Cyclocross Series Wraps Up

Light rain started falling last Wednesday evening as cyclists warmed up for race five of the 2013 ASUFit cyclocross series held on the Angelo State University campus. By the time that the starting gun went off, much of the dusty off-road course next to Johnson Street had morphed into a muddy quagmire with slick corners and standing water in low spots.

 Racers finished the event covered in mud with big grins on their faces. The rain and mud provided classic cyclocross conditions – something that we don’t get to race in very often here in West Texas.

The event was the final race of a five race cyclocross series that had 58 cyclists competing for awards. Competitors included ASU employees and students, SAISD employees and students, military personnel from Goodfellow AFB and cyclists from the regional community.

Cyclocross is a fall/winter cycling discipline that consists of 40-60 minute fast races on a short off-road course with racers completing multiple laps during each race. 

Every lap of the cyclocross races had one or more “dismount and run” sections where racers had to dismount, pick up their bikes. and run over plank barriers or other non-ridable obstacles.

Tony Sturdivant, an ASU Alumni and  Category 1 mountain bike racer, took overall honors in the Men’s A (Expert) category with SAISD student Summer Bewick taking the top podium step in the Female A category.

Bewick races for the San Angelo high school mountain bike team and was the 2013 Junior Varsity champion in the Texas high school mountain bike league race series.

San Angelo mountain biker Kyle Olson, another ASU graduate, topped the field in the hotly contested Men’s B division with Dorthy Langdon racing to the series win in the Female B competition.

In the Men’s C category, ASU Outdoor Adventures director Ian Brown beat out a strong field of new racers to take the category win.

Ben Hoelsken pedaled to the win in the Kid’s A (ages 7-10) with Darius Pierce taking the honors in the Kids B (6 and under) competition.

In addition to the A, B, and C race categories (Expert, Intermediate, and Novice), the 2013 series also included competition in categories that included top ASU Male/Female, top SAISD Male/Female, and top Military racer.

ASU Physical Therapy student Ryan Ruh put in a strong performance to place 3rd in the Men’s A group and win Top ASU Male honors.  ASU Biology professor Amaris Guardiola topped the ladies’ field to take home the Top ASU Female award.

SAISD student Mateo Hernandez raced to a 2^nd place finish in Men’s B and the Top SAISD male award, with high school student Summer Bewick winning the Top SAISD Female category.

Both Bewick and Hernandez are up-and-coming mountain bike racers who will certainly win more races in the future.

ASU student and Air Force Reserve captain Lenny Christo raced a strong series to take Top Military honors.

The top three in each race category were as listed below and overall results are posted at angelo.edu/content/files/17466-cyclocross-series-current-results.

1st Men’s A: Tony Sturdivant  2^nd Neal Mcspeden  3^rd  Ryan Ruh

1^st Ladies’ A: Summer Bewick  2^nd Dionnie Hoelsken  3^rd  Kaylee Bewick

1^st Men's B Kyle Olson  2^nd  Jason Pierce 3^rd  Mateo Hernandez

1^st Ladies’ B: Dorthy Langdon 2^nd  Liz Rappe 3^rd  Amaris Guardiola

1^st Men’s C: Ian Brown  2^nd  Billy Bush  3^rd  Tony Wilson

1^st Kid’s A: Ben Hoelsken  2^nd  Cyrus Pierce  3^rd Shay West

1^st Kid’s B: Darius Pierce  2^nd Jacey West

Upcoming Events

Nov 9: Concho Valley Paws Hot Dog Run, roadlizards.org

Nov 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org

Nov 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit

Dec 14: Run Rudolph Run, angelo.edu/asufit

 

Gun Club Road

Based on some recent actions, I think San Angelo’s city leadership is developing a fence building mentality.

It appears the city’s wellness strategy is to “fence’em out and fatten’em up” instead of proactively supporting healthy exercise by tax-paying citizens.

The city has a history of spending tax dollars to build fences that restrict access to areas where people go to exercise.

Several years ago, the city spent our money to put in a dividing fence across the back part of Middle Concho Park, thus making access to the Spillway Hill trails more difficult for cyclists, hikers, and runners.

Areas were also fenced off in Spring Creek Park, the Twin Buttes open space, and at the end of Spillway Road.

Fence’em out and fatten’em up.

The “fence’em out” philosophy came up again during a recent city council meeting when Councilman Fleming and the homeowners around Gun Club Road (KOA loop) proposed building a fence around the Gun Club Road parking area to discourage people from running and walking on that public road.

The area where people park to exercise “is supposed to be designated for wildflowers,” said Fleming.

City Council then directed city staff to develop options for making the wildflower area (“blooming weed patch”) a no-parking zone.

Great wellness strategy –restrict access to a popular fitness venue so that overweight non-exercisers can drive by in their SUVs and look at the blooming weeds.

