, I'm not saying I don't want to attend. I'm saying I'm too busy to attend even though I want to.

 

It feels like my job is taking over my life. I wake up, go to work around noon, work 8.5 hours, go home at night, go to sleep, repeat (except for one or two off days a week).

 

I guess I'm now a part of the so-called "real world." I hardly have time for fun things anymore.


-Dylan


#20 george84

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Posted 30 March 2021 - 06:21 AM

Thats for sure the real world, although I have found out over the past year that in my case at least, it doesnt need to be. I used to spend 12 hours per week commuting to Coppell and back. I would leave home at 7 and be home around 6:30 or 7 pm depending on traffic. Working from home has been so much better. I think going forward this is going to be my reality. I cant imagine going back to commuting like that.

#21 John T Roberts

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Posted 30 March 2021 - 08:25 AM

Dylan, as you continue to work at this schedule, you will become more accustomed to it, and then you will have a little more freedom.  I'm busy at my job, as well, and I have already had to not attend the bike rides due to work.  Having to earn a living does impact your spare time, frequently.



#22 John T Roberts

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Posted 30 March 2021 - 07:13 PM

I had a great 16 mile solo ride.  I was there on the bridge a little early, so I took a quick tour of the new parking lot on the east side of the river.  That trailhead is nice.



#23 John T Roberts

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Posted 01 April 2021 - 09:27 PM

I rode 17.5 miles tonight.  I was at the Clearfork Main Street Bridge about 10 minutes early.  I waited until about 6:50 before I headed north to Downtown.  I finished up a little before 8:00 PM.  When Daylight Saving Time started, I was 300 miles off of where I should be to meet my mileage goal for the year.  Right now, I have gotten that down to 262 miles behind that pace.  I'm planning to ride on Saturday and Sunday, so I'm sure than number will be smaller.



#24 John T Roberts

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Posted 06 April 2021 - 01:50 PM

We have a south wind at 24 mph, gusting to 40 mph.  I think I will pass on the forum ride tonight. 



#25 Nitixope

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Posted 06 April 2021 - 05:41 PM

Riding northbound would be a breeze today.

#26 John T Roberts

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Posted 06 April 2021 - 08:06 PM

Yes, it would have been, but to get back to the start, or home, you would have to go southbound. 



#27 John T Roberts

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Posted 12 April 2021 - 07:19 PM

I have a Zoom Meeting at 4:00 PM tomorrow.  If it runs long and I can't leave at 5, either I will be late, or I won't be able to make it.  Also, there is a chance of rain in the forecast.  I do not ride if it is raining.



#28 Nitixope

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Posted 03 January 2022 - 01:24 PM

Secondly, I set a goal of 2,021 miles for the year and currently according to my Strava account, I'm 282 miles behind schedule.  

 

John, how did your biking goal of 2,021 miles turn out? 



#29 John T Roberts

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Posted 03 January 2022 - 01:49 PM

Nitixope, it turned out absolutely terrible.  I only rode 577 miles for the entire year. 



#30 Nitixope

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Posted 03 January 2022 - 02:05 PM

Nitixope, it turned out absolutely terrible.  I only rode 577 miles for the entire year. 

 

By most standards, that's still pretty good.  I rode past the old Forum meet-up spot at Clearfork Main Street Bridge and was thinking about your goal.  Any thoughts this year as far as strategies for riding more or new goals?  For me, having shorter, more manageable rides gets me out more or mixing in an errand with a ride helps to kill two birds with one stone.  In years past, I wanted to only do longer rides or not at all but now I'm just happy if I get 5 or 10 miles in at a time.



#31 John T Roberts

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Posted 03 January 2022 - 06:52 PM

I really don't have a plan for this year.  However, I have made up my mind to get out and ride more often.  The unfortunate thing is that I'm having a medical procedure done late in the week that is going to keep me from giving a walking tour on Saturday and cycling this weekend.  Due to COVID-19, there is a chance the procedure could be cancelled.  If that occurs, then I will lead a tour and go on a ride or two.



#32 Papaw

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Posted 23 February 2022 - 09:00 PM

Anyone e-biking? Wasnt sure where to post this but was wondering if any members were involved in anyway with riding e-bikes. At 78 ive been out of biking for awhile but needing knee and Cardiovascular exercising and missing the biking scene, I have been considering investing in an e-bike. Before asking any specific questions I was wondering if there were any members that had any interest or knowledge in e-bikes.

#33 JBB

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Posted 23 February 2022 - 09:14 PM

Maybe I totally dreamed this up, but I think Austin has one.



#34 Dylan

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Posted 23 February 2022 - 09:29 PM

I'm sorry for derailing this thread. Would it be possible to move posts to my narrated city tour thread?

