Tour Dallas - Dallas, TX

April 5, 2008

If Tour Dallas wants to continue to be a good bike rally, several things need to change. 1st, The route the cyclist are going to ride NEEDS to either be planned better, or have DANGEROUS potholes and cracks patched or at least with marked with high visability paint before the day of the ride! I saw three riders who were hurt pretty bad after having come off of the Jefferson Blvd bridge and rode into gaps in the road wide enough to capture their tires and that doesn't count others I seen either hurt or had busted tubes/wheels further into the ride. Just telling everyone at the starting line to look out for potholes and cracks is not good enough. 2nd, Put better quality maps in the packets! Due to some of the routes not marked well enough or not having volunteers with signs, at least two groups got lost and had difficulty getting back on track. One group of about 20 riders ended up on Mockingbird Lane! 3rd, If the ride is to start at 8am, then make sure you check early that your people and equipment are in place so that the ride does not get delayed by 30+ minutes. I would also recommend splitting the starting groups into segments and having a cushion of 5 minutes between each group starting. This would ease the HORRIBLE gridlock that kept people from being able to ride from the starting point to the Houston street bridge. Better yet, don't start a ride with a 4 lane road that then goes to a 3 lane road that then goes to a 2 lane road before opening backup when we hit the bridge. One other small annoyance - Why must we pay $5 extra dollars to park? No other rally that I ride in charges riders extra to park. On a POSITIVE note - They had plenty of port-a-potties, Everyone I dealt with that was working the event were polite and cheerful, The finish line village was well stocked and the free pizza was excellent, It looked like the village has more companies and things to do than in past years. If Tour Dallas can fix these issues, next year's ride should be back on track and a desireable ride. Maybe Tour Dallas could consider a 50/62 mile route as well?

I was very surprised by this ride. I had expected absolute state of the art everything, from start line procedures, to rest stops, etc… Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed in this ride.
First of all, when we all got to the start line at 7:45 or so, everything seemed fine. National anthem, welcome, various announcement, etc. Then we sat. And sat. And literally CHILLED OUT. Finally, about 8:15 they announced that the company that was contracted to do the cones and barriers had not shown up. Seems like they would have figured this our a bit earlier than that…
We finally started at 8:30, very much cooled off.
The roads were in pretty bad shape for most of the day, but you certainly can’t fault the race organizers for that. I did see a VERY nasty fall shortly after the start, and I think the cause was a road seam.
Next fiasco was the combination split/re-split/break stop/restart into the confused people trying to figure out the split/re-split. This seemed to be calculated to cause the most confusion. There is a spot where the 20 mile route goes left, and the 30 mile route went right, EXCEPT the second time the 30 mile route came around, they went left too. For some reason, the organizers thought this already confusing spot would be the place for one of the breaks, so you had people pulling over for the break, as well as re-joining the ride right in the middle of the people who were trying to figure out if they were to go left or right.
Organizers had a ton of signs, and people shouting directions, but the placement of the break seemed somewhat poorly thought out….
OK, all that being said, I have to admit that I actually had a very good day. Other than the few frustrations (especially the turning around) the weather was very nice, the riders were very nice, and PIZZA!

This review was not posted because it contained a personal attack - not a review. JS

Myself - I had a good ride. I expect the city streets to be rough but I still rode my skinny tires and had no problem at all. I expected that so many riders would cause a little confusion. Yes the half hour was a pain but I made two new friends. - JohnS

.In addition to the reviews already posted, I noticed two other things. I stopped at the rest stop at White Rock Lake (the confusing one mentioned above). They had plenty of supplies, but only a couple of lines to get to them. They need to get a dozen or more lines going with that many people. Also, they had water and gatorade in coolers, but not cups- you could refill your own water bottle, but if you didn't bring one, you were out of luck.
Otherwise, it was a great ride for me, beautiful weather and enjoyed the morning. With the numerous turns already required on the route, I would not recommend going for any more distance on this one.

