Wheels down at 9 AM sharp.
Start date and time is subject to change, depending on weather conditions.
Meet in the parking lot of Govalle Park.
Note: The Apple Maps app fails at navigating to Govalle Park. Enter "5200 Bolm Road" instead of "Govalle Park."
Google Maps is accurate.
There have been sporadic car break-ins in the Govalle parking lot. Please don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
This is a ride-your-own-speed ride (roughly 11 to 14 mph average) on The Southern Walnut Creek Trail from the trailhead at Govalle Park to the Abrupt End and return. Round trip is about 20 miles. The trail is paved for the entire distance, with a very interesting 1/2 mile hill on the outbound. We'll regroup at the top of the hill on the outbound and at the Abrupt End. The return is mostly downhill.
The trail is two-way and narrows down in spots, with a couple of blind corners. We share the trail with walkers, runners, people pushing baby carriages, dog walkers, other bicyclists, (and rarely, feral pigs.) Squirrels, too. Single-file riding and moderate speed on the corners is strongly recommended!
There are two significant road intersections that require caution to cross. Both have push button-operated stoplights.
Govalle Park is at 5200 Bolm Road. A map of Govalle Park's location is at
http://austinparks.org/parks/govalle-park/
Riders must wear a helmet.
There are portapotties next to the Govalle Park parking lot. There are good restrooms at the tennis courts at the top of the hill, just off the trail by 1/3 mile.
Since there's noisy construction at Govalle Park, we'll continue to meet after the ride at Houndstooth Coffee, 2001 Ed Bluestein Blvd. It is on the northbound Hwy 183 access road. It is accessible from the SWCT on the return, or else you can drive to the shop from Govalle Park.
• What to bring
helmet, water/sports drink, tools to fix a flat, spare inner tube, snack(optional), change for coffee.