Goodfellow Volunteers Support Local Fitness Events.

Volunteers from the Goodfellow military community are often on the front lines helping to make

local fitness events successful.

During the recent Run to Remember 10K on the Angelo State University campus, a team of volunteers from Goodfellow Air Force Base worked hard to help make the event a success.

Sgt. 1st Class Alanna Rathkopf, an AIT platoon sergeant assigned to the 344th MI BN at Goodfellow, led the volunteer team at the event.

Although the list of individuals is too long to include here, the volunteers Rathkopf coordinated included personnel from multiple branches of the armed forces.

Instead of “sleeping in” on a day off, they spent their Saturday morning manning aid stations, serving as course marshals, assisting with scoring, taking event pictures and helping with all aspects of setup and tear down of event equipment.

Their actions were typical for what you’ll see at events throughout the year as Goodfellow volunteers show up to help with cycling, running and multisport events and other activities in this area.

Even though they serve our country full time on the front line of conflicts around the world, they also serve our local community by volunteering at all types of events while off duty.

Military personnel are the type of volunteers that every race director dreams of — highly skilled and disciplined individuals who react immediately to situational needs and make sure the “event mission” is accomplished.

“The military community believes in volunteering as often as possible,” Rathkopf said. “I think it is in our nature. Today’s military is in fact made up entirely of volunteers, and I believe that the type of person who volunteers to join an organization actively engaged in combat operations is someone who must enjoy giving back to their local community to an equal extent."

“There is a lot to be said for a city like San Angelo,” she said. “If you go anywhere in uniform, someone stops to thank you for your service. It is a great feeling to know that the military is appreciated for the work we do. The soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines stationed here are some of the hardest-working individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with.”

This commitment by Goodfellow personnel toward volunteering at community events is no accident — it’s a philosophy that originates at the command levels on the base.

Sgt. 1st Class Robyn Moore, the S-1 NCOIC and volunteer coordinator for the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion, said the 344th Battalion does have a formal volunteer program.

“The battalion command team as well as all four of our company command teams definitely support and encourage volunteering in the community,” Moore said. “The installation also has an awards program that all units are able to compete in and two of the categories do involve volunteering at the unit or individual level."

“Volunteer hours set the soldiers apart from their peers but it is not a promotion board requirement. The requirement with the 344th is that the soldiers must complete 100 hours to earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal (MOVSM).”

There’s also another side to this story.

Many of these same military personnel take part in local fitness events. If you look at the results from a typical race you’ll see cyclists, runners and triathletes from Goodfellow at or near the top of finishing order.

One of the things the San Angelo community could do to better to say “thank you” to the military community is to plan and conduct an annual fitness event that’s open only to military personnel.
I’m thinking some type of Warrior Dash that’s open only to warriors.

The roles would be reversed — we (the civilian community) would organize the event, provide all volunteers, cheer the participants, salute the winners and maybe feed everyone after the race.
It would be a token of our appreciation for both their service to our country and their service to our fitness community.

Remember — military volunteers from Goodfellow support our local fitness events.


Upcoming Events
 
Oct 9: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 12: ASU Homecoming Ram Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 14: ASU & SAISD Health Fair, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 16: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 23: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 26: Heart Walk, http://heartwalk.kintera.org
Oct. 26: MDA Ride for ALS, www2.mda.org/site/TR?fr_id=7703&pg=entry
Oct. 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Nov. 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org
Nov. 23: Turkey Trot 5K, angelo.edu/asufit

Bike and Run Routes in San Angelo

One of the common questions I get asked by people new to our community is “Where are some good routes for cycling, running or triathlon training?”

Those questions typically come from service members newly assigned to Goodfellow, students attending ASU, visitors to our community, or people who are just new to cycling and running.

To help answer the “where are good routes” question, I’ve compiled a detailed listing of routes and posted them online at http://bcullins.blogspot.com/2013/09/san-angelo-cycling-and-running-routes.html.

It’s a fairly long list, so here’s my pared-down, quick guide to the most common bike and run routes in San Angelo. Save the list — pass it on to new people and visitors — and become a “where to work out” ambassador for our community.