Yes Dallas streets leave something to be desired in the way of smooth and no potholes! But unless you NEVER come to Dallas, you should already know what the streets are like. Yes, Mike had an issue with the cone company, but he had diligently planned this event and met with the company, so who would have thought they’d be a no-show? I thoroughly enjoyed Tour Dallas this year. The weather was glorious and even with the late start, it was a great ride. Some of the problem with the crashes is that people are riding too fast on the bridge and not paying attention to the road. This was conveyed to the riders prior to the start. Watch the road for potholes and crevasses. I will agree with the reviewer that said the rest stop at White Rock is tough with so many folks going in and out, but again, if you slow down and pay attention, you get through it okay. I had no problems with signage and directions on the route. Loved the finish this year. It was the best one yet with pizza, power drinks and vendors. Great ride Bikin’ Mike. As always, I love doing Tour Dallas!

The first bad sign for this event was encountering a packet pickup location that was barely functional. The line to the tables had snaked all the way out the door of the location, and all because only one of the four volunteers behind the tables was actually taking care of the people in line. That was just sad. The long, cold delay at the start was another red flag, especially for such a preventable excuse. The crashes which began right from the start, the poor route selection, no marking of the numerous dangerous road hazards, the missing route guidance, the police escort which bottled up the field so badly that riders rubber banded in an EXTREMELY tight and shaky pack between 10 and 17 miles per hour…I could go on and on. What a mess! I have been to beginner bike races that had fewer crashes. Heck there are better and safer group rides than this for seeing the best of Dallas. All I can say is never again! And to the friends whom I encouraged to participate in this event, my most humble and sincere apologies.

WOW! What a beautiful day we were blessed with! I have ridden the Tour Dallas before & I would say this was one of the best! I rode with my husband and kids and it was a GREAT family event! We enjoyed the different sights throughout Dallas. I will agree that roads were bad, but nothing is perfect, especially in Dallas. As an avid and experienced cyclist, I know that you will always encounter literal "bumps" in the road. If a cyclist plays it smart, particularly on roads that he/she has never ridden, respects and listens to the warnings made by the announcers and simply reads the warnings on the ride lit, he/she should have a great ride! To the people crying about going too slow, have some courage and pay your money for a USCF license and go race at a sanctioned event! If you crashed, that is very unfortunate. It is also simple...you or someone around you did something dumb, risky and careless. Remember that it has always been clear that this is the TOUR Dallas, not RACE Dallas! Please do not attempt to "race" at any of the "organized tours/rides" like the TOUR Dallas and endanger the participants and our kids! In conclusion, I want say thank you to the promoter for taking on an event like the TOUR Dallas and for making it possible for everyone to ride in. I could not even imagine trying to organize a bake sale with the city officials in Dallas! My family had a wonderful time with the clowns, magician, face painters, drinks & PIZZA! Thank you! Also, shame on the barricade company who let down the 3000+ riders and for placing the ride promoters in such a bad predicament! Anyway, thanks again for making the TOUR Dallas possible & we'll be back next year!

Much too crowded. Rough streets. On the good side---well done Dallas Police, beautiful day.

Were there a few problems? YES but this is still one of the most fun rides around . this is my sixth TOUR OF DALLAS and they have all been fun. I sure Mike will do much better next year. The roads he can do noting about. Even Mrs Miller could do nothing. I will always make this ride

