Red River Classic, Sherman, TX

September 15, 2007

Riders: The Sherman Kiwanis Club is dedicated to making this ride one of the best rides in North Texas. We review the comments carefully and strive to improve. For 2008 we have changed the routes (no Highway Frontage Roads), moved to a new starting location at the Austin College campus (to provide better parking), Changed the date, and added a new 100 mile route (for those riders practicing for the HHH next weekend)! We hope to see you there!

To keep this short, I will just ask you to re-read the well-done review from the previous year. The extra comments I will make are that it seems most of the criticisms of last year have been addressed successfully. The finish was altered but it still had its problems. While I know we can’t expect a cordoned entrance all the way inside the city, that last turn at Mulberry and Crockett was just too busy. One side of the intersection was blocked off, and the traffic at the other approaching streets was too congested. It was just too close to the Arts Fest activities. As I went through, a shouting incident occurred from someone who had no knowledge of what was going on. This event needs to be seen as a positive by everybody.
No need to go into detail on the highway departments recent resurfacing of Hwy. 11 with what appeared to be fist-sized chip seal.
Other than that, the ride was fantastic and the ride back in from the 40 mile route on the Ida Road was glorious. The view from the crest of the watershed of the Red River to the north and the Trinity to the south was awesome and the weather and volunteers police assistance was great. Thanks RRVC and the Kiwanis.

Great volunteers, that made you feel welcome and appreciated. Suggest you find an alternate to Highway 11 for next year. The final 20 mile run into Sherman was outstanding with low traffic, fantastic vistas (for this part of Texas), and fun downhills – that’s a keeper part of the route. Loved the raffle prizes and kudos to the sponsors.

Okay, figured I'd Crash-Test Dummy myself for this one; shoot, everybody goes to Cotton Patch.....let me go up north.
Forecasted winds out of the east at 5-10 mph on the Weather Channel is for Irving, NOT Sherman (duh). This was a hilly booger, too, especially outbound (east). If hills are your style, there's enough up here to please. Scenery is nice, too.
I guess they did reroute to avoid MOST of boulder-size chip-seal on Hwy. 11, but not all. We did get on it for a few miles; I asked the paramedics at one turn if they'd look for one of my kidneys a mile or so back. Still waiting to hear from..........
Mechanical support by Plano Cycling (thanks!), but nothing much in the way of SAGs.
No cups to drink from at rest stops (!!!!), but bottles of Gatorade, water and other items were available in ice-cold coolers. Cookies were especially good!
Nice blue long-sleeve t-shirt, and a stuffed goody bag. Raffle had a lot of good prizes.
A lot going on in same area: bike rally, running event and arts festival caused much confusion in where to park, where to register, etc. I actually started signing up for the running event in error (QUACK!).
All in all, a pretty decent day.

This was a pleasant ride through some of the prettiest countryside that I have ridden through this year. The terrain was, for the most part, rolling and the road surfaces, with the exception of a 6 mile section of chip seal, smooth. Coupled with the late summer/early autumn scenery, this ride was unmatched as a visual display and challenging enough that I felt that I had worked to get to the end. Speaking of the end…the course had been pretty well marked until just short of the end. The only reason that I found my way to the end successfully was that I caught up to a person who had ridden last year and knew the way in. Other than that one small issue, this was one of the most enjoyable rides of the year for me.

September 16, 2006

The Sherman Kiwanis Club appreciates all constructive criticism. We have learned from our mistakes and hope 2007 will be a greater ride. 2007 also will be the 25th anniversary of the Sherman Arts Festival. Thank you for supporting the youth of Sherman.

I rode the 60-mile; what a gorgeous route. Lots of curves, hills, and flats. Roads were in great shape, with only one stretch (a couple of miles) of chip-seal. All of the intersections where it mattered were controlled, turns were well-marked, and the one rest stop I used was well stocked. To make this ride perfect I suggest: Starting on time, and maybe even starting the longer routes earlier (0830 was the published start time, 0800 would be nice); Controlling the intersections near the finish line (the last 2 lights on Houston street had no police control. The first one was green for me but I had to stop for the 2nd one…about 50 yards from the finish line). Final comment: I think start/finish in the middle of the town's festival is a cool idea; gives bikers something to do after and let's non-bikers see that we're real people, too. I'd suggest that the last couple of blocks on Houston could be split, one lane for bikes and one for cars (or 1/2 lane for bikes and use cones for 2 car lanes?) to help prevent any interactions between bikes focused on the finish line and people looking for a place to park, etc. Again, overall a super ride.

