Reviews:
Source: http://www.bicycle-stuff.com/reviews/06_june/mesquite.htm
Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 2, 2007
What a perfect day for a bicycle event! The weather was fantastic and it was unseasonably cool. There was enough water on the course to keep things interesting. If you haven't been to this one you need to put it on your 2008 schedule. These guys do it right! Thanks to everyone who made the Mesquite Ride into something I'll look forward to each year!
Every intersection was controlled—even those out in the sticks. The bad spots were marked with paint and plenty of signs and the county must have repaired the craters we encountered last year. I hope I rode hard enough to offset all the goodies I ate during and after the ride. The support personnel were very visible and quickly dispatched help to those with broken bikes or injuries. Hopefully those injured riders we saw will be back on the road soon. The pickle juice drinks must have worked because I didn't have any cramps on the long drive back home.
"It's a beautiful day out there.
What are you doing inside?
Turn off the computer and
go to the Mesquite Rodeo Ride!"
The Mesquite Rodeo Rally exceeded last years rally. This rally keeps getting better each year but only one thing that happened and I'm not sure how if it was under estimating the number of riders or riders just being greedy with the Outback Steak House grilled chicken burgers. A few riders were unable to enjoy the grilled chicken burgers as they were all gone when they arrived in. Somehow this really needs to be looked after for next year!!! We brought a couple of riders new to the ride this year and they said that they couldn't believe how well everything went from the registration, police support, sag support, rest stops to even your Mesquite residence appeared to be cyclist friendly...GREAT JOB FOLKS, WE'LL BE BACK!
This was the first year my husband and I have ridden this ride. I have nothing but praise for this ride. Obviously, the promoters and volunteers work really hard to put together this ride because it shows, all the way from the registration to the lunch provided at the end. It was great. We will be back.
Excellent ride, excellent organization. Did the 56 miler. Flat, fast course and scenic. Police presence at all intersections. Felt like there were more spots on the roads in need of repair this year, but organizers did a great job marking them. This is one ride everyone should plan on doing every year.
The Mesquite Rodeo Ride was my first bike rally and it was a really wonderful experience. I rode the twenty mile route and was really impressed by the other riders. I have not rode since I was a teenager (it's been a few years!) and several riders rode by and spoke encouragingly. The people at the rest stops were awesome and they seemed to really care. There was very noticeable SAG support (I was tempted I must say). The feeling of crossing the finish line was enough to hook me on this sport!
I can not say enough about the great job done at rest stop #5. Blindingly efficent, suave presentation of the gatorade, and cold towels; heaven on earth (at least Seagoville. The Blue Bell bars and the prayer by the rodeo clown in a Rotary shirt were also tops.
My goodness! I have never, EVER seen so many riders hurt in all of the many bike rallies I've participated in! There were far too many ruts and wide grooves on the course which were not marked and one of 'em about did me in when I hit it going 22mph. A big thanks to the kind volunteers and paramedics for their help. The sag wagons were so busy with all the problems it took awhile to pick us up due to all the flats and injured riders. I'll have my scars for life from this ride and suffered cracked ribs but that's the nature of the beast. The Mesquite ride has always been one of my favorites and of course I'll be back hopefully a little more attentive to the pitfalls in the roads!
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 3, 2006
Hats off to the best organized ride of the year. Each and every other event should take note of the excellence that is put forth by everyone at the Mesquite Rodeo Ride. There are policeman at all intersections helping us with traffic, rest stops are top notch, Outback steak house and Blue bell ice cream at the finish, Lots of photographers for your personal photo. This course is relativly flat, I did the 56 mile and only climed 1120 feet. The only thing in my opinion to bring this ralley up another notch is to add a 100 mile ride. For me, 56 is not enough. I know of alot of people that would like to see this happen. I alway feel so good after doing this ride. Maybe because my times are getting better every year. I did the 56 mile with an average speed of 21.1 mph. For me, thats a new land speed record. Good work guys.
Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride 2006. EXCELLENT ride! Very well organized, great parking, nice staging area. And the ride? WOW! Great route selection-nice roads for the most part that were mostly flat with a few challenging hills. The route made the ride very enjoyable as I did not ever feel as if I was in over my head nor struggling like I have on other rides. Just a nice, enjoyable, pleasant ride. Superb intersection traffic control. Amazing signage and markings. (They even marked road hazards on the road itself - for the WHOLE 40 miles! Unbelieveable!) I never needed to look at my map because they did such an excellent job of marking the route and guiding you. And they even had maps at every rest stop as well. Well spaced and well stocked rest stops with plenty of porta potties at each and every stop. The cream of the crop for rides and I will return each and every year. You couldn't keep me away! Great job Mesquite Rotary club!
This is a really well executed event. The folks that work it are very friendly and absolutely fantastic. The police officers, deputy sheriffs, contantables, and fire department personnel do an outstanding job directing traffic and working intersections. The route is nice, fairly well marked, and where there are road hazards, for the most part, they are well marked. Other rally coordinators could learn alot from this crowd of organizers. Oh and one more thing that makes this one nice ...alot of rallys have raised their prices and are going to price themselves out of the market, but the Mesquite Rodeo Ride has kept those prices in check. Nice job.
The 2006 Mesquite Ride was another outstanding ride and everyone should mark it on their calendars for next year. Rode the 56 mile ride and was pleasantly surprised at how well the markings on the road were. All rest stops extremely well supported with cheerful volunteers, all interestions well policed, sag vehicles everywhere, can't think of much that they could improve on, Great Job Folks....a suggestions to some other rallies that maybe you should talk with the Mesquite people and get some of their ideas or come and see how well it is run.
If you're new to cycling/rallies, this is one you should not miss! I've attended this one more times than I can remember, and it never fails to please! I rode the 40, and it was great! (NOTE TO ORGANIZERS: This new 40-mile route is better than previous route....it would be great to repeat next year! )Excellent directional signage, great care in highlighting road hazards, super intersection coverage by the friendliest in Blue, and volunteers who truly care that all riders have a super rally! I understand participation was likely 2000.....no surprise! GREAT JOB!!! K-Duck
I've found another ride that will definitely become an annual event for me! This was an extremely well-organized and executed ride. The police support at the intersections was first-rate. The rest stops were well-placed, well-stocked and the folks there were friendly and helpful. The roads were well-marked (but one of my friends still managed to get lost...but not due to a lack of arrows and signs...) and the road hazards were also well marked both by paint at the point of the hazard and by warning signs. The flatness of the course and the lack of much in the way of wind allowed me to post a personal best for the distance I rode and the finish provided me ice cream and Outback food with which to celebrate. I'm not sure that, short of adding a 100 mile course, as already noted by another reviewer, there is anything that the organizers could do to make this ride any better!
This was my 9th rally of the year, and I’ll I can say is WOW. By far and away the best organized rally I’ve done, and certainly the best in the Metroplex. It’s been said before, but bears repeating: this is the ride that sets the standard for all others. Registration was extremely efficient, the route was outstanding – mostly flat on excellent road surfaces, with a few hills thrown in to keep it interesting. The few potholes on the course were clearly marked with orange spray paint. Route signage was excellent, as was traffic control at intersections. Aid stations even had printed signs indicating which coolers contained sports beverage and which ones contained water. I rode the 56 miler and agree with an earlier review that this ride is now established enough with enough riders that it should consider adding a longer route somewhere between 70 to 100 miles. Only complaint: there was a somewhat dangerous and puzzling intersection crossover towards the end of the ride that needs to be remedied. Otherwise, bravo Mesquite Rotary Club!
Short and sweet: good morning, good signup, good signage, good roads, good scenery, good police support (OK, the rubber chicken sandwiches at the end weren't the best.) makes for a Great Ride. See ya' next year.
