Novemberfest - San Felipe/Sealy, TX

November 2009

Maybe they “listened” to previous reviews because the ride was significantly better than what I expected given what had been written. Support was better than average with good police and volunteer coverage at road intersections and good signage (signage was color coded corresponding to a map card that they provided at packet pickup, and volunteers available to tell you which direction to go if not sure). I did the 47 mile route. Most of the first and last 7 miles or so is indeed rough, but few open potholes and no gaps in the roads that I noticed (2009). I did notice that a large section of the route had been recently paved and in other areas potholes had been filled. Overall I rate this ride as average to a little above average. Above average support. Due to first/last miles of rough road, roads overall below average. Above average scenery (relative to other rides I do around the Houston area). Suggestion – which I give to all rides except for the awesome Tour de Pink – need more porta-potties at the ride start. Oh, relatively very good meal after the ride, and nice little classic car show etc.

November, 2007

A throng of cyclists gathered on a beautiful morning to be greeted by some of the worst roads every ridden on by a road bike. I'm talking about horrible road surfaces. One couldn't concentrate on attaining top speed or even maintaining speed due to the huge potholes, patches upon patches, or periodic 4-5 inch gaps in roads. I was honestly regretting having taken my nice bike on this ride. If you care about your bike (your wheels in particular), pass this ride up. The course was also poorly marked causing several of us doing the 62 mi route to get off course on two different occasions. In addition, there were several dangerous intersections with no volunteers or police to aid with traffic. And then there were the railroad crossings....straddling your bike forever waiting for a train to pass. Whoever, plans the route for this ride needs to seriously research the possibility of finding better roads to ride on! The non-cycling part of the event was fantastic...great food, music, and family-oriented atmosphere.

Awful, awful, awful roads. Don’t take your expensive road bike on this one as apparently, no cyclist has ridden this route on behalf of the organizers in years. The family activities are nice, but the ride itself is pretty dreadful.

Terrible roads, mismarked, very light traffic control support. I have contacted MS150 organization and asked them to work with the organizers to take steps to improve or drop it from MS150 recommended ride. The advertised 62 mile route was only 57 miles, as confirmed by several riders who did it.

I just wanted to say that the review already posted about horrible roads was no exaggeration. I cracked a frame on this ride. I will not return to this ride until I read glowing reviews of new routes.