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Thanks for the feedback on SN all. That worked out great! The trails are in very good condition. Even east Peddlers and Mulligan. Brave the cold and get a ride in before that changes again.

Token geologist here. All regions will vary, but yes locally here in Austin we (for the most part) don’t suffer from severe erosion. Where you do see it will be the lower lying areas which is pratically just at the surface level (shoal creek). We are lucky we have a solid foundation that is porus enough to drain and filter water but still has enough backbone to hold its own for many lifetimes. That’s the mythical of limestone. Love that shit. Sandstone, siltstone and mudstone among other fine grain sedimentary stones don’t provide that guarantee. Go ride Houston’s memorial park. Nothing but sandstone and super fine grain surface silt/sand. Eroded to shit. We are fortunate to have such a great foundation here. ETA: this may be a troll after I read it again with my first bourbon of the night. That said, I still feel I provided a decent rock nerd moment for the website. Good day.

The easiest way to find the trail is to start at RedHorn /Peddlers . The trail head is just down the grass hill behind the bank and Sonic. But if you wanna access it from the bcrt you need to take that tunnel under pass under Brushy Creek rd. Then take the neighborhood street Walsh Trail the majority of the way . from there are a few different ways to get to the dirt trail. Zoom in on his strava to see one option. Or I van send more detailed turn list if needed. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

i broke the end of my radius right behind my thumb. there seemed to be quite a few folks there....maybe 40-50 or so. i was able to do 4 runs in literally the time it took to ride the lift up and then do the run. there was no wait at the top or the bottom. the lift ride is slow, at least 5 mins, maybe 7-8. the lift does NOT appear to have been assembled by carnies on meth, which was something i was concerned about. it seemed very solid and quiet. half of the lift chairs have hooks on the backs. the other half have those restraint bars that swing down from overhead and run the whole width of the chair, which seats 3-4. it is arranged every-other-seat i.e bike seat, people seat, bike seat, people seat. you load your own bike at the bottom except for the first time, when they load it for you so you can see how to do it. you dont have to lift the bike too high but the hooks take some practive and i ended up grabbing my bike by the fork with my left hand and the seat stay with my right. but at the top they always unload it for you. the people up at the top were competent and really nice. -cls

Here is an example to illustrate the problem with riding wet trails. IMBA published trail design guidance. Others, like the US Forestry Service, National Parks Service, and many others have published almost the same guidance because it works. The recommended trail design follows the Half Rule. That means that the trail slope is not more than half of the slope of the fall line (steepest slope of the hill). This is done intentionally so that water runs ACROSS the trail instead of down the trail. The trail is also "outsloped" (see picture below). Again, this is done intentionally to drain water off the trail instead of down the trail. If the trail was "insloped" at least a portion of water running down to the trail from above would be trapped by the back slope and start running down the trail. The "berm" shown in the picture needs to be removed so it allows water to flow across the trail. So look what happens when a few riders ride on soft wet trails (red parts in picture). Some of the water is trapped on the trail and runs down the trail. That makes the whole trail softer. The a few more riders come thru and ride the softer trail. Now the trail is more like a drainage ditch than a trail. Then water is directed down the trail instead of across and off the trail. That water focuses all of the energy on washing away dirt and rock and everything in its path. Pretty soon the only thing left of the trail is a big erosion ditch like crazyt's picture. At some point the trail has to be repaired or the whole trail washes away. Don't think that happens in Austin? How about this picture from City Park. You know that trail we all try to ride when everything else it too wet. There are quite a few people who spend a whole lot of their time fixing trails so the trails stay open. I know I would rather spend that time riding or at least building new trails.

I think you’re referring to Surburban Ninja, which leads to Red Horn/Peddlers. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already, it’s a sweet trail and a good way to end a ride with a beer.

Better than arguing with certain people about inane things! At least we're discussing cool/weird bike things here and nerding out.

I can attest that stainless steel ain't cheap to have installed and removed either. But the weight savings is more significant than titanium, upon removal.