Small head count as the Cotton Patch Classic probably took most of the ridership away.  Ride start was around 45 minutes late as we had to wait for the runners to finish.  Probably the biggest complaint I kept hearing was the over-zealous sheriff deputy in the truck who continually harassed the riders to stay single file and stop blocking traffic.  He mostly harassed the lead group - probably the best, most experienced riders out there.  Somebody needs to remove him from next year's rally or somehow remove him from interfacing with the riders.  He pissed a lot of people off.  Other overheard complaints:  we need more signage before some turns.  Maybe put a rest stop out on the loop for the 60 milers. There was no 'finish' to the ride. We just rolled into town with the traffic.  The final rest stop at the end was manned but it seemed like one of those rallies where they take the money, set you off and pack it up.

Wow, what a fun challenging ride the this was! Those first hills were a blast, with a great course to follow. I rode this ride a couple of years ago and it keeps getting better. The Kiwanis did a great job, (I heard it was their first time, couldn't tell) check in was easy, and rest stops were well furnished, and I've never seen a goody bag so full! The long sleeve shirt was awesome! This ride will absolutely be on my list next year. The late start was nice since I came from Plano, but it sure made the sun get hotter faster. My compliment to the Kiwanis club and the ride director, you could tell they really cared about this event, and I look forward to next year.

I rode the 60 miles at the Red River Classic in Sherman. Hilly, windy and hot… a great ride. The Kiwanis did a great job organizing the ride. A couple of suggestions; start on time and 8:00 would be the best. If the ride is to grow there will have to be some traffic control at the end of the ride. There were a lot of cars at the festival and it made finishing the ride somewhat difficult. The goody bag, t-shirt and rest stops were excellent. See ya next year!

The ride was really great. The lead pack was strong but the strongest riders were most likely at the Cotton Patch. Made it easier for me to ride with them until I backed off to ride with a buddy who was there as well.
The route is great. Very little chip-seal, lots of hills, beautiful scenery, great vistas. The ride was lightly attended which means you almost feel like you are on your own, personal, supported ride! I hope the Kiwanis don't cut back on their efforts just because the turn out was light. Word will get out about this ride and pull more participants. It was really nice finding yourself at the top of a hill with a great view in front of you and be able to enjoy it instead of concentrating on the wheel in front of you.
The packet was the best I have seen in some time. The long sleeve tee shirt will be welcome in a couple of months. A lot of effort went into making up these packets. Registration was fast and easy. They had money taking down to an art!
Suggestions. I almost missed a turn because of the markings. The sign was at the turn, not before it and since it was on a downhill, braking from 30 MPH was a challenge. Some roads have a bit of traffic on them. If alternatives could be found, that would be great. It also allows an opportunity to extend the ride by a few miles. The rest stops were fine and since there were two festivals in town, a more festival like atmosphere at the finish would be appreciated. The biggest request though is to spray paint the cracks in the roads to warn riders that wheel eating cracks are coming. There were a few places where an unaware cyclist could stick a front wheel in a crack and wind up on the wrong side of the handlebars. Paint used to mark grass is inexpensive, does not harm the environment, washes away after a few weeks and can help prevent the need for the medics.
I will be back next year!

September 18. 2004

This was a great, scenic, hot, ride with massive hills. The terrain was similar to that of Collin Classic's 100 this year which, as these Sherman hills, were used by a young Lance Armstrong. This day's temperature topped at 97, very humid, s/b called Hotter than Hotter N' Hell. The HH100 ride temp barely got into the 80's this year! The 60-mile route with the loop east of Whitewright was a big improvement over last years. This year the bikers also started a block away from the joggers and were divided up into each route group with a lead car. The rest stops seem manned by friendly and experienced bikers. Critical intersections had police officers, which also drove around checking on us (much better this year and Thank you SPD). I considered hilly areas like 902 not well suited for very young riders as cars coming up hills tend to get too close to bikers (Mesquite Rodeo is best children's ride). However the festival was jamming like MS150 and had plenty of arts, BBQ and entertainment that a family can enjoy. I biked 15 miles from Howe (total 92 miles) for this event and being X-hypertensive at 55 I hope I get a few more therapeutic doses from Red River Classic.