 

As for bicycling, I need to try it out again. My energy levels are improving.


-Dylan


#35 Nitixope

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Posted 23 February 2022 - 09:43 PM

Anyone e-biking? Wasnt sure where to post this but was wondering if any members were involved in anyway with riding e-bikes. At 78 ive been out of biking for awhile but needing knee and Cardiovascular exercising and missing the biking scene, I have been considering investing in an e-bike. Before asking any specific questions I was wondering if there were any members that had any interest or knowledge in e-bikes.

 

Some close relatives of mine (retirees) bought a "his and her's" pair of Specialized brand e-bikes, pre-pandemic.  I think they spent around $3,500 each plus another $800-$1,000 or so for a hitch-mounted carrier that connects into their pick-up's receiver tube but it has a built-in mechanism that lowers the bike trailer flat to the ground so that you could just roll it up into position and raise the carrier up.  Those e-bikes are quite heavy and not something you want to try and lift off the ground on any sort of routine basis (I would guess in excess of 100 pounds each).  They priced out the Trek similar model but there was already availability limitations not to mention they live in a less-than-urban part of central Wisconsin where you have option A or option B typically on these type of purchases unless you're dealing with an online order but not something I'd do on an $8,000+ purchase.  Another thing to consider is the "his" e-bike had what I call the "girl bar" too meaning the Top Tube slants down like a female bike...when asked why, I was told that when you're in your 70's it gets harder and more dangerous to continuously try and lift your leg over the top tube unless you're just fit as a fiddle, then please disregard this comment.  I'll dig out some photos on my phone and post them later.  Also, it goes without saying, but a nice helmet (spend at least $100), side mirrors, front / back lights are a must have with these and or bike.  It's really hilly where they live and I clocked myself going downhill at over 40mph and I was pushing pretty hard.  You're in control of the pedal assist modes on those usually at the basic control of three levels or speeds so there's a bit of natural deceleration from the motor resistance from what I recall as well as your standard hand brakes of course for full stopping.  Don't forget to buy a good quality hitch lock if you leave your vehicle parked at a trailhead.

 

As far as use around here, it is limitless with the amount of trails we have, you could go for hours or within the span of your battery which in most cases I think you could get a really good distance.  At first I thought e-bikes would annoy me, but they are still the minority around here but almost everyone I see using them is very courteous and out enjoying the day.  One of the biggest selling point was that with the amount of hills in their region, there are some lovely rural paved trails in northern Wisconsin but without pedal assist, even the strongest bikers would likely struggle through those hills but the pedal assist was a game changer for them being a little older and not being avid regular bikers to begin with.  They have other retiree friends that also threw down for some higher end e-bikes and they really enjoyed meeting up for an afternoon of biking and socializing.  Someone made a comment once about "what is the best workout?" and the response was "the one that you DO, and want to stick with."  If it gets you out of the house, that's the biggest step in the right direction.

 

Best of luck.  Hope this info helps. 



#36 Papaw

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Posted 23 February 2022 - 11:15 PM

I really appreciate your comments and they all make sense. While the downhill 40 mph would be very scary for me I can relate to the thrill thinking back to my younger years. The cost is inline with what Im finding as Ive found a mid-motor using torque sensor Vs hub using cadence sensor is a definite advantage. This makes me look at Trek and at my age, a step-thru. To be respectful to other bickers and walkers I would be restricting rides to mostly neighborhood streets rather than trails.

#37 Nitixope

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Posted 24 February 2022 - 12:13 AM

I feel more at ease on the trails than I do on the streets and most of the trails are wide enough to pass safely as well as there being a crushed gravel trail in parallel to the main trail.

#38 rriojas71

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Posted 24 February 2022 - 09:36 AM

Anyone e-biking? Wasnt sure where to post this but was wondering if any members were involved in anyway with riding e-bikes. At 78 ive been out of biking for awhile but needing knee and Cardiovascular exercising and missing the biking scene, I have been considering investing in an e-bike. Before asking any specific questions I was wondering if there were any members that had any interest or knowledge in e-bikes.

I use the Electric bike that FW Bike has at its stations.  I have taken friends who are visiting on them and we have had a blast.  It's fun because you are not over exerting yourself and when I'm riding them I feel like a kid again.  Maybe you should consider getting a FW Bike share annual membership.  I have had one for the past 4 years and I think it is totally worth the cost.



#39 Papaw

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Posted 24 February 2022 - 10:49 AM

Appreciate the replies. Hadnt thought about trying the FW bike share and will rethink the trails.

#40 John T Roberts

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Posted 24 February 2022 - 04:48 PM

I don't have a problem with the trails, either.  I don't have an e-bike, but many of my friends do have one.

 

Dylan, I will move your posts to the city tour thread.






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