Let me start with this, my thoughts changed for the better quickly. At packet pickup I did not get a shirt with my fee. My first response was "this is gonna suck" then I was reminded somehow I had a responsibility to pre-register and increase my chances of getting one. Novel concept personal responsibility.
Ride was late starting up. Who cares we came from 2 hours away (some of us stayed over night in a hotel)and planned to have fun. We did, we even enjoyed talking to the people around us. Glad they delayed it for safety reasons and the DPD did an excellent job.
It was crowded at the start, good, more donations for the cause! It did say tour not race on the web site. So some were slow, some went around the slow people and sped up, we did and had no issues. The roads were no different than in any other major city. Open your eyes, look around listen to the people who call out and signal obstacles (that personal responsibility thing again). There were potholes, in the rural rides its potholes, road kill and chip seal. Its tax funded projects, complain to your councilperson or commissioner before complaining to the organizer, they look for the best route they can.
Overall we had a blast and this was not my first ride and it was what I expected. I may bring my kids out next year and do the short route with them just for fun and pay my fee to support the cause. I ride each year for the entire year with a goal to finish the HH100 in a decent time so I know rides and this one is fun, and it was my first Tour of Dallas. I will be back and I will bring more people with me.
Mike - Good job, keep up the good work for your cause and it will get bigger and better each year.##Overall despite the glitches we had a great time and will be back. I will add an extra loop on the lake for fun, I will even pre-register so I can get my coveted shirt. - Rance

This was my first Tour Dallas, and yes the delay was not fun, but stuff happens. It was perfect weather and a great opportunity to ride through Dallas streets you would not even consider otherwise. And the police at every intersection were awesome. The viaducts may need to come off the ride as there were three pile ups that I saw. But all in all it was a great ride, with great people on a perfect weather day. I will be back next year!

The Tour Dallas was ok but their are some issues. To make this a great bike rally, changes need to be made either with a staggered start or a faster excort. ( though a staggered start would close in if the escort goes too slow). TRUE this is a tour and not a race but many people tour well above the 17.2 miles per hour average the Cops produces and they slowed too 14 mph often. I was behind the pace car all the way. Sorry people but it is unsafe to have a pack of 400 plus rider squeezing through these streets. The only way to thin them out is to have the escort speed up to at less 20 mph. This is 3000 riders and many don't ride well in tight packs. Safety come with thinning them out so they can see the roads and pot hole etc. You might want to change the location of the rest stop at white rock lake, as the other writer said it was cramped. But again it was due to the slow pace car that cramped 400 plus rider into a huge pack. Everything else is great.

You did a great JOB with the tour this year. Thanks for making cycling better in DALLAS

I just had to write and tell you what a GREAT time my wife and I had on Saturday. We bought bikes last Christmas and have been hitting the trails around the Dallas area. We are both in are 50’s and have been really enjoying getting active on bikes. Saturday was simply the most fun we’ve had in a long time. Great weather, great people, and extremely well organized. Dallas still is the “can do” city. I don’t know what happened to the Dallas Light and Barricade people, but the Dallas police stepped up and handled the route flawlessly.

I just completed my first ride, 8 miles and loved it!!

Great ride on Saturday; by far my favorite ride.

Mike,
Thanks for another great biking experience in Tour Dallas!!!!!
It was great seeing you, and I hope you got to have a "cool down" period after the delayed start.
You contribute so much good to so many lives, and we really appreciate you.
Best wishes in all of life, my friend!

Had great time! Wonderful volunteers and great Dallas Police support, wow.

GREAT RIDE!! Even if we did get a little late start. It was awesome to see that many bikes!!
Thanks again!!

Mike,
Nice job yesterday. You rock!

Hi Mike,
First of all, I would like to say thank you for all the work that you do for us local cyclists!
Today was my second opportunity to participate in the Tour Dallas event. I was able to convince my wife to get a bike, and today was her first event.
In spite of the Dallas Lite & Barricade no-show, you and your team did an excellent job getting things together on such short notice. Thanks again!!

I want to say that the 08 tour Dallas was the first time my son (William 11) and I rode in any organized ride. We were very impressed! We rode the 20 mile loop and we had a great time, we are hooked. We are already planning for the Collin Classic.

