Biking in Big Bend

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Erstellt am Mittwoch, 26. Januar 2011 00:04

Veröffentlicht am Mittwoch, 26. Januar 2011 00:04

Geschrieben von Abe Connally

The Chihuahua Desert Dirt Fest is coming up, next February 17-19. Three days of mountain trails and fun in both Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park, this is one event all you biking enthusiasts wont want to miss. Three days of blazing trails of various lengths and difficulty levels—the biking festivities will blow your mind and tire your legs. Rides are scheduled in Big Bend National Park for the morning of Thursday, the 17th, where you'll be able to bike the rugged and challenging Jeep trails the Park has to offer.

This Dirt Fest is sponsored by the Big Bend Trails Alliance, Desert Sports, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa. It's a celebration of biking and Texas trails. Visit the Desert Sports website for more information.

Of course, in the National Park all year around you can enjoy trails on your bike that you may never see otherwise. Here are some Big Bend Biking options to check out:

• An easier trail may be the Dagger Flat Auto Tail to McKinney Springs. Only a 14-mile round trip, the starting point, or trailhead, is in the northern area of the park, 14 miles north of Panther Junction.
• Or, just a few miles west of Panther Junction, you can try the slightly more difficult Grapevine Hills Road. It's about 15 miles round trip.
• If you're looking for something even more challenging, you can try Glen Springs Road, River Road, and Black Gap Road. All three connect to make a massive 26 mile loop. You could start and stop at any point.

So, whether you're a mountain bike professional with years of experience on great Texas trails and roads, or if you're new to the sport and looking for something to cut your teeth on, there are plenty for you to do in Big Bend. Come down in February for Dirt Fest's group rides, or come any other time for the regular trails. And remember to be safe; bike with a partner or in a group and take water—even when it's cold you can get dehydrated.