Caught a case of cycling fever from following Lance and the action of the Tour de France? Ron Robinson, manager and president of 360 Cycleworks, as well as an avid cyclist since 1971, has some helpful tips for beginners and seasoned veterans trafficking the Veloway every Saturday.

Equipment
For a beginner who mainly cruises around the neighborhood, a helmet and water bottle cover the basics. As for the type of bicycle, Robinson recommends heading to a cycle shop in town and choosing a bike that is user-friendly, comfortable and doesn’t intimidate you. “You have to assess where you are and go from there,” he says.
For a more experienced rider, Robinson suggests making an investment in a road bike, particularly if you plan to ride seriously. “Spend no less than $1,000 on a road bike; if you don’t, you’ll probably be back in to get a new one much sooner,” he says.

Where to Ride
According to Robinson, some of the most popular places in Austin to cruise are Loop 360, Bee Caves Road, Southwest Parkway and FM 2222, all of which make up the “Dam Loop.” These roads feature clean shoulders for riders to cruise while enjoying Austin’s breathtaking natural beauty. “Find a country road outside of Austin and go exploring,” Robinson says. His favorite route at the moment goes from Dripping Springs to Buda.

For casual riding, Robinson suggests heading to the Veloway, Town Lake or the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trails. He also urges new riders to exercise caution and good judgement when selecting a place to ride, even in Austin neighborhoods. “There are hills and they’re pretty demanding, so seek flat terrain on a comfortable bike and start slowly,” advises Robinson. Not sure if you are ready to tackle a five-mile ride? A good rule of thumb is to consider the number of miles you can comfortably walk. “If you can walk one mile, you can ride about three,” Robinson says.

As you head out to the Austin streets and surrounding areas to begin your cycling journey, be sure to stay safe by wearing a helmet and reflective clothing. For more information or if you’re looking for a great place to find a new bike, call 306-8778 or visit www.360cycleworks.com.

PioneerValley Trail Run
Trace the same trails that inspired Native Americans to settle Burnet County on an exciting ride taking place on September 4 at 8 a.m. Meet at Marble Falls High School and enjoy rides of 30, 47 and 60 miles with moderate hills. From Austin, take S.H. 71 to U.S. 281. Turn right on U.S. 281 and follow it to Marble Falls. In Marble Falls, turn left on Mission Hills Drive (the first light past the U.S. 281/FM 1431 intersection). The school is directly behind the HEB on Mission Hills Drive. For more information, contact Guy at 755-6772.

Dripping Springs to Johnson City
Enjoy intermediate level rides of 24 and 52 miles, that follow back roads through the undulating Hill Country landscape to Johnson City on September 6 at 8 a.m. Meet at Dripping Springs Independent School District Administration building, on the north side of Highway 290. The building is located on Loop 64. For more information, contact Anita at 323-5171.

Sun City Saunter
Hook up for a joint ride with the Sun City Cyclists (S.C.C.) on September 11 at 8 a.m. Ride quiet, smooth and beautiful Sun City streets with 5- and 15-mile options at a leisurely pace. Or take the route north, turning south of Jarrell toward Andice on mostly quiet, low-traffic country roads through the picturesque horse, goat, and cattle farmlands. This route features 35- and 55-mile loop options. Meet at the Worship Place in Sun City. From Austin, take IH 35 north, then exit 261A. Take a left off the access road at the traffic light to FM 2338 (Williams Drive). Follow the signs about five miles to the Sun City main entrance, turn right on Del Webb Boulevard to Sun City Boulevard and then turn right about half mile to Worship Place on the left. Park at the far end of the parking lot. For more information, contact Preston (A.C.C.) at 345-1154 or Sue (S.C.C.) at 826-3825.

Stonewall Slag
Ride lengths ranging from 20 to 60 miles, on September 12 at 8 a.m, with the longest route weaving along the famous Willow City Loop. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Bluebonnet or two. Meet at Stonewall Elementary School on Peach Street. From U.S. 290 westbound, take a right on St. Francis, located next to the Stonewall Fire Department, and go one block to Peach Street, make a left and go toward the end of the block (the school is on the left). Bring plenty of water and snacks, as stops are limited to Harry’s on the Loop in Willow City. For more information, contact Tamara at 892-9390.