Rowlett Creek Preserve

This morning I dusted off the Garmin 660 GPS and set out for Rowlett Creek Preserve (RCP). This was the first time I have been there and I was pleasantly surprised. I am not sure of the total trail length but it must be around 12 to 15 miles. Two of the loops are shut off now as there is construction on the railroad which borders RCP.

I think I counted 12 loops with 4 of them squarely in the expert category. The other are varying degree of difficulty but none of them are serious difficult.

The loops have the usual stuff; roots, rocks, very little sand (yeah), a few modest climbs, at least one creek crossing, and some prarie stuff. As you can see a little something for everyone. The singletrack is well marked and is as hard as asphalt. It would be nice to have a little rain to soften up things, but can't have everything.

I saw a few joggers, hikers, and dog walkers so you do need to approach  the blind corners carefully. There is water at the trailhead and even a hose to rinse off the dust from your bike.

I would say the first 6 loops are the least technical. You can pretty much just ride without worrying what is coming up next. The trails are well marked so don't worry about getting lost. If memory serves me right loops 7, 10, 11, and 12 are the most difficult. There is a map at the trailhead and the loops marked in blue are the tough ones. Check out the map before you head out.

Some of the loops follow along the Rowlett creek for quite a distance. It's kind of a backwoods area and very quiet. Check out some of the photos I took today;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28201157@N08/sets/72157625171152060/

I spent somewhere between 3 and 4 hours riding. Some of the loops I went over several times. All together my GPS  says I rode 31.2 miles at RCP. Without a doubt I will go back. I highly recommend it.

I thought today I might write a little bit about what I carry in my backpack. I do not use a Camelbak, my backpack has the stuff I need in case I get a flat or breakdown. There is nothing worse then being out in the middle of a singletrack with a flat or broken bike.

First, I carry a spare innertube; a mini pump; patch kit; 3 plastic tire spoons; a Topeak multi tool; a fork; and a CO2 tire inflator. Couple of things, first, the fork is because I like to bring along a can of peaches if I'm riding for any length of time. The CO2 inflator was given to me as a gift and doesn't weigh much so I keep it with me. The mukti tool is really cool. Has just about everything you will ever need for trail repairs.

Depending upon where I am and what kind of biking I am doing I may also put a lunch in my backpack. More than once, especially at LBJ National Grasslands, a forest service map may also be there.

Back to the tools. More than once, way more than once, I have come across brokem bikes or flat tires and the rider has nothing for repairs. What is up with that? A little weight is better than pushing your bike for miles. So far, knock on wood, I haven't had any problems which I have not been able to repair. Here's a tip; if nothing else bring stuff to fix a flat.

OK, so much for now. RCP is great - if you get a chance try it out. Maybe I'll see you there.

GPS Coordinates
32°55'12.3"
96°35'44.0"  Different format i know - deal with it.

Later