This was my first time riding the Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride. I rode the 56 mile course. “Day of” registration took place inside a building next to Resistol Arena and went smoothly. The $25 registration fee seemed like a bargain for the T-shirt, support and food available for all 2000 riders. There were staggered starts for the 56, 40, 20 and 5 milers following instructions from the Mayor of Mesquite and the National Anthem. Police and National Guard were directing traffic around the arena and there was traffic control and sometimes orange cones at nearly every major intersection. Course was marked with colored arrow signs. Road hazards also were painted orange and additional turn arrows on the roadways. The route was mostly flat with a few rolling hills near the end. It had been shortened from last year due to bad roads near one town that were deemed too dangerous. There was only one short stretch of road that had a lot of pot holes, some unpainted, all over the roadway, which made riding close on the wheels of the lead pack a dicey proposition. The 35 mile rest stop was well supplied and had enough porto-lets. I only saw one loose dog, one minor accident, but several flat tires. Back at the finish, there were chicken sandwiches, chips, water and soft drinks catered by Outback Steakhouse and there seemed to be more than enough for everyone. They also had ice cream for dessert which was a real welcome bonus after a hot ride. Massages were available for $1/min and there was plenty of shaded, indoor seating for all finishers to eat and cool off. I would rank this as one of the top three rides I’ve done this year. It had excellent support and was a real value. I’ll definitely ride this one again next year.
Please fix the Pot Holes - This is too dangerous travelling at +20mph in pack. Other than that fantastic organization/ride at all levels from registration to cooling down in air conditioned building in front of a chicken sandwich, ice cream and soft drink.
This is the first time for me to ride this ride. Rode the 56 mile. Nice job all around for the organizers of this ride. Just a couple of suggestions. Please repair the crater of pot holes. This can be dangerous when riding 20 miles an hour in a pack. Also, the Chicken sandwich from Outback was a big disappointment. It was cold and tough to eat. You guys can definately do better on the food. However, the ice cream was definately nice. Thank you so much for your efforts in putting this ride on. I hope to return again. - Thank You.
You've got to be kidding me !!!! This is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, the MOST organized ride ever. Just pulling into the parking area let's you know this a very special ride. Parking attendents made it really easy to get e front row space. Registration was a breeze. 50+ pens on the table at registration let you know they were ready for anything. They accept credit cards...another plus. Maps on-line for all distances. A family route to get the kids into bicycling. Signage was excellent, provided by "Accurate Signs" I believe. Signs and painted pavement, you could not get lost on this ride. More smooth pavement (percentage wise) than any other rally. Rough road signs warned of trouble, plus just about all potholes were painted red. Just one section with potholes, but no problem if you watched where you were going . Rest stops great, some with maps showing where you were. At finish "Outback" provided a great meal. I rode with a slower rider(Come on Larry, let's do more training so we don't miss out on the after-ride goodies)
I had given up on having food left over, but all we missed out on was the Blue-Bell ice cream . Why didn't anyone tell me what a FANTASTIC ride this was? Come to think of it, I think you did. We are SO LUCKY to have this outstanding ride in our area. Hats off to organizers, traffic control, SAG support, rest stop volunteers, and everyone who made this ride the "Best in Texas". Maybe a longer route next year? Put this one on your calender now...it was phenominal!!! DeWayne Shepard (Roadkill)
This is my first review but far from my first ride. I am an eager cyclist and have over 1500 miles this season. I rode in the 56 mi route. This is by far the most value and best riding experience in the metroplex. The mech support was always visisble, the routes well marked, the stations well stocked, the roads were superb, the MEAL at the end was plenitiful and well thoughtout (We had Grilled chicken sandwiches, unlimited soda on tap, unlimited ice cream (bars, sandwiches, popcicles). I was happy to see people arriving at the finish when they were begining to wrap things up and the food was still available and the tables were still full of people socializing. Also every rider was given a ticket to the Mesquite Rodeo. The only negative thing I have to say is that I feel that these folks are so good at putting on a ride that they should add a 75 and a 100mi route. I'd like them to take over the Collin County Classic and the Tour of Dallas. Good going guys!!! I will be back next year with more riders for this event.