Let’s start with road cycling. Most San Angelo area road rides will start and finish at one of three locations — the swim beach at Lake Nasworthy (Mary E. Lee Park), Liquor City on Arden Road, or at the TxDOT complex on Knickerbocker Blvd.

Although the rides from each of these starting points can be easily modified to suit individual needs, the following are typical examples with links to show complete routes:

 - Knickerbocker out-and-back (26 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/219937395): This is arguably the most commonly ridden route for San Angelo cyclists. It starts and finishes at the swim beach on Lake Nasworthy, so it’s also popular with multisport athletes who want to combine bike, run and swim workouts.

 - Seven Sisters loop (39 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/220071789): Similar to the Knickerbocker ride described above, but extended to include FM 2335 over the “Seven Sisters” hills and U.S. 277 from Christoval back to San Angelo. This route was part of a long-course duathlon course in past years.

 - Jamison Road loop (16 miles, nice after-work route, mapmyride.com/routes/view/219960265): The Jamison loop is a flat route that’s good for an easy day or hard intervals on a low-traffic road.

 - Arden Road out-and-back to County Road 411 (34 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/219941479): This route follows one of the most popular cycling roads in the San Angelo area, with multiple route variations possible. The example shown at the link above goes out-and-back from a starting point at the old Liquor City on the west edge of town.

 - Burma Road (46 miles with nice hills, mapmyride.com/routes/view/219969249): A hill workout favorite for San Angelo cyclists, the Burma route follows Arden Road to South Burma Road, goes over several miles of short, steep hills, and then comes back the same way. Cyclists looking for a harder workout will repeat the Burma hills section multiple times before heading back to town.

 - Loop group routes (19 miles mapmyride.com/routes/view/220077825 and 31 miles mapmyride.com/routes/view/219949563): Both of these routes are used for the Tuesday/Thursday “Loop Group” ride that meets at the TxDOT facility during the summer.

Moving on to mountain biking, you’ll find that most local off-road cyclists ride in San Angelo State Park or sometimes in the Middle Concho Park/Spillway Hill area. In the state park, you’ll see many riders starting from the park’s south end at either the Playground or the Burkett trailhead.

Rides that originate in Middle Concho Park usually start near the middle gate and continue out onto the dirt road to the Spillway Hill trails. All of these mountain bike routes are also popular with trail runners.

 - State Park time trial loop (6 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/257762575): This loop starts at the playground area near the state park’s south entrance and is used for the monthly mountain bike time trial races. It can easily be extended by continuing north past the Burkett trailhead.

 - State Park end-to-end and back (approximately 35 miles, mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/san-angelo-state-park-south-to-north-loo-route-83619741): There are a number of variations on this mountain bike ride. A pure south-to-north and back is about 27 miles, but several additional miles can be added by doing small “side loops” in addition to the main trails.

 - Race loop (Spillway Hill area, 8 miles, mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/spillway-hill-ride-route-18828500): This ride starts and finishes in Middle Concho Park and follows trails and some 4WD roads in the Twin Buttes open space area. The route can easily be extended another 6-8 miles by starting at the front of the park or by following more of the motorcycle trails in that area.

Runners in San Angelo have a wide variety of both paved and off-road routes, but the most popular runs center around Gun Club Road (KOA loop), the Downtown River Trail, Spring Creek Park, Middle Concho Park, and the swim beach. Trail runners commonly use all or parts of the mountain bike rides described above. Here are several examples of good running routes:

 - Gun Club Road (2 miles per lap, nice hills, mapmyride.com/routes/view/257737833): Located just north of the Lake Nasworthy bridge on Knickerbocker Blvd, the KOA loop is a San Angelo favorite for runners and walkers. Be careful and stay to the edge of the road to avoid vehicles and bring your own water — there are no facilities at this location.

 - Downtown River Trail (3.5 miles, can be extended, mapmyride.com/routes/view/256776635): The river trail provides a scenic and partially-shaded route to run. A common starting point is at the Kids Kingdom playground where there are restrooms and water fountains.

 - Middle Concho Park dirt road (about 8 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/257740231): If you like soft dirt surfaces, very few people, and occasional wildlife sightings, this is the best place to run in San Angelo. Start near the front gate of Middle Concho Park, follow the shoreline to the back gate, and then continue out onto the dirt road behind the park.

