Guinn Road Is A Ride Through West Texas History

With the increase in truck traffic on major highways, some area cyclists have been mapping out cycling routes that take them off the beaten path on rural back country roads.

One of the newest rides, pioneered by San Angelo cyclist Rick Ogan, is on Guinn Road from the town of Knickerbocker to FM 915 southwest of Mertzon.

This 29-mile out-and-back ride offers a great combination of low-traffic smooth pavement mixed with some rough-but-scenic dirt road. Since over half of the route is unpaved, you’ll be a lot happier on a touring bike with fat tires (700x32 or larger) or on a mountain bike.

It’s also an out-and-back route so you can turn around at any time to make the distance fit your ability (connect.garmin.com/activity/433329507).

Ernest Hemingway once noted “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”

Riding on Guinn Road personifies Hemingway’s statement and — even better — the route lets you pedal through some Tom Green County history.

The best place to start is at the post office in the small community of Knickerbocker. There are no public facilities there, so make sure you have water, energy bars, and visit ‘the facilities’ before you drive to the start of the ride.

From Knickerbocker, go south on the main road (FM 2355) for about 0.7 miles to the intersection with Guinn Road and turn right.

You’ll enjoy the nice pavement, lack of traffic, and rolling hills for the first six miles on this nice two-lane road. Relax, pedal smoothly, and take in the sights and scents of rural West Texas.

At about mile 6, the pavement will end and become a dirt road that has some Texas-sized potholes for a few hundred yards. No worries — just look ahead and emulate the downhill ski racers as you slalom around the craters.

As you continue riding southwest on Guinn, the potholes fade away behind you and you encounter some nice small hills on the gravel and calachie road.

A few of these hills will make you work, so — as Hemingway noted — you “have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.”

The road will start to dip down at 8.5 miles into the ride as you approach the low-water crossing on Dove Creek. This crossing is concrete and (as of early March) had about eight inches of cold, clear water flowing across it.

Stop at Dove Creek and reflect on history as the crossing is very near the location where a historic battle between the Kickapoo Indians and Texas Militia took place back in January of 1865 (gosanangelo.com/news/2009/jan/12/out-yonder-remembering-the-battle-of-dove-creek).

After crossing Dove Creek, you’ll continue on the rough gravel road as you pass near the headwaters of Dove Creek at about 11 miles into the ride and then over rolling hills toward the turnaround point at FM 915.

Look to your left as you ride the last couple of outbound miles and you’ll see a composite of modern day West Texas — cattle feeding in pastures, pumpjacks bringing oil to the surface, and wind turbines spinning in the steady breeze a few miles to the southwest.

Although you could follow FM 915 for five miles north to highway 67 and then an additional two miles on 67 into Mertzon, you would start to encounter quite a bit of traffic on those roads.

The best option is to stop at FM 915, have an energy bar, and then follow the same Guinn Road route back to Knickerbocker.

It’s an even nicer ride headed back and maybe — just maybe — you’ll get through the Dove Creek crossing on the return trip without getting your feet wet.

Give this route a try - it's a peaceful ride through West Texas history.


Upcoming Events

March 29: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5K, angelo.edu/asufit
April 12: Moon Pie night trail run, roadlizards.org
April 26: Lone Wolf Run, roadlizards.org
May 16: Relay for Life, relayforlife.org

The Cycling Season Is Underway

The weather is warming up, the time has changed and area cyclists are starting to come out of their winter hibernation.

With the exception of cyclocross racers and a few other hardcore bikers, most of the two-wheeled lycra-shorts crowd spent the winter going nowhere on indoor spin bikes or substituted gym and running workouts for bike rides.

That changed this past week with multiple group rides kicking off and several area bike tours and races appearing on the calendar.

For those of you new to cycling or new to this area, multiple organized group cycling rides take place each week here in San Angelo to include those listed below.

 - Monday 6 p.m., a 12 mile fun/social road bike ride through Spring Creek Park that starts and finishes at the Lake Nasworthy swim beach.

 - Wednesday 6 p.m., a moderate pace road ride that starts/finishes at Southgate Church of Christ on Country Club Road with multiple route options to include 14, 20 and 25 miles.

 - Wednesday 6 p.m., an easy pace mountain bike ride that begins at the end of the paved park road near the middle gate in Middle Concho Park. The typical ride distance is 10-12 miles and all levels of cyclists are welcome.

