Tour de Cypress, Mt Vernon, TX

April 16, 2011

If you like sun dappled wooded lanes and friendly townspeople you will enjoy this ride. I had a near perfect ride today -- perfect weather,quiet roads and beautiful terrain. The wooded roads were lightly traveled and offered some welcome protection against the wind. There were many rest stops (averaging about 7.3 miles apart on the 45 mile route), the routes were well marked, and the traffic control was excellent. The burgers and activities on the town square after the ride were a nice touch. This is a lovely ride and well worth your support. I will definitely be back.

The 2011 Tour de Cypress, held in Mount Vernon, TX, was a great success. The ride's sponsor, Mount Vernon Rotary Club, really took care of all the riders. The weather was a bit windy and cool, but that is Spring in TX. The routes are hilly, full of wild flowers, and are some of the most beautiful in north east TX. The routes were well marked and there were volunteers at all major intersections to insure the safety of the riders. There were plenty of well stocked rest stops, each with friendly folks working. The after ride events were fun too. Volunteers grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the participants, there was music to liven things up, and a good feeling all around. There were only 207 riders this year (the biggest they have had yet). You should put this ride on your calendar for next year, to make sure you don't miss this jewel of a ride.

Overall, the best experience I have had since getting into the local cycling scene. Small group of riders made for uncongested, pleasant riding. The terrain is beautiful, and the road were in really decent shape. Challenging, but not overwhelming hills. Friendly people, free grilled hamburger dinner and free beers after. The one thing they need to work on is having fluids. We stopped briefly at three of the four stops. None had water or Gatorade. Given that we were going 30 miles, that wasn't an issue. But if it had been a hot day and I was doing 62 miles, it could have been a disaster.

April 17, 2010

I really love this ride. It is a very beautiful ride with very lightly traveled roads the whole ride. Very small town but they really get better and better every year. Luckily the rain stayed away this year and the sun even came out towards the end of the 60 mile route for me. Awesome hamburgers at the end and a nice get together from the town folk. There were so many neet arts and crafts. This is a must do ride for anyone looking for a peaceful small town, awesome ride. I will always be back to do this ride. Thanks.

Good ride out of Mount Vernon today. The rain threatened but we only got sprinkled on a few times. The Rotary Club knows how to run a bike rally. Rest stops had plenty, there were ride marshalls at the major intersections and free food at the end. Beautiful scenery on the 100k. Roads were typical of Texas: some good and some bad. If the weather cooperates in the future and the word gets out, this could turn into a really big ride. Liked the t-shirt color this yr too!

I rode the Tour de Cypress this weekend and had a great time. All the riders who bailed because of the pending weather really messed up this time, because it was pretty close to perfect. I rode the 100k distance and found it to be a great scenic ride, and well supported where it counts (turns, stops, and route markings.) The burgers at the end were top notch, very friendly townsfolk. I think when people knew find out how well managed this little ride is, there will be a huge crowd – then I’ll probably write to complain about that. This was my first year with TdC, but I will be back!

April 18, 2009

This is a great small town ride. The volunteers are enthusiastic and the T-shirts are 100% cotton. Unfortunately, this year’s ride was hampered by severe thunderstorms. We rode about 8.5 miles of the 30 mile route and turned around and rode back to the start due to the severity of the weather, especially the lightning. There were new routes this year which were very pretty as far as we rode. We will definitely return next year and hope for better weather!

First off, a huge thank you to all the volunteers who braved the weather in support of this ride. It was much appreciated. Most folks must have looked at the weather forecast and decided to stay home as this ride was lightly attended. The rain shower that past through 20 minutes before the start was an omen of the deluge that was to come. Registration was quick with coffee, fruit, and muffins available. The 60 mile route had a few hills and several areas where the trees canopied over the road, which would have been very scenic but instead provided a respite from the rain. Traffic was very light and patient if encountered. The rest stops were typically used as shelter from the downpours had some great home-made cookies. There was SAG support which definitely got well used. In spite of all the rain during the first half of the ride, the second half ended up being relatively enjoyable with the rain stopping and a tail wind picked up. Hamburgers were provided at the finish. Hopefully this ride will have some good weather next year. Mt. Vernon put on a first class effort on this one.

Glug! Glug!