Spring Creek Park from Swim Beach (5 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/257742967): This route is commonly used by triathletes during combined bike/run workouts. The route begins at the swim beach, follows Fisherman’s Road to the park, and then continues through the park to the back gate.

 - State Park (road run with hills, 7.3 miles, mapmyride.com/routes/view/257745697): If you like running on hills, this route will make you happy. Start at the playground area just inside the park’s south entry gate and then follow low-traffic park roads to the top of Wink Hill (now called the Scenic Overlook).

One final note — for “brick” workouts that combine biking or running with open-water swimming, the two best locations in San Angelo are the swim beach at Lake Nasworthy or the front (main) boat ramp in Middle Concho Park. Both of these locations have been used for local triathlons.


Upcoming Events

Oct. 2: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 9: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 12: ASU Homecoming Ram Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 14: ASU & SAISD Health Fair, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 16: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 23: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 26: Heart Walk, http://heartwalk.kintera.org
Oct. 26: MDA Ride for ALS, www2.mda.org/site/TR?fr_id=7703&pg=entry
Oct. 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Nov. 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org
Nov. 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit

San Angelo Cycling and Running Routes

Cycling and Running Routes

San Angelo, Texas

Road cycling

1. The Knickerbocker Loop from the Mary E Lee Park swim beach to town of Knickerbocker and back, 26 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219937395.

2. Out and back on Arden Road from Liquor City to County Road 411 and back, 34 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219941479.

3. The Loop Group long course, 31 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219949563.

4. FM 2288 from Liquor City to HY 87 at Grape Creek and back, 20 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219952185.

5. A great loop around the Bluffs subdivision circuit (4.5 miles per lap – if you hammer through four laps you’ll get a hard 18 miles workout), www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220053265.

6. A flat route that includes Jamison Road from Liquor City, 16 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219960265.

7. A San Angelo classic - Burma Road out and back from Liquor City, 46 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219969249.

8. Susan Peak Road from highway 277 and Waling Pecan, 52 miles, nice hills in the middle part of the ride, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220038655.

9. A flat loop that circles the east side of Lake Nasworthy, 12 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219957275

10. A flat loop that goes from the swim beach to Highway 277 and back via Spring Creek Park, 20 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220056721.

11. The San Angelo Bicycle Association time trial (TT) course, Susan Peak road, 12 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220058723.

12. OC Fisher Dam, out and back, 14 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220061105.

13. A rolling route that goes through Knickerbocker, Tankersley, and Jamison Road from Swim Beach, 41 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220068259.

14. The Seven Sisters loop from the Swim Beach, 39 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220071789.

15. The Loop Group short route, 19 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220077825.

16. River Road loop, near downtown San Angelo, ~ 14 miles, http://www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/river-road-loop-route-23270662.

17. State Park road loop, 14 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220084343.

18. A flat route that starts at Fort Concho and goes out Paint Rock Road, 27 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220049079.

19. Swim Beach to Door Key Road out-and-back, 20 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220087789.

20. The Almost-to-Bronte” loop, 58 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/220090609.

21. Need more of a challenge?  Try the San Angelo Grand Fundo route (combination of pavement and dirt roads), http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/235844785

Cyclocross and dirt road bike routes (can also be ridden on a mountain bike)

1. State Park lake loop – a complete circle around OC Fisher reservoir, combination of paved roads and dirt roads/trails, 23 miles, http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/278912579

2. Twin Buttes lake loop, a complete circle around Twin Buttes reservoir, about 50 % pavement and 50% dirt/4WD road, 30 miles, www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/twin-buttes-lake-loop-with-dam-crossing-route-18139500.

3. An interesting loop that starts in Middle Concho Park with some dirt road and options for additional distance on 4WD roads or trails, 14 miles, www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219944467

4. A dirt road ride through ranch and oilfield country on CR 411 & 412 north of Mertzon. About 34 miles if done as an out-and-back, http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/226310267.

5. ASU cyclocross course on Johnson Street next to the ASU softball fields.  Approximate lap distance is about one mile – do multiple laps to get a hard in-town workout, http://www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/asufit-cx-course-johnson-and-university-route-42676610.

