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

Suncoast Trail

This last weekend I was in Tampa, Florida and took Sunday afternoon off to do a little jogging. I happened to be staying in a hotel close to the Suncoast Trail so that is where I ended up. The trail is an asphalt strip 10 feet wide that extends for 41 miles. I was in Florida for such a short time that I was not able to find a bike rental place so jogging it was.

Some background - I stayed at a Residence Inn, a wonderful place. If you are interested it is located on Northpointe Parkway in Lutz, Florida. It is located about 30 minutes from the airport via a tollway, Veterans Expressway I believe was the name. Hotel's telephone number is 813.792.8400.

Back to the trail. It follows right beside the Suncoast Highway so the road noise is a little oppressive. The Sunday I was there lots of bikers, skaters, but not too many joggers. As I mentioned, the surface of the trail is asphalt so it isn't too hard on knees and ankles, although I was a little sore after my run. I usually don't do long runs anymore unless it is on dirt so that explains part of it.

Bottom line - decent place to bike, OK place to jog. Not much scenery and the trail is loud with car/truck noise.

One final note; the pictures I post here are taken with my Canon SD 1000 Digital Elph. I have had this camera for some time and really like it. It is completely metal and has survived several falls from bikes and several mud puddles. It has a couple of bad pixels on the display but that doesn't effect its'  pic taking ability. Bought it on EBay some time ago.

For more information on the Suncoast Trail go to;
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/westcentral/trails/suncoast.htm

Later

GPS Coordinates for Trailhead at Suncoast:
28°11.313  82°32.876

Northshore

Over by Lake Grapevine is one of the best, if not the best, off road trail in the metroplex - Northshore. The full meal deal runs about 20 miles, long for a MTB trail and full of many surprises. Before I go into the merits of this trail; I began the day, upon arrival at Northshore, by breaking the stem off my rear tire. All I wanted to do was put some air in the tire. Have I mentioned that I am not a fan of presta valves? After this morning I am seriously considering drilling out the valve hole in my rims to accept schraders (car style valves). I could expound for awhile about why in the world there are presta valves but what is the point - they are here.

Anyway, after changing my back tube I was on my way. One more "hold it there cowboy". I always wear a small backpack, when I ride off road, full of tools and goodies for just these kind of occasions. Admittedly, I don't break off many valve stems but I do have my share of flats. I do carry an extra inner tube and a pump for just these kinds of problems. I also have a patch kit but I usually wait until I get home before I patch.

Northshore is constructed so that you will run into almost every kind of situation. Sand - yes; Rocks - yes, climbs - yes, roots - yes, the slick kind, other people -
bikers - yes, lots, hikers -  yes, lots, this is one busy place. I arrived at the trailhead around 8:00 AM and I bet there were at least 30 cars already there, and this was just one trailhead. I talked with a guy who seemed to know and he said it is not uncommon for 600 people to be on the trail in one 24 hour period.

To get a sense of some of the trail follow the link to some pics of Northshore.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28201157@N08/sets/72157625128532282/
This is one trail you need not worry about getting lost. It is probably the best marked trail I have ever seen. Even if you did manage to get lost, and it was on a weekend, you could wait a while and someone will come by who can help. I stopped to take a drink after one strenuous climb and before long there were three of us talking. MTBers are certainly friendly.

There are plenty of places to turn around and head back to the barn if you don't want to do the entire 20 miles. The trail is a singletrack and so well marked (as I said before) that you will always know where you are. I started at the trailhead in Murrell Park but there are many other places. At the bottom of this entry you will see the GPS coordinates for the area I parked in.

I will admit here and now there are a few places I walk my bike through on this trail. Nothing to be ashamed of, some things are just beyond my skill set. I say this so that if you attempt Northshore you will know it is OK to walk. I also know I am not the only one. I did go tires up once today. Got my pedal caught on something. My big toe is also a little bruised but that too will pass.

Final word; great trail, nice and long. A little of everything. Give it a try you won't be disappointed.

Later

GPS Coordinates:
33° 00.301
97° 05.864

River Legacy

What a joy it is to be back on this trail. My first off road experience was here and I love returning. This is definitely not the most difficult or challenging trail in the metroplex but it does have its' positive features. It is between 5.5 and 6 miles at its' farthest but can be much shorter if you elect to take the several bypasses. This is one of the few trails where you can really get up some speed, especially in the prarie loop.