This was my first time to ride at Mesquite and I was awed by the number of riders. I was also very impressed by the way everything was done to perfection. It's well worth the 3.5 hour drive over! It was very relaxing to eat those marvelous chicken sandwiches and as much ice cream as you could hold in a cool spot and get a rub-down if you wanted one.
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 4, 2005
Many thanks (again) to all of the volunteers, organizers,
sponsors, road & intersection marshals, Police officers,
riders, vendors, and the Mesquite Rodeo for another outstanding
cycling tour! The improved website made it easy to find the event,
helpful & enthusiastic volunteers made sure the parking process
and registration went smoothly, the staging area was close & compact,
and the rendition of The Star Spangled Banner was of note (no
pun intended...). Although the route had some changes from last
year, everything seemed to go effortless, despite some drizzle
and a moderate southern breeze. The roads were in great shape,
gravel & obstacles were almost non-existent, road hazards
were marked and easy to spot, signage was great, the road & intersection
marshals and the Police did an outstanding job; even the vehicular
traffic was agreeable. We did the 100k and only stopped at one
rest stop and it was very good and not much of a wait for the
port-o-potty's. The finish line was spectacular and afterwards
we were treated (again) to some good eatin from a variety of
sponsors in the large air conditioned convention center. I'm
in a local cycling club that puts on a very popular tour immediately
south of the metroplex in June and I know the degree of planning
and attention to detail needed to produce an acceptable tour
- the folks in Mesquite are to be commended (again) for doing
such an extremely professional job on the 2005 Mesquite Rodeo
Ride. The success and the results speak for themselves due in
large part to the planning and subsequent execution of all aspects
of this ride. Thanks again guys and gals for doing the impossible,
we'll be back (again) next year. A note to all Ride Director's,
and to those who are considering implementing a ride in your
community: come out and observe what the folks in Mesquite are
doing - nobody does it smarter, better, or more professional
than them - it's just that simple
Again, this rally sets the standard for route lay
out, intersection and on route support, and the rest stops. The
maps, although very helpful in knowing exactly where you are,
are not necessary because the routes are so well laid out. I
did the 60 mile route which has enough hills to challenge you
but not waste you away! The only flaw in this whole thing was
that the chicken in the sandwiches were a little stringy and
dry (probably just a little over cooked). Otherwise, everything
at the finish line was like the ride itself, very well done!
Shame on you if you missed this event. What a fantastic
job these people do. The roads and police presence were awesome!
Impossible to get lost in this event even if you tried. The was
even a short rough part of a road...and there was a sign calling
it the Paris Robbilise (SP?). This is a fast course 75% flat
and the rest mild rollers. This is made for those guys with big
gears and Hed-3 Tri spokes. Traffic was not even noticeable and
the weather cooperated magnificently. Each year I keep thinking
it can't be better... but I am always wrong. 10 out of 10 for
this one on the rating scale. There were 1,700 riders, but is
good enough to attract 10 times that amount. This is definitely
a "must ride" event each year. Congratulations to Dwight Hawkins
and the savvy pros putting this one on.- Norm Weatherby
Mesquite Ride 2005 was greater than the past. The
opinion polls put on the tables in the eating area I am sure
help to evaluate the ride and help in the future. The parking
was improved so you did not have to walk cross in front of traffic
to use the restrooms or to register. Kudos. The sequence start
keeps the excessive clutter of bikes to a minimum. Well marked
routes and color coded so using the map was necessary. Great
friendly rest stops well stocked with everything. The drizzle
keep the riders cool combined with the overcast sky the first
45 minutes, then the rain stopped. Good routes and police coverage
make it safe. Great job everyone involved, Big Thanks for the
volunteers. The standard all rides should follow. My chicken
sandwich was done to a turn and wonderful, good drinks and the
ice cream as a topper.