 - Tuesday/Thursday 6 p.m., the Loop Group ride at TxDOT (Kinckerbocker and Loop 306). This is a faster paced ride that typically splits up into different groups going 20, 28 or 35 miles.

There are also other rides that typically take place to include Sunday afternoon mountain bike rides in the State Park and one-time rides that are ‘called’ by an area cyclist.

The best way to find out about these group rides is to get on the cycling club’s email list (http://angelobike.org) or monitor the club’s Facebook page at: facebook.com/groups/471371822880671.

Early season cycling tours and races are also showing up on area calendars.

Abilene’s Steam-N-Wheels event will take place March 22, the Bikes for Trykes cycling tour is scheduled for April 5 in San Angelo, and the Colorado River Bikefest in Ballinger will be April 26.

The Steam-N-Wheels race and tour (www.bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels) is a West Texas classic that always attracts a sizable number of San Angelo cyclists. Riders can choose from 48-, 32- or 12-mile routes that all start/finish at Abilene’s Nelson Park.

Bikes for Trykes (www.bikesfortrykes.eventbrite.com) is a new San Angelo cycling tour organized by the San Angelo chapter of AMBUCS (www.ambucs.org), a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic trykes to children with disabilities.

The 35, 20, & 12.5 mile Bikes for Trykes routes will start and finish at Boondock’s Bar & Grill on Red Bluff Road near the entrance to Middle Concho Park. This will be a fully-supported ride with water and snack aid stations on the course.

Ballinger will host area cyclists in late April for the 39th annual Bikefest (www.ballingernoonlions.org/pages/bikefest.html). Activities include cycling distances of 30, 60 and 100 kilometers and a 5K fun run.

In addition to the group rides and cycling events mentioned above, the San Angelo Bicycle Association will start up their monthly time trial events in April. These events include a 6-race TT series for mountain bikes in San Angelo State Park and a 6-race road bike TT series. Visit the club’s website at http://angelobike.org for specific date and location information.

If you want to find out more about local cycling activities, the bicycle club’s next monthly meeting will take place at 7 p.m. March 18 at Boondocks Bar and Grill on Red Bluff Road.

The club meetings are open to the public and are a great way to meet other area cyclists.

Remember — the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and the cycling season is underway.


Upcoming Events

March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org

March 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels

March 29: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5K, angelo.edu/asufit

April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939

April 12: Moon Pie night trail run, roadlizards.org

April 26: Colorado River Bikefest, ballingernoonlions.org/pages/bikefest.html

Trail Running Season in Full Swing

The 2014 trail running season is in full swing in San Angelo with two of the four scheduled events completed.

The first two races of the three-event Shannon trail running series are in the books, with the third and final race of the series taking place Saturday, March 8 in San Angelo State Park.

Runners in the trail series are competing for awards in the long course category (10K, 12K, and 15K distances) and also in the shorter 5K division.

Today’s series finale race will feature a rough and rocky course that starts and finishes at the Burkett trailhead in the state park.

Both short and long-course runners will face steep climbs and descents on trails such as Playground, Flintstone, Turkey Creek, River Bend, and the infamous up and down ‘Roller Coaster’ trail before arriving back at the Burkett trailhead finish line.

The season isn’t over after the trail running series ends, however. Many of the series participants have been using these races to prepare for the upcoming Crazy Desert Trail Race scheduled for March 22 in San Angelo State Park.

The March 22 Crazy Desert event should actually be called a ‘Trail Race Festival’ because there will be four races — with four different distances — all taking place at the same time.

Runners can choose from 10K (6.2 mile), half-marathon (13.1 mile), full marathon (26.2 mile), or 50K (31 mile) distances.

Start times will be staggered, with the 50K and full marathon starting at 8 a.m., the half-marathon at 8:30 a.m., and the 10K going off at 9 a.m.

All races will start and finish at the pavilion in the equestrian camp area on the north end of the state park, with day-of-event registration opening at 6 a.m. at the pavilion.

You can also camp at the race site near the pavilion for a small $10 fee state park fee.

With generous support from title sponsor Lucid Energy Group and other event supporters, race organizer Jeff Lisson and co-directors Adam and Marie Parker have put together a great event package.

There will be custom medals for each finisher, chip timing, a long-sleeve technical T-shirt for each runner, a gift certificate from Happy Trails, coupons for ice cream from Marble Slab, a free photo download, a Thunderbird Energetica bar and bottled water.

The male and female winners of each event will also receive running shoes donated by Merrell.

There is a 300 runner overall limit for the Crazy Desert event, so you may want to preregister before the race fills up to ensure getting a spot. Go to https://secure.getmeregistered.com/CrazyDesertTrail3
 to sign up ahead of time.

This year’s event will use many of the same trails as in past years including the scenic Dinosaur and Shady trails, but there will be more single track and less dirt road than in past years.

Runners competing in the Crazy Desert event will include both local residents, participants from other parts of Texas, and out-of-state runners.

If you’re not a fast runner, you may still want to think about taking part in the fun. People who run/walk or even fast hikers can easily complete one of the courses before the eight-hour time cutoff.

It’s going to be an epic day of trail running with a great post-race party, and — even better — all proceeds will benefit the Concho Valley Community Action Agency.

For more information, go to roadlizards.org/events/crazy-desert-trail-race-3/ or visit the Crazy Desert Facebook page at facebook.com/CrazyDesertTrailRace.

Remember — the local trail running season is going strong and the Crazy Desert Trail Running festival will be the capstone event.


Upcoming Events

March 15: Shamrock Run 5K, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
March 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels
March 29: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5K, angelo.edu/asufit
April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939
April 12: Moon Pie night trail run, roadlizards.org

Soldiers From Goodfellow March To Remember Bataan

It’s 0600 on a chilly Saturday morning in late February with another hour to go before sunrise.

A group of soldiers from the 344 Military Intelligence Battalion at Goodfellow AFB has been moving at forced march pace since 0400, focused on training for an upcoming mission as they march up and down the rough hills of Burma Road.

They will complete 20 miles of fast marching before most people have finished their Saturday morning coffee.

No running shoes or high tech outdoor gear for these soldiers — they’re wearing Army-issue uniforms and combat boots, carrying food and water and some team members are loaded down with 35-pound rucksacks.

Although these soldiers are highly-trained veterans of previous deployments, the mission they’re training for during this march will not take place in an overseas combat zone.

Instead, they’ll be joining other soldiers and civilians from across the nation on March 23 to march 26.2 miles through the hostile desert environment of White Sands Missile Range during the annual Bataan Memorial Death March.

The Bataan memorial march, first held in 1989, honors the World War II heroes who were responsible for the defense of the islands of Luzon, Corregidor and the harbor defense forts of the Philippines.

On April 9, 1942, 72,000 captured American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march 63 miles from Mariveles on the southern end of the Bataan Peninsula to a Japanese prison camp in the northern end.

Thousands died as they were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. The harsh conditions and treatment of the prisoners during the march to the prison camp resulted in an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 deaths.

SFC Heinz Cook, team captain for one of the teams from the 344th, says “The Bataan Death March is one of those special events where the athletic accomplishment takes a back seat to the history behind it and the respect and pride felt for the Soldiers that died in Bataan. One of the things I am looking forward to is the opportunity to meet survivors of Bataan and thank them for their sacrifice and service.”

LTC Devon Blake, commander of Goodfellow’s 344th MI Battalion and one of the team members, reinforces the group’s reason for doing the march.

“I feel it important to never forget the history of our brothers and sisters in arms that came before us,” notes Blake. “The least I can do is to pay tribute to the helpless victims that died during that horrific event, as well as those that endured the physical abuse and torture during the march to the prison camp.”

The 16 Goodfellow soldiers preparing for the Bataan Memorial Death March will be competing as part of three teams, one all-female and the other two coed.

Their training for the challenging event includes both the normal Army PT five days per weeks and then additional long march training after duty hours.

SFC Kristie Young, a member of the all-female team from the 344th, described the training that the teams are doing.

“We train together three times a week,” says Young. “We meet twice during the week for 1-1.5 hours of walking with some running, usually getting in 5-6.5 miles in that time. The pace for our training marches workouts is 13 to 15 minutes per mile but we push faster for shorter workouts.”

“We also do a long march on Saturdays, adding two miles each weekend so as to peak at 20 miles before we start tapering for the event.”

Although the long marching workouts might seem very similar to training for a marathon or long-distance trail run, the Goodfellow soldiers say there are some significant differences.

