12:24 PM CDT on Tuesday, July 27, 2004

By KIMBERLY DURNAN / Dallas Web Staff

On gritty urban streets, technical hills at Grapevine Lake's mountain bike course or family rallies in the suburbs, cycling in North Texas continues to grow in popularity.

Scores of cycling clubs, races and rallies in the region are geared toward the hardcore amateur set, timid first-timers and everyone in between.

Long gone are the days when cycling only attracted men in Lycra, said Cindy Bradley, president of the Dallas Off-Road Bicycling Association.

"You see families coming out and riding then having a picnic," she said. "It's just an excellent exercise because you can work on your skills and come away with a real sense of accomplishment. It's healthy, especially when families are active together."

The North Texas region offers opportunities for training, racing or recreational riding with trails for road bikes, mountain bikes and BMX cycles and a closed course for sprinting at the Superdrome in Frisco.

Almost every weekend, a bike rally within driving distance of Dallas is staged, offering cycling distances from 20 to 100 miles. The rides usually are supported with rest stops offering water, sports drinks, snacks and restrooms. Many offer shorter, alternate routes for families and young children.

"It's popular and it's increasing (in popularity)," said Chris Mathews, president of the Plano Cycling Association. "There are a number of reasons we cycle – it's an awful lot of fun, there is the athletic challenge and there is a tremendous amount of camaraderie."

Beginners should get some training for their safety and long-term enjoyment, suggests Sam Leake, director of athletic programs and events at Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center in Dallas.

"A lot of people getting into the sport go out and buy an expensive bike, then they fall, get scratched up and put them in the garage," he said. "A few beginner lessons would teach them skills to keep them safe and make learning and riding more fun."

Lessons and clubs introduce beginners to people with similar skills with whom they can ride and train, making the workouts more social, Leake said.

Part of the sport's growth in North Texas can be attributed to the success of hometown hero Lance Armstrong, the five-time winner of the Tour de France, Mathews said.

"I'm glad to see it's very popular, because I don't like riding alone," he said.

E-mail kdurnan@dallasnews.com