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 5, 2004
Excellent ride! I got the impression that the threat of bad
weather reduced the number of participants, but it was their
loss! No rain, cool weather, very few areas of standing water,
light breezes and some sun at the end. I rode the 20 miler, and
it was over much too quickly. Great signage and friendly folks
throughout, plus exceptional police and military support at most
intersections. Volunteers were enthusiastic and friendly. Lesson
I learned the hard way: at one of the very few uncontrolled intersections
(side street with stop signs entering the road we were on), a
van seemed like it would stop and let me through, then continued
across the road. It was a bit slick coming down that gentle hill,
and I was at full throttle thinking I was in the clear. I foolishly
locked up the brakes, fishtailed to the right, let go and locked
them up again and went down after another fishtail to the left.
(I guess that was better than smashing into the side of his van!)
No significant injuries, and the driver jumped out to see if
I was ok. Bottom line: I learned the hard way not to trust that
a vehicle will yield--or even see me--to let me pass. I'll definitely
ride more defensively from now on... (...and work on my braking
technique!) Other than that, it was a very enjoyable time, and
the food from Outback was an excellent way to finish the ride.
I'll be back next year, ready to ride the 60 mile course. Thanks
to the organizers and staff for a very professional event!
This ride has the best route marking of any ride, bar none.
EXCELLENT RIDE - extremely well organized, traffic control at
all intersections, signs pointing the right directions, pot holes
clearly marked with orange paint. People at rest stops seemed
friendly - at least they all waved at us when we went by. Early
morning rain and thunderstorms probably kept attendance down
below 1,200 vs. the expected 1,800, but that just left extra
chicken sandwiches and ice cream at post ride for Me - Thanks.
The rain did leave the road slick in places resulting in a two
bike crash at bottom of one hill. See you next year.
Great rally! This is an excellent tune up for the Collin Classic.
The 60 mile route is well laid out and challenging but not a
killer. I am real impressed with the intersection control throughout
the ride and traffic was never an issue. This shows how well
the ride organizers do their homework. The scenery is really
beautiful especially the loop around Lake Ray Hubbard (between
miles 15 and 40). I did the entire ride non stop and was close
to the front of the group on the 100k route but noticed that
the rest stops were pretty well staffed. Attendance at this ride
was relatively sparse (compared to other years) due to the weather.
As usual, the food and drinks at the finish line was real refreshing
plus it gives one a chance to build fellowship with other riders.
I did the 60 mile course, and found every aspect of this ride
to be of the highest standard. The weather was nearly perfect
for the duration of the time I was on my bike... The registration
area was well laid out, with next to no delays (my friend and
I had pre-paid - there were no line-ups at those booths). The
starts went well, the course markings were the best, and sections
of rough roads were hi-lighted with both signs and paint... this
was great.... Being that I ride slower than most, I was one of
the last of the 60 milers to make it in, but... along the way
all rest stops were pleasantly manned, and I was thrilled to
ride up to the last one (with only 5 miles remaining on the ride)
- I needed that one... All rest stops had ample supplies. The
visibility of the SAG wagons was great all along the way. Even
at the end. there were still people cheering your arrival...
The organizers and volunteers at this ride did a great job. Thanks
to all of them, and to their sponsors... I will return next year...
Another flawless performance by the Mesquite Rotary. The 40
mile route, which stays pretty much the same, is fantastic. Rest
stops are placed roughly every 30 minutes by my speed. Just enough
hills to challenge, yet it remains a very fast course. They also
go through the trouble of spray painting hazards on the road
and notate rough roads with signage. Does it get any better?
I think not. I cannot say enough good things about the post-ride.
I wish many of the other event organizers would talk to restaurants
about catering with simple sandwiches, etc. I retreat when I
hear the word “hot dog.” This ride should be considered
the benchmark for all other area rides. I really appreciate the
efforts by the area police and National Guard. They make this
event very successful and very biker friendly. I’ll be
back year after year.
I agree with all the positive things said about this event.
This event is 2nd to none. Once you have done this ride and experience
the post ride food, drink music in the convention center, other
rides will have a hard time meeting the standard. Great job Mesquite
Rotary Club!
