RIDE THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE METROPLEX!
SATURDAY MORNING ROAD RIDES
7:30 AM - RACE PACE RIDE. 18-21 mph average.
7:45 AM - FITNESS LEVEL RIDE. Want to ride in a group, but don't want to go nuclear just yet? Join the "fitness" level group ride, leaving from Rockwall Cycling at 7:45 a.m. Route and distances are the 20 mile 33 mile routes, with a 15 mph pace.
8:00 AM - WOMEN ONLY RIDE. Routes of approximately 20 and 30 miles, with a 12-15 mph pace.
START LOCATION FOR ROAD RIDES: Unless noted otherwise, road rides leave from the Store. Meet in the Steger Towne Center parking lot to the left of the store. The basic loop is roughly 33 miles, with options to shorten or extend for those who desire it.
WEEKLY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE: Contact Tyler to be added to the Mountain Bike Email List. Locations and times change and you will want the updates!
WEATHER: Rides are on unless it is raining. Check out the weather forecast: click here.
Rides are typically on the Rockwall SOUTH Loop. Depending on the turn-out, we sometimes head North on the new North Loop. Maps for both are below:
DETAILS ON SOUTH LOOP ROUTES:
Shortened 20 Mile Route: From behind the store, take Ralph Hall Parkway west towards Summer Lee, go south on Summer Lee to White/Tubbs, turn right and head into Buffalo Creek. Left on Country Club, Right on Kings Pass. Exit Buffalo Creek at 549 and jump onto Rabbit Ridge. Take Rabbit Ridge across 550 and go straight on McDonald, Right on Stevens, Left on Cornstalk, Left on Connie. Connie deadends at Smith Road. Regroup and turnaround at Connie & Smith, and head back the way you came.
33 Mile Route: Same beginning as the 20 Mile Route, but continue on by turning left on Smith (off of Connie) and then right on 550. Take 550 across 205 (watch carefully for cross traffic) and continue on 550 until you reach 276 (watch carefully for cross traffic at 276). Regroup and turnaround at 276 and return back to the store via the same route in reverse.
Full 45 Mile Route: Same beginning as the 33 Mile Route, but instead of turning around at 550 and 276, you will turn right on 276 (stay on the shoulder) and take it to Munson Road. Turn Right on Munson and take it 548. At 548, turn left and follow 548 to 205. Left on 205 (stay on the shoulder) to 552. Turn Right on 552, and take it to University Road. Right on University and take it to Stevens. Right on Stevens, then left on McDonald Road. At this point you will return to the Store on McDonald/Rabbit Ridge/Neighborhoods.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION NOTES: PLEASE PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO ROADWAY SURFACE CRACKS AND DIPS ON CONNIE ROAD , ESPECIALLY IF RIDING IN THE DARK OR LOW LIGHT. CONNIE ROAD IS BEING REPAVED CURRENTLY BY THE COUNTY, SO ALSO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. IF YOU WISH TO AVOID CONNIE ROAD, AN ALTERNATE ROUTE IS TO TURN LEFT ON STEVENS ROAD AFTER MCDONALD ROAD. STEVENS WILL TAKE YOU ALL THE WAY TO FM 550. YOU CAN TURN AROUND AT 550 (FOR THE 25 MILE COURSE) OR TURN RIGHT ON FM 550 AND CONTINUE ON TO HWY 276 (FOR THE 33 & 45 MILE COURSES).
Photo Courtesy of Paul BrownImportant Notes: Road rides are for Road Bikes Only; Tri/Time-trial Bikes are welcome, but riders should avoid riding in aerobars unless pulling the group or separated from the group. Mountain/Cruisers/Hybrids will have difficulty staying on even the "no drop" ride, as well as anyone on a road bike who is unable to maintain a 15 mph average. If enough MTB/Cruiser/Hybrid riders are interested, we will try to organize a separate ride leaving 5 minutes following the regular rides.
More Important Notes: Always wear a helmet. Drink and bring plenty of fluids. Dress for the weather conditions. Do not ride while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Do not ride if not recommended by your medical provider. Bring a cell phone and tools to change a flat or minor repair if necessary.
Even More Important Notes: Routes are on open roads with vehicular traffic. Observe all road safety laws, stay as far right as possible, ride single file when possible, and beware of cars and the occassional dog.
LOCAL ROADS YOU SHOULD PARTICULARLY AVOID RIDING ON:
HWY 66 east from the Rockwall Square
FM 552 (Dalton) between 205 and 66
I-30 Service Roads, especially at sunrise or sunset (due to East to West travel and sun glare).
WANT IMPROVEMENT: FM 549, FM 740, FM 552, FM 3092 (Horizon Rd), SH 276 and 66 are all scheduled to be widened in the coming years...let your local officials know you want accommodations for bike and pedestrian traffic included in these road projects...DON'T MISS THE WINDOW. IT WON'T HAPPEN UNLESS YOU ASK FOR IT AND KEEP ASKING FOR IT!!! Rockwall County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan has been a great advocate already for cyclists and pedestrians, but please show her and other local officials our support!!!
Disclaimer & Assumption of Risk/Liability: While cycling is a recreational sport, there are inherent risks and dangers. All riders are responsible for their own safety during group rides, and assume any and all risks of injury, harm, medical conditions, or property damage. Riders are urged to wear protective gear (including helmets) and ride with caution and respect for others. Rockwall Cycling, LLC makes no representations or guarantees of any kind relating to safety or group rides. By participating in group rides, each rider (on behalf of him/herself and his/her family and heirs) voluntarily accepts any and all risks, assumes all liabilities, and waives and releases any and all damages against Rockwall Cycling, LLC or its owners, agents, employees, managers, or members. If you do not so agree, do not participate in group rides.