Stopped in Moab on my way back from Portland last week. Ended up staying a full day there and riding the Magnificent 7 trails, which I've never ridden before. The first several trails were great! Then I got to the Gold Bar and Portal trails at the end. The first section of Gold Bar was fine, but then you get to a section of trail also used by Jeeps, and that wasn't as much fun (and a ton of brutal climbs!) After that, you do the long Gold Bar Rim trail, which runs along a canyon edge along Highway 191 north of Moab. Finally, the Portal trail, which has pretty extreme exposure and I walked a good portion of that due to the very high penalty of failure (death). I never need to ride that particular trail again! Photos here: I was going to hit as much of The Whole Enchilada as I could, and they were dropping people off at UPS (although there was a possibility of going as high as Kokopelli). Will have to come back earlier in the year before Burro Pass is closed. ..Al

This is awesome... Let’s face it, you send a message with what you say AND what you do. If words aren’t supported with consistent actions, they will ring hollow. Someone once said, “Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold — but so does a hard-boiled egg.” 1. The emperor is all talk, no action. Like the emperor’s new clothes, everything is centered on the show rather than on substance. He talks a good game, but don’t expect any action or follow-up from this empty suit. 2. The politician will say anything to win your vote of confidence; this person is great with words but don’t ask for accountability. Once this opportunist gets what she wants, she’s nowhere to be found. 3. The hypocrites are so full of @#%^*?! that even they don’t believe what they are saying. Forget action on their part. They have a hard enough time keeping their own stories straight. 4. The drifters have no backbone. They make statements one minute and change their positions the next. If it seems that these folks are confused or evasive, it’s because they are. 5. The professor speaks eloquently about theory, but that’s where it ends. Action? That thought never crossed her mind. As the popular saying goes, “An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.” 6. The zombie is so oblivious to reality he doesn’t even realize that his words are out of step with his actions. It only takes someone else to shine a bright light on this fellow to expose his insincerity. When you “walk the talk,” your behavior becomes a catalyst for people’s trust and faith in you. And it also emphasizes what you stand for. So, any time you make a claim, no matter how small, and display inconsistent behavior, you shatter the comfort zone — and weaken your bond of trust with others. As a result, anything thought to be predictable in the future may be treated as suspect. The fact is, everything you do in life sends a message. So make sure to practice what you preach. As Ben Franklin said, “Well done is better than well said.”

i only rode the green today. my riding is terrible in general but today i learned in particular that i don't know how to navigate sharp turns. and i'm not talking about my little swerve-and-eat-sh*t event at the bottom after my 4th run; i'm talking about every turn on the run itself. the turns on the green run are pretty sharp and most are almost 180* but they are not tight little switchbacks. they are bermed and very deep, each turn almost has a pocket, if you know what i mean. but i was still crawling through each on e of them. or that's what it felt like, at least. i look forward to going out there and practicing more. in 6-8 weeks. no rocks or jumps on the green. just turns and rollers.

DAYUM Mr CatLady! But perhaps it's a badge of honor to be the first, of likely many, to visit the local ER after an incident there!

It is easy to tell the difference AFTERWARD. If they made it and rode or even walked away - that is badass. If they didn't make it or had to go to the doctor - that was stupid as hell. Not much overlap in my mind.

Well, it was a $100 day after all. $50 to get in, and $50 for the ER co-pay after I fell off my bike at the end of my 4th run. I came in too fast to the clearing where the lift is. i was headed towards going between a group of ppl and the platform. one of the ppl moved and i swerved and lost it. Just stupidity on my part. it was fun while it lasted, though - snow and all. -cls

Very cool.

There's a fine line between badass and stupid as hell.... or is there overlap?

Thank you, @First-Blood! I'll definitely look for this next time I'm out there, which will be when it's warmer and not wet!

Grackles were here WAY before Seth......either of them.

The growth of Austin (pavement and impervious cover) sends more water, more faster, through existing creeks and streams. Like at Roy G. Like what might happen to the Walnut wall ride. At Cat Mtn/Hill Country you loose topsoil until you hit rock. That Cali trail got trashed and should have been outsloped. What's this about again?

YouTuber Seth "Bike Hacks" is at Spider MTN now. Blame him for the graupel.

Yes sir! We have been collecting such measurements. But with all such data - there is never enough data. Or it is in the wrong spot. Or you should have started measuring years ago. Etc. Etc. Etc. You might remember a local mtb rider by the name of Ross Martin. He was local until he earned his PhD at Texas State in 2017 before he moved away to be a university professor. His dissertation and many of the papers he wrote were about erosion, impact of bicycles vs hikers, measuring and documenting the impact, etc. He even did a 'radio type interview' with somebody like Pink Bike / MTBR / etc on the very subject. Again, he was saying the impact needs to be measured and documented so that is viewed in terms of facts as opposed to opinions.

This is one of my favs: Ezekiel 23:20 : 20 "There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses." HAWT!!!!!!!

I should point out that BCRT, or at least in the Deception/picnic/Mulligan area, did not see 30 minutes of hard rain as your Strava posts mentions. In fact, my rain gauge, which is about 200 ft from Deception didn’t even record 0.10”. The statement in Strava is misguiding as it implies that BC trails will be good to go even after 30 minutes of rain. Had the area gotten that rain there’s no way they’d be rideable.

No.

Pics, or it didn't happen

Most erosion concerns regarding trails can be addressed through application of the 50% rule and of rolling grade dips in the trail design. Armoring, ladder bridges, and other methods are also available to the trail builder who places sustainability high on their list of design criteria. The same techniques can be applied to repair and improve existing trail, along with maintenance of trail tread to promote sheet flow across the trail, rather than water being channeled into a narrow path following the trail. The fact that IMBA's preeminent tome on sustainable trail construction provides chapters of information specific to addressing this very topic quite literally speaks volumes to counter arguments toward these environmental concerns. Additional studies have shown how MTB tires rolling on a trail actually help address damage done to the trail surface by nature, as well as that done by equestrian and human use, and further exemplifies how mountain bikes contribute to sustainability and erosion prevention in concert with a sustainable design. Lastly, the significant impact of the biking community in volunteer efforts for construction and maintenance of trail systems when compared to participation by other user groups further places mountain bikers at the pinnacle of desired users for any trail system.

Not trolling The city environmental group tried to close the cat trails due to "erosion" concerns and impervious cover. The city claimed that any trail used for biking becomes impervious cover. When you read environmental papers erosion appears everywhere. I couldnt understand why it was such a big deal when it is limestone and barely changes year to year. A lot of the concern in the BCP is due to erosion. If the warbler is delisted, they will cite erosion due to mtb as a reason not to open it up. I ride the trail in the picture in california and I got notice through a california group that the trail is closed due to erosion. When I looked at the picture, I realized their geology is completely different. How do you fight "erosion" concerns with discussions about geology?

The thing about integrity is how consistent integration of thought and action are paramount in order for such a state of being to be recognized.

I'm going. -cls

So Californians are to blame for all the chaos along Shoal Creek?

Journey LONG before Steve Perry. I was 15 when I saw this show. The early music fuggin rocked!

It is even more expensive when you have them remove the titanium from your body. lol

Also, you may think titanium is expensive when it is outside of your body... -cls

neckbraces get much more expensive after you crash.

The added BB height was a bonus and the bike reach is perfect now imo, but I am running a 50mm stem vs 35mm I had originally intended so that really just counteracts the reach part.

Whole Enchilada is a must. Capt. Ahab is amazing Mag 7 is cool I didn’t ride portal but I’ve heard it’s an experience. You will love it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not seeing how the bikes get up the lift. I did not see anything attached to the chairs. Am I just missing it? And man this makes me want to hit Viper's Den again. It is so much fun.

And frankly, some of what he said needed to be said (with regards to trails and riding anyway).

Pinkbike just posted this: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-first-impressions-of-the-year-round-lift-access-at-spider-mountain-in-texas.html Cool to hear one of the IFHT guys opinion and comments on the trail as the dude has whistler in his backyard.

Playing drums is another great stress reliever. My home "quiet" kit. Haha

Speaking of great covers …… even Daltrey and Townshend are mesmerized by this performance honoring the Who.

And the fact that Rockshox is putting out a wireless dropper post is kinda cool too.

