Bike Routes/Paths for Novies/Beginners (Austin, Round Rock: neighborhoods, YMCA, parks)

[metroins]

I just moved from Maryland to Austin this weekend. I was looking for a bike path/route that is for novices. By this I mean a dedicated bike path not on the streets or through neighborhoods. I don't mind driving a few minutes to get there. I am in the zipcode 78750 near the Lakeline mall.

I mainly bike for enjoyment/exercise, I really do not like riding on streets with cars.

[Trainwreck20]

You into mountain biking? Or street biking? Lots of mtn biking routes that you will have to yourself, but street cycling is another matter. The veloway is way down south, but other than that, I am not sure.

[metroins]

Thanks for the veloway, that does look really nice. It is like 30 minutes away so I could probably do that on the weekends.

I do have a mountain bike but I've never actually been off of the pavement. Do you know of a decent path? I could see myself trying that out. I was mainly looking for a path that I could ride for about 10 miles each day around 6pm, but if there are none; time to try new things!

[luksky]

Here is a link that may help you...City of Austin - Austin Parks and Recreation Department: Park Directory. We prefer the Walnut Creek Bike Trails. They are easy trails to maneuver and they would be somewhat close to where you are.

[calel]

Elizabeth Milburn Park has a veloway, though I have not personally been there to confirm. I'm assuming you're somewhere in the Anderson Mill/Jollyville area, so the park is not that far away.

St. Edwards Park off of Old Spicewood Springs RD has a hike and bike trail that is pretty easy. Maybe 2 miles from start to finish. It gets narrow towards the end, but a lot of the trail is wide. Not too many people know about that park, so it's hardly ever crowded.

[achtungpv]

Town Lake is great for a mountain bike novices. You really only need a mountain bike because the path is gravel. It is relatively flat and you can make it as long a ride as you want...2 to 10+ miles.

[metroins]

Thanks for the responses. I have a lot of options now. I appreciate it. Now gotta go make friends haha.

[10scoachrick]

If you head north up 183(South Bell Blvd in Cedar Park) just beyond Avery Ranch Blvd is the YMCA and the start of the Brushy Creek path that heads toward Round Rock. Plenty of concrete pathway but some 'dg' paths as well. You can also check out the railroad trestle where the granite blocks used to build the Capitol fell and were left(since it was easier and cheaper to go to the quarry for more)...cool bit of history there. Quite a nice path since the extension was completed...I need to ride it today to check for any water damage from the storms. Come on out for a ride

Brushy Creek Regional Trail - Cedar Park, TX

[mark311]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

If you head north up 183(South Bell Blvd in Cedar Park) just beyond Avery Ranch Blvd is the YMCA and the start of the Brushy Creek path that heads toward Round Rock. Plenty of concrete pathway but some 'dg' paths as well. You can also check out the railroad trestle where the granite blocks used to build the Capitol fell and were left(since it was easier and cheaper to go to the quarry for more)...cool bit of history there. Quite a nice path since the extension was completed...I need to ride it today to check for any water damage from the storms. Come on out for a ride

Brushy Creek Regional Trail - Cedar Park, TX

I second the Brushy Creek trail. I would definitely wait a few days before heading out to any trails with all the recent rain. I noticed that part of Brushy Creek trail was flooded on Saturday.

[atxcio]

The Ladybird lake (town lake) hike and bike trail is a must visit. It's about 11 miles if you do the full loop, it's very easy (just a couple of sections on the eastern part where you have to get off the trail for a little bit to complete the loop) and has good views of the skyline and Colorado River. Plus, there are several loop options, using the various bridges (mopac, pfluger pedestrian, first street, congress, I-35 bridge, and finally longhorn dam). The trail is somewhat crowded on the west side, but it's a very wide trail. Plus, seeing all the happy people out there is inspiring.

The hike and bike trail also connects up with some other trails, which you can do for variety: Shoal Creek Greenbelt (4-5 miles easy), Barton Creek Greenbelt (7-8 miles, intermediate).

Also near 78750 would be Bull Creek Greenbelt. That's a short trail, 3-4 miles or so, but easy. St Edwards Park trail is actually in 78750, but is more technical and some difficult uphill. Good workout, though.

Check this site - Austin Bike's Guide to Central Texas Mountain Biking - St. Edwards Park