Cycling in Austin Texas

Austin, Texas, has always boasted a highly activeMountain bikers don't have to look far to find a wealth
populace, and is often listed among the nation'sof great riding throughout the city and its surrounding
healthiest and most active cities. Cycling plays a hugeareas. The Greenbelt, which runs right through the
role in this fitness-focused city, with an abundance ofmiddle of south-central Austin, boasts extensive
resources available to cyclists of every age andnetworks of trails in all degrees of difficulty, from highly
experience level. The unique landscape and closetechnical, professional-grade trails to simpler dirt tracks,
proximity to the rolling Texas hill country make itperfect for an evening joyride, or even a nice hike. On
uniquely suited to both mountain biking and road bikingthe north side of town, Walnut Creek Park is another
alike, and enthusiasts of both sports flock to the city asexcellent option for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
a result.Miles upon miles of wooded trails weave their way
Road biking is an extremely popular sport in Austin.through the park, with a variety of routes and skill
Hundreds of cyclists pedal their way through itslevels.
surrounding areas, taking in the scenery and theLess than an hour outside of Austin, you'll find
challenging, rolling hills that run for miles upon miles.Muleshoe State Park, another mountain biker's haven.
Highway 360, which runs in a semicircle west of theMuleshoe is home to a beautiful seven-mile loop of
city, is one of the most popular routes for road bikers,rocky climbs, narrow switchbacks, and steep descents.
with its picturesque views, wide shoulders and bikeThe shaded landscape is visually stunning, with deer
lanes, and seemingly endless rolling hills. Within the citybounding through the trees and dramatic cliffs edging
itself, there are a wide variety of beautiful, challengingalong the trails. Another out-of-town cycling option is
road ways and routes that are dotted daily with roadMilton Reimer's Ranch county park. Though less
bikers. Mount Bonnel, located in the southwest centralshaded than Muleshoe park, Reimer's offers just as
Austin, is a popular destination for cyclists and hikersmuch technicality, with miles of single track,
alike, with stunning views, winding roads and steeptreacherous rock gardens, and beautiful views of
climbs.Texas savannah.
South Austin's Veloway is another haven for roadRegardless of your experience level, time allotment or
bikers (a paved loop several miles long that's off limitdesired degree of difficulty, Austin, Texas, and its
to cars and runners); it offers unobstructed, safe riding,surrounding areas offer an endless range of options
making it an ideal place for beginners to practice andwhen it comes to cycling. It's no wonder, then, that
families with young children to ride safely. Hundreds ofAustin is home to one of the nation's largest and most
Austin cyclists flock to the Veloway each weekend,active cycling communities. Whether you're looking for
and it's often used as a starting point for group rides,a peaceful evening road ride or an epic mountain biking
classes and other cycling events.adventure, you don't have to look far to find it in Austin.