Howdy from Dallas

[Superdave]

Hi,

As you might have guessed, my name is Dave.
I'm a born and rased DFW Metro kid. I've been riding since '79 and
I'm a 4 season commuter in heavy Dallas traffic. In the past, I never
got too much out of Texas but I'm looking to resolve that. I love the
Cherohala Skyway and the Talimena Scenic Route, and will try to work
toward the northwest coast this year (funds permitting).

This forum seems to have a lot of topics that peaked my interest.
I look foward to being a contributor, and maybe small group rides
and get togethers.

Cheers!
Dave

[Superdave]

What are tips for the commute into the city?
Dallas has some very wide multi lane roads that looks a like slalom course at times.

Ride like....
1) You are invisible.
2) Those that can see you want to kill you.
3) Even when you have the Right-of-Way, you don't have the Right-of-Way.

Keep Right on the highways and close to the edge.
Help traffic merge on and off the ramps. You see them, helps them see you.
Never ride next to a car. Try to stay between the gap of what following
distances there are in the lanes next to you.

Oh, and ants bite here. Watch where you lay down your gear.

What are tips for getting around some of those big Texas cities that make DC look like a suburb?

As far as getting around, GPSs are nice.
South end has less traffic than the north end.
Avoid rush hours.
Avoid Arlington (Hwy30 & 360) during any events.

Cheers!
Dave

[Trailace]

Welcome to the forum Dave.

I hate ants :mad:

[Mellow]

Welcome Dave...

I'm okay with Dallas traffic... it's Houston traffic that's crazy, not sure what's up with those folks..:dizzy1:

Hey, what bike do you have?

[Mellow]

So what are the tips for navigating either through or around Houston? Night riding? Is there a beltway? An alternative to the beltway?

I'm just ribbing Rick..

The only thing I try to do when it comes to big cities is avoid morning or evening rush hour..

[Ironheadziggy76]

Welcome to the site Dave.

[Superdave]

How long does it take to get from the outer
"beltway" to the inner city in medium traffic?
You must be from the country because we don't talk in time, we talk
in miles. It can take an hour to go twelve miles.

From your direction, there are a few outer beltways.......
But you know, what it sounds like to me is....
You need to let Mellow and I know when you're coming and one or
both of us will show you around.

Hang on here... nope that's not it..... AHHHH here we go!
Let me put on my Tour Guild Hat. :hatw1:

Okay, Must See Dallas Attractions;
1) The Flying Saucer (http://www.beerknurd.com/stores/thelake) (200+ beers in house, none of which is BudLite Lime).
2) Anywhere Lower Greenville Ave.
3) Hmmm... well I... I guess that's about it.

Can you skip the day rush hours be riding through the city
at late night? How well lit are the highways and streets?
To be honest with you, I try not to ride here at night.
How well lit?? It could be seen from space.

Cheers,
Dave

[TXST_Rider]

Superdave suggested to, "avoid rush hours." What he failed to mention is that rush hours are from 5 AM to 10 PM, at least it seems that way to me when I visit.

Oh, and btw, the City of Grand Prairie likes red light camera tickets, so I just learned the expensive way! :-( I don't know where else in the area that bit of warning applies, but that I DO know!

[Superdave]

Superdave suggested to, "avoid rush hours." What he failed to mention is that rush hours are from 5 AM to 10 PM, at least it seems that way to me when I visit.
Ahh... Ummm.. Weeell, for the most part you're right if you are looking from
the outside in. DFW has about 6.3 million people which is about the same as
the whole state of Tennessee. Greater Houston is not that far behind.


Oh, and btw, the City of Grand Prairie likes red light camera tickets, so I just learned the expensive way! :-( I don't know where else in the area that bit of warning applies, but that I DO know!

Keith, we'll missout on those tourist dollars if you give away all our secrets :well
Red light cameras are everywhere and cause a few accidents.
They are talking about installing portable Speeding cameras as well.
I wish they had cellphone & texting cameras but hey!

Cheers,
Dave

[Superdave]

Ahhh. You have earned your name well! I hope to be on the bike tomorrow making my way there after a chili cookout at the local Harley shop. Figured I'd gas up before going...

OHHH!!! :eek:
Well then call me, I left you my number.

[SCoffman1]

Welcome Dave....I'm also from Dallas. I'm near Preston and Forest. Glad to have another motocamper on board.

[SCoffman1]

Howdy. Welcome to the forum.

I was thinking of meeting my wife out in Dallas while she was at a meeting. What are tips for the commute into the city?

What are tips for getting around some of those big Texas cities that make DC look like a suburb?

Don't let 'em scare you away. I'm also a daily commuter. You can get around reasonably well. I've found that an aggressive approach is better than a timid one. People will encroach in on you if give them the opportunity. Don't be afraid to use your horn. Secure your bike and belongings when you park it. But don't worry about riding here. You can manage.

Now Atlanta..... that's another story. LOL

[TXST_Rider]

Keith, we'll missout on those tourist dollars if you give away all our secrets :well
Red light cameras are everywhere and cause a few accidents.

I really meant to put a smiley after my rush hr comment but forgot.

My invitation to support the local economy came with well spun explanation about the cameras' purpose of reducing red light violations. I didn't buy the spin. Now, if they had WARNED me there were cameras up I would have been more careful. As it was, I was visiting, trying to find my way around and flat missed the light - inattention on my part and guilty as charged, but the camera did NOT help me obey the law. It just lightened my wallet - something with which I needed no assistance. . . :-)

My brother lives in the Ft Worth area, so I hope to be back before too long.

Ride safe!

[Nannan]

So Superdave, have you ever ridden down around the hill country (a little west of Austin)? If not, you are missing some of the MOST beautiful areas of Texas. You said you never really got anything out of Texas but I have found it to have some GREAT riding twists & turns with gorgeous scenery. We rode the "Twisted sister rally" this past year & had a blast!

[David R]

Hey Dave,

Welcome. I grew in the Killeen/Ft. Hood area and now live in southern MD. Every once in awhile I miss the "wide open" spaces Texas has to offer.

Ride safe and enjoy...

[VRider75]

Welcome to the site... check out the reviews threads... it's some great reading on many products...

[Superdave]

So Superdave, have you ever ridden down around the hill country (a little west of Austin)? If not, you are missing some of the MOST beautiful areas of Texas. You said you never really got anything out of Texas but I have found it to have some GREAT riding twists & turns with gorgeous scenery. We rode the "Twisted sister rally" this past year & had a blast!

Wow, your timing for this question is good because...


1) I have sort of been in the hill country. I've rode
around Austin (keep it weird) a few years ago for
some classic bike get together, and rode to Johnson
City back in the "80s on my Norton where we
camped next to some river. I was following, and...
ahhh... it was the '80s so I don't remember that
much about it. :rolleyes:

2) I'm excited about the Texas National Rally (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2741)
that's in three weeks. :p
I have always wanted to go to Fredericksburg, but
the timing always seem to stink. This time I'm going
whether my wife or any of my buddies are going or not!