Despite the overcast and misty rain was a great ride. I would
have loved to ride the longer route but work kept my to the 30
mile route. The start is very quick with a gradual downhill12
miles zipped by like nothing. The rest stops were nice and thanks
to the Mesquite PD for the intersection support. The Outback
meal at the end was not restaurant quality, but hey it was free
and tasty and they gave out free onion blossom coupons.
The Mesquite ride is a great one for beginners. This was my
first and I did 20 miles. My husband went on ahead of me as he
was taking the long route. The volunteers were great and the
route was well marked. I will do it again next year but take
the long way home this time.
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 7, 2003
What a great ride! These folks have got it all figured out.
I did the 100K route, and it was terrific. The route is laid
out exceptionally well and very well marked. The road surfaces
were all smooth except for just a few stretches of the dreaded
chip seal. Cracks and potholes in the road were marked with both
road-side signs and bright orange spray paint. Every intersection
was controlled, and there were lots of them. Clearly, whoever
manages this ride is a cyclist. Plenty of parking, registration
was a snap, the rest stops were well stocked, and the after-ride
was great. This ride was so well managed, I'll even give them
credit for the great weather :-) ATTENTION OTHER RIDE DIRECTORS:
Model your ride after this one, and you're sure to have a success.
Many thanks to everyone at the Mesquite Rodeo Bike Rally. I'll
definitely be back next year!!!
This is an extremely well organized event, traffic control at
all intersections (at times i wish the cops would make me stop
so i could rest), excellent and well run rest stops, Outback
steakhouse provided sandwiches at end. Route was very good once
out in country. Sign excellent -even warning of rough spots in
road. Will be back next year.
This ride just gets better every year. The people involved really
out did themselves. Extraordinary traffic support at all intersections.
Truly one of the best if not the best rally in the north Texas
area. This is clearly a ride organized by fellow cyclists.
You can tell that the organizers and volunteers put a lot of
extra effort to make this rally what it is. I rode with a lady
who is new to distance riding (this is her 2nd organized bicycle
rally) and she was really impressed with everything. We did the
40 mile route, which was about 60% shaded. There were a lot of
hills, but nothing that was insurmountable and some a few of
the roads were of a “shake and bake” variety. Since
we both rode mountain bikes, the rough stretches were not near
the factor they would be if we used road bikes. My friend did
really great. She averaged just under 16MPH for the entire ride.
After the ride, we pat ourselves on the back, enjoyed some wonderful
barbecue, and came home with a great sense of accomplishment.
The Ride was very nice. I rode it last year and this year was
better since this year my bike was working. The rest stops were
all good but one the one at the school in Seagoville they sat
in the chairs and took away the little shade we could get for
a little break. One more place there should have had someone
controlling traffic was the brides over 175 that was one place
people in cars don't care about us riders other than this the
ride was good and i will ride it again next year.
I hope you enjoyed the Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride. It certainly
was a perfect day for a ride and all seemed to go well. Outback
made 1,600 lunches, Mesquite Championship Rodeo donated a ticket
to each rider, we had 13 pickups loaned to us by Town East Ford
and the City of Mesquite and the Mesquite Police, Town of Sunnyvale,
Balch Springs Police City of Seagoville, County Constable Michael
Gothard and Dallas Sheriffs Office, RACES (ham radio operators)
all donated their time as well. Without this kind of community
involvement we couldn't possibly have a bike ride. Special thanks
goes to Dwight & Patti Hawkins and their company Town East
Heating & Air for donating time and setting up their sound
system and scissor lifts for the start & finish lines and
to Past Ride Chairman Steve Whitworth for his advice and tireless
efforts. I could go on forever about our Rotary Club and how
we are dedicated to the effort to eliminate Polio worldwide,
provide scholarship funds and support local charities. Frank
Block, 2003 Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride Chairman
I thought the ride had the best signage I have seen in a long
time. Almost every pothole or rough spot had a sign.There were
over 650 signs used. All these signs were donated by Accurate
Signs of Mesquite. John
Excellent event! Traffic control was superb, the rest stops
were plentiful and all volunteers were helpful and friendly.
