From: mprender@jscprofs.nasa.gov
Subject: Re: MTB rides in TEXAS
Organization: nasa/jsc
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1992 16:15:22 GMT

In article <WARD.92Oct13072835@stokes.ae.utexas.edu> ward@stokes.ae.utexas.edu
((Steven) Ward) writes:
>The local bike shop tells me that there aren't any really
>good places to ride in Texas.  A smattering of respones from
>my previous posts indicates that this may not be the case.
>
>Please, if anyone knows of good places to ride, send me some
>details.  If I get enough information on places to ride to
>warrant posting a summary, I will do so.
>
>Steve Ward
>ward@cfdlab.ae.utexas.edu
>


This should help in your search.  I'm looking for some trails in the 
Hill Country.  I will be going out to Concan this Thanksgiving.  Other 
towns in the area are Utopia, Vanderpool, Leakey.  The area is 
southwest() of Kerrville.  If you have any info please let know.  You can email
a response to me at MPRENDER@JSCPROFS.NASA.GOV  	Hope this helps.



There are two ranches near La Grange, TX that offer Mnt biking.
(1) Bluff Creek Ranch in Warda
(2) Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville

(1)
I have been to the Bluff Creek Ranch in Warda and the riding is great.  
Bluff Creek is a nearly 200 acre ranch with rolling terrain.  It is 
located one hour from Austin, two hours from Houston, two hours 
from San Antonio, and four hours from Dallas/Ft. Worth. Recently the 
ranch hosted the #3 race in the Texas State Mnt Bike Championship 
Series.  There are 8 miles of trail through woods and meadows.  The 
trail is very well marked and maintained.  The ranch is split by a 
100 foot high bluff and has two creeks running through it .  The 
trails are fast and fun to ride with multiple  changes in terrain and 
scenery but without excessive rockiness.

The ranch owners had such a positive encounter with the race they 
decide to open the ranch up for riding on the weekends.  Reservations 
MUST be made.  There are campsites, showers, and flush toilets.  
Hotels are available in LaGrange and Giddings both 10 miles away.  
The cost is very reasonable (see below) with an options for time 
bartering.  

Fees:

Camping and riding per person:
Daily...........................................................................
..............$5.00
Weekends (Fri evening through Sun Evening)......$10.00

Riding only per person:
Daily
................................................................................
........$3.00

Work fare:
In exchange for an equal amount of time of work on trail 
maintenance, a group or bike club  may camp and ride for no fee.

Please read the rules listed by the owners before riding and 
remember the ranch is open to riding because of a POSITIVE 
encounter with other riders.  Don't ruin this great place!

For reservations or more info :

Bluff Creek Ranch
Paul or Damon Nolan
Box 110
Warda TX   78960
409-242-5894

Map:

                                                  |
                                                  |
                                                  |
                                               | 77 |
                                                  |
                                                  |
Austin 1 hr.<--------| 290|-----(1)-------|290|------>Houston 2 hr
                                                  |
                                                  |
                                                 /
                                                /
                                              /
          \                              Warda
            \                             /
              \                         /
               |71|                  /
                  \                 / 
                    \             /                        
                      \         /
                         \    /
                           La Grange
                           /  \
                          /     \
                      |77|     |71|
                       /           \
                      /              \
San<-| I-10 |---------------- | I-10 |------------ Houston -->
Antonio

Map is not to scale. Exits on I-10: for Hwy 77 exit at Schulenburg and for 
Hwy 71 exit at Columbus.  The ranch is located 1/2 mile east of Warda on 
County Road 152 from Hwy 77.  Look for the green gate at the ranch 
entrance.


The second ranch is Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville.  I have not been 
to Rocky Hill.  The park opened in October this year.  There will be a 
grand opening race on Nov. 14/15, 1992.  They advertise over 20 
miles of trail with 8 miles of single track.  Plans include expansion 
of  the trail, a timed slalom course,BMX course, campsites, cabins and a rustic
lodge for special events. 


Park Use Fees (by Reservation Only)
Trail Access Pass
Adults.........$7.00
Children......$4.00
Overnight Camping included with 2 or more day pass.

Map:

Austin (45 min)
\
  \
    \ Bastrop (15 min)
      \
        \                  Buescher       |
          \                 State Park--->|
            \                             |
       | Hwy 71 |                         |
               \                          |
                \                         |        | <--Rocky Hill
                 \                                 |           Ranch
                  \---------| FM 153 |--------------------> Winchester  
                                          <--2 mi--->

Map is not to scale.  For more info and reservations:

Rocky Hill Ranch
P.O. Box 655
Smithville, TX  78957
(512) 237 3112


From: lous@hpnmdla.sr.hp.com (Lou Salz)
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1992 05:53:29 GMT
Subject: Re: Bike touring in Mendocino County, CA
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Santa Rosa, CA