Tree Magnet

5 minutes ago, ATXZJ said:

https://www.trailforks.com/poi/59461/

Are these actual MTB trails ?

They are MTB trails for the most part.  I hiked a lot of them and it's pretty country and seems like fun XC stuff.  I think that Sherpa is thinking BCGB when he longingly remembers Austin trails.  Like the rest of Texas, there is some great terrain out there but it's all private land.

I think Walnut gets B-lines from hikers more than bikes.  Actually, they start with hikers and then bikes start using them.  The hikers are generally trying to get to the water (dog) or get away from the other hikers/bikers.  Either way, once they start getting ridden, they're super hard to get rid of.

I’ll throw something out there for everyone to chew on. Maybe home ownership is going the way of car ownership. Lots of young people prefer to use ride-sharing instead of buying a car. If they need one, they rent it and don’t hassle with storage, maintenance, etc. With this new hybrid work environment capability, people can be mobile now and tying themselves to one location with a home might not for their lifestyle.

Honestly, I don’t share that doom and gloom outlook on the future of our country or our generations. Things change...people change...priorities change. Just roll with it.


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Every time I fix something, no matter how little, I am thankful that I don't have to go buy something to replace it.

That is some scary shit, fires are common in other places, California burns every year. Clearing brush helps. I think this year is going to be a lot worse because of all of the dead vegetation. There's no way to clear it all.

The new Dirtway 45 is just under two miles.

Enchanted rock? During the week should be quiet.

Garner State Park - totally different scenery.

Kerrville - can’t remember the name of the park but it’s right there on the river. The hiking is through some cool cedar forests. Chill hike and then paddle around or something.


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That's a fantastic suggestion actually.

Second this. It has great views, central Texas gnar, not too crowded, and is close. Less driving, more hiking. Park at overlook and hike in to Walnut springs if you want to stay on the North side. That gives you a good trek and you pass through Russel and Hogg for more water or if you need to bail.

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Sorry to hear this happened. I'm a dog fan, but bad owners suck.

The season is upon us. Pace Bend down by the water.


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ARR Crew is adding another sweet, sweet berm to the Windy Loop tomorrow morning.  Come by at 8:30 and meet at the pool lot.  Do some digging on the most loved trail in town and then go shred.

CW fan here.  I think it flows better that way.  However, the fact that we have different opinions on the best way to ride it is a testament to the builders.

The drive is really not bad. Two or three good long podcasts or an audio book and you’re there. Once you hit Arkansas, the scenery is pretty. There’s also a big bomb in the middle of the road in McAllister that makes a good mileage marker!


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Just checked prices for a mid-August trip and it's only $130 round trip.
Phat Tire is the biggest and best known shop in the area. They have a pretty extensive rental fleet. The only other shop I've been in up there is Mojo Cycling. I wasn't particularly impressed at the time, but I think they have moved and expanded since then and they now seem like they are trying to compete with Phat Tire.
There's so much trail in a relatively small area that you could probably get away with not renting a car and just ubering to and from the airport.

18 minutes ago, TheX said:

IMHO, no. Fit is so much more.

Agreed.  Fit is fit.  You can find kids bike with 29" tires and they technically designed the bike to 'fit' a 5' tall kid.  What you find is that there are a lot of compromises made to shove a bigger wheel on a smaller frame but the bike designers make those calls.  Don't look at wheel size when you're assessing fit.

If I’m doing a full lap, I always start and Cedar Breaks and go CW. This gets the most gnarly part out of the way when I’m fresh. I also get to finish my victory lap on the dam.

If I was going CCW, I’d probably start at Hogg or Russell. Coming out of Tejas, you have an easy few miles no matter what and I think that lulls you into a “...This is going to be easy” mindset that is destined to be crushed.


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$50–100 should easily buy a decent helmet. Your skull and brain are worth it.

5 hours ago, Lacch said:

Here is my new question... If I go with the Talon 2 and take it on the Walnut Creek trails, will the cheaper bike have a negative impact on my experience or can I still have fun and see if I stick with the hobby in 6, 9, 12mo? 

I've been looking for a used quality bike, but in today's environment there just isn't much out there to pick from. 

Thanks again for all of the help!

Here's a data point.  I rode Walnut last night with someone riding a 1988 mountain bike.  He absolutely shredded and despite having 26" wheels, 7 speeds, pull brakes, and NO suspension, he had a great time and kept up with a fast group of skilled riders.  We hit every big drop we could find including the jumps.  

The lesson here is that you don't need an expensive/new bike to enjoy riding.  If you find out that you enjoy the hobby, you will naturally gravitate towards the bike, trail, and style of riding that you enjoy the most.  

On 3/2/2021 at 10:30 AM, mack_turtle said:

If I were to develop a line through there, would that cause any friction? could be a fun rocky tech segment. the alternative trail next to it is already quite tricky.

I remember in Bentonville on the Back 40 there is a little trail that shoots off into a creekbed.  It's one of the 'black' trails so I had to check it out.  It really just runs parallel to another trail and the only reason for it being there is to play in the rocks.  It's as good a reason to build a trail as any!

On 3/3/2021 at 10:39 AM, mack_turtle said:

from what i've read, that last bit is my main concern. the Wahoo interface sounds easier to manage, but I've been using the Garmin "ecosystem" for several years. if the Wahoo will seamlessly integrate with that, it would be fine. otherwise, I'd rather stick with Garmin products.

This is the ultimate goal of all hardware/software companies.  Get you in the ecosystem and then it's really hard to break free.  I feel this pain.

Man...if you sign up for this thing...these guys will stay on top of you. They really, REALLY want you to poop in that box and send it to them ASAP. You'll get more calls for shitting in a box than you will for extending your car warranty. Luckily my was negative. 

St. Arnold’s is one of the best things to come out of Houston in a long time. They make some great beers.


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So who won all the fat stacks from this event?

Too soon?


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Depends on what you consider a normal beer.