“When you run you look forward to that ‘runners high’ somewhere during the run,” explained SSG Miguel Quiroz. “With ruck marches (carrying a heavy pack) you don’t experience anything similar to that. It just gets more and more painful. By the end of each march you are cursing yourself for putting your body through something like this.”

SSG Mark Dowd also notes that wearing Army-issue combat boots instead of running shoes is another issue that Bataan team members must deal with.

“Training started off badly for me,” said Dowd. “I made the mistake of wearing brand-new boots on my first day and tore some pretty deep half-inch blisters in both heels. I wore old boots the next time we went out and felt much better.”

If you’re out for a run or bike ride and see these soldiers marching along the road, stop, come to attention, and give them a proper salute.

They’re focused on completing a tough mission to honor American heroes from a past war, and both the past and present day heroes deserve our respect.

Remember — soldiers from the 344th will be marching to remember Bataan.

Upcoming Events

Mar 8: Trail running series #3, roadlizards.org

Mar 15: Shamrock Run 5K, roadlizards.org

Mar 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org

Mar 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels

Mar 29: Run for the Wounded Warrior 5K, angelo.edu/asufit

April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939

April 12: Moon Pie night trail run, roadlizards.org

Affordable Bicycle Act

Cycling has benefited from never having been a hot topic for our elected officials in Washington.

With the exception of former President George W. Bush's mountain bike exploits and an occasional mention in the Federal Transportation Act, we've been able to pedal along peacefully on the bike of our choice while staying under the federal government's radar.

We hope it stays that way - the last thing we need is Washington trying to 'improve' cycling. 

Given the way that people in Washington think, they would probably decide that the currently 

unregulated bicycle industry could be vastly improved by passing a new Federal law standardizing the design of bicycles and regulating what bikes consumers would be able to buy.

Such a law might even include requiring every person in the United States to purchase and ride an approved bike that meets minimum standards set by the government. 

That law, of course, would be the Affordable Bicycle Act. 

 

Under the current system, cyclists have the freedom to purchase any bike they choose, and - they get to keep their existing bikes if they want. 

Non-cyclists or people on a tight budget can even opt out of owning a bike. 

However, based on recent precedents, there might be Washington officials who feel that having the freedom to choose (or not choose) what bike to ride is simply un-American.

They might even argue that most cyclists don't own the ideal bike for all types of riding, that there are people who can't afford a good bicycle, and that some people even refuse to own or ride a bicycle. 

A government official could view those issues as justification for a comprehensive government overhaul of everything related to bicycles, starting with the bike's design. 

Because of the current unregulated-by-the-government bicycle industry, cyclists who ride both on and off-road must purchase at least two bikes. 

They need an anorexic skinny-tire bike for road cycling and a chunky fat-tired bike with suspension for pedaling over mountain bike trails. 

In addition, a super-aerodynamic two-wheeled airfoil is needed for time trials and triathlons, a 'road bike on steroids' is required for cyclocross events, a beefy pack mule bike is a must for long distance touring, and some cyclists may even need a fixed-gear city bike or a high-handlebar-with-a front-basket campus cruiser. 

An Affordable Bicycle Act could, in Washington's mind, address those issues by requiring the bicycle industry to design and sell only three categories of bike and equipment 'bundles' (Gold, Silver, and Bronze). 

All three bike bundles would center around a government-designed bicycle to ensure that the bike is suitable for all types of riding (road, mountain, cyclocross, touring, city riding, etc.). 

The government-approved bike frame would be a 'step-through' unisex design to accommodate both male and female cyclists who might choose to ride in spandex shorts, skirts, or even kilts, and all frames would have a hitch mount for a pull-behind non-motorized lawn mower. 

Current bicycles that do not meet government design criteria would be outlawed. 

In addition, all approved bicycle bundles would be required by law to include a heart rate monitor, power meter, free professional-level coaching for the Ironman triathlon, Race Across America, and the World Downhill Mountain Bike Championships, and bike route maps for the entire United States. 

Gold Level bikes would be outfitted with a full range of accessories to include front and rear suspension, electronic shifting, aero bars, multiple wheels and tires for the various types of riding, multiple seats to fit a wide range of posteriors, and accessories such as aero helmets and different shoe/pedal combinations. 

Consumers who purchased the Gold Level bikes would have very few additional out-of-pocket expenses since all imaginable accessories would be included with their bicycle. 

