Heritage Trail-Dubuque,IA

Heritage Trail-Dubuque,IA August 2nd 2006
This seems to be the only trail in Dubuque. It runs 26 miles from Dubuque to Dyersville, IA. Took a quick run just to check it out. All flat, old railroad track. I did about the first three miles and back on a test run. I'll add more in the spring when I can check it out further.

Barton Creek Greenbelt-Austin, TX

July 19, 2006
Well, the family is going to be heading back north soon...real soon for myself. Starting a new job is going to be taking me back to Iowa next week. So many rides I didn't get to go on in Texas that I had wanted to. I guess there are always vacations back to see the in-laws.

One of the rides described as the "Grand Poobah" of Mountain Biking in Austin that I had not yet done was the Barton Creek Greenbelt. I have read and heard about it for over a year but never did it. No better time than my last day off before quiting my job.

I parked one of the usual places I park to ride Town Lake. I know it's only a short ride and I don't have to pay to park at Barton Springs. It was nice going along Town Lake when you don't think about dodging joggers, dogs and strollers. I will miss the trail around the lake. Since my last ride at the lake I had found my way over to Barton Springs pool it came fast. You know how sometimes when you don't know where your going the trip can seem to take longer?

I started out on the Greenbelt thinking it was going to be a hot ride in the sun on some fast track but that ended soon. After a short time I got into the trees and began to notice rocks here and there. Soon the trail becomes very rocky in parts. No longer a fast ride this was turning into a battle with rocks wanting to slide and slam my tires in all directions. One thing that I found was that you don't have time for scenery because if you look up for too long your going to endo over a rock.

It seemed as every time I took a left at a fork I should have took a right. I kept ending up on what had to be hiking trails because in some spots I had to carry Haro. The water was low...like non-existent in the creek so that took away from some water crossing at one point.

As I battled on the rocks got bigger. I had to laugh at myself as I came to a section where I tried to do like the guys in the magazines and go up the side of a bluff and around a group of rocks and trees. Gravity caught up and I ended up running away from the bike to keep on my feet. Moving on I learned that gloves would be a decent purchase (and for safety reasons, one the wife might not mind) when falling I naturally stuck my hand out to break a fall and ended up with a stick poking out of my hand. I didn't end up as bad as I thought it was since it didn't go too deep but it got this boy thinking!

I had convinced myself that I was on a hiking trail since things didn't get better and turned around and headed back. Again, the trip seemed to go a lot faster now that I had traveled the ground. I went down where the creek should have been and rode some big rock. Crossed my mind wondering if that would be how it was to ride in Moab, UT. I actually found water after a while. Must have been springs because it was like a pond in the middle of all this rock. Shame, there was a tire thrown in as well as other garbage.

I wish I would have brought my swimsuite. I was hot, sweaty, and could have used a dip in Barton Springs pool, an Austin legendary landmark. Well, I never did make it to the "Hill of Life" that is supposed to conclude the trail. I guess when I come back the pool will have to be my reward for making it up the "Hill of Life."

Arcadia Lake-Edmond, Oklahoma

June 28, 2006
I had staked this place out when I knew I was going to be heading to Iowa. It's a huge lake that sits next to the infamous Route 66 and I-35, just north of Oklahoma City. I had read about it in the Mountain Biking Texas and Oklahoma book that I have.

I used the logic that it would be cheaper for me to camp here than pay for a room on the way up. I decided to go in the morning before heading out again. I made the mistake of taking the campground that was furthest from the trailhead so I had to pay another $2.00 to get into the park where the trail starts.

It was supposed to be a five mile plus trail round trip but I took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up back on the road that lead to the trailhead. It was tough riding because the trail was mainly a soft sand. In the book it had mentioned how it would likely be best after a little rain. My ten mile ride ended after a couple miles. Rather than start over I rode around the lake on the paved roads to to see if I could make my way back into the trail somewhere. Didn't work. It took me in a circle back to where I had left the trailhead again. I did get a good view of the lake that I would not have had off in the trees.

A lesson learned. I filled my water bottle but I went out without really drinking much first and I didn't eat anything. Bad move. I had zero energy and the term "BONK" used in the book came to mind. I left defeated telling myself I got some good scenery anyway. I vow to return and conquer this trail!

Walnut Creek-Austin, TX (Part III)

June 25, 2006
It reminded me of being in High School when a couple buddies had already skipped class and called. Paul and Derick are going riding and I have a couple hours of work left. I had already decided that I should stay at work and I get the call from Paul, "Are you coming?" So I leave an hour early and meet them at Walnut Creek. It amazes me...and them...that they have lived so close (Derick across the street) from WC for so long and they really had not taken advantage of this gem that sits next to one of the busiest streets in the capital of Texas.

They rode up to the parking lot just as I was pulling up. We were only just inside the treeline when Paul says, "Man, I'm going to do this all the time." Derick is on a mission to get Paul to hang up the Schwinn he bought at Target and get a better bike. Derick also had a hand in me getting the Haro. After weaving through the trees and getting a taste we head over to "THE OTHER SIDE" that gave Derick and I such a beating earlier in the week.

It was surprisingly easier for me this time. After the ride earlier in the week I had broke out my Guide to Mountain Biking Skills book and read up a bit. The hills came easier as I learned more how to distribute my weight and center of gravity. I was impressing myself. Knowing some of the curves, hills and drop offs that were coming up helped. It was much more enjoyable when I wasn't praying for the end of the trail to come.

Coming from work and not knowing I was going to be riding taught me a lesson. I was unprepared as far as water went but the guys shared. This taught me a lesson that I always need to be ready for a ride at all times and to keep my backpack ready to go in the van.

