Bike Ride Changes From Tom B.

I have made a few changes in our

proposed March bike ride schedule.

Louise and I will be leaving on March 17

and will return about March 27.

 There is one ride on the schedule which will have to be done

without our leadership.

 That is the ride at Llano Grande State Park

 and Birding Center.

Since we have been there before and the park location

is easily described, I chose that as the ride for March 22.

 Riders may either go as a group without a leader or a leader may step forward to take the lead for this ride.

I'll continue to pursue a leader and

hopefully have one to stand in for us that week.

Please change the calendar listings for the March rides.

We'll get a revised bike ride list for April to you in late March.

We will plan to conclude the bike ride season in mid-April.

Thank you,

Tom Butler, 44

Each Tuesday departing the Sandpipers Gate at 9:00 a.m.

 

March 1, 2011 – Sandpipers Olympics – No bicycle ride.

March 8, 2011 – NABA Butterfly Garden – We park at Bentsen State Park and ride one mile to the Butterfly Garden and return. The road is level and mostly paved with a short section of gravel. There is a small admission charge at the Butterfly Garden. With warm spring temperatures there should be plenty of butterflies. Bring binoculars and a camera if you wish to observe the butterflies closely. Insect repellant is also recommended. There are numerous opportunities to see unusual butterflies on a good day. There is a small admission fee for the Butterfly Garden. Our lunch stop will be BJ’s Brewhouse at Ware Road.

March 15 – Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge – Laguna Atascosa is north of Port Isabel . The ride starts inland and proceeds to the coast of the Laguna Madre. Along about five miles of coastline we’ll see sea and shore birds and perhaps other wildlife. The body of water for which this refuge is named lies inland and can be reached by car trip following our ride. If you are interested and it is possible, we’ll try to get to the Alligator Pond to see alligators following our ride. This is a long ride, about 14 miles, on level paved roads with the last two miles on gravel. Pack a picnic lunch as we will stop at a scenic overlook pavilion for lunch while along the route. Weather will likely be very warm, bring plenty of water, insect repellant, camera, binoculars and bird guide. There is a fee for admission to the National Wildlife Refuge. If you have a National Parks and Federal Lands Pass, you will get in free.

March 22 – Estero Llano Grande – This World Birding Center lies along and east of FM 1015 or International Boulevard. This is the road to Progresso. This ride is a repeat from the fall rides. Our last visit here was most productive in sighting a variety of song birds and aquatic waterfowl. We also saw several alligators and toured a RV park which is now abandoned following its integration into the park. The total ride length is about 5 miles on gravel trails and boardwalks. Lunch will be at Fat Daddy’s BBQ which is just north of the park on FM 1015. Bring a camera, binoculars, bird guide, insect repellant and water for this ride. There is a $5 per person fee for admission. Tom and Louise Butler will be out of the park for this ride so leaders will have to rise from the group or the group may proceed to this ride without a leader!

March 29 – South Padre Island – A long drive but a pleasant ride through the most inhabited portion of the Island. We’ll park at the Convention Center and then ride to Isla Blanca State Park and return, a total distance of about 8 miles. Along the way we’ll ride the Gulf side of the island and then return along the Laguna Madre side of the island. This ride will be during spring break so you never know what wildlife we’ll see! While on the ride we’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant so bring a bicycle lock. A camera and water are also recommended for this ride. Admission to Isla Blanca State Park is free for bicycle riders.