I found this dirt stretch back in April in the land of pave everything. Just north of Granbury. Not a long stretch, but still. Not far west from here I found a few more miles of dirt. Gotta watch for those gas trucks barreling around the corners though.
If you’re interested in Texas dirt rides you might check out the blog Pondero where Chris has chronicled what looks like some great gravel rides north of Dallas. Can’t wait to get up there and try em out.
Ranch riding in the cross-timbers of Texas.
Old?
Really old?
Like over 40 old?
Ride a single speed bike?
Enjoy overly competitive bowling mid-ride and continuing the last half of said ride half drunk, on dirt trails, with a belly stuffed full of burgers and beer?
Well then, I have the ride for you..
Did I mention bacon wrapped hot dogs?
The Old Man Ride will depart from the Weatherford trail head of the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway mid-morning of May 15th (exact time forthcoming) and ride 22 miles via one of the states finest rail trails to Mineral Wells to enjoy bowling at The Mountaineer Lanes, burgers and beer at Woody’s finishing with a nice leisurely ride back to Weatherford. You must be over 40 and ride a single speed to attend.
Well, Austin was all a titter last night as we prepared for our first snow forecast of the year. Half inch to and inch predicted… The stores were crowded with folks stocking up with necessities…
This morning I found some time to get out in the cold and hit the dirt. I think I may have seen a snowflake… or two. I did see an osprey and a red tailed hawk below Lady Bird Lake though. That was cool.
Shoal Creek Hike and Bike.
50 psi.
Yes, I'm trying.
Don't slip.
Two way.
Corner mirror.
Serenade me.
Ol' Greybeard.
Great minds think alike.
Watch your head.
Nod hello.
Onward.
Pirate head tube.
Colorado River trail to Montopolis.
Tracks.
Lower Colorado River
My number one cycling partner, Henry, and I have been rocking the tag a long bike as of late. Now that’s a fun way to spend an afternoon. We spun it around Austin for the first time a few weeks back and the quote of the day was, “Dad, how come everybody’s smiling at us?” Nice.
Alison dolled us up for the Hyde Park Fire Station’s Halloween Parade and Festival and Henry took home first prize in the Best Wheels category. Sweet.
Last week we were up in the Texas Cross Timbers and hit the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway for a sixteen mile day of mellow crushed gravel. We sighted a number of deer and a flock of turkeys along the way and Henry had his first bout of saddle soreness. Just a tinge but it made his father smile just the same. Get used to it boy. Arriving back at the ranch we spotted a bald eagle sitting in the top of an old cottonwood tree above the lower lake. A first for us in this area. Yes.
While killing some time checking out the Rough Riders website I found this link to a gallery of camping photos from San Diego’s Velo Cult bike shop. These guys look like they know how to have fun. Black and white pics of killer gravel roads, steel bikes, wool jerseys, old school cleats, ect. Such nice goggles too!
The store site has a peck of sweet looking vintage rides for sale also including a Mercian, a couple of Nobilettes, Gitanes, an old Masi and more. Dear Santa…
Click the pic and check it out.
Another installment in the series “Gravel Rides of Note” or “Why Doesn’t Texas Have More Shit Like This?”.
The Almanzo 100. Southern Minnesota, middle of May, 100 miles of gravel.
I’ll let Almanzo tell you the rest:
Look for more info on the Almanzo 100 blog where you can also find such promotional gems as the following video.
Photo courtesy of J Kershaw & "Heck of the North"
HMwSB gives a two thumbs up to this one:
104 miles. 77 miles gravel. 22 miles paved. 4 miles of trail.
Ok. I’m jealous.
Photo courtesy of J Kershaw & "Heck of the North"
Hard Men With Soft Bellies 
