Cool Forum for the Outdoorsy Type

[linque]

I've been looking for a cycling forum that is similar to TPF for a while now, and finally found one. It's specific to Texas, and covers biking, running, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, etc... I didn't have anything to do with the site, but REALLY want to see it grow (for my own selfish reasons).

Anyway, if you're active and live in Texas, check it out.

The Texas Outdoors

I hope you don't mind the mention, Abel. I know you're a mountain biker, and would probably enjoy it too (if you're not already a member). I mentioned TPF in a post there too. They're pretty new, and need some more content but they're definitely off to a good start. They probably would love to have some quality photos there too.

[studiocygnet]

I went over there and looked over the bicycle forum for a while. It seemed like most of the posts were about getting stuff used, cheap, mail order from sleazy operations like BikesDirect.com, or just plain dumpster diving at the back of a bike shop. Kinda like if TPF were all about how to get used Canon Rebels or P&S cameras off craigslist. Wasn't impressed. Plus some folks with a little bit of knowledge dispensing it as gold. Not near the level of expertise we've got here. Gonna take some work over there to get the level up.

[linque]

Wow. Harsh criticism for a new forum. I didn't find the dumpster diving post you were referring to, but I did see the BikesDirect.com mention. Which posts are you referring to exactly? Keep in mind, it is new. I'm sure TPF went through some growing pains when Abel first started it. And I'm sure it didn't immediately have the wealth of information it contains now.

[studiocygnet]

I agree with what you're saying. That's why I said it's going to need work to get to our level. Hopefully it does. I just hope it's not taken over by the niche crowd of ebay/craigslist junk collectors.

[ronocnikral]

i'm with tom...i browsed some of the camping and hiking threads...a long ways to go.

it's the same reason i dislike the boy scouts, a bunch of wannabes trying to tell you how do something you've routinely done before.

and climbing with a bunch of noobs from the internet...i'll choose the path of continuing to live.

[78novacaine]

lol, my buddies Steve and Blake started that site, I have the same SN there as here, looks like I am going to have some competition in the Photo of the Month contest over there now

[linque]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

i'm with tom...i browsed some of the camping and hiking threads...a long ways to go.

it's the same reason i dislike the boy scouts, a bunch of wannabes trying to tell you how do something you've routinely done before.

and climbing with a bunch of noobs from the internet...i'll choose the path of continuing to live.

There are only 14 threads in the "Camping & Hiking" section right now, and the majority of them are opinions on places to go. It does need a lot of work, which is exactly why I posted the link here. I was hoping to get some of the awesome people here to contribute. If you feel like someone is giving bad advice, then feel free to join and give your opinion. I'm not sure what to say about your noobs comment. We were all noobs at some point. Would I want to rock climbing with a bunch of new people to the sport without someone experienced there? Absolutely not. That's just common sense. I've searched, without luck, to try and find a cycling forum similar to TPF. If you know of one, please let me know.

Maybe it was my comparison to TPF that's causing the poor reviews. When I said, "I've been looking for a cycling forum that is similar to TPF for a while now, and finally found one", I did not mean that it was full of the valuable content like TPF has. All I meant was that there is a forum specific to Texas that is geared towards outdoor stuff. The Texas Outdoors is in its infancy, and you are absolutely right that there is a lack of solid content on there right now. Forums aren't usually born with a wealth of information. Join, contribute, and enjoy. I just found out about it last week and am thrilled that someone took the time to get it going.

Abel - If it was poor etiquette to ask TPF members to check out another forum, then please accept my apology, and please delete this thread.

I was curious what prompted the guys to start it, and here is the reply I got from Blake (one of the creators). And yes, Blake should turn spell check on.

The site was started my myself and Steve (thetexasoutdoors) back in May as a cool place for outdoor lovers to come and share their experience and knowledge for anyone to read and maybe take their first step in gettingoutdoors. We both have backgrounds in web forums that mainly consisted of our love for autos/racing/speed and so forth. Late last year we started to get outdoors more often than we would attend car shows. Took up mountain biking and the brain storming for this place started. Many ideas were tossed back and forth along our local trails (Terry Hershey Park) and night rides and we finially set it all up.
Mainly, there was no other sites were people could come specifically for Texans and the ones that are out there were not really actively running. Our main goal is to provide a relaxed place for people all across Texas to come and share their outdoor experience, make new riding buddies, find out about events and maybe get the extra push to get out and enjoy a new activity. We are still new and constatly adding new features, planning some upcomming events of our own and making plans with some new members to get outside and make our adventures. In our first few months, we have had some great members from Austin, San Antonio, Houston and even Lubbock step up and are helping the place grow. We have even had a few new people meet and now ride togeher because of us.
Hope you stick around and please feel free to add your valuble imput and any critisism you may see to make TTO THE place for Outdoor Texans.
-TTO

Like I said, I really want the forum to grow for purely selfish reasons. I don't personally know Steve or Blake, and have nothing to do with the site except as a member. It does need work, it does need members, and it does need content.

[linque]

Originally Posted by 78novacaine

lol, my buddies Steve and Blake started that site, I have the same SN there as here, looks like I am going to have some competition in the Photo of the Month contest over there now

I'm not sure it will be from me, but I hope you do! You're the 2nd TPF'er I've seen there.

[ronocnikral]

i think the issue is implying the site is useful for anyone "active" and living in texas.

besides, anyone who supports critical mass is a loser in my book.

[revjvegas]

I was about to ask what the heck that ^ is, but ....google is your friend :0)

[78novacaine]

Originally Posted by linque

Like I said, I really want the forum to grow for purely selfish reasons. I don't personally know Steve or Blake, and have nothing to do with the site except as a member. It does need work, it does need members, and it does need content.

That's exactly it, the site was JUST started, and does not have a broad member base yet. Another site I am on, when my buddy started it was just our circle of friends, now a couple years later they have 1550 members, 550 of which are active, and a vast wealth of information