Weekly Moderate Intermediate-Level Ride -- Barton Creek (15-ish miles)

NOTE: I've been informed that, after a few weeks of leading these rides, I'm apparently not riding very "slow" anymore, so I changed the pace description to "moderate". I'm still not a racer, but we're definitely not making as many stops as we were when this ride series began.

About my riding style

I am a technical rider with advanced skill, but I am not a racer by any means. My goal is to clean everything, not necessarily to finish quickly. I like to stop and session the more difficult obstacles, and I may need a breather after the climbs. Thus, if you're trying to get the best time on Strava, you might find it annoying to ride with me (but you're welcome to come out and ride at your own pace.) I have trouble getting motivated to ride on my own (running two businesses will do that to you), so posting these weekly rides is a way of forcing myself to ride at least once a week. It's also an opportunity to ride some of the trails that I don't normally get a chance to ride.

About the trail

The Barton Creek Greenbelt runs 7.5 miles from Zilker Park in downtown Austin to the "Hill of Life" in West Lake Hills. The trail system is characterized by a lot of rock gardens and short ledges connected by dirt track. Compared to other local trails, it is incrementally more difficult than Pace Bend and comparable to Brushy Creek, and pretty much halfway between Walnut Creek and City Park in terms of difficulty. I plan to start at Spyglass and ride Main >> Office Park Loop >> Main >> Sweet 16 >> Cheese Grater >> Jedi >> Mulch >> Main. These trails aren't the Federal Pound-Me-in-the-@$$ trails that Todd likes to ride, but they are still solid intermediate-level trails with some advanced moments. I'll be riding them at a fairly leisurely pace and stopping to session stuff, but the obstacles are a lot more continuous than with other local trails, so plan accordingly. Beginners will likely get frustrated. This will be a good ride for experienced riders who, like me, are looking to improve their stamina. It will be no-drop (within reason-- the ride is mostly out & back, so those who are struggling can opt to turn around.)

Cancellation

The ride will be cancelled if:

• There are less than 2 people signed up within 48 hours of the ride

• It has rained heavily within 72 hours of the ride

• Rain is likely on the day of the ride (I will make the call the night before)

• The forecasted high for the day of the ride is less than 40 degrees

Otherwise, we ride.

Gear:

• Mountain bike in good working order

• Helmet required

• CamelBak or other hydration backpack. 3-liter carrying capacity recommended unless you're in really good shape

• Gloves

• Spare inner tube & tire pump if you aren't riding tubeless

• Inflater and CO2 cartridges if you're riding tubeless

Meet at 10:45 in the parking lot. Wheels down at 11:00. Text me if you'll be late.

Directions:

Park along the street on Spyglass or Barton Skyway near Taco Deli (we'll have lunch there after the ride, for those who are game.)