The Gun Club Road controversy stems from (in most people’s opinion) a few homeowners in that area who don’t want to share the public road with pedestrians and who – in the opinion of some pedestrians – tend to drive in a reckless manner over the posted speed limit.

To be fair to all parties, everyone understands that those homeowners are (rightfully so) infuriated by a few of the walkers and runners who insist on being two or three abreast in the middle of the road instead of staying on the shoulder.

The inconsiderate pedestrians present a problem, but building a fence to protect blooming weeds and restrict access to a popular fitness area is not a reasonable solution.  Instead, the runners and walkers who insist on being in the middle of the road should be cited for violation of section 552.006 of the Texas Transportation Code.

Some city officials and homeowners also cite safety as the reason for curtailing use by non-residents, but the number of vehicle-pedestrian incidents on that road does not appear to support that logic. 

Aubrey deCordova, who walks the Gun Club loop on a regular basis, says “I have gone to the KOA loop for a number of years and I have never heard of an accident involving motorists and pedestrians.  As a matter of fact, I don't recall any accidents there since I have lived here (1968-present).”

Marlon Miller and Nan Shamblen feel the same about safety on the road. 

“I’ve never heard of or witnessed accidents,” Miller notes. “I have seen some close calls with drivers going well above the speed limit.”

Shamblen says her experience with drivers sharing Gun Club Road have been good “except for a few driving too fast.”

“I have been using the KOA road for 40 years and I have never encountered an accident between an automobile and pedestrian.”

There’s also another interesting side-story related to this issue as recently reported in the State of the Division blog (http://stateofthedivision.blogspot.com/2013/10/fleet-equipment-leasings-canals-at-lake.html).

 Based on the blog article, it appears that a developer is planning to build a subdivision along the power plant canal on land directly north of Gun Club Road and south of Red Bluff Road.

If built, this subdivision could add to the traffic load on Gun Club and possibly necessitate widening part of the road (which conceivably could include a bike/pedestrian lane). Given that future possibility, the city might be premature with its plan to fence off the parking area.

There are two simple solutions to the Gun Club issue. The short-term solution is to simply educate runners, walkers, and motorists regarding common-sense courtesy and safety. Pedestrians should stay in single file on the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic, and motorists should obey posted speed limits and share the public road in a careful manner.

A striped “walking shoulder” on the inside of the road would serve as a reminder to pedestrians to stay inside the shoulder line.

The long-term solution would be to make Gun Club a one-way road (clockwise) from the west end of Mesquite Lane to just past the KOA campground.

Re-stripe the one-way portion of the road with a 6-foot wide inner lane for pedestrians, place a separator curb between the pedestrian and motor vehicle lanes, and construct an off-street asphalt path in the “blooming weeds” natural area from Mesquite Lane to just past the KOA.

All pedestrians would travel counter-clockwise in the 6-foot pedestrian lane and all vehicles would travel clockwise on the motor vehicle section.

There is also a third even more healthy solution. Since pedestrians appear to outnumber residents on Gun Club Road, the city could completely close it to all motor vehicles except for access to the blooming weeds parking area.

Residents living in the area would be required to park their cars in the blooming weeds lot and then run or walk to their house. That would solve the problem, and I’m betting the fitness of lake residents would improve dramatically :)

Ride On, San Angelo, and remember – don’t fence’em out to fatten’em up, just let’em run and walk for health. 

Upcoming Events

Oct 30: ASUFit cyclocross series, angelo.edu/asufit

Nov 2: Dinosaur Trail Race, roadlizards.org

Nov 2: 6-hour Dinosaur mountain bike race, sanangelobicycleassociation.com

Nov 9: Concho Valley Paws Hot Dog Run, roadlizards.org

Nov 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org

Nov 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit

Masochist Run

Have you ever heard someone say “Let’s run up to Abilene today?” For a large group of regional runners, that is exactly what they plan to do on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Some runners will be doing the entire distance solo, while others will be teaming up to cover the

distance as part of relay teams.

They’ll leave San Angelo at the start location next to the Goodyear Proving Grounds, head north on the shoulder of highway 277 and finish their 100 kilometer (62 mile) run near the railroad tracks in View just south of Abilene.

Other solo runners or teams wanting to compete at shorter distances will start at the same place but finish near Fort Chadbourne (50K/31 miles) or near Bronte (25K/15.5 miles).

All of these runners will be competing in the inaugural West Texas Masochist Road Run.

The Masochist run is the brainchild of San Angelo ultradistance runner Jeff Lisson. It’s not his first encounter with long distance running events — Lisson is an experienced competitor in this type of event, and he’s also the race director for the Crazy Desert Trail Race held each March in San Angelo State Park.

“This will be a unique event for our area,” says Lisson. “A race of this type has never been done before out here.”

Runners competing in the Masochist will get to experience long-distance running in its purest form, as it will be a completely self-supported run.

No aid stations, no mile markers and no marked course to follow.