I rode the 100k ride on Saturday and it was great! Though it was raining cats and dogs I did not get cold...instead I think I was hydrated the entire race without drinking much water. I finished the race in 3 hours and 50 minutes even with the rain. The country was beautiful and green, the smell of the honeysuckle on the sides of the road were great!!!! And the fields of Indian Paintbrush were beautiful. The law enforcement, fire department, and all volunteers were the best I have ever seen in my 5 years of riding this ride. The riders were looked after with top priority (even with the rain!). Traffic (though minimal) was stopped every time a rider came to an intersection. This year I saw such an improvement in SAG support, it was quite smooth running. As usual the food at the end was plentiful and good. Richardson Bike Mart had a van at the start taking care of bikes that were having mechanical issues. The technician that was repairing and tuning the bikes was very knowledgeable and repaired my bent rear derailer in a matter of moments. The only thing that might have made this ride better for some people........Sunshine:) But for me.......I loved the experience! Great Job again Mount Vernon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent ride! Traffic control at every point needed and definitely superior to any ride I have participated in. Excellent rest stops with real toilets!!! Great hamburgers after the ride. The organizers and volunteers all were very hospitable and seemed genuinely happy to have the riders in their town. There were some "isolated" rain showers to deal with, but there was nothing a devoted rider could not handle. In fact, the rain (and lightning) added some addtional challenge to the ride. The rain did affect the attendance considerably which is unfortunate. This is an extremely well organized ride over a very scenic course and it deserves more attention from the North Texas riders. You should not miss this ride next year. And I don't know anywhere else that you can go to view a rare bird egg exhibit....including eggs of the long extinct passenger pigeon.....except in Mount Vernon.

This was my 2nd year in a row to do this ride and I will be back next year. Yes it is 90 miles from Dallas but the scenery is superb with great roads, excellent traffic control and hamburger meal afterwards. Great job Mt. Vernon Rotary Club – we hope nature is on your side next year – you deserve a great turn out for your ride.

April 26, 2008

This was a great event but under attended. Unfortunately it was on the same weekend as Mt Pleasant and Muenster rides. I have been riding for > 10 yrs and the courses for this ride were as good as any in Texas - challenging with great scenery. There were numerous roads with no traffic that had a canopy of trees over us for miles. The traffic control was excellent on the 45 mile course. Lots of rest stops (did not need to use) and the course was clearly marked. After the ride they had free hamburgers and free beer at their cultural center. I took two of my children with me. They ate breakfast at the historic café on the Square and then toured the library, toured the museum and played in the park (all right off the square) while I rode. We had a great time in Mt Vernon last weekend. Like most rural Texas towns, it is hard to beat the local hospitality – especially in Mt Vernon. This ride is just as challenging as Meunster and about the same distance for those in the Dallas area. I would highly recommend giving them a try next year

They had someone at every major, and some minor, innersections. Sineage was great except some were partially obscured by the high grass. Although it was hilly, I thought Muenster was hillier. (is that a word?) - John

I thought the ride was excellent. Beautiful weather, great people, plentiful food, plentiful history, offering a short family route of 10 miles shows dedication to family. Having the 80 mile route shows racing quality. I rode the 45 and it was challenging yet beautiful. I recommend this ride to any level of rider. This year was absolutely fantastic....
Thanks Mount Vernon, the riders know quality when they ride it.

April 14, 2007

What a fantastic ride. I commend the people who organized and designed this ride. This ride was well organized and easy to find. I rode the 45 mile route and it was gorgeous, the winding roads through the forests and across the lakes.....WOW! The roads were well maintained and easy on the bones. The route was well planned and kept you out of harms way. The rest stops were numerous and had cookies, bananas, oranges, pickles, gatorade and water at every rest stop. Rest stops were well placed and easy to get to. They had police and fireman support at all the intersections flagging your turns and watching any traffic (which was not much traffic). Everything was well marked with nice signs that were color coded by route and numbered by distance. The weather the night before was nasty so I think it hurt their turnout of riders, this is unfortunate because it is simply the best ride with the best route in this part of Texas. Though it was a bit chilly in the morning it was still a fun ride and an incredibly beautiful ride with incredibly nice organizers. If you did not make this ride you missed one of the best and I will be back next year for more of this medicine:) Thanks Mount Vernon.

I did the 80 mile race.  Was dropped from the lead pack at mile 30 or so and continued to work with another rider to the finish (thanks for the gel packs).  The route was very scenic with long stretches of traffic-free roads winding through hilly forests. All major intersections were controlled.  After completely bonking with two miles to go,  the hamburgers (4 of them) were very much appreciated.

April 8, 2006

Sean Kenedy and the Mount Vernon Rotary Club did a great job of giving Us the best ride possible for the the April 8 th 2006 conditions. The course was extremly well marked. A person would have had to be blind to get lost on that course. All of the major intersections had Law enforcement personel or county fire department personal for our safety. The hamburgers were great.
There was a major problem problem since no one can control the wind. The wind was very rough. Considering the factors that Sean and company could control it was a nice ride. - Tom Nuchols

This was an entertaining ride. The Mt. Vernon Rotary Club did their homework! All the elements were present....eager volunteers, active SAG support, great signage, and a beautiful route. If you weren't here today, you missed a good one.

This ride has the potential of becoming one of the better rides in the state. Like the Goatneck, this ride really gives riders a feel for a beautiful part of rural Texas, in this case, East Texas piney woods. The course is extremely scenic, meandering around the rural roads near Lake Cypress Springs and vicinity. There were wildflowers, majestic pines, and pastures with horses and cattle. Only in its second year, race organizers did a superb job with course layout, support and overall logistics. Police and fire personnel were at every intersection. Aid stations were manned by friendly Rotary Club members. I loved the aid station at the Mt. Hope Baptist Church. It was wonderful talking with these folks. So down to earth. Volunteers cooked hamburgers for riders in the Mt. Vernon town square following the ride, adding to the down home feel. Rider turnout was unfortunately low – only about 100 riders, down from 150 the previous year, but this was likely due to the rally falling on the same weekend as the Lancaster Country Ride. Plus, this ride needs to market itself better. It’s got so much to offer and relatively close to Dallas – only an hour and a half from Dallas just off of I-30, so there’s no reason it shouldn’t be getting more Dallas area riders. We need to get Bikin’ Mike and others to make sure it doesn’t coincide with a major ride next year and to promote this ride.

April 9, 2005

Good effort for a first time ride. the organizers put a lot of effort in it and it showed. There were 110 riders. The routes were mostly low traffic country roads. I have been chased by dogs before but this is the first time I have been chased by "guard" Geese.  Another thing was the lack of trash along the roads. I even passed a local going thru the tall grass with a trash bag.  There were police or firemen at almost every major turn. If anything I would suggest sag wagons be better marked and more visible.

This was the inaugural Mt Vernon ride and it was obvious that the Rotary club had done their homework. This was an excellent ride. The scenery was beautiful and everyone was soooooo friendly. They were glad we were there and it showed. Rest stops had the basics along with homemade goodies. Traffic control was excellent. They even had the VFD out there warning traffic to slow down on a narrow bridge! There was free food after the ride too. We did the 36 miler and there was some chip-seal on Hwy. 71 that wasn't too pleasant but what can I say about chip seal that hasn't already been said? I do question the 8 am start. Heat isn't a problem this time of year. I can't help but think that a 9 or 10 o' clock start might get more riders out there. We'll definitely do this one again next year!!

This was a very enjoyable ride. You would never have guessed it was this Rotary Club's first time to host a bike ride. Everyone was friendly and well-organized. I agree that a later start (9:00 a.m.?) would be preferable. One major plus in my book was that the second rest stop on the 36-mile route had an indoor bathroom facility we could use! The route was scenic, and it was wonderful to have shoulders on the major roads. Well done! We will definitely be back!

I did the race portion of the Tour De Cypress in Mt Vernon and you would have never known it was there first time putting on a bicycle event. They had done there homework and being from East Texas myself they treated me just like I knew they would - like part of their family! I met several great folks from the ride director to the registration people, they were real nice folks. Even after I got dropped by the leaders they had volunteers at every intersection stopping traffic. It was a first class event and I hope that more people find out about this event so it will grow. I am sure the attendance was not quite what they were hoping for but the people of Mt Vernon can be proud of this event. I will be back.