The Houston Moonlight Bicycle Ramble was established in 1972. For some people this is the only 20 miles they ride each year. For others it will be just another great time, over 2000 riders participated in the 2007 moonlight ramble Oct 28th, riding with friends a refreshing change to the Houston heat and humidity (moonlight bike ride October at 2am) the best time in absolutely beautiful cool fall weather. It is a real treat to ride Memorial Parkway and Allen Parkway with so may bicycles.

BikeHouston is proud to announce our 35th annual Moonlight Bicycle Ramble will be held Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 2:00am.  http://www.bikehouston.org/
More than a family bike ride, the Bike Houston Moonlight bicycle ramble is a rolling party. This two hour recreational bicycle ride is for cyclists of all abilities, offering courses of approximately 8 and 20 miles. Both routes start at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, Texas. Your participation in the ride will help promote bicycling in the Houston area.
The designated bike routes change from year to year, both the short route (8 miles) and a longer route (20 miles) include complimentary rest stops.

The ride started in 1973 that first year, 368 people started from the City Hall Annex and rode virtually the same route as is used at the present time. It is known as the longest running bicycle ride in Houston.
  The recreational ride, which begins at the George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenue De Las Americas is a family event with live music and performances by the Feathers and Fringe belly dancers, a costume contest, and a best lighted bike contest. First, second and third-place prizes are offered to winners of each contest. The event is deemed a "rolling party" in that it will take place rain or (moon) shine.

How should I pass another cyclist on a bike lane?
The same traffic rules apply. If you are a cyclist, check behind you to make sure no vehicles are on the left lane. Use your hand signals to let other vehicles know your intentions. When passing the other cyclist, you can use an audible signal such as a bell or voice signal to let the other cyclist know you are "Passing". This avoids surprises. If you are a motorist you will be traveling on a separate lane. Remember to be aware of bicyclists traveling on the bike lane, especially when making a right turn. Signal to let all vehicles know your intentions. Be aware that bicyclists may travel outside of the bike lane if necessary.

What is the correct way of passing a cyclist on a shared road?
If you are a bicyclist, the same traffic rules hold true for passing bicycles or other vehicles on a shared road. If you are a motorist remember that the bicycle is a vehicle too and has the right to occupy the full lane under certain conditions. You must pass on the left lane following the normal traffic rules.

Do I need to have lights on my bike?
State law requires that you have a front light and a rear reflector. A blinking red light is advisable.

Bike Lingo  The most common terms you may hear in group sponsored rides and tours:
"On your left or On your right" - A rider is approaching your left or right side. Allow room to pass.
"Car Back" - A car is approaching from the rear. All riders make an effort to move to the right of the road in a single file until the car passes. It is state law that cyclists ride no more than two abreast. This ensures that traffic will not be impeded, and will make passing easier and safer for the cyclists.
"Gravel" - "Pothole" - "Sand" - "Tracks"- Each of these messages is to alert the riders behind you of hazardous road conditions. The words are combined with the gesture of pointing to the hazard well in advance.
"Flat" - Indicates that a rider has suffered a flat tire. Allow enough room for the rider to slow down and move to the right side of the road for repair. Offer assistance if needed.
"Slowing" - The cyclist in front of you is slowing down. Use caution and prepare to stop.
"Stopping" - Indicates that a rider ahead is stopping. Do not forget to unclip from your pedals.
Remember to pass all communication on to the next cyclist in the group. Speak loudly and clearly.

Link to Houston bikeway maps http://www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/bikeways/phases.htm
 

other links of bicycle interest 

www.bikehouston.org/   Safety on the Street - Bicycle Anywhere in Houston .

www.biketexas.org/

www.bicycletexas.com/houston.htm

www.ms150.org/  The BP MS 150 Bike Tour is a two-day cycling adventure from Houston to Austin that raises funds to help people living with MS.

Repair expert - http://www.sheldonbrown.org/bicycle.html

www.bikemag.com/