Mountain Biking (San Antonio, Austin, Canyon: home, transfer, buying)

[majormadmax]

Anyone else out there an avid mountain biker?

I have been, and woiuld like to be again. It all started for me when I was stationed in the UK in the early 80s. I had one of the first "ATBs" (All Terrain Bikes, as they were first known), which was basically a beach cruiser with fat tires and 10-speed gears added on. Honestly, if I wasn't young and in shape, I am sure I would have eventually blown out me knees on that bike. I rode a bit when I was stationed up in Idaho, but just cheap-o bikes, which is a shame as there are some beautiful trails up there if you have a decent bike. Then I went off to college and started buying better quality bikes. I used to commute to school, and would ride on the weekends when I had a chance. Then I went back into the USAF and after living in Maryland for a while and doing a little biking there; but during a six-month deployment to Slovakia I bought my first serious mountain bike, a Cannondale, and used to ride a lot along the Danube or into Austria. It was great and I got really hooked!

Soon after we were transferred to Germany where I got serious about the sport and bought some really nice full-suspension bikes (also Cannondales) and rode as much as I could. Germany is really a great place as there are lots of trails and scenic places to ride. Nothing like riding through the woods and ending up at some castle, where we would enjoy “a Brat and a Pils” (German sausage and beer). It was heaven!

We left Germany for Texas and I used to ride a little the first time we lived here. Some of the places are no longer around, such as 700 Acres down near Brooks City Base and Mainland (both now huge housing developments). I also rode out in the Hill Country State Natural Area and would head up to Austin to ride. The three years we were here, we kept hoping they would open Government Canyon, but it never happened during that time.

Then we moved to Belgium, where I used to ride a lot. We were only 8½ miles from where I worked, and my ride was all back roads through a couple of nice villages. I would ride to work several times a week, and one year I racked up over 700 miles. But after moving back to San Antonio, the bikes have been hanging on the racks pretty much unused. Things have been just too busy lately.

But after nearly a year-and-a-half since my last ride, I finally dusted off one of my mountain bikes and went for a nice ride Friday evening in and around Helotes. Today we were at Jason's Deli and dropped in at Planet Bike, where we used to get all our mountain biking gear when we rode. Carlos, the owner, said they have two regularly scheduled rides every week. Sunday evenings at 5:30 they meet at O. P. Schnabel to ride through the park and down Leon Creek. On Wednesday evenings at 7:30 they meet at the old K-Mart on St Marys and ride downtown. The next few weeks are going to be quite busy, but when I get back from my two trips I was wondering if anyone else is interested in going on some of these two rides, or starting a few of our own?

Cheers! M2

[majormadmax]

Wow, no one? Or was my post too long?

Cheers! M2

[OzzyRules]

A lot of bikers go to McCallister Park. I'm sure you would meet a lot of enthusiasts there.

[Goominim]

I used to ride, but not anymore. I think my lungs would explode.

My favorite riding spot was definitely 700 acres. I loved that place!! I also used to ride at Mcallister and OP Schnabel. I also rode at San Antonio Ranch and the state park in Bandera.

I also owned a Cannondale, BTW.

I remember one time at Crown Ridge (another riding place I forgot to mention) I was climbing this big rocky hill (we called it bloody lungs), and my chain broke. Man that hurt!

[jules07]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

Or was my post too long?

Your post was too long.











Jis kiiiiiiiiiiiding!!!! (yeah, I know, I'm in "fine" form tonight. )

[AnthonySA]

When I get ambitious I stay in the area and ride around McAllister Park... I've just been way to busy lately though

[majormadmax]

Yeah, I rode McAllister Park when we lived here last; but being that we live within 5 miles of it, it makes more sense to go to what I believe is the largest state-owned natural area in Texas that allows mountain biking—Government Canyon!

For anyone who hasn't been there, Govt Canyon is divided into the Front Country and the Back Country. The Front Country has several loops that run along Government Canyon Creek (usually dry) and are easy to ride. The Back Country is where the going gets tough, and I wouldn't recommend venturing back there on a mountain bike unless it is one of the better variety. In other words, those "mountain bikes" you see at Wal-Mart and Target are not going to do well back there! Also, you'll need a helmet (true in all state parks) and lots of water. A single water bottle won't last long, I would recommend a Camelbak-type hydration pack set-up with at least several liters of water. Would also recommend some trail snacks, something that is easy to carry and high in carbs. I like Nature Valley Trail Mix bars, but there are a variety of others out there.

I had better stop there before I get blasted by Jules for yet another long post!

Cheers! M2

[Been There B4]

Before moving away from SA a few years ago I was heavily focused on mountain biking in and around town, and was involved with the local mtb club, STORM - South Texas Off Road Mountain-Bikers. Look 'em up and introduce yourself. Also, Bike Mojo, a SA-based cycling forum is a great online resource for linking up with rides.

Too bad that Mainland is gone and 700 Acres is mostly gone, both due to commercial/residential development. Fortunately areas like Gov't. Canyon and Flat Rock Ranch (near Comfort) are available for some serious- mileage mountain biking, and O.P. Schnabel and McAlister parks are conveniently located for a good ride.

Keep the rubber side down!

[iammovingtosanantonio]

I'm not down there yet, but in a month or so I would love somebody to go biking with!

[mrstxcop]

i was just gonna post about Leon Creek and then i finished reading your entire post --- our current home backs up to Leon Creek and we see plenty of bikers back there --- dh has riden back there and enjoyed it --- the trails seem pretty nice --- from my backyard i can make out 2 trails, one across the ways, closer to OP's side, it goes under the trees and then there is one on the bottom of the creek bed, more out in the open...

have fun!!!