Since I was playing hooky I had to head home at the time I was supposed to get off work. It was great finally getting together as we had all talked about doing it for months. I don't think Paul was convinced he heeded a new bike since his held up well. That won't stop Derick from pestering him all the time. I rubbed off on Derick a little, he brought his camera. Although it was only an hour ride it was one of the best yet for me.

I'm heading up to Iowa in a couple days. I have it planned out to stop and stay at Arcadia Lake in Oklahoma where there are supposed to be some decent trails. Crazy...this new hobby is now effecting my travel plans.

Walnut Creek-Austin,TX

June 22, 2006
Yet another section of Walnut Creek that I had not previously been on. I met a friend of mine at his place which is right down N. Lamar from the Walnut Creek entrance. Derick just got himself a new Ironhorse Warrior recently and we have not met up yet to ride.

We started off going in a place he just recently discovered. He has not rode WC much so I am the "expert" of the group on the area. That is laughable! You go into this little hole in the woods behind Brentwood Christian School. It immediately takes you down hill on some fairly rocky terrain. I was going down the hill thinking, "This is what I'm talking about!" After riding a while we came across some of the park that I recognized, which was all new ground for Derick.

After getting back to my base camp, the swimming pool parking lot, it was time to debate going on since the clouds and thunder were picking up. Although the lifeguards were getting the kids out of the pool because of the weather, we decided to keep going on our chunks of metal.

This is where things got hard. I blame some of it on the fact that my shifters are bad and I can't hit all the gears (I have some on the way but have to ride anyway.) For the most part it is likely that I'm 35 and 200 plus lbs. and just not very good of a rider yet. We went into the "Other Side." The north side of the road coming into the park has some more technical, hilly trails. that zig zag alongside the creek. I wish I had my heart rate monitor with me because this was tough. I'm curious what the reading would have been. I had been on this before with the Mongoose (that was when I realized I needed a better bike) but it's been a while. You catch some decent air in a spot going down hill where they have four or five little ramps packed up. After the last one I learned you need to be prepared to turn a quick left when you land. Derick noticed too as I heard a "WHOA" after I made the turn.

Once finally getting out of what seemed was going to go forever we sat at the bridge and BS'ed for a while. I had to admit, that trail kicked my ass. It makes you think about getting in shape, learning what your doing, and trying it again. Wasn't just me I guess. The next day Derick (who is five years younger and in better shape) called to see if I was sore too. Mine wasn't the only ass kicked by "The Other Side."

Town Lake-Austin,TX

I looked at the clock and it was 4:58am. I was up getting things together when my wife asked what I was doing. I respond with, "I'm going to Town Lake for a ride...is that crazy?" For being half asleep she shot back a pretty fast, "YES."

When we first moved to Austin I went down to Town Lake to take my son for a walk in his stroller. I fell in love with it then. When my daughter was down from Iowa our ride around the lake was what she said she liked most about her visit.

I have always wanted to go down there when the sun was rising, today was my chance. I parked at my usual place off Lamar and set off for the park for a couple quick pictures of Haro with Stevie 's statue. My sunrise was pretty much blocked out by clouds but it was still a good time. I thought maybe that early I wouldn't have to worry about joggers (and they likely thought they wouldn't have to worry about bikers) but it was pretty crowded anyway.

Because I had to go into work for a while I didn't take my usual loop around the lake. I did however explore a litle bit of new territory for me on a bike. There is one point where you take a right over a bridge over the creek. I realized recently that going straight will take you to Barton Springs pool. I went down there and now realize that it takes you to a deadend of the fence at the pool. Going back over the bridge and taking another right took me to Barton Springs. I have read about how great the Barton Creek Greenbelt is but I didn't have the time to keep going. I didn't feel I had the energy to tackle "The Hill of Life" there either so I headed back ot the van. Taking a short ride this morning was not bad since i know I'm meeting a friend later today to ride Walnut Creek.

Whenever we move from Austin, Town Lake is going to be what I miss most.

Fathers Day at Walnut Creek-Austin,TX

It's been a while. I really have not been out on the trails since my birthday. Seems I need a special occasion to be able to get away for an hour or two. I brought the Haro home the night before anticipating the chance to take it out for the first time on Fathers Day. I have new shifters coming in since the ones on it were not working when I bought it. Couldn't wait...


I have rode Walnut Creek four or five times. It amazes me when you get out there that it sits right in the middle of town, it's so quiet and secluded (until you come across the occasional biker or dog walker). Everytime I go out I find more trails and get a little lost. It's easy enough to find your way back following the creek, power lines or Lamar Blvd. Sooner or later you will run into one of them.

It was muddy today which caused a couple fun little slides and a wipeout. I don't know if it was because of the rain and the water was up but I could not find an area where you can go down and ride along a rock bed along the creek. I did almost hit two deer that were standing in the trail when I came flying around a corner. Funny thing was they followed the trail so they would run up a little and stop and then I would come up on them again. I think they were toying with me. A little TAG and I was "IT."

Something that I found funny in Chuck Cypert's book, Mountain Biking Texas and Oklahoma, was that he took pictures of his bike out on the trails he was writing about. This gives me the idea of combining two of my interests, Mountain Biking and Photography. To start my project, below is The Haro at Walnut Creek, Fathers Day 2006.

My Blazed Trail

Blaze-a mark on a tree made by chipping away at a piece of the bark, usually done to designate a trail; such trails are sometimes called "blazed."

So this is my online trail. I hate to say journal or diary but I guess you could say that is what this is. I'll use this to log my experiences with my new found love for Mountain Biking. If nothing else I will use it to remind myself that I need to be out doing it.

If your reading this you are welcome to follow along. Keep up if you can...