Silver and Bronze level bikes would be based on the same unisex all-terrain frame design but would include fewer accessories - consumers would have to spend more out-of-pocket money to purchase the add-on items. 

All bicycles would be purchased on-line through a government-run web site known as the National Bicycle Marketplace, with privately-owned bike shops restricted to providing government-approved repair services. 

Reimbursement to bike shops for repair services would be based on pre-determined 'BikeCare' fees established by a government agency. 

The Affordable Bicycle Act would also make the standardized-design bikes available to everyone regardless of income via grants from the federal government, paid for by new fees imposed on the emission-producing automobiles, motorized lawn mowers, and barbeque grills. 

Federal tax returns would include a Bicycle Credit Worksheet that calculates free bike grant eligibility based on the state where you live, annual income, number of family members who can ride without training wheels, and if your employer provide bicycles for employees.

 

A new cabinet-level 'bicycle czar' position would be created to manage the Federal Bicycle Agency, overseeing functions such as the National Bicycle Marketplace and coordinating with other agencies such as the NSA to gather data on non-compliant cyclists. 

The Bicycle Agency would also manage information kiosks placed in malls to help citizens select an appropriate 'bicycle plan' and to fill out the free bike grant paperwork. 

Cyclists who continued to ride non-compliant bikes or non-cyclists who did not own a bicycle would be subject to an annual 'No Approved Bike' penalty. However, elected officials, government workers, union members, and climate change researchers would all be exempt from the 'purchase a bike' requirement. 

Luckily, the federal government has too many other important things to regulate so cycling could remain unscathed for years to come. 

Let's keep it that way - simple, fun, healthy, and unregulated.

Upcoming Events
Mar 8: Trail running series #3, roadlizards.org
Mar 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
Mar 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels
April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939

Become a Super Hero

Being a superhero doesn’t mean you need supernatural powers like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman.

In fact, you can become a superhero on Feb. 22 by signing up to run the 2nd annual Super Hero Dash 5K or 1.5 mile fun run at Angelo State University.

Even better, you’re encouraged to run or walk the event dressed up like your favorite superhero. It’s a family-friendly event, so dig out those Super Hero Halloween costumes, bring the kids and have a fun Saturday morning.

Every participant will be a superhero because all proceeds from the event benefit the San Angelo chapter of AMBUCS (www.ambucs.org), a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic trykes to children with disabilities.

These unique tricycles, which can be hand and/or foot operated, are designed to accommodate riders of all ages, sizes and varying degrees of physical limitations.

Physical and occupational therapists cite multiple therapeutic benefits of using the trykes to include improved motor skills, strength development and self-esteem.

The cost of each therapeutic tryke ranges from $400 to more than $1,200, and there are currently more than 60 individuals in Texas and more than 4,000 nationally on a waiting list.

The Super Hero 5K is organized by the Angelo State Physical Therapy Association as part of the club’s ongoing effort to serve people with physical disabilities.

Brandy Smalstig, an ASU student and the Physical Therapy Association’s president, says the event is family-friendly.

“We encourage families to bring their kids, dress everyone up like their favorite superhero and enjoy a fun event that raises money for a good cause,” Smalstig said. “There will be a prize for the best costume, awards for each race category and raffle prizes will be given away after the race.”

The Super Hero Dash course starts and finishes in front of the Houston Harte University Center on the ASU campus.

Runners and walkers will follow a route that heads west from the university center to Rosemont Drive, south on Rosemont to Dena Drive and then east along Dena toward Johnson Street.

Prior to reaching Johnson, the course will turn back onto the ASU campus and follow sidewalks as it winds around by the library and administration building and then back to the university center.

This is a safe and proven course that has been used in previous years for races such as the ASUFit Turkey Trot and the Heart Walk.

Participants doing the 1.5 mile fun run will complete one lap, with 5K runners doing two laps of the course.

The event will start at 9 a.m. with on-site days of event registration opening at 8 a.m. at the start/finish area.

You can also sign up online through Feb. 21 by visiting https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=10204.

The entry cost is $15 if you preregister, $20 on race day, and best of all — it’s free for kids 12 and younger.

Participants who sign up by Feb. 20 will also receive an event T-shirt on race day.

