With over 150 bicycle races annually, Texas is an ideal destination for competitive riders to show off their skills and the perfect practice course sits in the heart of the state at Circuit of The Americas. Whether this is your first time on a bike or your thousandth time clipping in, Bike Night Presented by Ascension Seton is the perfect opportunity to learn to ride, compete with friends, or train for a race.
Keep these races in mind as you pedal away or train for a race:
Conquer the Coast: The 21st annual Conquer the Coast bike ride is set for September 22, 2023 in the scenic, semi-tropical bay of Corpus Christi. This race has gained the reputation of one of the most unique rides in Texas because of the terrain. With options of 10-, 21-, and 65-mile courses, this race has coastal views and city sights for riders of all experience levels.
Red Poppy Bike Ride: Located just outside of Austin in Georgetown, TX, the Red Poppy Bike Ride was created by locals in 2004 as a fundraiser. This ride benefits the Sertoma scholarship for Georgetown ISD, which is the leading scholarship for hard of hearing or deaf students, and the Williamson County Children Advocacy Center. There are five well-defined and supported routes of 15, 39, 45, 60, and 100 miles; the 15-mile “Family Circle” race ensures that there is a spot for everyone.
Bike Around the Island: With 20- and 43-mile-long route options, this race is one to train for. This race runs on Saturday, October 21, with additional two-day race options available. Check out Bike Around the Bay, taking place on the same weekend, but with 77- and 97.5-mile routes along the Galveston coast. The 97.5-mile route takes place on Saturday followed by the 77-mile route on Sunday.
Hotter’N Hell Hundred: One of the oldest and largest cycling events in the nation, Hotter’N Hell started as a centennial celebration of Wichita Falls in 1982; this quickly became tradition and has rapidly grown since. Over 13,000 people make the trek to Wichita Falls to compete in four days of challenging and inspiring activities, this year from August 24-27. The race gets its name from the 100-mile-long race taking place in the notorious Texas heat. What better place to train for this endeavor than in Central Texas at The Circuit?
College Station MS150: Each year, nearly 50,000 cyclists and more than 5,000 teams participate in MS150 races across the U.S. with the goal to bring an end to multiple sclerosis. This MS150 race is held from April 29-30 in College Station, TX. One of the biggest fundraisers for the cause, the MS150’s stretch 150-miles, this particular race just under two hours away from COTA. Make it a fun weekend trip and end by visiting the Texas A&M campus, home of the Aggies.
Want to easily track your laps? Become a member of the Ascension Texas Sports Performance Cycling Club on the Strava App. The app records riders’ mileage and stats while offering members the chance to win various prizes. Be on the lookout for more exciting opportunities at upcoming Bike Night events at COTA. See y’all out there!