This ride was a vast improvement over last years ride in several major categories. First: The registration area was clearly marked and easy to get through with signs (Hurray!) leading you off RT. 75 to the start area. Parking was a bit better but they are going to need a lot more. Road markings: YOU WON'T GET LOST ON THIS COURSE ANYMORE! The turns are marked on the road with colored route arrows before, at and after each turn with a road side sign thrown in for good measure. Still not perfect but 99% there. There were also POLICEMEN AT KEY ROAD INTERSECTIONS! That solves the safety problem. Last years nightmare crossings where you had to 'Cheat death" are no more! You might want to consider replacing that route back to Whitewright...a bit tight with no shoulder. Kind of nervous for a while. Also, no more 'Deliverance" movie type wilderness areas to sweat. Rest stops...fine...modest.. but they are there like clockwork. I suggest some tents for shade after the first stop, maybe some chairs for the riders to use to rest...not the staff please! Exception: the mile 40 rest stop was invisible...and this is a critical stop for most people. You had to turn off the course and go a ways to another intersection. Not a good idea. Sign also could not be seen. No big deal to fix. The finish line...Where did everyone go? Hey folks, when you roll in after 58 miles (Was supposed to be 60) you would appreciate someone there to welcome you in. I guess the 10 and twenty five milers came in and left and you thought.. what? Forget the 58 milers? Suggestion: Have a big tent with tables and lots of chairs for finishers to sit after the ride and congregate, socialize, etc. All the big successful rides have them. Riders really like that. Consider having some food, pizzas, even a vendor selling hot dogs and hamburgers, have some cookies, cokes etc. Make the finish friendly and happy not stark and abandoned. And definitely man the finish line area until the last rider is in. Also consider music at the start and finish...even a big boom box. Something. Conclusion: Congratulations to the ride director and staff for turning this ride around. THIS RIDE IS WORTH RIDING AGAIN FOLKS. Hills, flats, a good combination for everyone. Mark this course as a must ride for next year. If the same people staff it next year they can make the minor improvements needed and we are going to have another Tour-D-Paris, Mesquite Rodeo Ride, Tour D Italy, etc.! - Norm Weatherby
PS: Bring back the 41 mile ride. There is too wide a spread between 25 miles and 60 miles on this course. People who feel they can make the 40 but not the 60 will not drive all that way just to do a 25.

I rode the Red River Classic's 60 mile course, and found it to be very challenging. A small rider turn-out, compared to other rides that I've been on this summer, but that made registration and access to the service that much easier (parking, registration rest stops, etc.) The morning started cool enough, but the temperature rose with nearly every passing hour. The hills are substantial - specially on the first half. Roads were preetty good, and lightly traveled by car traffic. Rest stops were well stocked, and hosted by very friendly people. For me, this was a very good ride, with a tough course, that pushed me hard. I was pleased that I participated in, and finished this one. Good job everyone. I'll be back...

September 2003

we have read both the rider's reviews and your suggestions for tour organizers and expect to implement as many of the suggestions  as possible.

First, I don't know which ride the previous years' reviewers rode, but the whole course was up and down with HILLS. I think this ride rivals Weatherford's Peach Pedal and Cleburne's Goatneck as far as hilly terrain goes. The "good": low traffic, really decent road condition except for the beginning 5 miles or so, friendly volunteers, pretty route, and challenging hills. The "bad": allowing a group of runners to start the course before cyclists, no directions to parking, then
once finding the parking lot only 15 parking spaces for 100 cyclists, hardly any volunteers on the course at key turning points (maybe two?), several DANGEROUS crossings of highways, signage was not easily spotted, and the maps were hand-drawn which wouldn't have been so bad if the course hadn't zig-zagged all over Grayson County. I may be back next year for the hills, but this ride really made me miss the Grand Prairie Grand Prix!!

What a gorgeous day for a ride - my first on this one. I was a late registrant in the high 90's, and the highest number I saw was 105, so that may be about the crowd size. The directions said take the Lamar/Houston exit and follow the signs. NO SIGNS. Found it anyway. Started just after the pack left and was surprised when I crossed under 75 to turn left there was no traffic control on such a busy frontage road. Route was nice and bucolic, enough hills to make me work and get a little quad burn going, but route signage could have been better, especially after the Tom Bean rest stop if you were doing the 44 (which was advertised as 40 but clocked in at 41.6). Again, you exited the rest stop, turned left and come upon a major highway with no traffic control - OR SIGNS. Several stopped and debated which way to go. We finally figured it out. Toward the finish, we came to a T where we could see the 5k run painted marking on the road, but no markings or signs for the cyclists. We figured that out too from the direction of the 5k signs, but SIGNAGE is a nice thing to have. Still, I liked the route and would go back and ride it again on my own for a nice workout. All the folks and scouts had great attitudes. And it was only a "two dead 'dillo ride" (down from three at the last ride). Pizza and bomb pops at the end (thanks Cici's Pizza). This ride isn't a big production, but I liked it.

