Suggestions on a Good Bike Trail @ BBSP

[corralup]

I've seen 40 Acre Lake more than I can count as well as Elm Lake. How is Hale Lake as far as bike trails? I hurt my foot so the walking is not for me this weekend. I figure ride a little then park the bike and be stationary at a bunch of stops for pics. This way I'll be able to cover more distance but not as many detailed shots I know. At least I can get back to my truck faster in case it rains lol.
I bought this new Specialized Mountain Bike a few months ago. I should use it more. Have any of you tried the bike thing yet? Your views please.
Thanks

[madf1man]

You know I have. I looked at it more as a workout a few weeks ago and rode most of the park with a bunch of gear. Bout died! Some nice stuff out behind Hale Lake on the pinic loop rode(whatever they call it?) Trails along the river, couple benches on river overlooks. Some are thick wooded type trails so long range photography is limited. Others are open. Can,t this weekend(Canyon Lake again)but maybe next we can meet up and ride a little in the next week or 2. Maybe we,ll even get a little cool down in weather soon.

[corralup]

Originally Posted by madf1man

You know I have. I looked at it more as a workout a few weeks ago and rode most of the park with a bunch of gear. Bout died! Some nice stuff out behind Hale Lake on the pinic loop rode(whatever they call it?) Trails along the river, couple benches on river overlooks. Some are thick wooded type trails so long range photography is limited. Others are open. Can,t this weekend(Canyon Lake again)but maybe next we can meet up and ride a little in the next week or 2. Maybe we,ll even get a little cool down in weather soon.

I'd like that, Trey. I hate going by myself all the time. I'll get with you AFTER Labor Day.

[jfoureyes]

I've been on every trail out there except Live Oak Trail and the new Equestrian trails on the north side of the park. I used to walk up the Riverview Trail several years ago just for fun in the winter time to see the deer and hogs back there. All the trails away from 40 and Elm lakes go into the forest areas so bird shooting except for little forest birds and an owl or hawk isn't going to be very good. They usually see you long before you see them. I go back there because it is so peaceful and you rarely see another person especially during the middle of the week. I'm looking for things I can shoot with my macro lens and there is always a subject. I'd miss too much if I had a bike...a fine leisurely walk is the only way I travel out there... I might find something interesting to shoot. Oh... the map of the park you can get at HQ's building has all the bike trails marked on it...They're free for the asking, just tell the nice lady there that you need one.

[madf1man]

What Jim said also, you can miss alot. Maybe a ride to certain area and then spend extra time at a spot. Jim is there a way to drive by car back to the far corner where the horse stables are near the river. I assume there is but nothing on the map. Is that off park property perhaps?

[jfoureyes]

Originally Posted by madf1man

What Jim said also, you can miss alot. Maybe a ride to certain area and then spend extra time at a spot. Jim is there a way to drive by car back to the far corner where the horse stables are near the river. I assume there is but nothing on the map. Is that off park property perhaps?

Yes you can take Sawmill Road back there. I'm not sure what kind of conveniences they have set up back there but you can check at HQ's. That's where folks take their horses and ride that trail area. It's been open for a few years and I haven't been back there since then. But it also shows a bike and hike trail too on the map. You may need a key to get in the gate.

[corralup]

I found a map. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publicat...4504_0110w.pdf
I'm pretty sure I'm going to hit the equestrian trails just to check them out for my horses.

[Patticake]

Awesome shot!!! I don't have any advice on the trails....Lonnie only showed me two!!!
You mean there are more!!! Hehehe....

Patti

[Phototx]

I have used a mountain bike at BBSP for more years than I care to admit. All of the trails are passable on a bike except for the trails down along the river on wet years. I installed a lightweight aluminum rack and waterproof padded nylon bag to the back of my bike from the Bike Barn. It will hold my camera with 80-400 attached and ready to go. Another small bag on my handle bar carries my wide angle lenses, flash, and camera batteries. The two bottle carriers carry all the water I need for the day. The bike allows you to cover ground more quickly and make several passes through the park which results in more photo ops.

Photos from my last BBSP bike outing.
http://www.phototx.net/images/200903bbsp/index.html

Glen