Gator Ride - Baytown, TX

March 6, 2004

There was so little bad to this ride lets talk about them first, and mind you these are small issues. There were a few roads that were pretty bad, short connecting roads mainly. The wait to get on to the ferry was a little absurd, if there was more room at the rest area instead of one long line on the road it would have been much better. I would have enjoyed the bridge climb more if it wasn't so jam packed, maybe a wider lane going up. Now for the good: The was perhaps the best supported ride I have ever seen when it comes to police, ambulance, traffic control, cones put out to protect the rider's lanes in problem areas, rest stop personnel, etc. Every bad intersection (with one possible exception) was manned by police waving us through. At questionable and even some non-questionable turns there were supporters telling you which was to turn. The rest stops were
well stocked with goodies and drinks. After the ride the hot dogs were great and every single person we met working with the ride was very nice and helpful. Overall the 43 mile route was very nice, mostly great roads, beautiful weather and some good scenery (ok, the refineries were not fun to see or smell, but the rest was great). I would rate this ride at least an 8 out of 10.

Wonderful weather although a little windy made it a great day to ride. A large turnout with 1760 riders this year. This is one of the most unique rides with the course crossing the Fred Hartman suspension bridge over the Houston Ship Channel. The ride continued to the San Jacinto monument where the riders boarded the Lynchburg ferry for a trip across the channel. This ride is very well organized and had over 300 volunteers.
Packet pick up the night before was well organized. The local YMCA ran mini busses as SAG support and was very visible. A local motorcycle club also participated and traveled the outside lanes with groups of riders. The motorcycles stayed with us through the ride and even boarded the ferry with us. Police or volunteers blocked every intersection and the route was well marked. Rest stops were well stocked and had boy scouts offering to hold your bikes when you got off. While waiting to board the ferry, volunteers circulated among the riders offering snacks and drinks. Riders were signed in as they crossed the finish line. Food was plentiful and volunteers filtered among the riders getting ride surveys. The riders even got foam alligators to take home. This was the best-organized ride I have seen. Even with the long drive down I will make this a ride I participate in every year.

March 2002

The best part of the Gator ride was crossing the suspension bridge, in Baytown. Riding past the refineries were horrible. I don't know what was worse the sights or the smells. The road support was some of the best I've experienced, however the course was a mess. People were confused of which way to go for the 30 and 20 mile rides and the signs were no help. So I hope everyone got to where they wanted to be. Maybe if this ride were rerouted somehow away from the smelly and unsightly areas, the ride would be so much nicer. The number of participates were incredible so KUDOS to all who endured the cold, windy, dampness of the day and reached or surpassed their personal best. See you on the next ride. Traveling Mercies to All.

March 2001

Usually the first organized ride of the year in the Houston area. 2001 was a wet ride. The route is well marked and staffed but not very scenic - mostly residential areas north of Galveston Bay. Rest stops are well supplied and the volunteers are friendly. Hot dogs at the end of the ride are a plus!