Texas offers a variety of events and fundraisers for cycling enthusiasts.
Thanks in part to seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Texas has in recent years come to the forefront of cyclists minds. However, there are plenty of large races across the state that have endured for years and continue to draw large crowds from around the world.
Don't Mess With Texas Challenge
This cycling event begins at the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and ends at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Held in April, it is limited to 200 participants. The mission is to support the participation of "wounded warriors and vets in the Ride 2 Recovery program." In providing that support, organizers want to help provide bicycles and clinics for veterans.
Ride 2 Recovery
23679 Calabasas Road
No. 420
Calabasas, CA 91302
818-888-7091
ride2recovery.com
Fort Davis CycleFest Tour
Held the third weekend of each September, this tour takes cyclists on routes of 10, 25, 55 and 75 miles through the "Texas Alps" near Fort Davis. It is held at the historic Prude Ranch, which was established more than 100 years ago as a cattle ranch.
Peyton's Bikes
4712 North Midkiff Road
Midland, TX 79705
432-699-1718
peytonsbikes.com
Fort Hood State Road Race
The Fort Hood State Road Race is held in October and benefits Project Homeland---a charity sponsored by Scott & White Hospital that provides both support for families and soldiers serving at Fort Hood. The event involves from one to three loops on a closed 33-mile trail located on Fort Hood, which means military restrictions must be observed.
Fort Hood State Road Race
817-980-7787
Jalapeño Hundred
Harlingen has hosted this cycling race, run and walk for more than 20 years. Proceeds from the February event benefit Harlingen Youth Athletics and Harlingen Boys & Girls Clubs. About 500 people participate each year, coming from as far away as Canada and Mexico. The 100-mile race ends near the Gulf of Mexico, in Port Isabel.
Jalapeño Hundred
311 East Tyler Street
Harlingen, TX 78550
956-423-5440
jalapeno100.com
Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS
This two-day cycling event held in Dallas features 45- to 105-mile rides the first day and 45- to 75-mile rides the second. The route follows scenic roads throughout Dallas, Fort Worth and their suburban areas. Funds raised benefit AIDS Outreach Center of Tarrant County, AIDS Services of Dallas and Resource Center Dallas.
Star Ride Fighting AIDS
2701 Reagan Street
P.O. Box 190537
Dallas, TX 75219
214-521-2412
lonestarride.org
Tour de Cure
Tour de Cure is held in several Texas cities each year to help raise funds for diabetes research. In May, the two-day tour begins at Retama Park in San Antonio and wraps up at Akins High School in Austin. It includes 14- to 32-mile loops as well as 25- to 80-mile routes. In July, the event is held at Texas Motor Speedway and includes routes of 5, 15, 32, 62 or 100 miles. The Houston course, run in September, has routes of up to 80 miles and winds up with a meal at Stubb's BBQ.
American Diabetes Association Office
888-342-2383
tour.diabetes.org
