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Welcome to our first edition of 2023!!
A new year has dawned upon us, my dear WheelBrothers and Sisters. The road ahead may be winding and challenging, but fear not, for with each pedal stroke, we shall conquer any obstacle that comes our way. So welcome to our bi-weekly newsletter, where we share with you the finest gear, events, and libations the great State of Texas has to offer.
Sit back, relax, and let us bring you the best of the cycling world.
Starting next week cycling season is upon us in earnest. We will start with the 34th Annual Gator Ride in Baytown, Steam-N-Wheels in Abilene, and the 4th Annual Ladies Ride in Dallas. These rides are the perfect way to kick off the season and get back into the saddle.
Next – for all of you that are RIDE DIRECTORS organizing events for us!!!
The WheelBrothers are hosting an online Zoom event on March 15th at 6pm. Join us for an exclusive presentation by Texas ride director legend Bikin Mike and hosted by the Godfather.
Discover how to create amazing rest stops, design cool ride t-shirts, find sponsors and volunteers, as well as promote your events online. Plus, learn about multi-tier pricing and a la carte event shopping!
Register now for free online and don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your ride and make it stand out in Texas.
Most importantly – I beg of you – PLEASE publicize when you set final dates for your events. Cyclists aren’t mind readers and neither are the WheelBrothers.
Favorite Gear:
The one we are starting out with in 2023 is something we’ve already talked about in years past. However, it is still the best type of supplement for dehydration so I’m bringing it up again.
LMNT is a game-changer when it comes to hydration for cyclists. As someone who’s spent many hours in the saddle, battling the heat and humidity of Texas, I know how important it is to stay hydrated.
What sets LMNT apart from other hydration products is its focus on electrolytes. It’s not just about getting water into your system – it’s about getting the right balance of electrolytes to keep your body functioning at its best.
The flavor is spot on – not too sweet, not too salty. Well, okay… their tagline used to be Salty AF. I let you figure that one out. But unlike some other sports drinks, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue in your mouth or stomach. It’s also great to have on hand when you’re off the bike, whether you’re at work or just running errands on a hot day.
Overall, we highly recommend LMNT for anyone who wants to stay hydrated and perform their best on the bike. It’s become a staple in my hydration routine, and I won’t ride without it.
We give it 4 BIKES on the famous WheelBrothers bicycle scale. It is a somewhat acquired taste and you have to drink it 2-3 times before you get used to it (or don’t), while we do find it far better than pickle juice. The Godfather recommends the Citrus Salt or Orange flavor. The Chocolate one is just… weird. Yeah, weird is the word I’m looking for.
Featured Events:
The Road to Hotter’n Hell – April 1st 2023 – registration deadline
The Road to Hotter’N Hell is a bundle of 4 small community bike rides that are in the final weeks leading up to the Hotter’N Hell. Each ride in the series features challenging routes and a variety of distances blended with Texas hospitality. You receive entry to the rides, a limited edition custom jersey, and lots of motivation to be ready for your best finish ever at Hotter’N Hell.
Want to feature an event? Submit your event to us here!
Beer or Bourbon of the month:
After a long ride, there’s nothing like a refreshing beer to help you wind down and relax.
This time around the WheelBrothers ran across the Manhattan Project Beer Company which is a local craft brewery in Dallas, known for its unique and flavorful beers. They take their name from the Manhattan Project, which was the research and development project that produced the first atomic bombs during World War II. With a focus on science, innovation, and creativity, they are truly unique in the craft brewing world. Since the Godfather is a lightweight when it comes to beer, he tried and enjoyed the Quarter Life Hazy IPA.
With only 110 calories, 4.9% ABV and only 4 carbs per can, the Quarter Life Hazy IPA is a surprisingly light and refreshing beer that is perfect for post-ride relaxation. This hazy IPA boasts citrus and pine notes that leave a pleasant aftertaste, making it the perfect drink for hop lovers and day drinkers alike.
That’s it for now, thank you for following and supporting us!
March 1st – 19th
34th Annual Gator Ride, Gear Up to End Hunger – March 11th – Baytown – TX
The Gator Ride is a Baytown tradition and will celebrate 34 years in 2023! Hearts and Hands of Baytown is honored to take on the mantle of this incredible legacy that has been built by the YMCA.
As a recommended ride, this is an event that you need to place on your schedule. Course lengths are 33, and 53 miles. There is even a 5.6-mile family ride!
All proceeds from the Gator Ride, Gear Up to End Hunger will go toward our Annual Campaign. The most basic need for survival is food, and an unacceptable number of families need food assistance in our community. Hearts and Hands of Baytown is leading the fight to address food insecurity by providing access to fresh, healthy food to residents via our four pillar programs. In all our endeavors, we work to take away the stigma of needing food and provide clients with opportunities to strive toward self-sufficiency.
The first 300 riders to register are guaranteed a ride shirt!
Location address: 200 Lee Drive, Across from Bicentennial Park, Baytown, TX 77520
Route distance: 5.6, 33, 53 miles
Event website: Website | Facebook Page
Online registration: Register Here
Contact information: Nikki Rincon | [email protected] or 512-593-1620
STEAM-N-WHEELS – March 11th – Abilene – TX
Join the Abilene Parks and Recreation Department for our annual Steam-N-Wheels bike race. The race starts at Johnson Park and travels through scenic views of the Texas countryside, Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
There are three routes available: 12 mile, 32 mile, & 48 mile. All routes will have rest stops along the way with water, restrooms & first aid.
Awards will be given to the first female and first male in each race as well as a reward for the oldest and youngest finishers. All finishers will receive a prize.
$35 for early registration/$45 for the day of registration (cash or check only)
Location address: Sea Bee Park, 6525 West Lake Road, Abilene, TX 79601
Route distance: 12, 32, and 48 miles
Event website: Website | Facebook Page
Online registration: Register Here
Contact information: Katie Tolbot | [email protected]
4th Annual City Wide Ladies Ride – March 12th – Dallas – TX
Women Cyclists of DFW are invited to Roll out on the Inaugural Women’s History Month “City Wide Ladies Ride”.
Select your favorite meeting place and roll out Sunday Morning, March 12, 2023, 11 am, to Klyde Warren Park to enjoy a morning of Fitness, Fellowship, Food and Fun!
Ladies — we look forward to seeing your beautiful face in the place SUNDAY MORNING!
Location address: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers FwyDallas, TX 75201
Event website: Website | Facebook Event
Online registration: Register Here
Contact information: [email protected]
Onion Soup Relay – March 18th – Austin – TX
Mark your calendar on March 18, Saturday, 8am-4pm for the Onion Soup Relay coming to Southeast Austin! Single or teams, see how many laps of a one-mile flat course you can bike in 8 hours. Do you have a PR goal? Fastest century? Longest ride? This is the place to do it! No worries about hydration or nutrition, entertainment, and mechanics on duty to help! Bring your family and friends to cheer you on!
Live music, food truck, and ride snacks and water to keep you entertained and fueled while you see what you have in you!
Location address: Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Route distance: 1 mile loop for 8 hours
Event website: Website
Online registration: Register Here
Contact information: “Kat Steele | [email protected]
Check out all of our 2023 rides on our ride page.
Have another ride that you know and want to share? Let us know here!
Thanks for all of your continued support!
Love ya,
The GodFather