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This is a great point. @rugger, @First Blood, @HoneyBadger and all the other buttholes out there have poured a tremendous amount of energy and love into all the Brushy trails. Just a few years ago there was NOTHING there except a few deer trails and couple of rogue paths. Now, there is a world class trail system that has made the city of Cedar Park a destination. Even if all the builders stepped away from those trails right now, I would still contend that they should never pay for a beer in this town again. Wilco Parks and Rec will never understand exactly how lucky they were to have trails built FOR FREE that are enjoyable AND sustainable.

Aside from just being a convenient connector, that was really just an all around awesome stretch of trail in both directions. I understand the situation and will of course comply, but that sweet track will be sorely missed. For what it's worth, I personally would have given up Mulligan in an instant to keep Up-and-Over.

If you ride Mulligan be careful where the trail crosses the low/ muddy spots. I started working on it. I dug small channels across the trail to release water from a pond that formed above the trail due to deadfall. Its going to take a while to finsh the work. Pics below are a before and after of the last low spot. I included a picture of the pond thats formed and the channel to lower release the water. The pond was the reason the low spots are remaing wet permanently. It was allowing a small constant stream of water to run down the trail keeping it wet all the time. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

I agree. Up and Over was much better than Mulligan.

Thank you and the other builders/stewards who have helped create and maintain these trails. I can definitively say that having these trails 10 minutes from my house has changed my life for the better and has drastically improved my health (mental health probably more so than physical). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So I've managed to lose 15 lbs in 2 months despite not being able to ride my bike and without giving up beer! Now that I've got the diet back in order, the fat is literally melting away and I'm getting my glucose levels back under control. Once I start riding my bike again, I may have to drink more beer just to keep from getting too skinny.

Following the trail closure, a plan of action is been formulated to strengthen the relationship between ARR and Williamson County Parks dept. The worst thing that can happen at the moment is for people to ignore the trail closure and keep riding it. No-one knows if that trail will be open again, but I can just about guarantee it won't if people keep using it. Think long term. If you see someone riding it explain their actions are making it more difficult to partner with Williamson County Parks dept. Also, social media complaining is only going to make the situation worse. Local Land Managers do look at these forums, MTB facebook groups, and twitter to gather information about what's happening on the trails. I personally have had to apologize several times to a Land Manager for things mtber's (i've never met) have posted on line.

Yeah that isn’t a gigantic loss, but look for more collisions in that humpy, flowy creek crossing at the bottom of the double track by the BCRT bridge. Also, that was one of the better (only) decent climbs out there. Down was fun, too. I bet it’s gonna be touuugghhh to keep runners from using it.

If it’s an unsanctioned trail then I guess I can’t be that upset. Pretty bummed though. That downhill from the top of that trail to the bcrt was a banger.

Venom on ice with a twist of Benadryl 👹🤘🤘.

There is a very effective solution I've used on Peddlers Pass

It is a losing battle, but I've been fighting at at Walnut, Brushy, other local joints for going on 3 years now, and for 15+ years in NY before that. I haven't given up, and I know at a minimum the asshat who un-blocks the B or C line over and over is at least as frustrated as I am while I'm blocking the B or C line. To paraphrase Good Will, "because fuck 'em, that's why." Most of the ones at Walnut are just stupid. Just a cut through connecting one trail to another, when it already connected in 10 feet! Why the hell do you have to cut through instead of gong 10 more feet up the trail? And then there's the new line around any particular tree to the left instead of the right, or opposite. What. Is. The. Point? But then sometimes new lines do evolve. The middle of Outer Log Loop had a new line evolve to the left of a particular tree instead of the right, when a berm just upstream caused folks to go into the section much faster. That's fine, but now it's time to close the original line. I have accepted that I will forever be throwing sticks and stumps and leaves and such into new lines as they occur.

Up here around Fort Hood, Cedar Park is definitely known for its bike trails. I heard Copperas Cove was working on putting in a bike trail, and I know Harker Heights has a popular network, but a lot of guys up here have Cedar Park as a top destination for hitting the trails. Which then brings us to the local bike shops and restaurants. Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

The sealant dries up, so you have to add more every few months (more often during the hot and dry seasons). The initial setup can be a PITA, too. Some tire/rim combos are more finicky than others. A compressor helps a lot, so there is also that barrier to entry.

Definitely don't go to Big Bend without some solution. If it's too much trouble to maintain tubeless on the possibly little-use bike, you could just use Slime tubes. If you can't find the right tubes at Walmart, you can probably find them online. I didn't want to set my little-use fat bike up as tubeless, so I just got a bottle of Slime, removed the valve core, and squirted a bunch of Slime in there.

Technically it's a diabetes prevention diet but much of it is just common sense. The focus is on eating plenty of protein and produce, with limited doses of high-fiber grains and good fats. No calorie counting and no carb counting, but by following the prescriptive ingredients, you naturally reduce carbs and completely eliminate the processed sugars that are killing us as a population. For me portion control has been a real key but I eat 5-6 times per day - 3 meals and 3 healthy snacks. I usually start my day early (5am) with an Atkins protein shake and a pot of coffee (half-caf). After my morning workout my breakfast might be a small serving of bran cereal with blueberries and a splash of milk. Then a high-fiber protein bar for a mid-morning snack. Lunch is usually meat and cheese on whole wheat bread and a small apple or equivalent. Afternoon snack is usually a handful of almonds. Dinner is mostly meat and veggies/legumes, but depending on how much my body is craving, I might throw in a little starch (like rice) or good fats (like sliced avocado).

Perhaps we just need additional signs reminding people not to stop at blind corners or on the trail, and some signs/plaques thanking and acknowledging the trail builders and groups so people realize that the MTB aren't invading, they are actually making this happen! I think most people just think the trails were there forever and the trees and rocks just grew into berms...

I was out there Sunday and ran into a couple families out walking the trails. The sad part of this is that many times the hikers have the attitude that the trail is for them and not MTBers. I don't think that these people know or realize that if not for the MTB community none of these trails would exist. I think that people are generally ignorant and think that the trails have been built by the county or city for pedestrian use. I completely understand that once these trails are in place they become public multi use which is fine, I always yield to pedestrians but sometimes it's hard when they're just standing at a blind point in the trail. Many times these people are oblivious to anything around them and are staring at their phones not paying attention to their surroundings. It's crazy that as we evolve with all of this "Social connection" that we have at our fingertips we seem to be coming more antisocial.

I agree with Al on this. Williamson County seemed to be a partner when it came to trails but this seems like a step in the wrong direction. I'm hoping Cullen and the ARR team can smooth things over and not let this snowball into the loss of more trail. Losing any trail is a bummer especially for the trail builders that put blood and sweat equity into making something out of nothing. However, building a relationship with a land owner is something that requires as much effort and probably a lot more patience.

Yeah, in my mind I call that section under the bridge "Criss Cross Crash" when I pass through... it's going to happen. As for the Up and Over connector, I really enjoyed that one in both directions. It had some fun features if you worked it right. I'll miss that one.

Yeah, I used that trail all the time, but not a huge loss. It was nice, though, as it allowed you to bypass the BCRT for that segment.. I'm more concerned about the apparent breakdown in the relationship between Williamson County and local trail builders. ..Al

This is why us riders need to be extra patient and courteous to trail users not on bikes. If we act like they don’t belong on our trails, it never ends well for our sport. Unfortunately it takes a lot more work to build trails than to tear them apart. Sad to see things like this happening. I see a lot of people enjoying walks on SN as much we we enjoy riding there. Can’t see why any anyone would hate us riding out there unless some of us have been acting like dicks to “hikers”.

Wow. just wow. The reason for the closure was a property owner complaint to the County Commissioner, Terry Cook, commissioner1@wilco.org https://www.wilco.org/comm1 In the mtg y'day Wilco Parks and Rec director Russell Fishbeck 512-943-1922, Cell 512-409-1124 russell.fishbeck@wilco.org and Michael Young Supervisor 512-943-1923 michaelyoung@wilco.org advised Cullen and I that they intend to close this section of trail. They asked that we work with the local communities to help communicate, faciliate, and ultimately maintain the closure. We asked they give us advanced notice before doing so, in order to get communication out with dates, maps, description of the closure. They agreed to give us a heads up before proceeding with the actual closure. They also were not interested in discussing an alternative route further from the houses. It was also clear they have no intention of allowing any future ARR development on their parks. With this latest development, including their willful deceit I am no longer going to continue to be the Trail Steward. I cannot continue to work with these folks, from day one they have made us feel like a thorn in their side. My decision is not a knee-jerk reaction, it's not based purely on this occurrence, and it is with extremely heavy heart (more than you can imagine) that I step away.

Absolutely 100% FAKE NEWS. Funny, the "today" part too. I met with the county this week (y'day). No existing official trail segment is going to be closed. This is not supposed to be public news yet, but obviously rumors have started. 5.0 or Up and Over, the short segment that connects Double Down to The Rim via the high ridge is planned to be closed (again). the trail segment has been officially closed since the trail become legit. This segment was closed right away and we maintained the closure for the first year and then just let it be. The county didn't care until the Commissioner received a complaint. PLEASE be patient and wait for an OFFICIAL Announcement before you contact the county commissioner...I mean, assuming you want to. ARR will be working with the county to enforce this closure and we understand it's out of the Parks and Rec hands, but a decision made by the Commissioner's Court.

My son has outgrown his BMX style bike. He's just a little too short (24.5" inseam) for a 26er, I tried on a small frame we have. He'd like a mtb style bike, though trails will be more gravel, probably peddlers and lower picnic at the most. A lot of gravel, paved, and sidewalks. Could use some suggestions where to start, I'm thinking a 24" bike, would prefer disc brakes though, I've looked at the scott roxter online and that seems to stick all the boxes, but any other suggestions would be appreciated. I'm ok getting a bike he'll outgrow in 18 months, he has a younger brother, and I want his bike to fit him now. Thanks!

Fixed it for you. -CJB

Gotta hand it to you, you've got guts...even if they are trying to force themselves out of your body.

The biggest advantage is that you can run lower pressure without fear of pitch flats. Lower pressure equals better traction, better cornering, and an overall smoother ride over trail chatter. There is also a bit of weight savings over heavy puncture resistance tubes. I think I started a thread very similar to this one a while ago debating whether it was worth it on my older CX bike. I went through 4 tubes in 3 rides (not puncture resistant, so kinda my fault, but at least one of those was definitely a pinch flat). After that I converted them using ghetto methods and homemade sealant cost $0 out of pocket and wondered why I even waited. My biggest hesitation with the kid's bike is that she needs to be able to grab the bike and go. It's not like tubeless setup is that hard to maintain. It's just one more thing that I would have to keep an eye on.

Me to. Hi neighbor Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I live in Austin, NW Balcones. I work in the Riata Trace Park area (Oak Knoll and US183)

That's awesome! I'd add one caveat. Bigger wheels are better as long as the weight is reasonable. My son went from the Hardrock XS 26" that I lightened down to ~25lbs to a medium Trek Superfly 29er that is also at ~25lbs. His 24" Hotrock was ~30lbs (same weight as my oldest's Hardrock 26") and he absolutely hated it because of the weight. He rides better than me in his Superfly and now I don't have to upgrade him for a long time. He was right under or right around 5' tall when I got him the used superfly. I also second that you shouldn't buy a new $500 kids bike (at least Specialized). We're talking thin stamped steel and riveted chainrings that are basically disposable...sure you can get a replacement drive crank with rings for $24 but they are junk. Look for a used one someone already spent the time lightening.

Well, my youngest went through tubes (which means I'd patch them but occasionally replaced them) more often than I'd have to refill the Stan's. I'd have to pump his tires to 40psi and that just does not ride very well for a sub 100lbs rider, but that's what it took to minimize the snake bites. Also, if you're up north, I have two new Stan's Schrader valves. I bought these for a wheel I no longer own.

NP On that budget you should definitely go used. New bikes in that range are overpriced junk that you spend all your money upgrading. Ask how i know Lol. https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/austin-scott-spark-jr-24/7078055272.html Also, I have a small kona fire mountain that you're welcome to borrow and see if a modern bike works for him . I bought it for my youngest and she wasn't interested in riding it, so ive been using it as a pseudo jump bike.

Agreed, I used to add Rim to my routine just so I could do Up and Over in both directions. But, I guess it was never really ours to begin with. I don't remember the last time I rode Mulligan...

No, the theory is that if people ride my Occam, people will buy an Occam. That increases the probability of having more spare parts available in the market. I'm selfish that way. But it is actually my singlespeed that will go the longest without riding. While the incidents happened on a full suspension, I am guessing that the SS did the most damage over time. Doc described it as a wear and tear injury, not a specific incident. The SS will have to remain a Walnut-only bike for a while.

Have two daughters that are 3 years apart and both concurrently raced NICA for a season when they were in 6th and 9th grades. At first my youngest was on a specialized hotrock 24" with a suspension fork and our oldest was riding my wifes full suspension 27.5. We eventually built them both 29er hardtails. My youngest who was probably 4' 9" (ish) at the time went from placing 12-13th at her races to podium the first time on the 29. She was able to handle to tight switchback and off camber stuff way better than I expected, especially considering she was riding clipped in. The wheels were larger than her inseam but it really didnt seem to matter. If it were me, i'd give a small or xs 26" another look. Kids can adapt way better than you and i can. I'd also do everything possible to avoid buying new. My 2c

My brother has got his two kids on the Woom bike progression. I'd say Woom Off5 is the perfect one. The great thing about them is how light they are compared to other kids' bikes. You can get a traditional kids 24" then use some old light parts to lighten it up (easy to take 5lbs off a 24" or 26" bike). But this one is ready to go: They are based in Austin and have a showroom and can pick up locally on Rundberg Ln. https://us.woombikes.com/products/off5

I definitely agree, the loss of this trail is not a major issue, I certainly enjoyed it prefer it over going down to BCRT. The fact that they wouldn't even discuss an alternative lower trail to avoid both the houses and the BCRT and several other factors were the catalyst. One of there primary issue has always been the intersection of singletrack and BCRT, this is absolutely understandable. We proposed a solution to avoid going down to the BCRT while providing a singletrack connection to Rim Loop, they were not interested in even discussing this. As for losing more trail - don't be concerned with the main 1/4 Notch, DD, and Picnic trails (Mulligan is officially NOT part of either Wilco or City trails, the golf course could close it down if they want, Wilco could put fences there and it would not surprise me). However, we had to fight tooth and nail multiple times to convince them to allow us to keep Rim/Dave's open. So, if anything in the future may be closed, it would be Rim Loop. I am NOT saying this was discussed or implied in this most recent mtg, but it was discussed multiple times in the past. I repeat the closure of this section is not the reason for my departure, I'm not interested in continuing to work with the county at this point.

How about we have a sanctioned ride/event on the sanctioned trails and focus everyone’s attention on what we have and not what we’ve lost? That way we can continue to show the land owner and the community around the park that we’re responsible partners. Alternatively, we can wait a few months for a homeless camp to show up back there since there are no longer pesky trail users disrupting their sleep. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does it involve removing a limb? Seriously, well done man! I changed my diet at the beginning of the year and I’m down 5 lbs. That’s like a good dump for some people. However, I can see my blood pressure sliding down and my cholesterol was good. I basically only eat meat at dinner and try to avoid snacking on crap. Beer is weekend material and I’ve killed a lot of vegetables the past three months. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do we need some signage or something similar from a MTB group that its closed to make sure people are on board? Some people will "stick it to the man" but once they realize their own are also asking a section to not be ridden it may help. Some people will still be jerks and do what they want, but may help keep the traffic lower. Idk, I dont have any good suggestions other than signs.

I noticed that the rocks were missing but I thought the bridge just washed away. I've pulled it upstream once before but I couldn't find it last time I was out there. With respect to the random blocking and bullsh^t, some people live to build, some people live to tear down. I know which people I'd rather hang out with but I recognize that there are douche bags out there that don't want anyone having fun on 'their' slice of heaven. I enjoy that little section so if I see something blocking the trail, I'll assume some deer accidentally dragged it there and gently move it off the trail so he won't have to mess with it again.

Not sure if intros are really a thing here, but I'm Mitch. Early 40s, recently got back into mountain biking and replaced an ancient FS Stumpy w/ a 2019 Jeffsy. I've poked around here and on the old Mojo site but haven't posted anything. Outside of bikes I'm into fly fishing and racing a vintage Formula Ford.

After taking a year off, I was really disappointed return to see all the B-lines, C-lines, D-lines, cut-throughs, etc. It's a cluster. I gave up trying to correct it, it's a losing battle. Hikers are getting worse too... I was out there Friday at 1pm (mid-week/mid-day used to be my safe time) and had 3 run-ins with clueless hikers. One was a woman standing at the bottom of the Swag drop with her Weimer; she was standing kind of hidden on the right side of the left turn... I already had momentum and dropped in my normal line, only to discover that her dog was off leash when it jumped out in front of me, almost killing us both, then tried to run in front of my tire... I finally slid to a stop while she tried to call her panicked dog, which stood down-trail and wouldn't come to her. Next, I got to the drop at Satellite, checking my line of sight through the original right-line as I passed, then dropped in only to see the blur of a person jump out of my way... must've been standing on the other side of the big oak as I approached. Further into DD, I came up on a guy with 2 dogs on leashes; they stood off to the left side and seemed like they would be fine so I continued... it was a climb, so I wasn't moving fast... suddenly both dogs split different directions and when their leashes stopped them they freaked out, then each doubled in the opposite directions, tangling each other and the owner and jerking him all over the place... in the trail in front of me. Who wants to start a new secret rogue trail?

When Opal’s closed I lost any reason to even get within 100 yards of Frys. Their pushy sales staff with little to no knowledge and the “we know you’re trying to steal something” attitude was enough to make me hate that place. Good riddance. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Had some of this at an "irish" pub at mueller yesterday. forgot how good it was.

The faction that is so anti e-bikes are transferring their motives for mountain biking onto to others. You don't know what motivates the able bodied buyers. Maybe they run 20 miles a week for exercise and the e-bike experience is just a pure joyful recreation thing. And as to your example of electric servos; does anyone here doubt that if there were such a thing they would sell faster than e-bikes? I don't. I can think of lots of examples of technology making a sport easier. "Well in my day we HIKED to the top of the ski mountain to come down. Now these perfectly healthy people are using these damn lifts to get to the top. What sport is there in that!" Not to mention hikers' disdain for mountain bikers. "Why do they need those contraptions to enjoy nature?" I'm okay with e-bikes as they are now. No throttles, limited power. The Jeep thing scares me a bit. And I'll tell you young whipper snappers something. The older you get, and you start feeling the diminishing of your physical abilities, the more prone you will be to support e-biking.