Mike (and your whole group)… Thanks for putting on such a good ride – Tour Dallas 2008… My little gang and I REALLY enjoyed it… This was my 4th Tour Dallas, and I’ve enjoyed each ride more than the previous… I brought 6 new TD riders with me this year, and next year I want to double that “new TD rider number” – they ALL had a good time, and all said they would return next year.
We all had pre-registered, and previously picked-up our packets (with correctly sized blue T-Shirts)… That went really smoothly for us, so I don’t have comments on “day of” registration issues.
We parked at Mockingbird DART station (free) , and rode our bikes to AA center via Katy Trail.. It was a bit cool at that time, but very pleasant…
I understand the issues with the safety cones, and the start being delayed because of this. This was a slight annoyance at best. My friends and I just spent more time together chatting and anticipation the start… No one cried about it…
The participation level was higher than I had seen in previous years, which I really like to see (the more the merrier), but this probably led to the situation at the first turn… To me NO BIG DEAL THERE.. we all got through it – after all – this was NOT a race…
At WRL.. this was NOT the first year that Tour Dallas used that one rest stop location, and the 20/30 mile split strategy… Logistically, it makes a lot of sense… A few of us chose to make two loops around WRL, and when we completed the second loop, the WRL rest stop was still in operation, with volunteers, and it was still stocked with supplies… Safety personnel were also still in the route guiding me (and other late riders) back to the AA Center… Well done.
PLUS… when we finally did arrive back at the AA Center, they were still serving Pizza and drinks …
Overall, there were some “starting line glitches” which can be improved on – but… being that we had previously familiarized ourselves with the route map that was included in the packet, chose to park away from AA center (more bicycle time – Woo-Hoo BONUS!), and remained aware of our immediate riding area, while carefully enjoying the route… We had a GREAT time.
BUT… I’m a road cyclist, and I ride on Dallas roads a LOT… which means that unless you ride exclusively on upper Swiss Avenue, you WILL ride on rough roads – this means that you have to remain aware of this at all times… There is no getting around that, and it’s naive to think otherwise – if you live in Dallas, then take the time to complain to your City Councilor about this.
I look forward to an even BIGGER Tour Dallas next year. Nicely done in spite of the huge obstacles you had to deal with…
Keep up the good work.

April 7, 2007

This was my first Tour Dallas and it was somewhat crowded even with the amazingly cold and slightly snowy weather! It's a good ride to see all the cool sides of Dallas. Excellent police escorts and traffic control. Friendly (and obviously cold) support staff at all major turns pointing the way. For streets with multiple lane traffic, we had orange cones to give us our own lane. Very nice! I went all the way through so I didn't stop at the rest stop. The ride is advertised as slower family oriented/sight seeing urban adventure. Not well suited if you like to go fast. The ride fee helps the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and it's a great ride for a great cause. I'll bring the family next time....if the weather cooperates!

great ride... a little cool

Another great event put on by Mike. I certainly appreciated the timely start without fanfare, etc. It was too cold to sit there in front of the AAC for too long. Despite the cold weather, the turnout was great. Lots of folks from all levels of cycling. The course seemed a bit shorter this year with the re-routing. Police support at the intersections was great. And who would have though that we would get snow?
One thing that dismays me: The news carried features for the Susan G Komen walk over in Fort Worth on Saturday. Yet nothing for this event. Mike sunk some big bucks into his insert in the Dallas Morning News and this event benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Cameras were at the AAC showing fools buying tickets for a yet to be determined playoff possibility for the Mavericks. You could see cyclists going by in the background. This is such a great event and what I consider to be the start of the biking season. I really wish TV stations would give this event some airtime and recognize the efforts for a worthy cause. If the weather is better next year, I think Mike can pull off one of the biggest cycling events in this area.

I am from Dallas but had never done the "Tour" before this year. When I signed up it was 81 degrees, my kind of weather. I had to dig out my winter gear and had second thoughts the morning of the ride. When I got to the AMC I was amazed to see several thousand riders. The ride itself was well organized with good traffic control and great police support. I rode neighborhoods that I have never been in on a bike before. Great planning and interesting routes made for a fun ride. The heavy snow in places was a new experience. I will be back again next year.

I first want to thank Bikin' Mike and his group for organizing and putting this one on again for us. I liked this ride in the past, and this year was no exception. I like riding through the city like this, and the cooler weather on this day did not make the ride less enjoyable. I thought the intersections were well manned, and directions were clear... the rest stop well stocked, and celebration at the end was great. This was my fourth year on this ride, and for sure, I'll be back next year.

