16 Jul 2026
Hell of The North Texas and Health Update | Episode 071626
Full crash and health discussion on ShiftLess Episode 152
Hell of the North Texas is 100% ON for this Sunday, but we have some critical logistical changes due to a recent bike crash and an unexpected health update. We're also hitting pause on most major Spinistry events until September so we can focus on health and build out a massive community vision for the Midnight Massacre weekend.
Here is everything you need to know for this weekend's ride, what’s going on behind the scenes, and how you can get involved in our upcoming fall events.
Due to physical limitations from my crash and potential Saturday rain, we have to adjust our weekend operations. Please read carefully if you are riding this Sunday:
Course Marking (30 & 45-Mile Only): We plan to mark ONLY the 30-mile and 45-mile routes on Saturday afternoon, weather permitting.
Self-Navigation for Long Routes: If you are riding the 75-mile or 110-mile routes, do not expect course markings. You must use GPS navigation. The routes were verified last week and are solid; final map adjustments will be released by Saturday morning at the latest.
No Guaranteed SAG or Sweeps: I am unable to sweep the routes in the Jeep as I normally do. Please be self-sufficient and do not rely on a SAG vehicle. If you want to volunteer as a riding sweep for any of the distances, let us know Sunday morning—we’ll make it worth your while!
NETT Trail Conditions Needed: We were unable to scout the Northeast Texas Trail (NETT) section between Bagwell and Roxton. If you have ridden this stretch recently or scout it before Sunday, please leave a comment or message us with condition updates.
Aid Stations: Designated water tables, snacks, staging area support, and finish line refreshments will still be fully stocked and ready for you.
Last Saturday, I took a ridiculous tumble on a bike path after clipping a signpost. While getting my thumb stitched up was easy, a massive hematoma developed in my left hip a few hours later. It requires 10 to 14 days for my body to process and is completely wiping out my energy levels right now.
The blessing in disguise: During the ER scans to check the bleeding in my hip, doctors incidentally found an early-stage mass on one of my kidneys that is likely cancerous. While that is tough news to hear, finding it this early is the absolute best-case scenario for this type of issue—it rarely shows up on standard blood work. My oncologist appointment is set for July 29th to map out the next steps. Thank you all for the incredible messages and support; welcome to adulting!
To give me time to sort out my health, standard Spinistry events are on hold until the Midnight Massacre weekend on September 19th in Gainesville.
We are partnering with our friends at 35 & Liberty to turn that weekend into a massive, air-conditioned North Texas cycling community expo. We want to bring together local clubs, bike shops, keynote speakers, clinics, and vendor demos into one space.
We need your feedback: Would you be interested in a massive community Bike Swap that Saturday afternoon before the ride? Let us know in the comments if you would want to buy, sell, or display!
Summer Pop-Up Rides: While major events are on hold, we will still host casual, weather-dependent pop-up rides throughout July and August. Look out for impromptu night MTB laps at Knob Hills and Northshore, as well as some nighttime gravel grinders.
Hell of the North Texas: Sunday UpdatesPersonal Health Update: The "Why" Behind the ChangesThe Future: Midnight Massacre & Summer Pop-Ups
00:00 Race Day Changes
06:15 Health Update
09:03 Midnight Massacre Weekend
