Austin to Junction DS Ride and Campout. April 22-23

[Fly Fisher]

It took a while to get all the paperwork and order and all the permissions approved, ;-) but I'm good to go for the weekend of 4/22-23. I've had the flu pretty bad for the last week, so that delayed some planning.

If anyone is interested in accompanying me on this ride, I'll be heading out from North Austin at 8:00am. We could get a good breakfast a Kirby Lane on 183 at 7:00 if that would make a good meeting point. I'm taking 1431 to Marble falls, so a meeting point could be set there too if folks don't want to ride all the way up to my neck of the woods. The route will be a little over 50% dirt, according to Roads fo Texas. In Junction, we can hit Cooper's for dinner. There is camping to be had at South Llano State Park. I will probably reserve a spot for myself. Depending on how many folks want to come along, I would be happy to coordinate that for everyone.

We can backtrack the same route, or explore some new roads, whatever everyone is up for. If you want more history on the plan, check out this link.

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8343

It should be a great weekend.

[Fly Fisher]

I went out and did some pre-riding of my route today. I focused on areas where I had not been before.

I rode 29 out to Llano (This is not the route, but was the quickest way for me to get ot the roads I wanted to explore.), headed West on 2323, and hit the dirt starting with CR106. This first section was ok, with a couple of water crossings (One was a ot deeper that I expected.) and some interesting scenery. I took this to 105, 109 and then to 110, heading into Loyal Valley. I then took 87 down until I made a right turn to the West on Threadgill Creek Road.

This was a truly outstanding section of road. It was skinny, rocky, and twisty with some water crossings thrown in. I'm curious if anyone else has ridden this, and what their impressions are. I really enjoyed this part. I took this to Salt Branch and then to Leoffler Ln. This had a couple of good crossings on it as well. I took this to Simonsville Road which becomes 1723 and heads up to Mason. It was 5:00 at this point, and I did not feel like getting to know any of the famous Llano County deer, so I cruised home on 29 to beat sundown.

I'm feeling pretty good about the amount of dirt on the Junction ride at this point. Most of the sections of road that I thought would be dirt today, were. There was only one stretch that was unexpectedly paved, but it proved to be fun and fast.

[Tourmeister]

What!? No Pics?! :-P

[Fly Fisher]

I knew I was pressed for time, so I never dug out my camera. If I get out again for some exploring, I'll definitely snap a few. You'll just have to trust me that Threadgill Creek Road was great. ;-)

[Tourmeister]

Looking at my maps, there looks to be a LOT of fun roads in that area. Hopefully, not too many are paved! Wish I could join you for the ride.

[fastmonstr]

I might be up for this. I just bought a KLR and will be picking it up next week.

I should have it ready to ride by then.

I'll keep you updated.

I think it's time I update my signature............

[Tourmeister]

I think it's time I update my signature........

...and post some pics :-P

[Fly Fisher]

As it turns out, I've got four days off this weekend. As of yesterday, I had only one tentative response about the trip to Junction, so I made the decision to take advantage of the time I have to make a run out to Big Bend. I'm sorry if anyone was planning on coming to Junction with me. I figure I've already ridden the Junction route now, so some exploring is in order. I'm leaving Austin Thursday afternoon at about 2:00 and will return Monday. Y'all are welcome to join me.

Owen

[Tourmeister]

Ohhh... much better trip! However, I would be cautious doing the unpaved stuff alone out there. Help is a LONG way off and cell phone coverage is spotty at best.

[Richard_]

Owen,

Big Bend is a great place to ride. The ride out is long, but oh so worth it. Have a great time and I wish I was going with you.

What route are you taking there? What roads are you planning on riding while out there?

[Fly Fisher]

I'm going to wing it a little bit, but I'm thinking of spending Thursday night at Seminole Canyon State Park and checking out the rock art the next morning. I was going to hit a bunch of dirt between Junction and Seminole canyon, but since I am going out to Big Bend, I figured I'd try to make some good time on the first day. I'll hit some dirt between Langtry and Pandale on the way to big Bend from Seminole Canyon. Beyond that, I'm not sure.

Scott, Thanks for the concern and the advice. When it comes down to it, I am a pretty conservative rider. I know when I am alone, that I have to be extra careful, and extra prepared. I know I'm not bulletproof, and I know bad things can happen. I'm comfortable with solo wilderness experience. I lived in Colorado for 10 years, and spent a lot of time in the mountains alone both in summer and winter. I really do appreciate any advice. I'm a new rider, and I know my limits. If I feel uncomfortable in an area, you can bet I'll turn around.

I love to explore, and I am finding that my KLR has opened a new world for me. Today Big Bend, tomorrow Asia. (If I win the lottery, that is.);-)

Owen

[Tourmeister]

Do you have a GPS?

[Fly Fisher]

I have a Garmin 76CS with lots of downloaded maps and extra batteries. I also have paper maps and a compass so I'm covered when the GPS dies. :doh:

[Tourmeister]

Lemme check and see if I have any of my tracks from Big Bend.

[Fly Fisher]

Thanks! :mrgreen: