After a couple weeks in the deserts of West Texas, the first day pedaling through Hill Country was a beautiful one. Despite overcast skies, I was able to enjoy some surroundings that I had not yet experienced in Texas, many of which made me reminisce on my home back in California. My first night camping in the hills I woke up to a couple Javelinas' (wild hogs) sniffing around my tent, a tense situation to say the least, but I woke up the next morning in one piece. The second night I ended the evening in a land of hunting ranches and oak trees, watching massive cumulus thunderheads roll in from the north. The beauty of the clouds distracted me from the potential danger and at some point I realized I might be in for an interesting night. Within a half hour, the pitch black sky was being illuminated by lightning, turning night into day. Deafening thunder and gail force winds moved in right on top of me. Grape-sized hailstones also made an appearance and threatened to knock my tent over, there were times I expected my tent to be picked up off the ground and tossed into the bushes, with me inside. After a long night, I woke up the next morning shaken and wet, but to a clear sky. The following days on the road were perfect. I rode through the old German town of Fredericksburg stopping overnight to camp in a local park.
Riding Texas Ranch Road 2533, heading into Hill Country with a storm on the horizon. I had this rough asphalt rode to myself pretty much, seeing only one or two cars in the 30-40 miles I rode it.
Texas Hill Country
Thunderheads on the horizon, watching the start of what would later be one of the wildest lightning storms I have witnessed from the inside of a tent... ever. Being from California I am not used to the heavy hitting storms of the Midwest, and this one was a eye-opener.
Camping along a creek in a quiet Fredericksburg park. Had a night of freezing temperatures here for the first time in a month or so.
Riding through Lyndon B. Johnson’s Texas ranch near Johnson City, a working ranch but also a National and State Historic Park.
The green rolling hills between Fredericksburg and Austin were home to vineyards, grazing cattle and sheep, and some beautiful State and National Parks. I rode through the historical Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch and then further down the road I hiked and camped for a day at Perdernales Falls State Park. When things really could not get much better I arrived in my long-awaited destination of Austin, Texas. After spending my first day riding around through crazy traffic and hoards of people in town for SXSW, I ended up camping near Barton Springs on the west side of town. Hoping to find a more permanent place to stay the next morning.
A day was well spent in Perdernales Falls State Park, just west of Austin, hiking and swimming around the Perdernales River.
Perdernales Falls State Park Campground
Arriving in Downtown Austin, Texas crossing over Lake Austin and into the madness of SXSW.
After a long ride to the North end of Austin, in hopes of finding a bmx house to stay at, I stopped at the well known Empire BMX. Although I did not find a place to stay I was given some good advice on getting around Austin.
Spending my first morning in Austin at Zilker Park.
My second day in Austin I rode to the Fairdale Bikes office to talk to the owner and legendary bmx rider Taj Mihelich, who had pretty recently completed his own bike tour down the Pacific Coast from Portland to San Fransisco. Taj was a super nice guy, helping me out with a place to stay as well as hooking me up with some new tires and a shop and tools to tune up my bike. My two week stay in Austin was awesome and I got to meet a bunch of really good people. My new found friends helped me explore the area and showed me how to get around, so that by the end of my first week I felt like I had really seen the city. The days were filled with good weather, food, music, bmx, trails, mountain biking, swimming and relaxation. I was fortunate enough to borrow a bmx bike to cruise around on and got to ride some good spots in town and roast some big doubles out in the woods for a couple days. Even though I could have easily stayed in Austin for the next four months, I am finally moving on and heading in the direction of New Orleans, LA.
My home for a couple weeks was in this peaceful South Austin backyard. I woke up every morning to sound of birds, rustling trees and to beautiful weather. Thanks to all the rad dudes and friends at this house for shredding some bikes and making my time in Austin so great. Keep roastin!
Cruising around on a typical South Austin evening.
Free Flaming Lips concert at SXSW.
The Kona and I visiting the Texas Capital Building, in downtown Austin.
In addition to waking up to birds chirping I also got the daily morning visit from Hershal, the touring dog. To read about Hershal's travels check out the link below.
http://fairdalebikes.com/fieldtrips/ragbrai2012/
Spent a day riding some unique skateparks in the greater Austin area. Ended the day sessioning this pool at Cottonwood Shores.
Friends Luke and Clay riding the Greenbelt. Got to spend a day on borrowed mountian bikes tearing through the trails of Austin. It always feels good to get off the Kona for a bit and ride some terrain other than paved roads.
During my stay in Austin I went on a couple of these "social rides." Where hundreds of bikes take over the streets of Austin, doing a random loop through town, usually ending the nights at a bar or show.
Weekend camping mission in the woods.
Sunday session at the trails, thanks to all the Hush locals for running this spot. Had such a great time out here.
Springtime in the woods of Austin, getting the legs back for a table on this good 90 degree hip.
Clay getting loose on a resurfaced T1 ramp. My stay in Austin exceeded all expectations, but to top it all off my last night in town I got to ride this famous backyard ramp with a good group of guys. Thanks Joe!
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