new in texas

[bodean]

hello, i'm new to texas ( san antonio ) area, looking to do some downhill, not much in S.A., i have heard rocky hill ranch is the place to go, i ride a specialized bighit, it will handle most drops and hucks, but am mostly looking to do some long downhill runs, singletrack and such. if anyone can help out with some trails to ride or where to go i would appreciate it very much.

[bogeyman]

Not much here in san antone for your bike unfortunately. Maybe call the guys over at Drop Zone Cycling or check out their site, they would be your best bet imo.

[crash]

hello, i'm new to texas ( san antonio ) area, looking to do some downhill, not much in S.A., i have heard rocky hill ranch is the place to go, i ride a specialized bighit, it will handle most drops and hucks, but am mostly looking to do some long downhill runs, singletrack and such. if anyone can help out with some trails to ride or where to go i would appreciate it very much.
Hey Bodean,

We don't have a lot of big drops at RHR, but there is a lot of sweet, flowing, roller coaster single track. You can find a map on our website. There is some really fun downhill runs in the back on West Fence Line (going in either direction), and coming down Fat Chuck's Demise is always a blast. You can take the new Easy Up single track, then turn right and come bombing down the road on Fat Chuck's instead of turning left to go to Water 1.

Have Fun!

[Ridenfool]

Another downhill run that could be spiced up with some technical trail features (jumps and such) is Lumberjack from Miracle Mile to OTL. It has potential. Right now it is a fun gravity run, just not very technical. Gotta be sure to get on the binders when you cross the creek at the bottom because Lumberjack runs across Off the Lip and there is always a chance for intersecting traffic.

Also, there was a downhill slalom section that used to have some opportunities for big air around the Drop Zone. However it has fallen into disrepair due to erosion. The jumps are still there, and it crosses Drop Zone just before the drop, so it isn't practical to try unless you have spotters making sure the path is clear. That run began at the swing gate above the campground, came down the fenceline, just past the campground, and then veered right into the jump sets and ended on the road to the campground.

Sometimes I'll come out from a loop ride and from The Wall I'll return on Gray's Way (backwards) through the swing gate and bomb down the first stretch of the old slalom course. Then at the first jump I'll turn left onto Drop Zone (backwards) and ride up to where it comes out again on the fenceline. From there I'll try to gain enough speed to coast the singletrack from Milk Jug Hill all the way back to the trailhead at Boomer's shop. Nothing real technical but a fun gravity run. Gotta be watchful for oncoming traffic to be safe.

Another short, fun spot is to turn South off of Tunnel of the Pines onto Avenue of the Pines and haul buns. Look for a little mound on the left, just as the downhill gets steeper. You can get some nice air there and a treacherous runout at the bottom of the hill. It is all the way to the back though, and would be a workout to pedal a heavy bike to. Definitely do-able though!

The pipeline right of way East from Miracle Mile is another place with potential, and the same ROW West from the service road near the intersection of Off the Lip and EZ Pickens is a good downhill that could be developed. These are actually two pipelines divided by a narrow stand of trees, so there could be four downhills created there with return trails in the trees up the center.

None of these runs are part of the usual loops. But there is some potential for development of a few interesting, safe downhills in several places. There's plenty of Cedar available for construction of ramps, teeters, banked turns, and other North Shore-ish stuff. All that's needed is manpower, tools, and knowledge of proper construction techniques (IMBA has some great reference material). If you are so inclined, check with the guys at Boomer's for approval of your plan before doing any construction.

Anyone who's interested can contact me and I'll show you where these spots are at so you can look them over.

[mohshee]

Twin Parks!!! There is a downhill course and 4cross track. Definitely check it out. There are races too. It is out in Dripping Springs, not too far from SA:

http://www.twinparkscountryclub.com/

[kaiser]

Migh want to take a quick drive to Bandera - Hill Country State Natural Area

About the closest thing to mountains you're going to find around here.