What beautiful scenery! Rustic, rural, primitive.95% hills. Cool weather, roads average to excellent...only 150 riders? I soon found out why. This was my first attempt at this ride. It was the Third Annual. I felt a bit uneasy when upon turning off Rt. 75 as there were no signs as promised to direct bikers to parking. Many blocked off streets for the Art Festival.
After wandering a while I found a lot to park in. Registration was....ahhh...casual. I looked at the route map, an almost unreadable copy of a copy, and noted that it was supposed to show the various route distances as Red, Blue, Yellow and Green. The map however... was black and white. No one at the registration area could point out any of the routes on the map. Strange thought I. Most curious. At the start the bikes started BEHIND the 5K runners. (Yep BEHIND the runners) That's ok...they said just follow the motorcycle cop...he will be there the whole route. Problem...no motorcycle...no cop. So...we just rode off with our black and white maps....as soon as the runners were far enough ahead not to hit them. Interesting. SIGNS: Inconsistent at best. On a long straight stretch there was a sign on the pavement (arrows) indicating "Straight ahead". Hmmmmm. OK. One mile down the road at a confusing three way intersection...no signs. Curiouser and curiouser. Signs that were seen varied from typing paper with arrows flopping on a stick to painted road arrows. Mostly there were few or no signs after 35 miles or so. I stopped at two rest stops to ask the volunteers what road this was and what ride routes the rest stop served. Just blank stares. No answers. Fascinating. One said he didn't know...but did I want a banana? At one point during a banked high speed turn a volunteer was seen
frantically jumping and signaling. I braked hard. I was told to turn off the high side of the turn and plunge off into a "Black hole" of a road (Totally shaded, black macadam) and into a woods. At 30% brake and praying I and two other riders went off the high end of the turn only to find it almost pitch dark, killer potholes and a sharp turn to the left complete with gravel. I heard a scream from behind and the sound of crashing metal. "It's ok" was the response to my call. Emerging out of the darkness (Had to rip off sunglasses) it then ran across a savage RR Tracks. Two riders with wheel casualties were off on the side as I passed the tracks. My dual HED-3 tri-spokes and 700x25 tires saved me. I did not see my (unknown) ride companions after this event. Maybe they are still in the tunnel. Adrenaline was now pumping. Soon attacks by packs of two and three farm dogs at a time, intent upon ripping my leg off drew my repeated response with pepper spray. The ride was real exciting now. At most intersections I had to stop and examine the maps. I was only lost three times but managed to find the right road eventually. Lots of time to appreciate the beautiful scenery. No sag wagons were ever seen...anywhere. Make no mistake about it...you are completely on your own on this ride. Sort of a macho thing...makes the pulse pound!
Coming back into town...naturally. no signs except some few on the street for runners. I and some other survivors ,who wandered in from some side streets, followed them back figuring they had to go back to the start. They did. Why oh why is it seeming so hard for ride planners to solve the sign problems? Go to one of those sign supply shops and get some 3' X 2" coreplastic signs (The ones you see on telephone posts advertising Insurance, etc ) Post a sign 100 ft. before the turn, at the turn, and 100Ft. after the turn. Hmmmmm? This is not rocket science. Oh yes...some that did come came late as the internet said the start was 9:00AM rather than 8:00AM. I talked to them after the ride. They wanted to know why there were no signs so they could at least have ridden on their own. Oh well...Nobody checks these things on the ride committee. So....150 riders or so. Most probably won't come back...150 riders next year...mostly first timers, and each year there after. Sad. The ride has such great potential. Oh yes...did I mention the beautiful scenery?-Chinese Monkey Dancer

Took part in the 42 mile ride. It was a fun challenging route, but not TOO challenging. For some of the climbs you were rewarded with an exciting downhill roller-coaster ride once you crested the top. Great support at the rest stops, with homemade cookies, bananas, and plenty of SunnyD everywhere you looked. Signage could be improved in spots--mainly on the last couple of miles after the routes return to town. I got lost and the maps don't provide any sort of detail. Still, it wasn't too difficult to find my way back. Free pizza and bomb pops at the finish line. I don't know what the attendance was, but I overheard someone say 130 had pre-registered and they had a list with three pages of people that signed up the day of the event. This is a good ride worthy of support. I'll be back next year!!!

My fist time to do the ride...I agree, lots of potential but boy, I felt like the lone ranger at times on the 64 mile course. Very poor signage in my opinion, I pulled out my map a few times and stood looking around for other bikers...there were dogs and I forgot my pepper spray, I turned off for a garage sale thinking it was one of my poorly marked signs. On one BIG downhill all of a sudden there were yellow arrows pointing left...almost missed it and there was small pea gravel 2" deep that was a BAD accident waiting to happen. Again, lots of potential, volunteers friendly, good pre post ride food/drink. I was alone, probably won't do it again unless i get someone to come with me...there were times I  really felt all alone out there...