6. Middle Concho cyclocross practice course, Middle Concho Park, www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/mid-concho-cx-training-loop-route-152193331.

Mountain biking (or trail running)

1.       Spillway Hill (Middle Concho Park) mountain bike or trail run loop, distance will vary depending on how much of the motorcycle trail loop is used. The dirt road and 4WD tracks are good routes for new or casual cyclists, www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/spillway-hill-ride-route-18828500,

2.       San Angelo State Park, miles and miles of trails with multiple possible routes, www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/san-angelo-state-park-south-to-north-loo-route-83619741.

3.       Powerline loop (or out-and-back), a short but challenging area near Lamar Elementary that follows the power lines.  There are some short but steep hills, good for mountain bikes or for a trail run, http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/281662935.

4.       Twin Buttes – Spring Creek out-and-back.  This is part of the 30-miles Lake Loop ride but includes only the 4WD roads between the Equalization Channel and the crossing at Spring Creek. Mostly flat-to rolling, great views especially along Spring Creek, suitable for cyclocross or mountain bike, http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/281676781.

Running and Walking

(There are literally hundreds of routes in the San Angelo area, but the listing below highlights some of the most popular and routes that are used for events or general fitness activities.)

1. Twin Buttes access road (also know as the infamous Dirt Road from Hell). This road was formerly used for the Wool Capitol triathlon and Striders Duathlon long course. Starts in Middle Concho Park - this is a GREAT training run on soft surfaces. Can also be accessed from highway 67 south.  http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/257740231
2. Run in the Sun 8K route (a nationally certified course), http://www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/run-in-the-sun-2007-route-441709
3. Trail run in the State Park, 3.8 miles but can easily be lengthened, http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/238846685
4. Armydillo 10K (formerly used for the Marine Corps Bulldog Run), http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/283430321
5. Red Bluff Road out-and-back, http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/283431299
6. ASU Turkey Trot 5K (on the campus): www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/new-turkey-trot-route-24705746
7. Run to Remember (on the ASU campus): www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/run-to-remember-2012-route-114034573
8. Family Day 5K (on the ASU campus): www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/229484405
9. Homecoming 5K (on the ASU campus): www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/216412233
10. Silver Wings 5K route (on the ASU campus): http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/70329540
11. Full tour of ASU campus (5K): http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/san-angelo-tx/a-run-mapped-on-02-20-2012-route-70200536
12. East campus loop 5K: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/283274905
13. KOA loop: http://www.mapmyride.com/us/san-angelo-tx/koa-mar-2-2011-5-53-pm-route-29033108
14. Spillway Hill Trail Run (can easily be lengthened or shortened): http://www.mapmyride.com/us/brownwood-tx/spillway-hill-trail-run-route-4153291
15. Crazy Desert trail run (half marathon), San Angelo State Park: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/244860612
16. Routes on the ASUFit web site: http://www.angelo.edu/services/fitness_wellness/routes.php
17. Routes on the SAISD web site at each school and also community routes): http://saisd.org/media/docs/wellness/SAISD%20Fitness%20Routes_Combined%20Listing.pdf

Triathlon-specific workout venues and routes

1. Lake Nasworthy swim beach: Swim around the no-wake markers, ride out-and-back toward the town of Knickerbocker (www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/219937395), and run on Fisherman’s Road into Spring Creek Park (http://www.mapmyride.com/us/brownwood-tx/spring-creek-park-from-swim-beach-route-7448249).
2. Middle Concho Park (Wool Capitol Triathlon transition area):  Swim in the Middle Concho inlet of Lake Nasworthy, bike on Red Bluff Road toward the town of Knickerbocker and back (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/283435263), and then run on The Dirt Road From Hell (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/257740231)

(Copyright 2013 Bill G. Cullins All rights reserved)

I Want To Ride With George W. Bush.

If you ask most cyclists what famous person they would like to ride with, you’ll get answers such as professional bike racers, Hollywood stars, and a few cautious people who say “my spouse.”

Not me. I’m just a simple West Texas boy who wants to go for a mountain bike ride with George W. Bush.