Competitors will need to carry their own water, sports drinks and energy food in a hydration pack, plant supplies along the route, or arrange for friends to serve as their support crew.

It will be a true “Forrest Gump” experience — just focus on the road ahead and keep on running.
Although the solo competitors will be completing an epic adventure, the relay competition could get really interesting.

There’s no limit to how many runners a relay team can have, so there will be teams that have runners each doing 10-15 miles, while other teams may be handing off the baton every 2-3 miles.

Several teams have already been formed, including a group from Angelo State University and a team of veterans representing Team RWB (Red, White and Blue).

ASU kinesiology professor Adam Parker has formed a team of ASU employees.

“I put a team together from ASU to run the 100K as a relay, because I thought it would a fun and different way to participate in the local running community,” Parker said.

The RWB team will be made up of four members who’ll each run 25 kilometers. Tim Masshardt is an Army veteran and captain of the San Angelo RWB organization.

“Team RWB looks for events such as the Masochist 100K that will both challenge the individual runner as well as the team,” Masshardt said. “It’s about breaking out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself mentally. We will be putting one foot in front of the other, attacking the hills and relaxing on the downhills.”

One of the interesting aspects of the team event will be to see how fast teams can complete the 100K distance.

In fact, if you happen to have 61 friends who are fast runners, think about putting together a “mile relay” team with you and the 61 friends each running a short one-mile leg of the race at maximum speed before handing off to the next team member.

The cost to enter is $25 per person, and all proceeds benefit the San Angelo Road Lizards, a nonprofit that promotes running and healthy exercise in our area. All registered runners will receive a long-sleeve ‘tech’ shirt.

For full information and to sign up, go to roadlizards.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/WT-Masochist-flyer.pdf.

 There is no day-of-event registration, so log on to the website and sign up now.

 Remember — there will be a lot of people running up to Abilene on Nov. 16.

Upcoming Events

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. 2: Dinosaur Trail Race, roadlizards.org
Nov. 2: 6-hour Dinosaur mountain bike race, sanangelobicycleassociation.com
Nov. 9: Concho Valley Paws Hot Dog Run, roadlizards.org
Nov. 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org
Nov. 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit

Health Fair

If you could do all of the critical things needed to maintain or improve your health and wellness, what

would they be?

Exercise more? Improve your diet? Decrease stress?

Most people would include all of the above, but there’s more to overall wellness than exercise, diet and stress reduction.

While physical activity and related items such as diet are critical components of any wellness program, they don’t fully address the proactive and preventative aspects of wellness.

“Preventive and proactive” includes aspects of wellness such as getting a flu shot, having health screenings and having access to information that might help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Having access to wellness information and being better educated about healthy living is a key part of the overall wellness equation.

Health fairs are a great place to get this health and wellness information, and the largest local health fair of the year will take place in the University Center on the Angelo State University campus on Monday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The year’s fair is a joint effort involving the university’s ASUFit program, San Angelo ISD’s A+ Wellness program and Shannon Health and Wellness.

More than 50 vendors will participate in the fair to provide information and services such as blood pressure and glucose testing, exercise and healthy nutrition demonstrations, and flu shots.

The list of vendors is too long to include here but will include organizations such as the American Heart Association, ASU’s Kinesiology and Physical Therapy programs, multiple health clubs, Howard College’s Cosmetology program, fitness groups such as the Road Lizards running club and many others.

You can even participate in Zumba demonstrations provide by Jubilee Fitness.

Flu shots will be provided by Shannon Clinic while supplies last. Individuals should check with their insurance company before the fair to ensure that flu shots are covered and then bring their insurance card to the fair.

While a health fair itself will not improve your health instantly, the information available at the event can help you, your family and your organization make lifestyle changes that lead to better health and wellness in the future.

During the fair, you’ll have multiple opportunities to talk to health and fitness professionals, pick up information related to healthy lifestyle issues and go through some basic health risk screenings such as blood pressure and blood glucose.

You’ll leave with a better understanding of healthy living and be better prepared to work with your personal health care and fitness professionals to make positive healthy lifestyle changes.

The ASUFit health fair is a free event, so plan on attending. The event will take place in Angelo State University’s Houston Harte University Center, located “on the mall” on the west end of the ASU campus.

For more information on the fair visit angelo.edu/content/files/19342-health-and-wellness-fair-2013 or contact Katherine Garrison at (325) 486-6244.

Remember — health fairs are a great place to learn more about fitness and wellness.


Upcoming Events

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. 2: Dinosaur Trail Race, roadlizards.org
Nov. 2: 6-hour Dinosaur mountain bike race,sanangelobicycleassociation.com
Nov. 9: Concho Valley Paws Hot Dog Run, roadlizards.org
Nov. 16: West Texas Masochist Run, roadlizards.org
Nov. 23: Turkey Trot 5k, angelo.edu/asufit

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)