Once again, lovely route (although very easy) but absolutely no SAG support. Somebody got hurt and was transported by ambulance, but there was no SAG to pick up his bike. A ride that focuses on novice riders must have SAG--all the great police support in the world doesn't help without a SAG plan.

April 1, 2006

This was my 3rd Tour Dallas and it was the best so far. The biggest improvement was the reversed route around White Rock Lake. In past years, we shared the sidewalk with the umpteen-thousand other folks who were particiapting in an organized run or just on a stroll.
This is a fast course. Very fast. As such, the biggest problem lies with the intermingling of speed racers and those who bought a cruiser last week. Instead of fighting inevitability, I just waited until the return over the bridge to open up the speed. Nothing is more amazing than seeing the bridges LOADED with cyclists.
I used the rest stop once to refill my bottles, then dashed. Right before the rest stop, those of us on the 30 mile route had to merge with the 20 milers and slower groups. One guy was just so put out by the fact he had to be slowed down and wait his turn. I don't get it. We're supposed to be ridng a rally, not a race, and there's no "carte blanche" to be unimpeded by traffic or other riders.
The downtown portion is the best part of this ride. 25-30mph is just plain fun. Dallas PD did a great job on traffic control. Considering all the tempers they put up with (cars honking at them, cyclists ignoring them) these guys are the best.

I participated in the Tour Dallas on Saturday, and I had a great time. It was fast, and for me, I thought it was a lot of fun. Lots of curves, corners and obstacles, but it was well organized, with Police presence everywhere. The route was well marked (paint on the road and volunteers waving signs / plackards ar major turns), and very busy with cyclists. It was nice to see so many turn out, and participate. I should have laped the lake twice... 30 miles was nice but too short. I'm looking forward to doing this one again next year, but maybe I'll try taking the DART train in, instead of paying for parking. Thanks to everyone who put this one on. They did a great job.

My first organized road ride ever and I enjoyed it greatly. I did the 30 mile route. People were friendly and route was very scenic. Loved going by the big houses on Swiss Ave and the ride around White Rock Lake was really nice as well. I don't have anything to compare it with, but it seemed very well organized.

Whoa! What a great ride. Drove in 4 1/2 hours specifically for this and was not disappointed. To be honest, I didn't think anyone actually 'lived' in Dallas, since the only part of Dallas I've ever seen was the interstate and the outlaying areas, i.e.., Waxahachie...and I gotta say it, Waxachie gingerbread houses ain't got nothing on those awesome old estates we rode past. Just to be able to see that was worth it. And, after having heard of Deep Ellum for years, got to see that. The artwork graffiti is awesome. Weather was great. Overcast and misty. Did not hear about this ride until the Wednesday before it, so felt lucky that me and my husband got ride T-shirts (usually this late in the game they are gone) and also was able to nab a cool Tour Dallas jersey, just wish it had "2006" on it. The policemen and women who manned the intersections were incredibly friendly. As we rode through we would say 'thank you' and they would acknowledge that with a smile and many times before we even said that many of them would say, "Great job!" to the cyclist. We are seasoned cyclists and average about 75 to 100 miles per week, so we certainly would have like a longer ride. It seemed over all too quickly, even with us lollygagging at the incredible sights (we ride in the middle of nowhere and never see nothing but hills, wind, cactus and cows). I cannot imagine the logistical challenge it must be to plan a ride in a major city and have 98% of the intersections manned by police. Only had to stop at two of them for traffic and the wait was less than a minute. Many new cyclists on the ride. That is refreshing. I think I heard someone say there was 2008 riders. Someone correct me if I am wrong. As for the $8 fee for parking, come on! Eight bucks is NOT a big deal. Try living where the nearest group rides are at least 4 hours away. We were just tickled pink to not be the only cyclists on the road and had ball. Did not really meet anyone, as it started raining as we came in from the ride. Did not stop at the rest stops as the weather was cool, and we just don't stop until about mile 25 or 30 so I can't critique that. My only complaint is that if there were SAG wagons they were not obvious. No signs or shoepolished windows to designate as such. I do think though that as nice as this ride was that for anyone new to group rides it will just encourage them to do another one. Best of all, it was a charity ride so you can ride your bike and help someone at the same time. How cool is that?!