The former president has all of the attributes that I look for in a riding partner. 
He occasionally crashes on his mountain bike (like me), he’s a mature cyclist who hasn’t shown many signs of slowing down (unlike me), and most importantly — his biggest annual cycling ride focuses on wounded American warriors.

Each spring, he does a 100-kilometer mountain bike ride with servicemen and women wounded in the global war on terror to highlight the bravery and sacrifice of warriors and recognize organizations that support America’s heroes.

Unfortunately, the former president and I travel in different social circles so I’ve never had the chance to ask him face-to-face if he wants to hook up for a ride.

That all changes now. I’m formally extending him an invitation to come do some mountain biking here in San Angelo.

Mr. President,

I would like to invite you and the wounded warriors that you honor to hold your 2014 Bush Center Warrior 100K ride here in San Angelo, Texas.

Our city is arguably the most military-friendly community in the nation. We take great pride in how we welcome and support active duty military, veterans, and their families.

San Angelo is also a city that many veterans have chosen to call home after ending their service to our country.

We have a very active mountain biking community here in San Angelo, and we can offer more trails for your wounded warriors to ride than any place south of the “Northern Texas” provinces of Colorado and New Mexico.

Our 7,600-acre state park boasts over 50 miles of developed mountain bike trails and additional miles of dirt roads.

The state park trails include knobby-tire delights such as Winding Snake, Armadillo Ridge, Roller Coaster, Slick Rock, Potts Creek, and the always-fun Dinosaur trail that takes you next to preserved tracks of dinosaurs.

If that’s not enough terrain to make for a great warrior ride, the nearby Twin Buttes Reservoir Recreation Area offers many additional miles of trails and 4WD roads that traverse diverse areas such as Spillway Hill and the rocky ford on Spring Creek west of the reservoir’s north pool.

Simply put, I’m sure that your ranch in Crawford is a nice mountain biking venue but the San Angelo area will offer your warriors miles and miles of scenic trails to ride.

San Angelo also has other amenities that are important to mountain bikers.
After a hard day on the trails, refueling is always an important consideration.

We’ll match our town’s selection of good West Texas BBQ, Mexican food, and world-class steakhouses against any other location in the nation.

You can even take the warriors to downtown San Angelo after a ride, tour the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark (a former frontier Calvary fort), and then adjourn to Miss Hattie’s Café and Saloon for a world-famous brothel burger.

Security would not be an issue here in San Angelo, since — in addition to our city and county law enforcement — we’re also the proud home city for Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Goodfellow AFB is home to warriors from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

As an added precaution, our city also has a strong Homeland Security station that includes many different types of officers.

The bottom line is that we like mountain biking here in San Angelo, we have great trails to ride, we’re a military-friendly community, and we’re a safe place to visit.

So that’s the invitation and sales pitch, and I sincerely hope you’ll accept the invitation to come ride with us.

We would be proud to welcome you and the Bush Center Warrior 100K mountain bike ride to San Angelo, and I guarantee that you’ll like the hospitality and trails out here.

My only request is that I be allowed to ride with you and the warriors. Please?

I really want to go for a mountain bike ride with George W. Bush.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 28: Mason Gem of the Hill Country 5K and 10K, masontxcoc.com
Oct. 2: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 9: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 12: ASU Homecoming Ram Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 16: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 23: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 26: Heart Walk,heartwalk.kintera.org
Oct. 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Nov. 23: Turkey Trot 5K, angelo.edu/asufit

ASU Cyclocross Series About To Start

Last week’s blog post took a look at the health and fitness events scheduled to take place this semester on the Angelo State University campus.

What wasn’t discussed is the Wednesday Evening World Cycling Championships, which also will take place on the ASU campus during October.

It’s not really a world championship event, but it may well be the “World Championships of Family Cycling Fun” in San Angelo.

The event I’m referring to is the prestigious Wednesday evening cyclocross series organized by the university’s ASUFit program.

ASU students, employees and cyclists from the regional community will go head to head, competing for bragging rights in the Men’s and Women’s A, B and C (expert, intermediate and beginner) categories.

The little kids will get downright serious as they battle for top Kid’s Kross honors in the ages 6-and-under and 7-10 races.

Friends, parents and family members will be watching all of the action from the comfort of their folding chairs as racers complete laps on the off-road course that loops around the ASU softball field next to Johnson Street.