This event will provide a great chance for anyone to become a superhero, so it doesn’t matter if you’re fast or slow, old or young or male or female. Just sign up for the event, help the Physical Therapy Association raise funds for handicapped trykes, and you’ll be putting your supernatural powers to work for a great cause.

For more information, visit angelo.edu/asufit.

Remember — if you race the Super Hero Dash you will become a superhero.


Upcoming Events

Feb. 22: Trail running series #2, roadlizards.org
Feb. 22: Super Hero Dash, angelo.edu/asufit
March 8: Trail running series #3, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
March 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels
April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939

Prevent Flat Tires On Your Bike

Flat tires are a pain in the body-part-that-touches-the-bike-seat for all cyclists.

With the possible exceptions of high winds and reckless motorists, there’s nothing more likely to

cause an otherwise mild-mannered bike rider to utter a few obscenities and maybe even do an impromptu bike toss.

Unfortunately, almost every street, highway or trail has flat-causing hazards such as mesquite thorns, cactus, broken glass or sharp rocks.

Everyone will experience a flat bike tire at some point, so you need to carry a spare tube, tire levers, a small pump, and learn how to replace and patch a tube.

The good news is that flats can be minimized and in most cases completely avoided if you just take a few anti-flat steps.

Your lowest-cost options for mitigating flat tire issues are to install thicker ‘thorn resistant’ inner tubes, tire liners or tubes with sealant. Better still, just do all three.

Thick-walled tubes will help prevent small stickers from penetrating the tube, although bigger thorns can still poke their through.

Tire liners are narrow strips of hard plastic that install inside the tire between the tube and the tire. These strips will usually protect the tube from most thorns, goat heads and broken glass.

The third option is to install tubes that have a pre-installed sealant such as Slime or Stan’s, or add the sealant to your existing tubes. If a thorn or shard of glass does penetrate the tube, the sealant will (in most cases) plug and seal the puncture.

You may have to remove the offending thorn, rotate the tire so that the puncture is on the bottom, wait a few seconds for the sealant to work, and then air the tire back up.

The next level of anti-flat defense is to install tires that are more puncture-resistant. These tires will typically have a thicker tread or hard rubber and also have a belt of tough fiber (such as Kevlar) to resist punctures.

The downside of all options listed above is that the weight of the tube and/or tire will increase.

However, remember that a heavier fully-inflated tire is always a lot more enjoyable than a flat tire.
For people riding mountain or cross bikes, tubeless tires are another option that almost completely eliminates flats.

Tubeless set-ups have become the norm for most serious mountain bikers and many cyclocross racers.

Instead of having a tube inside the tire, the wheel’s rim is sealed (airtight) and a sealant is put into the tire to seal air leaks around the bead and to instantly repair any punctures that may occur while riding.

There are multiple advantages to going tubeless, including a much lower risk of having flats and also the ability to run tires at lower pressures (i.e., no ‘snakebite’ punctures and better traction on trails).

Although there are ‘tubeless-specific’ rims and tires, most standard (good quality) wheels and tires can also be converted to tubeless.

Any bike shop can do the conversion for you, but the process of converting to tubeless is something that anyone with patience and a few tools can easily do.

In fact, I’ve been running self-converted tubeless on all of my mountain bike and CX bike wheels for several years and would never consider going back to tubes — it works that well.

There’s a good how-to article on converting to tubeless at www.mbaction.com/Main/News/How-To-Installing-a-Stans-NoTubes-Tubeless-Convers-4640.aspx and also a tutorial video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5jJh_xYBwM.

Maintenance for tubeless tires is minimal — they tend to ‘leak down’ a little more than tires with tubes, so you may need to check air pressure before each ride and air up as needed. You’ll also need to periodically add some sealant (especially during hot weather) since the sealant will dry out over time.

One question that people often ask is “What if I do have a flat with tubeless?” This is rare, but if it does happen out on the trail and you can’t get the tire to re-inflate, simply remove the tubeless rim strip, insert a normal tube (which you should always carry anyway), air it up and continue riding.

Flat tires are something that all cyclists deal with, but taking a few no-flat steps such as those listed above will prevent most flats and make your cycling experience much more enjoyable.

Remember — flats happen, but you can eliminate all or most of them.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 14: Funnel Cake 5K, roadlizards.org
Feb. 22: Trail running series #2, roadlizards.org
Feb. 22: Super Hero Dash, angelo.edu/asufit
March 8: Trail running series #3, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
March 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels