January Club Ride Colorado Bend State Park, San Saba (Bend), Texas

January Club Ride

Colorado Bend State Park, San Saba, Texas

Saturday - January 12

11:00 a.m. Start Time

UPDATE January 10, 2013

We are still hoping to have our ride at Colorado Bend State Park this Saturday but they did receive 3 inches of rain and there is a chance of rain for Saturday.

Most of us have never been to the park so here is some information. Once you get to the park entrance you will need to drive 6 miles on an unimproved road until you get to the Park Headquarters. Just past the Headquarters is an area for parking and camping. We do not know which direction we will set up at but look for the ARR Banner. We'll let the park staff know where we set up and hopefully they will be able to let you know which direction to turn. It is not a huge lot either way.

Entry is $4 per person but according to the website it is $5 per person. I called today and was told that it is still $4. We will be thin on Ride Leaders as many regulars will be assisting with the KidTrips event so if you are willing to lead or explore on your own please let us know.

Attached are links to the park map. From the parking area on the left end we will most likely head North to the River Trail to get to the Gorman Falls Area. We can meander along those trails and work our way to the Windmill Area and the Cedar Chopper Area. If you look at the maps on the links you will see that the River and/or the Lemons Ridge Pass trails are good ways to get back to the campground area, and there is also the road.

Because these beautiful trail system is such a long drive out of town, if there is any change that the trails will be muddy or a good chance of rain we will cancel. It will be a bummer but it beats driving all the way out there and not being able to ride. Please watch for an update Friday 1/11 in the evening.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4507_140.pdf

http://www.cbsptrails.com/coloradobendtrailmap.htm

*****************************************************************************

Kid Trips will be hosting an event for the Girl Scout Winter Jamboree at Colorado Bend State Park and this gives us a great excuse to visit the beautiful trails of this lovely park. We'll be starting the ride later to allow people to make the drive out. Colorado Bend Sp has a variety of geological features that make this park extremely popular. Throughout the park are sinkholes, caves and springs. Some of the trails have creek crossing and one well known highlight is the large waterfall, Gorman Falls, that is located on the west end of the park.

Please note the later Group Ride Start Time of 11:00 a.m. This will give everyone time to drive out and ride!

You do not have to be an ARR member to participate but we'd love to have you join. ARR Members in good standing will be reimbursed the day fee and if you are unsure about your membership status, please email arrwebsite@gmail.com and we will check and let you know.

As always, we will be breaking into groups based on skill level and then we'll hit the trail with the "No Drop" policy in effect so no one gets left behind. All participants must sign a waiver and properly wear a helmet when on a bicycle.

ARR will be hosting a post-ride lunch and everyone is encouraged to bring something to share (fruit, chips, sweets, etc.)

Please RSVP use the SignUp tab on the website event or email us to let us know you'll be riding. It helps us plan for food and drinks!!

Directions: The park is west of Lampasas, southeast of San Saba. From the intersection of U.S. Highways 281 and 183 in Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. From San Saba, take U.S. Highway 190 about 4 miles to FM 580 and follow the signs 13 miles to Bend; follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance (2 miles of dirt road). The headquarters and main camping are 6 miles past the entrance on the dirt road (unmarked County Road 442). (Access road subject to flooding.) Note: No gasoline service in Bend.

Park website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/colorado-bend (http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=26949684&msgid=2173475&act=NOFR&c=120685&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tpwd.state.tx.us%2Fstate-parks%2Fcolorado-bend)
The Park HQ is located at:
Latitude (degrees, minutes, seconds) N: 31° 01' 22.40"
Longitude (degrees, minutes, seconds) W: 98° 26' 32.67"