Fiesta Family Fun Ride in Denton, TX
September 22,2007
I made it to the Fiesta Family Fun Ride in Denton, Sept. 22, 2007. Weather was excellent, turnout was very light (looked like maybe 20 or 25 riders, although I saw some numbers in the 40's). The route was out FM 428, then on Elm Bottom Circle to make a loop back to FM 428. (They had a 10 mile ride, with once around the loop, a 20 mile ride making the loop 3 times, or a 5 mile ride which skips the loop). FM 428 has good wide shoulders, with the exception of one small construction area. Elm Bottom Circle has very little traffic and makes for good riding. They had policemen at all the spots where you crossed FM 428, and had people at the turning points, with signs along the way as well. There was a rest area at the Y junction, which I didn't stop at, and they had water, maybe Gatorade, and fruit at the stop point.
There are a few rises along this route, which didn't seem to slow the good riders down, but gave some of us a good workout. I was passed by one van with blinking lights which I assume was a sag van.
They didn't have route maps at the event, but the route is simple enough, with volunteers manning the corners, that you didn't need one. They also had signs posted along the way.
Pluses: It's a great outing for beginners. The way the route was set up, you didn't obligate yourself to a long route, and could skip one or more loops if you felt like it (I skipped the third loop, which gave me about 17.5 miles). Time of year was right so that it wasn't too hot or too cold. They were having races after the fun ride, so you could stay and watch those. You won't feel too out of place if you don't have a road bike or bike shorts, etc. And I got a cool shirt out of it.
Minuses: On a 20 mile ride, I'd rather not repeat any more of it than I have to. This was the same day as the bike rally in Bonham, and I'm sure that cut into their attendance.
I saw several riders up and down 428 that didn't seem to be part of the fun ride- it just looks like a good route in general, rally or not.
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