They’ll be shouting words of encouragement, ringing cowbells (a cyclocross tradition) and heckling the racers (another important cyclocross tradition).

The format for cyclocross is multiple laps around a comparatively short course, so the cyclists will be completing each 1-mile lap in five to seven minutes during each of the seven to eight lap races. This makes for great spectating if you’re not racing.

The event kicks off Oct. 2 with races every Wednesday evening through Oct. 30. Registration will be from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at the race location. Kid’s races start at 6:15 p.m., and the adult race will roll off at 6:30 p.m.

So, exactly what is cyclocross, and how does it differ from normal mountain biking or road cycling?
 

For starters, cyclocross (CX) is a fall/winter sport, so rain, mud, snow and cold weather are all part of the excitement.

A typical CX course consists of a serpentine 1- to 2-mile route through grass, dirt, deep sand and mud if it rains. At one or more locations during each lap, there usually will be a barrier or unrideable section that forces riders to dismount, pick up their bikes, carry them over the obstacle and then remount and pedal on.

Races are based either on time (example: 40 minutes) or on a set number of laps. In a typical race, cyclists will complete a lap every five to seven minutes, with faster riders lapping slower racers. It’s all fun, and there will always be someone who’s going at about your pace.

The experienced riders will make the barrier sections look easy with fast, smooth dismounts, graceful leaps over the barriers and rapid remounts.

Beginners will struggle a bit more to get on and off their bikes (but still have fun) as they “soldier on” while battling other riders, the course and maxed-out heart rates.

So what equipment and skills do you need to give cyclocross a try during this year’s CX series?

You’ll obviously need a bike. Although top-level cyclocross racers use a bike specifically designed for CX racing, normal mountain or hybrid bikes are the weapons of choice for most local racers.

Mountain bike clip-in pedals or flat pedals work best. You need off-road tires, and you’ll want to make sure that the bike’s tires have sealant tubes installed (flats are not fun).

If your bike has a big, roomy seat bag, light, or other accessories installed, you can remove those items for cyclocross races to make your bike a little lighter.

Bulky hydration packs or big water bottles aren’t needed — the races are only 30-60 minutes in length, so a small water bottle or none at all will work fine.

The basic skills needed at the entry level are fairly simple — you should be comfortable riding on grass, smooth dirt, a little mud (if we get lucky), negotiating sharp turns and climbing or descending short up/down sections.

Unlike mountain biking, cyclocross courses usually are fairly smooth, so the focus is on going fast rather than bouncing through big “rock gardens.”

Dismounts and remounts at barriers will be something that you need to practice — watch this YouTube video to see a short “how to” tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTTOBnu7w-k.

Cyclocross is a niche sport within a niche sport, but it’s also the fastest growing discipline within competitive cycling. However, it’s more than just a form of racing — it also personifies a unique “be a kid and go play on the bike” mindset and attitude related to cycling as a recreational sport.

Imagine that you’re a cyclist who, like many, rides either on the road or possibly on mountain bike trails. You probably stay home and watch videos on the days when it’s cold, windy, or muddy, and you try to avoid all situations where you might get off the bike and lift it over an obstacle.

You’re missing half the fun.

Cyclocross started out as an informal way for European road racers to keep up their offseason workouts when the weather turned cold and the days got shorter. The early cyclocross bikes were “Frankenbike” concoctions cobbled together from old bike frames and used parts.

Fast forward to now, and cyclocross has become its own sport, completely different from the traditional road racing or mountain biking.

Here in Texas, like other states, there’s a dedicated season of cyclocross racing that runs from October through January. This year’s Texas Cup cyclocross series includes 22 races that all lead up to the State Cyclocross championships in January 2014.

There are similar CX events taking place throughout the nation, ranging from small local events to large international races such as the United States Grand Prix series events that attract riders from around the world.

Don’t miss out on being part of the fun. Visit www.angelo.edu/content/files/17287-cyclocross-series, print out an event flyer and plan on racing the October events.

Ride On, San Angelo, and remember — Wednesday evenings in October are “cyclocross nights” on the ASU campus.


