The TBC worked with the National Conference of State Legislators to organize a bike ride for attendees of the Conference in San Antonio on Friday, December 8, 2006. A chilly December morning brought out legislators, family, and staff to ride the scenic route through San Antonio. The hearty group was in good spirits preparing for their ride with hot coffee and baked Mexican patries before being fitted for bikes and helmets. With everyone geared-up, the group departed the hotel at 6:30 a.m. for the 10 mile tour through town.
The ride was hosted by Texas State Senators Leticia Van de Putte (D) of San Antonio and Jeff Wentworth (R) of San Antonio. Senator Leticia Van de Putte and Senator Jeff Wentworth arrived at the beginning of the ride to cheer on riders and support the efforts of their local teams. This was the second NCSL Bi-partisan ride that TBC has supported this year. The first ride was in August with Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis (R) and Tennessee State Senator Jim Tracy (D) hosting the event in Nashville, Tennessee. That event proved to be a huge success as well with sixteen elected officials and twenty-five legislative staff riding the Stones River Greenway.
Highlights of the ride included a brief spin through the picturesque King William Neighborhood featuring pristine Victorian homes dating back to the 18th century and a front-row view of the beautiful 250-year old Mission Concepcion, one of six churches developed by the Franciscans in the early 1700s to serve as a buffer of loyal native subjects against the threat of French incursion. After a quick rest stop and photo opportunity at the mission, the leisurely paced ride went back into the heart of downtown San Antonio, providing a stimulating visual tour of the historic El Mercado Square, Santa Rosa Hospital and Jesse Trevino Mural, San Fernando Cathedral, and the restored Majestic Theater. Before heading back, the route pedaled by the infamously colorful San Antonio Library and architecturally interesting Museum of Art. A smooth and rolling downhill stretch down Broadway took riders straight to the finish at the Hyatt.
Valero and HEB cycling teams were on-hand to guide the riders along the route and help with bike mechanics and helmet fittings. HEB provided a delicious continental breakfast, Texas Coffee Traders from Austin donated the coffee, and Ripley’s Believe it Or Not donated the beautiful courtyard space for volunteers and TBC staff to set up prior to the event. TBC provided the bicycles and helmets.
