DFW MS150 bicycle ride, May 6-7, 2006

[supermotoC]

My other two-wheeled passion is the self-powered type. I (along with a few thousand close friends) will be riding a 2 day 150+ mile "tour" (averaging a whopping 20mph+/-) to raise funds for the National MS Foundation (multiple sclerosis). I am fishing for sponsorship (in the form of mula), 100% of which goes directly to the MS Foundation. I won't bore you with the typical soft-sell crud here, but if you're interested in more info: http://dallas.ms150.org/dallas/about_ms_society.asp

More info on the Nat'l MS Foundation: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/

If you'd like to contribute, any amount makes a difference. You can sponsor me online here: http://ms150.org/edon.cfm?id=187162

and all of it is tax-deductable. I'll post pics in this thread afterwards (I have a really small dig-camera).
If you would rather send a check (made out to National MS Society), email me collyer@pobox.com

thanks, and I hope I haven't offended anyone




webmaster - if this is way out of bounds, delete at will & ban me (so I can be like Allan)

[Road Dog]

Hi Super,

Sorry, not trying to hijack the thread or stir up crap.

Many years I have made a wild flower ride over Easter weekend and run into the bicycle race/rally in Fredericksburg. All too often highway lanes are blocked by riders riding two and something three abreast on two lane highways. And sometimes they won't relinquish any of the lane. In tourist territory with many hills and curves this practice always struck me as a very risky practice.

What are the rules of the road and/or etiquette with bicyclist?

I always worry about splitting lanes with bicycles and passing on double yellows.

Thanks,
Bill

[supermotoC]

Technically & legally, bicycles have the same rights (and responsibilities) as any other vehicle (car/MC/truck) on the road, and in Texas, a 6ft berth is to be afforded when passing a cyclist (I looked it up after I got tagged 3 years ago). As a cyclist, you are keenly aware of how vulnerable you are, so I take up as much lane as I want - here's why: if I hug the shoulder, not only do I get more flats, but cars will tend to try to squeeze by in the same lane, forcing me dangerously to the edge. If I take the middle of the lane, the car is forced to make a normal, opposite lane (hopefully NOT a dbl yella) pass, which is safer for both of us. Kind of a forced security, an assertive bicyclist forces the other drivers to do the "normal" thing.
So, treat them (individually or 3 abreast) as a car. Pass when it is safe, and give them the whole lane. Easy for me to say (as a cyclist), but it's no fun at 24mph on an 18lb vehicle being passed inches away by a 5000lb Yukon, especially when the draft actually pulls you towards the vehicle. Annoying as it is, it's exactly the same as following a slow guy on a Harley - except the bicyclist is probably wearing a helmet. Pass when it is safe for both parties, and respect is afforded both drivers. If they are ignoring you and/or are being offensive, just go by and blast your horn the whole way - hey, you're just letting them know you're there. IDIOTS wearing headphones are asking to get tagged, and I recommend blowing your horn just to wake them up. Headphones are illegal in cars & motorcycles in Texas, but I've never heard of someone actually getting fined for it.
Thanks for asking - most people just shake a fist or toss out their empties at me because they don't understand the law(s). I am particularly cautious around old pickups & shirtless (toothless) drivers when out in the sticks.

[12bar1]

I have participated in our local MS150 for last 15 years and it has always been a fun ride. When I first started it was just an excuse to get in some miles but then a few years ago it hit closer to home. I met someone at work who shares another of my life long passions, playing guitar. We started getting together once or twice a week to jam. This evolved into our little garage blues band Cat Beer (don't ask). Shortly after we started playing together his wife was diagnosed with MS and three years later our singer got married and her husband was diagnosed just before the wedding. I have watched the horrible effects this disease has had on them and their families. Their minds are clear and sharp but their bodies are slowly and steadily breaking down. Thanks for supporting the cause my donation has been sent and have a great ride for a great cause. Also 20 mph for 75 miles on a bicycle is pretty darn fast, good job:eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: .

[supermotoC]

Thanks James - donation received. I've been riding for fun for over 15 years now, trying to do at least 1500 miles a year. I'm no ectomorphic roadie (6'3", 210), and I'm not new (47), but I can spin OK. I lost my mother in 2004 to the big C, and have become willing to help however I can to eradicate these incurable, devastating conditions. If I can do it riding my bike, I really have no excuse then, do I? As of Sunday, I have over $2730 in sponsorship.
Thanks again.

[jamming]

Coll..I'm in, I'll do the donation when I get home.
My Sister and Niece both have MS, so its very near and dear to my heart.
I do the MS walks here in Phoenix every year, no way I could ride a bicycle 150 miles.
Thanks for helping.
Roger

[supermotoC]

thanks - you can do it online or via snail mail - instructions above.....