The price is ridiculous, but I would love this setup. The clean cockpit of a single speed bike, but with dropper and eagle drivetrain. Way easier to strip down the bike for cleaning. And being able to customize the functionality via the app satisfies the nerd in me. The price will come down over time and before you know it we'll all be adding spare AXS batteries to our hydration packs.

Went out there with the best of intentions, and we all know where the road paved with good intentions leads, right? Good, we're on the same page. At this moment I'm back at home recovering. Both my smart watch and bike computer agree that I rode 1.68 miles (they rarely agree). The watch also shares how I accumulated over 5400 steps, 73% of which were "Active" and 3% were "Intensive" which may help explain why I feel like I need intensive care about now. Now, for the good intentions part. I brought the Fiskars 15" loppers along. This is a nasty habit of mine that seems to have fully infected my blood, a habit I can't seem to kick, a monkey perched precariously upon my back and gleefully laughing while holding on to the end of small bow saw tucked in my pack. It has been a while since I had my last fix. I guess I was Jonesin' and must confess how I didn't go into this relapse all reserved and timid. I mainlined it. And no, the 5400 step program had little effect, other than leading to my being WFO (Wore Fuckin' Out). There is a section of trail I had built years ago that cut out a section of Grey's Way (by request of the land owner) that went up Ike's Peak. Ike's replacement added quite a bit of new, challenging trail to Grey's Way. It appeared to have not had a trim since I originally hacked it out of the hill where it parallels Fat Chuck's Demise. I have noticed how it seemed to be seeing less and less traffic as folks probably glanced at the growth on this trail that goes straight, at a point where riders can take a bailout to the right onto Fat Chuck's instead. Today it got hacked back enough to last at least another five years, hopefully. Sight lines have improved and trail lines are available again that the growth had blocked. I hope that folks find it inviting and enjoy this rather grueling section of trail more often. Next, I wanted to trim another of my creations, Super Secret Switchback, as it has become very narrow at the top just before crossing the jeep road. As I meandered in that general direction I was reminded of a bypass put in for a recent race in the wet in order to avoid the nasty clay section in the first switchback to the right going up. The work was clearly done in haste to make the race route passable. It may have been used since for other events, and if this continues the bypass could turn into a drainage that would eventually erode away if folks continued to use it in the wet. I appreciate what a mess that clay section can be and I've had misgivings over originally routing the trail there just to gain a little more length. SSS trail has become a favorite route up for a lot of riders, and this one section makes it a real pain to ride when it is wet. But this bypass, though workable now, may not be a permanent solution and I had been scouting for a fix for a while and found a spot between the makeshift bypass and that clay turn that I think will let riders carry more speed both going up and especially coming down (once it forms a berm). It will drain well and meets the 50% rule of trail building. For now I've left the original trail open, and hope to see folks start using this new section. If it catches on I'd like to close the clay section and make this a done deal. However, I didn't have all the tools I'd usually use to build new trail. Particularly missing was a rake to remove ground cover, so I crafted a makeshift rake from a Cedar branch and got 'er done. This last effort had eclipsed the event horizon of my good intentions for the day as I spiraled into the black hole of fatigue. The legs were done, I was toast, and, embarrassingly, I never made it to that last section of SSS that needed a trim. Knowing this will be a fairly big job, I put it off for today, but will try to knock it out next time I'm out there. UPDATE: The clay section will be permanently retired. If you like collecting sticky clay while riding in the wet get it now, before I hide it forever. I'll probably be carrying the loppers on more rides at RHR from here on. Over the years my method was always to spend fifteen or thirty minutes trimming on any given ride. By concentrating on being thorough rather than quick, by cutting most of the Yaupon at ground level and trimming back bigger stuff, the efforts can last a few years. Doing this work with a plan will eventually open things up and the face slappers will be out of business. Just wish that more riders at RHR shared such an approach to mixing in a little trail maintenance with their ride. Despite paying a fee to ride, the fact is that most maintenance work done out there is by volunteer labor. As far as trail conditions go, it was a little wet, but no significant accumulation, only slick rocks and roots. Keep in mind I only rode about 3/4 of a mile in from the Upper Campground, and then a little less back out as I took the road from The Wall down.

311 mile loop.