I can't think of any way it could have been better and I am looking
forward to seeing the pictures from the finish line. I will absolutely
be there again next year. Many thanks to the Mesquite Rotary
Club for a really fun and safe ride!
I've done four other paid rides this year, but this is the best
one yet. I believe all organized rides should use this one as
an example of how they should be done. Being able to pick up
your packets in advance was a definite plus, plenty of parking,
rest stops were adequately stocked, traffic control was great,
signage was excellent, potholes and rough patches were marked
and the volunteers were very friendly. I rode the 60-miler and
my wife and child rode the 20-miler. The route was great, some
hills toward the end to make it challenging, but overall great
scenery and smooth roads. I'm already looking forward to next
year!
This is the first ride I've done in some time. What a great
way to get back. The organizers did a tremendous job - Great,
well marked scenic route. Challenging, but not overwhelming.
Great support on both rest stops and police assistance at the
intersections. EZ signup, EZ park. Outback, and other contributors
did a fantastic job with the after ride lunch/social. The organizers
even arranged for cool morning, sunny with a very light breeze.
Cannot think of any negative impressions. Overall, I think this
ride rates an A+ in my book. My congratulations to all involved
in putting this one on, Organizers, contributors, volunteers,
and, yes, the riders themselves.
Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride is destined to be the premiere North
Texas bike rally. I've ridden it every year, and few -- if any
-- other rides can hold a candle to Mesquite's 2003 event, which
was planned for cyclists by cyclists. From excellent signage,
patrolled intersections and marked road dings to friendly volunteers
and well-stocked rest stops, "cycling isn't complete until
you ride in Mesquite."
Somebody tell the CTC Ride Director that Mesquite Rotary know
how to plan a ride. For a moment there I thought I was in Cycler's
Heaven, that was until I became victim to a Insectual Onslaught
at the Start line. This had to be the GREATEST ride I've ever
participated in. Heck I even think they organizers paid off Mother
Nature with a small fortune cuz the weather was Perfect!!! I
did the 40 stroll and by the time I was done, I wanted to do
it again. Beautiful scenery and the occasional hill almost made
me forget about the fresh smell of Horse Poo. You guyz laid out
enough signs that even the blind riders could finish it!!! Nice
touch with the pick pothole markings. And definitely hats off
to the Boys In Blue. They did a Superb Job!!!
Great ride. Very well organized and supported - especially traffic
control @ ALL the intersections! Thanks! Parking was great and
picking up packets was a breeze. The rest stops were great -
well stocked and the peanut butter crackers are a great idea!
Only one suggestion - could you provide a different route for
the racers other than the 20-mile loop - we were riding with
two young cyclists and it was very unnerving to them to suddenly
have these speed demons come whizzing by with no warning - where
have all the manners gone - very few riders bother to warn "on
the left" anymore!! Is this a new trend or are we all supposed
to have eyes in the back of our heads? But regardless of the
manners problem - Mesquite puts on a first-class ride and we'll
be back again next year.
I am a bicyclist and a ride event director. This ride compares
to HHH and Lance Armstrong Ride for Roses in community support
and organization. The Mesquite Rodeo grounds is an ideal location
for a ride. The hotel convention area and Outback Steakhouse
post ride meal was a bicyclist's dream. The weather this year
was perfect. The number of police support, turn-traffic control
and road support were staggering. I critique every ride I attend
but could not find any significant fault at this one. My advise
next year is to get there early because this ride will continue
to grow in size.
Well, Mr. Frank Block, 2003 Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride Chairman,
I certainly hope that you organize this ride again next year.
If so, I will be sure to attend. For several days after the ride
I told everyone I know about this ride and it was all high praise.
I am a stickler for organization and this ride blew me away.
I have never felt so safe on a bike ride as yours. Due to the
police and signs (Accurate Signs of Mesquite) at every turn I
was never worried about vehicles or getting lost. All of the
organizers did an outstanding job! Thank you! Thank you! Thank
you!