What does River Legacy have to offer? Well, it does have some technical areas, some jumps, and some interesting looking water/ravine crossings. Remember, the jumps and more difficult areas are marked in red while the easier trails are marked in blue. You can always walk your bike through any area you feel is beyond your ability. If you follow the link you can see some of the pics I have taken at RL http://www.flickr.com/photos/28201157@N08/sets/72157625093099882/with/5051097342/
If you use the link above you can check out some of the features and fun RL has to offer.

What does RL not have? Sand and rocks. Rocks I can live with but sand is my worst enemy. I have gone tires up in sand more than any other material. I think the absence of these two evils is one of the reasons I like this trail so much.

A couple of reminders - this is a single track so basically keep left. The right turns are generally for bypasses. If you see yourself going against traffic just stop and turn around. Eventually you will get the hang of it. The trail is pretty well marked but it is easy to miss a directional sign. Pull over to the side to let someone pass. Finally, we share this trail with hikers - we do not own the trail, we share it. Be nice, let hikers pass.

To check the condition of the trail go to http://www.dorba.org/ If the gate is up do not try to ride. Riding on a wet track will destroy it.

Mention should be made about the concrete path which runs for 7 miles through the park. If the off road trail is closed you can always ride on the concrete. Not nearly as much fun but at least it is biking. On the weekends it generally is host to all kinds of joggers, bikers, and strollers. Remember to announce"On your left" when you pass.

A good time was had by all.

Later

GPS Coordinates for RL parking lot
32° 47.591
97° 07.018

What's Up With Another Blog?

Well, what is up with another blog? First of all, it's mine. My goal is to provide information about (1) jogging and mountain bike (MTB) trails in Dallas/Fort worth, (2) descriptions of other trails I have been or will go on as I travel, (3) just general stuff. What you won't find here is the ranting and raving that seems to have taken over many posts. I will evaluate the trails and greenways I bike or jog on so the reader can make an evaluation regarding the available areas in the DFW metroplex and parts of Texas.

When I began to get into jogging anf biking I found it was kinda difficult to obtain realistic reviews on trails around me. I hope this will make it easier for others to find parks, trails, greenways, rails to trails etc to j or b on.

A bit about me and my stuff. I have a mountain bike - a Trek 6000. I started with a Trek 4300 but found I needed a heavier bike for some of the stuff I do. For complete description of my bike click here;
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/6_series/6000/
I like this bike very much and can recommend it if you are looking. My jogging shoes are Mizuno's and if you are new to jogging I highly recommend going to a running store to be fitted. There really is a difference.

To track distances, speed, and heart rate I use a Garmin Forerunner 305. Won't win any beauty contests but works well. See it at: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=349&ra=true. It uses a chest strap to monitor heart rates and the unti itself straps on your wrist.

For software I use a web based program to track all my workouts - http://www.mapmyrun.com/ I know it says run in the title but it does track biking as well as other forms of exercise. It is not waterproof so swimmimg must be entered manually. Iphone has an ap for mapmyrun.com and it does work pretty well but I have had problems with my iPhone battery running out before I'm finished.

More and more I find myself enjoying biking over jogging. I haven't given up jogging, especially before work in the mornings, but whenever I can I do bike. I am not a purist or a weight nazi. I enjoy off road biking (we really don't have mountains in North Texas), crusing on county roads with little traffic, and state parks. The one area I stay away from is street biking in the city. Too dangerous for me. I would rather hit a tree that a 2000 Ford F-150.

Finally, a great source for trail conditions in North Texas is http://www.dorba.org/ The Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association does a wonderful job of keeping posted conditions up to date for many tails in and around the metroplex. Check'em out and if you are from the DFW area please join. When I discovered them I joined and I think it's important that we support our sport.

My next posts will start the process of evaluating the trails etc I ride or run on. I may occasionally throw in some other stuff so stay tuned. I appreciate hearing from anyone out there. I do travel some and I would love to hear about other trails and where to rent bikes in your area.

Later