This was my third Tour Dallas. I REALLY like the course and riding through town and Swiss Ave and Turtle Creek. That is always such a beautiful part of the ride. One thing that really bothered me is that helmets were not REQUIRED like they are on I think almost every other ride I have been on. I understand it is a riders choice, but
for a ride promoting family participation I think we should lead by example! I also think $8 is a bit much for parking.

This is a great ride, especially for beginners. The sights and sounds of the city are awesome...especially seeing the sun rise over downtown from the Jefferson Viaduct and the azaleas along Turtle Creek. Great police support. My only suggestion: stagger and space out the start a little more...it is too packed with so many riders squeezed into such a small area next to the arena. Keep up the good work, and see you next year!

This is a beautiful urban ride with excellent police support at intersections but no visible SAG or medical support. A woman crashed in front of me, doing a faceplant on one of those concrete pylons around White Rock Lake. I stopped to lend aid, assuming someone in an official capacity would be by soon. After about 10 minutes her friend showed up, and we asked another rider to find a policeman and tell them we needed help. Another 10 minutes passed, and we finally called 911 but had trouble describing where we were. By the time the whole thing was resolved, 45 minutes had passed and we never saw a SAG van, motorcycle support, or other help. Next time, I'll call 911 FIRST on that ride, since they don't seem to have any medics or SAG vehicles. Never saw a SAG vehicle all day, and the bike shop reps at rest stops were not well prepared. I say, do this ride but be self-contained as if you were doing it alone.

April 9, 2005

This was my first Tour Dallas. Quite a change from riding the rural roads most rides lead you down. Registration and package pick-up were a breeze, the big parking area at the American Airlines Center gave lots of pre-ride room for everybody, but the $8 parking charge is a little extreme. The early miles were really neat riding through downtown but Swiss Avenue as well as many others were very rough. Multiple police at every key intersection so I didn't have to stop once. The trip around White Rock Lake was a little hazardous as we were funneled onto the multi-use trail and had to dodge dog walkers, baby strollers, skaters and other cyclist coming at us. Seems like as much of Dallas as was blocked off, we could have stayed on the road around the lake. The ride back through town as our group picked up speed brought out the little boy (and girl, I guess) in many of us as we "raced" around corners and sprinted in the straights. The urban experience is a different and nice change for a once a year event, but wouldn't want to do it every week. I will be back next year though. Thanks to the police and volunteers who worked to make this a great ride.

I have done this ride for all 3 of its years of existence, and this was probably my last Tour Dallas. The routes of years 2 and 3 do not match the first year. Riding over the Trinity River, only to U-turn and come right back? Surely Dallas offers better options. Riding around White Rock Lake-great idea, but I can do this any day I can find the time, and this part of the course was so crowded this year as to be almost dangerous. The location of the first rest stop is around mile 15, halfway through the 30 mile route. Then the others are bunched up far too closely to be of any real use. And the first rest stop had no fruit, only bags of chips and other not-so-healthy stuff. This is probably a decent rally for more recreational riders, but if you're halfway serious about riding, you might want to do the Lancaster ride or other scheduled conflicting rally. I know that's my plan for 2006.

Great day for the urban challenge. This is always a quick, fun ride with loads of support from the Dallas PD and volunteers. I did the 20 mile ride and had a great police escort for the last 5 miles or so, that was really cool. I didn't stop at any of the rest stops, but they looked well stocked and manned. As usual, Bikin' Mike put on a great rally.