Upcoming Events

Sept. 21: ASU Family Day 5K, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 2: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 9: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 12: ASU Homecoming Ram Run, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 16: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 23: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Oct. 26: Heart Walk, http://heartwalk.kintera.org
Oct. 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
Nov. 23: Turkey Trot 5K, angelo.edu/asufit

ASU Campus Focal Point for Fall Fitness Events

During the current fall semester, Angelo State University will be one of the primary focal points for
fitness events in San Angelo.

There will be four run/walk events, a five-race, midweek cycling series, and a large health fair all taking place on the campus during September, October and November.

All of these are open to the public, so mark your calendars and join ASU students and employees for a semester of fun and healthy activity.

Let’s focus on the run/walk and health fair events today and then we’ll discuss the on-campus cycling races next week.

The action kicks off Sept. 14 with Run to Remember. This event, which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Angelo, will include 10K and 5K races and a shorter 1.5 mile fun run/walk.

Before the start, a short memorial service will be held to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, those who have died defending our country and also those who currently serve in the military or as first responders.

Run to Remember will start and finish at the ASU Junell Center located at 2235 Jackson St. Runners competing in the 10K and 5K events will take part in a unique course that combines road running with a section of off-road, cross-country in the open space adjacent to Foster Field and the ASU intramural fields.

It will also be an official “flag run” for the San Angelo’s Team Red White Blue community, so you’ll see members of Team RWB carrying the flag as they run.

Go to http://www.angelo.edu/content/events/18036-run-to-remember-10k-asu-campus-event for more Run to Remember information.

The second run/walk event of the semester on campus will be the ASU Family Day 5K and 1-mile on Saturday, September 21 hosted by ASU’s Multicultural Center.

This 3.1 mile run/walk will start and finish in the outdoor area between ASU’s library and University Center, and will follow a course that does a complete tour of the university campus.

The Family Day 5K is free, open to the public, and there will be T-shirts for the first 50 registrants. Go to angelo.edu/content/files/19246-asu-family-day-5k-2013 to view the event flyer or call 325-942-2729 for more information.

On Oct. 12, the action shifts to the ASU LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center for the inaugural ASU Homecoming Ram Run. The Ram Run 5K and 1-mile events will start and finish at the Alumni Center (Jackson and University) and will use an out-and-back course that crosses Jackson, goes past the Junell Center, and then follows the ASU Mall to the turnaround point in front of the University Center.

A flyer for the Ram Run is online at http://angelo.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=336484.

The next on-campus fitness and wellness event will be the 6th annual Health and Wellness fair scheduled for Monday, Oct 14, in ASU’s University Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This fair, organized by the university’s ASUFit program, will be a joint effort involving ASU, the San Angelo ISD and Shannon Wellness.

Organizers expect to have over 50 vendors for this year’s fair to provide health and fitness information, showcase wellness-related products, conduct exercise demonstrations and provide minor health-related services such as blood pressure and glucose testing, flu shots and related items.
The health fair is open to the public, so mark you calendar for Oct. 14 and plan on attending. Go to http://www.angelo.edu/content/files/19342-health-and-wellness-fair-2013 for more information or call (325) 486-6244.

In November, the regional community will join ASU students and employees for the 6th annual Turkey Trot 5k, 1.5 mile fitness walk, and 1 mile kid’s run. This run/walk event, which has become a San Angelo classic, will take place on Nov. 23 with participants competing for the coveted pumpkin pie awards.

Full Turkey Trot information will be posted on the ASUFit website at angelo.edu/asufit.

Remember — you’ll see a lot of fitness and wellness activities on the ASU campus during the coming semester.


Upcoming Events

• Sept. 7: Let It Go 5K, roadlizards.org
• Sept. 8: Burma Road time trial, sanangelobicycleassociation.com
• Sept. 14: Run to Remember, angelo.edu/asufit
• Sept. 21: ASU Family Day 5K, angelo.edu/asufit
• Oct. 2-Oct. 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit
• Oct. 12: ASU Homecoming Ram Run, angelo.edu/asufit

H-E-B Healthy Community Challenge

As the rock group Queen sang back in the 1970s, “We will rock you” and “We are the champions.”

We’re not the champions yet, but if you’ll join the effort we can rock the state and compete for the title of 2013 H-E-B Community Challenge champion for mid-sized cities in Texas.

