Ridenfool Posted June 24, 2022 Share Posted June 24, 2022 (edited) Rocky Hill Ranch - resurrected in 2022 following a land sale where many of the legacy trails were lost. Volunteer efforts have taken the 6.5 miles of remaining trail and doubled that to a 13 mile loop over 6 month's of work. A herculean effort. There will more new trail to come. Aiming for about fifteen miles, eventually. The new trails offer a good balance that have both challenges on trails like Corkscrew, Black Trac, Litterbox, and Sofa King Fun, as well as expanding the good 'ol winding-through-the-Pines feel with trails like Karaway, Tristy, and Lemonade. The new stuff was crafted to offer visitors that "I'm not in Texas anymore" feeling which has been part of the Rocky Hill experience for going on three decades. Fat Chuck's Demise has been reopened for those who enjoy a good suffering climb. Technical Trail Features spice things up nicely with Shart Cut, The Grind, The Wall, and Reveille's Romp to get your attention. Several challenging new climbs and downhill sections have been added as well. The Rocky Hill tradition of Rest Stops with a picnic table and water jug have been preserved. Take a break at the Crossroads, Lemonade Stand, and Ventoso Vista (Breezy View) rest stops while riding the loop. Gravel Grinders can ride six miles by doing out-n-backs on all roads. These roads are also great for anyone to take an easy ride, and a great way for the weary to get back to the campground or parking area without completing the entire singletrack loop. A map with trail descriptions has been attached. The attached map may not get updated on a regular basis, but the maps on MTBProject and Trailforks will be kept current, as well as offering GPX downloads. There should be a current map/descriptions download link found on the Rocky Hill Ranch website as well. Rocky Hill Ranch has RV spots (30 and 50 Amp, w/water), Tent Camping, Restrooms, and Showers available for visitors. Nearby Smithville, Texas has some great choices for Dining, Lodging, and Shopping. Many of which are in the historic Downtown area. Buescher State Park is between Rocky Hill Ranch and Smithville offering a fun, shared MTB/Hiking trail system and additional camping options. So, you can get a lot of trail miles under the tires if staying for the weekend. RHR_Trails_and_Descriptions.pdf Edited June 25, 2022 by Ridenfool 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinBike Posted June 25, 2022 Share Posted June 25, 2022 The folks at ABWHQ told me to get on this. I've updated my site. Let me know if any of the descriptions need to be adjusted. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridenfool Posted June 25, 2022 Author Share Posted June 25, 2022 (edited) Look for a PM with a few adjustments. Thanks for the update! Buy a round of tacos and beer for the entire staff at HQ! They deserve it. Edited June 25, 2022 by Ridenfool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ericbike6 Posted June 29, 2022 Share Posted June 29, 2022 Rode the new trails about 2 weeks ago. Lots of fun, a wee bit more climbing then I was used to RHR. That comes from using more of the front part of the ranch and several switchbacks. The newer stuff in the back now, reminds me a lot of riding at Warda(BCR), which is a lot of fun. If anything right now, the trails needs lots of wheels down on them to get them burned in. I was able to navigate the new trails without a trail map, so that is a plus also. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridenfool Posted November 20, 2022 Author Share Posted November 20, 2022 New trail has been added! RHR Loop total mileage (from-to the Pavilion/restrooms) is now 15 miles. 🥳 The newest section (Tea Party) will be knitted into the existing loop in the next few days. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridenfool Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) Its been over a year since the last post in this thread and I'm excited to report that more trail has been added. 🚵♂️ Wheel mileage from TH to TH is ~17.5 miles, and there have been multiple reports of 1200-1300 ft. of elevation gain measured when riding the big loop. GPS mileage from a phone app will show less distance, but your legs will know you went further. 🥵 What was originally named Tea Party in the early build stages eventually became "Rabbit Hole" and is rumored to be quite popular with riders for its challenges and flowy goodness. We are constantly improving flow at RHR by adding berms and bench cuts that have received a lot of great feedback from riders. If you have ridden Rocky Hill recently please post a few words here on your experience, as well as suggestions for further improvement. Funny stories will be awarded bonus points. 😁 Edited December 29, 2023 by Ridenfool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Tip Posted January 8 Share Posted January 8 We're staying at Buescher SP Wednesday and Thursday night this week. What are the chances of the RHR trails being ok to ride either day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridenfool Posted January 8 Author Share Posted January 8 (edited) It is looking very good. I rode a lap yesterday and there was very little mud or water on the trails and the surface was primo for traction. Overnight the rain expected never materialized, RHR's neighbor (Berdoll Pecan Orchard Weather Station) shows only 0.05 inches fell. The rest of the week looks clear on Wunderground.com. The Excrutiation Exam is this weekend, and the trails remain open for Day Use for this event. You should have a fantastic time at Buescher and Rocky Hill this week. EDIT: Folks can always click that link above to see the Weather detail for Rocky Hill Update: Another 0.1 inch as the front blew through today. Should be fine as froghair on the trails when you plan to ride. Edited January 8 by Ridenfool 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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