The route was a bit different on the return from WR. It didn't go down Greenville on the return to the AAC. And yes the roads are rough, but on the bright side, no chip-seal. It's an urban ride and the rough rodes are expected.
I bailed on the trip around WR, I've done that enough times. As the route went up the hill past Turtle Creek, it crossed paths with a running event. We got stuck waiting several minutes before we could get through (and this is with a police escort). From just before the route crossed 75 to downtown, there wasn't much police presence. If it wasn't for the escort, it would have been difficult to follow the route. Since I bailed on the WR loop, I probably got out ahead of the support.

The route was a bit different on the return from WR. It didn't go down Greenville on the return to the AAC. And yes the roads are rough, but on the bright side, no chip-seal. It's an urban ride and the rough rodes are expected.

I bailed on the trip around WR, I've done that enough times. As the route went up the hill past Turtle Creek, it crossed paths with a running event. We got stuck waiting several minutes before we could get through (and this is with a police escort). From just before the route crossed 75 to downtown, there wasn't much police presence. If it wasn't for the escort, it would have been difficult to follow the route. Since I bailed on the WR loop, I probably got out ahead of the support.

This ride is certainly better than it was two years ago when we did two loops around the lake. The ride down Turtle Creek was lots of fun. the one rest stop I used had plenty of food and friendly volunteers. Good job, folks.
I do have a couple gripes about the route. The two hairpin turns required near the beginning seemed a bit unsafe given the large mass of riders still grouped together so soon after the start. And using the trail around part of White Rock Lake wasn't the friendliest thing to do to the pedestrians and runners who did not expect several hundred cyclists to descend upon them. Better to have stuck to the road even if it isn't quite as scenic.

I also wonder about the schedule. Having this ride and the Lancaster ride on the same day seems to be a disservice to the Dallas cycling community. This early in the season, there are other Saturdays still open that would prevent cyclists from having to choose between two popular rides. Maybe a little coordination between organizers?

April 4, 2004

First Tour Dallas, but probably my 20th rally overall. What worked well: Parking at AAC - although $3 - was plentiful and easy to get to; the first few miles (Trinity River viaduct heading toward downtown made for a really cool vista) and the end (screaming down Turtle Creek and downtown with no cars) of the route were great; intersection control by Dallas PD (100+ cops) and directions by volunteers (150 turns) were flawless. What did not work: The middle 20 miles of the 30-mile route was in terrible shape; Swiss Avenue and every inch of the 10-mile loop around White Rock Lake and surrounding neighborhoods was pitted, rippled, and cracked; the second rest stop - although well-stocked - had one Port-a-Potty for 2,000 (?) riders, and the last rest stop had 10 Port-a-Potties - with no riders stopping. My biggest issues were not getting a t-shirt (or a few bucks off since there were no shirts left), and the hot dogs I swear I heard the PA guy at the start say would be available post ride. (My philosophy about post ride food is that it should NOT be the same food served during the ride.)

I did this ride last year and I thought it lacked sufficient directions on the route then and continue to think it could vastly improve in that area. It was a fun ride and it was nice to ride through downtown, but the apparent lack of signs or volunteers on the route was a bummer. I was among the lead group on the 30 mile ride and somehow we got off the route while following the lead car. Not sure how that happened, but I think more signs or more knowledgeable volunteers would eliminate that problem. At some of the intersections, the volunteers and police were extremely helpful, but at others there were either no volunteers or police, or they were just standing there not giving any guidance. I also thought it was a bad idea to go around the white rock while there was some organized run going on -- it was a little dicey dodging the runners. I also thought it was a bad idea to go against traffic on the shoulder with no cones on Northwest Highway, especially riding on that horribly pot-holed road that goes under Mockingbird. Going to Mockingbird would have been a better idea even if that required riding a few small hills. Also, maybe add the Loving hills next year -- we went right past them. Overall, I think this is a good ride and worth doing again.