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 1, 2002
Congratulations to ALL of the folks involved in the superb execution
of this event! - This is my first time doing the Mesquite Rodeo
Ride and I don’t recall participating in a more professionally
accomplished cycling tour – and I’ve done almost
all the tours in North/Central Texas and in Oklahoma. - The route
leading to the Mesquite Rodeo Arena parking lot was manned and
well marked. The parking lot & staging area were paved, clean,
and spacious. The online registration was a snap, the packet
pickup area was central to the event staging area, and the event
personnel were friendly & well informed. The restrooms were
plentiful and clean and were conveniently located. The start
went smoothly and the ride started without a hitch; the course
was well marked, relatively smooth & safe, and was marshaled
in an exceptional manner, which included a smooth well-paced
leadout by the police department. The routes were as scenic as
possible for this patch of the Metroplex and rest stops were
appropriately spaced, well stocked, and plentifully manned by
enthusiastic volunteers; this is one of the rare occasions I’ve
seen floor tire pumps available at the rest stops. The SAG wagons
seemed to be everywhere but weren’t obtrusive. The lead-in
to the finish line was well marked with traffic cones and the
finish line was easily distinguished with signs and the overhead
marquee. The food provided by Outback afterward was exceptional,
and was complimented with chips, nutrition bars, soft drinks,
water, smoothie samples, ice cream bars, cookies, and other assorted
snacks. The volunteers at the after-ride staging & eating
area are to be commended for their enthusiasm & friendliness.
- Simply put, this event sets the standard by which I will judge
all future cycling tours; the tour did everything in an exceptionally
professional, competent, and friendly down-home manner. Way to
go!
This was an excellent rally. Got off to a horrible start with
a flat tire about 1 mile from the starting line and got immediate
assistance from the Plano Cycling and Fitness van. They fixed
the flat, gave me a spare tube and I was on my way (this is one
of those “customer service” things that makes a lasting
impression). I really enjoyed the challenge of the 100K route.
There were some hills on the route that were pretty close to
what I encountered on the Ride for the Roses, but nothing that
an experienced rider couldn’t handle. The route was well
marked and you got plenty of warning about all the bad spots
in the road. The after ride barbecue, massage, and fellowship
really added a lot to the rally. This is an excellent “tune
up” for the Collin Classic
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 2, 2001
It was hard to get lost on this ride, there were so many signs.
At almost every intersection there were police officers stopping
traffic. Even at some of the 4-way stops someone was there. Very
well organized ride, some of the leaders are bikers and it shows.
Good Job.
This was my first organized ride and it was great for a new
rider. I did the 20 mile route. Everything was well marked, there
was great police support at the intersections. Support folks
at the rest stops were friendly and the route was fun. I will
be back next year.
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Mesquite Rodeo ride. Mesquite, TX
June 3rd 2000
Excellent event-this ride is very similar in quality to the
Plano's Collin County Classic. The staging area at the new Mesquite
Hotel and Convention Center was a ideal location. The Outback
Steakhouse served grilled chicken sandwiches in a inside pavilion
where tables and chairs were set up and you could almost view
the Criteriums that were going on. Plenty of parking. I rode
the 60 mile (actually 55) course and hands down this is the best
marked ride in North Texas. There were many intersections and
turns but all were protected by cones/police. The potential for
storms never did materialize but did affect the turnout. This
course has a surprising large % shaded by trees, which in a normal
June weekend would be nice for sun relief. All riders were given
tickets to the evening session of the Mesquite Rodeo. Do yourself
a favor and mark your calendar for this one next year. First
class ride!
2000 Mesquite Rodeo Bike Ride- This is a great ride, too bad
the weather held alot of people back. It turned out to be a nice
day for riding. The whole thing was put on so nicely. the people
were really great, rest stops were great ,the best were the cooperation
from all the police departments, they held up traffic for all
the riders, a big thanks to them, and the races afterward were
fun. A good ride for starters it wasn't very challenging but
a lot of fun, Only thing is the routes could have been a liitle
longer, like maybe an 80 and 100 miler, it is a fast ride.
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