I must have been the latest registrant (# 105) observed by reviewer number 2... I was all pumped up to give this ride a great review, but reading all the earlier reviews made me realize something: I was thinking it was so great only because it was such a vast improvement over the Forney ride. But seriously, I still think this was a good, maybe even a near-great, ride. THE GOOD: Variable terrain, pretty scenery (Loved the tree-shrouded tunnels!), generally good roads, very friendly rest-stop support, helpful police, post-ride pizza and popsicles. Sure, as always, there are improvements that could be made: (1) Signage.--Add some signage on the first leg along the Hwy 75 service road to assure riders that they are headed in the right direction. This is especially helpful for riders who are chronically tardy to the rides, as I am. Late in the ride, post some signs on the telephone poles in the residential areas. (One of the organizers said that they could not post signs in peoples' yards, to explain the lack of signs late in the ride.) And use larger lettering. (2) Maps.--Create a more readable map. However, I did not have to use it because the signage was adequate for the most part. And if it's supposed to be color-coded, be sure it has colors! (3) Directions to the ride.--Needs work, reviewer number 2 said it all. There could not have been 200 riders, if that. This one deserves more, I hope others try it out. I'll do it again.

While I did not organize the ride this year I did organize the first two years so I will try and address a few issues.
First off I would like to thank everybody that came to Sherman for the ride. As far as the start goes the riders started behind the runners because after 200 feet the runners went straight and the riders turn right. The riders were actually supposed to stop at the line but when the guys that put on the run saw the riders roll up they started blowing the horn and clapping causing the riders to think they were supposed to go. . More discussion with the run organizers next year should fix this problem. I'm not sure where a motorcycle came in because Sherman does not have a motorcycle cop. Their was supposed to be a police officer taking the riders to 1417, as far as I know he was there but I was not down there so I can't say for sure.
There were 6 signs directing you to parking, on both sides of the street. After the fact I realize they may not have been visible by the time the riders started arriving because of cars parked that were blocking them. I am not sure how this will be fixed but it has been noted.
A complete re-design of the maps is in order and will be undertaken before the ride next year.
Signage and more warning before tricky or dangerous intersections will be addressed before next years ride as well.
Total participation was 125, I think. I know it was at least 120, but I'm thinking I saw 125 go out. This is up from last year but not what was expected by the organizer. I don't know how he promoted for the most part other than direct mailing, but hopefully with word of the great course getting out there more will come next year.
Please feel free to reply to me directly if you have any questions or ideas for next year.
Chris Jennings

2002

This was the second annual Red River Classic in Sherman. It is the first time I have ridden it. About 100 - 150 riders participated. The 64 mile ride was actually 62. It is the first ride that I never had to stand in line at the porta-pottys. The route was scenic. The hills were challenging at the beginning, in the middle and at the end. Some flat areas were thrown in after the beginning hills and before the ending hills. The organizers are bike riders and it showed with friendly support every where and good signs.

I expected it to be hilly, and it was, but few hills were worthy of very low gear. I heard that vandals had stolen some of the signs Friday night but signage was still good and I never felt lost. Parking was a little chaotic but after the ride, we were parked in the middle of the festival, handy for picking up a turkey leg or a sausage on a stick.

I rode the 44 mile route and had a lot of fun.  The hills weren't too steep, just enough to make you work, but the scenery was great and the weather was fantastic.  It's too bad the turnout was so low.  This route is one that I will keep in mind to ride some time on my own.  Definitely will attend next year!

Positives: Very scenic ride - yes there are lots of hills, but they are rolling and very "doable". Good signage most of the time. Friendly staff and adequate provisions at rest stops - the gazebo at Tom Bean was the best. Good support from law enforcement at critical intersections. Good music at the festival at the end of the ride.  ** Negatives: POOR signage & parking for start. T shirts not ready at beginning - I got one that doesn't fit - no big deal, I have a drawer full of ride tees. No one present at the end of the ride - I was in by 2:00 and people continued to come in after me. Sag support not well marked. Road from Luella to US 75 was in awful condition, but the scenic view at the top of the bluff was worth all the bumpy pavement. Got lost at the end, in town, because there were no signs for the cyclists and the signs on the pavement from the runners race gave conflicting messages - the majority went to the left, but the 5 k went to the right - didn't know which to follow!