circuitbreaker

Regarding parking, is there parking available outside the entrance gate at Russel? or we would need to pay/enter the park? (i always start LGT at cedar breaks)

yes, bikes are allowed on Irving & Hazeline Smith Trail. they have some placards on the trail, and pretty sure there are some rock fences, but i don't know about the actual homestead. There is an abandoned slab just north of there, but i don't think its that old: https://goo.gl/maps/mbXd5yjzWCQqEhCZ8

Not exactly on topic, but i enjoyed this GCN video:

Post trip update: didn't get to ride down Haleakala. I had the bike, and we drove to the top, but my wife wasn't feeling well. Didn't want to push my luck. I will say the drive up the volcano was scarier than the ride back down. maybe is has something to do with acclimating (mentally) to the ridiculous views. She was nervous about the shuttle, and wasn't that comfortable with the rental car. Three noisy kids didn't help either. Krank cycles was great about the rental and info. they said there are no shuttles to the top. There are plenty of tour companies dropping off people to ride the road down right below the park entrance. its still another 3000 ft of elevation gain to get to the top from there. I never contacted this shuttle company, but i believe its $80 to 6500ft: https://mauisunriders.com/ So i just ended up riding the forest, Pineapple express was a fun flow trail. Renegade to Ravine was super fun too. I would recommend climbing the East Loop Trail, the other trails are all best downhill IMO. https://www.strava.com/activities/5729442145 my original plan was to ride Haleakala, then ride road over to the forest. Sounds like that would be around a 6 hour ride, and the climb up to the forest is a pretty brutal 1500ft.

Since it sounds like yall have been mostly winging it, generic question: any issues camping without reservations? what type of land have you mostly been camping on? how do you figure out where to setup camp for the night?

How is the trail along buttercup creek to Westside preserve? I always turn around at the Y/snail trail.

i've been riding bull creek greenbelt for years. its more of a connector for me, but when i was starting out it was a solid beginner ride. start at spicewood springs where it passes under 360, ride the trail south all the way to bull creek park and do the loop in the meadow (called skips loop on trailforks), then head back. there are a few tricky sections you can figure out/ride around with exploring. https://www.trailforks.com/region/bull-creek-greenbelt/?activitytype=1&z=13.9&lat=30.37520&lon=-97.77681

have you tried the warranty route? i don't know camelback's policy, but a lot of companies will just replace broken parts. https://www.camelbak.com/got-your-bak

What's going on here?

i'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this story. I guess it can happy to anyone, but just glad i don't suffer from rage or have to worry about carrying on my rides.

some good info here, i had a good experience with trail labs in Missouri, minimum 1 week downtime:

i tried to ride it two weeks ago. its not great. still a number of downed trees.

I was serious, but i forgot about the little patch things. I have had zero luck with those. I only use glue to repair my tubes. And it seems hard enough to get it right in the garage.

what time? we rode the pedestrian bridge about a month back in the morning, it wasn't particularly busy. Bull creek did look extra busy today. Father's day weekend?

you should be running tubeless. if you get a puncture in your tire, that's what the bacon strips are for. If your tire tears, then you throw in the spare tube. i don't think its possible to patch a tube on the trail.

multi-tool single tire lever tube bacon strips hand pump chain quick link tire boot (Park Tool TB-2) spare cleat and screws baggie with bandaids and larger bandages

here it is from downtown. it's a great ride. and awesome to get a taste of the CT: https://www.strava.com/activities/2645109049

Frolicking in the flowers

the laps are so short i've never gotten worn out at Spider. But i've only ridden when its warmer and around 2pm, decide the hot seat up isn't worth another lap.

Can't go wrong with any of these trail systems. all trails are very well marked. all can be ridden from downtown. Horse Gulch, is the most accessible, has a ton of variety and the most miles available, will require some exploring https://www.trailforks.com/trails/horse-gulch/ Twin Buttes has the most straightforward route, just go up and around counter clockwise, fun hour and a half https://www.trailforks.com/region/twin-buttes-19235/ Overend has a lot of trail, its the original trail system. Star Wars is a local favorite, and you can head up Hogsback if you want to some real exposure https://www.trailforks.com/region/overend-mountain-park-19234/

BKXC is really pushing Mt. Nebo as the best ride up there. https://bkxc.bike/bentonville-top5 how did the ride go?

So, i'm traveling to Maui end of July with the family. Would like to get in one day of riding. Still trying to fill in the logistics/details. Things i know: Haleakala and Kahakapao (Pineapple Express) are the places to ride. Krank Cyles is the place to rent bikes. Trying to figure out: Are there any shuttle options for Haleakala? should i just rent a road bike and climb/descend Haleakala from Krank? or should i try to do the same on a MTB and ride the trail down? or try to get my wife to shuttle me to the top of Haleakala, ride the trail down and then ride back to Krank and possibly hit Kahakapao? this last option is my preference, but i'm not sure if the logistics will work out since we will be in a sedan. any advice/recommendations are appreciated.

Super exciting news for old spicewood. Legit trail from 360 to St Eds. Here is the link for Community Impact; can't find the digital story: https://editions.communityimpact.com/view/864435178/ The city plans to use this property, combined with an adjacent 11-acre plot of land currently under eminent domain proceedings, to build nature trails with creek access. These trails will help connect the existing trail systems between the 47-acre Bull Creek District Park and the 80-acre St. Edward’s Park to create one continuous Bull Creek greenbelt that runs through some of the unblemished nature preserves left in Northwest Austin’s pocket of Hill Country.

Wait, Mo's not sold on tubeless?

Make sure to check the website/call before heading out there after rainstorms. Went early May and half the trails were closed due to trail conditions, This information was not posted anywhere. But the trails that were open were running really well. Doesn't make much sense to go to Spider to pedal. you go to improve your downhill and have a ton of fun. if you want a good pedal, i recommend Reveille Peak, right next door. I think its $15 if you want to ride without a lift ticket.