Parking and registration at the AA Center were well organized and equiped to handle over 2000 riders. I rode the 30 mile route. It was a beautiful day and the route was much improved over last year. However, there were parts of the route that I still didn't like and hope can be improved for the future. First, while I like the idea of including White Rock Lake (how can you do a Tour Dallas without including it), I did not like having to mix it up with the runners there. I think the runners probably liked that even less. Second, I think the portion of White Rock Lake north of Mockingbird should be eliminated because of all the potholes. I was in a large group of riders going fast and it was hard to see the potholes before it was too late. Finally as we were leaving White Rock Lake we were on a steep downhill going about 25 mph when we literally had to stop and turn right and avoid gravel at the turn. I locked up my rear wheel and almost wrecked trying to suddenly slow down. The finish line celebration was excellent. The applause each rider received at the finish line as they were herded into the finish area was really a nice touch. I watched several riders finish and I think they really appreciated the encouragement.

 This was my first Tour Dallas. Although only 30 miles in length, I still had a great time.
A Beatles tribute band for live music at the finish, lots of police support and nice scenic routes. I heard several riders say that this year's Tour Dallas was wayyy better than last year. Originally, I intended to do the Aledo Ride for Heroes (hope that went well), but, a couple of friends said they were going to Tour Dallas (Shannon? Kelly? Where WERE you?).
Sure, some streets were bumpy, but, we KNEW that, right??
One poor gal took a fall after her bike ran over a cone that another rider knocked down. Luckily, no one else ran into her from behind.
The "regular folk" that were making their way around White Rock Lake didn't bother me for the most part.
Some joggers, however took up more room on the WRL trail than they should have. I almost hit one by accident when she veered out in front of me. Shouldn't there be a "rule" for walkers and joggers to stay on the RIGHT hand side of the trail? As a cyclist, I warn them when I'm coming up on them, but, some courtesy on a jogger's part would be nice. I guess some of them didn't notice that suddenly there was a long string of riders going by? Bikin' Mike warned us of the joggers, but, he didn't warn they'd be wandering all over the trail. Next year, maybe the joggers can be asked to "share the trail", too? (Rant over).
I had a great time! Thanks to all the police and volunteers who gave up their Saturday for us.
And thanks to Bikin' Mike for a great route! - Allez Cat

Another great ride put on by Bikin' Mike. I heard complaints along the way about this and that, but I think this is a phenomenal ride. Some things to
keep in perspective...we are riding in the city of Dallas. Roads are rougher here. You cannot expect pristine asphalt and loads of elbow room. This is what makes the ride so unique. What I appreciate is the fact that we can ride this route with little or no concern with traffic problems. Hats off to the Dallas PD for their work. Once again, I loved the return to the AA center via the downtown streets. It is a great experience to zoom around down there. I felt the route was actually better this year, no looping twice to get the mileage in. Port A Potties are always a gripe whenever a rally is held. The people at the first rest stop said that the company did not leave them the other ones...I don't think it is their fault. Can't wait for next year!

I rode this year's GDB Lancaster Country Ride and have a few comments. First the route, rest stops, and organization exhibit all the hallmarks of a premium ride. However, for an early season ride, I was completely unprepared for the hilly start of the rally. I'm certain that I hammered these hills too hard which I paid for dearly when the cold front and strong headwinds blew through. I eventually sagged at the last rest stop and missed riding the awesome looking last stretch. So, future riders take note: *this ride has a hilly start*. My only other comment is that the quality of the map could be better. I got off the course on one stretch and found the map of very little use to find my way back. On the whole Lancaster is a very nice ride--the bluebonnets and country route were exceptional. This year the wind and cold conspired against me, but I will be back next year to ride that last stretch into town.

Tour Dallas 2004 was my first official bicycle tour. I rode the 30 mile route on a mountain bike and after being "smoked" by the roadies, I now own a nice Trek (thanks for the encouragement). In my opinion, Tour Dallas was organized very well, tremendous turn-out, kudos to Dallas PD for being intersection fixtures (and most returned hellos when riding past), and to all the supporters--thanks. Rest stops were well stocked and the finish line with the live band and free goodies was a welcome site after a mountain bike 30 miler. I must say the most awesome site was returning back over the bridge and seeing our skyline gleaming in the morning sun---beautiful.