The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Night cyclists climb and coast campus hills

By LeeAnn Jimenez

On a cool February night, with the sun about to set and the roads about to light up, cyclists Edmund and Diane Pascoe race down University Way, the mile-long hill leading to Main Campus. With their bicycle gear on, they are ready to take on their route with energy and perseverance.

Throughout the week, when the sun slowly begins to set, bicyclists are seen riding through University Way, down Verano Way, onto Zarzamora, and through the Loop 410 South feeder road. Some belong to cycling groups and others ride solo for recreational purposes. Some go at a steady pace and others fly by at high speeds. In big groups or riding solo, these riders are ready to go.

With recent trail expansions, San Antonio has many places for cyclists to ride. Texas A&M University-San Antonio offers an attractive option for bike enthusiasts.

“We use the campus mostly when the time changes because it gets dark,” Edmund said. “There’s a lot of lights at the school.”

Most of the riders work a 9-5 job. The only option is to ride at dusk, as many get out of work at 5 p.m.

With a family history of health issues, Edmund likes to cycle to keep healthy and loves the adventure of bike riding.

“It gives me an adrenaline rush,” he said.

“We bike about 20 miles, in laps around the campus,” said his wife, bicyclist Diane Pascoe.

Edmund and Diane said some riders trained for the Tour De Cure, a cycling event which benefits the American Diabetes Association. The event will use the Main Campus as a base zone in May.

To learn more about this event, visit the Tour De Cure website.

Although A&M-San Antonio is a biker friendly campus, the university does not have a cycling program or club. Art Olague, director of recreational sports, said he sees potential in having a program one day.

“That’s something that we are trying to work on right now….provide bikes for the students, whether it be for recreational or activity usage,” Olague said. “Eventually, as we get bigger they can be used for transportation between the buildings.”

About the Author

LeeAnn Jimenez
LeeAnn Jimenez is a reporter for The Mesquite at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She studies Communications and aspires to work in the public relations field following her graduation. She previously wrote for Palo Alto’s Community College online news site, The Pulse. Between working her part-time job and going to school, she makes time for hobbies include hiking, spending time with family, friends, and learning.

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