The 2013 H-E-B Healthy Community Challenge launches Sunday. If we all get on board to spread

the word, we can demonstrate that San Angelo has the greatest commitment to healthy living of all Texas cities with a population of 40,000 to 100,000.

Does this sound like an uphill battle? Maybe, but then maybe not if you look at the progress we’ve made over the past decade or more.

During the past 10-15 years, a dedicated and growing group of individuals and organizations have worked hard to help the San Angelo community become a healthier place to live, work and play.

More residents are now making healthy lifestyle choices, organizations have implemented worksite wellness programs and public funding has been used to create parks and trails.

In many households, running shoes outnumber dress shoes in the closet and garages are simply big storage cubicles for bicycles, kayaks and other fitness gear.

Children are learning about healthy nutrition in school and then “teaching” their parents at home.

It’s a journey and we’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us to make healthy lifestyle choices become the San Angelo norm for all residents, but — it’s now time for the rest of Texas to hear about the great progress we’ve made thus far.

So, let’s rock the world and become the 2013 champions for the H-E-B Healthy Community Challenge. We’re active, healthy and proud of it so let’s take some time to brag about what we’ve accomplished.

The eight-week H-E-B challenge, which will run from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, has a very simple format: just complete healthy community activities as described on the H-E-B Community Challenge website, document the activities via photos or video and upload them to the H-E-B Community website to receive points for our community.

Stephanie Reisner, H-E-B’s local wellness coordinator, said H-E-B is a strong supporter of community wellness and also has an internal “Ready-Set-Move wellness program for their employees.

“H-E-B’s goal is to engage with all segments of the communities we serve related to fitness, nutrition, and wellness,” Reisner said. “We want to encourage as many San Angelo individuals and organizations as possible to participate in the 2013 Community Challenge.”

You can help San Angelo earn community challenge points at multiple levels ranging from individuals to actions by community leadership, schools, businesses and other organizations.

For example, San Angelo will receive 50 points for each person who registers (and there are almost 100,000 of us), 250 points if Mayor Dwayne Morrison signs a Healthy Community pledge, and 500 points if there’s a challenge video from the mayor.

Morrison is on board with a commitement-to-lose-weight and challenge YouTube video posted at http://youtu.be/zZS_aw PFK8E. He will be giving up “40 pounds of his majorship” as a way to demonstrate his leadership and support for a healthy San Angelo.

Schools, agencies, businesses, and individuals can all earn points for San Angelo — it’s described in grater detail at hebcommunitychallenge.com.

So how do individuals and groups in San Angelo get started down the road of winning the 2013 challenge? Just follow the steps described below.

 - Go to hebcommunitychallenge.com, read through the information, and start thinking about what you and your organization can do to rack up points. Even better, expand on the ideas presented by H-E-B to come up with new and innovative ways to improve the health and fitness of our community while also earning points for San Angelo.

 - Mark your calendar for September 1 with a reminder to log on to the H-E-B challenge website and sign up.

 - Spread the word via Facebook and Twitter — get as many San Angelo residents as possible to step up to the challenge.

 - Walk the walk. On Sept. 4 at 6 p.m., the local H-E-B staff will be hosting a walk on the KOA loop to kick off San Angelo’s Community Challenge efforts. Local news media will be there to document the event, so make plans to be there as part of the kickoff event.

 - Contact your elected and appointed officials, business leaders and medical professionals to get them involved.

 - From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 complete, document and submit as many healthy community activities as possible. Who knows — by the end of the eight-week challenge period all of those healthy activities just might become permanent healthy habits.

Remember — we can rock the world and become the 2013 H-E-B Healthy Community Challenge champions!

Upcoming events

• Sept. 4: HEB Community Challenge walk, 6pm KOA loop
• Sept. 5: Road Bike time trial, sanangelobicycleassociation.com
• Sept. 7: Comanche Warrior triathlon, visitbigspring.com/pages/comanchewarriortriathlon
• Sept. 7: Let It Go 5K, roadlizards.org
• Sept. 14: Run to Remember, angelo.edu/asufit
• Sept. 21: Family Day 5K, angelo.edu/asufit
• Oct. 2-Oct. 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit