 Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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on: May 07, 2012, 11:13:28 PM
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kipyoung
Posts: 55
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« on: May 07, 2012, 11:13:28 PM » |
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As I've dove into the world of bikepacking, being in the Dallas area of Texas has made a long multiday trip without a drive somewhat impossible. However I have found a fun sub 24 hour overnighter! In Denton off of hwy 380 there is the Lake Ray Roberts State Park Greenbelt trail that goes about 11.5 miles to lake Ray Roberts. This is an old equestrian trail that is mostly crushed limestone and very easy going. Going another 3.5 miles on a county road will take you to the Isle Du Bois branch of Lake Ray Roberts State Park. Total mileage about 15 miles one way. At Isle Du Bois there is a DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bike Association) trail in the park. The DORBA trail is approximately 12 miles of intermediate to advanced singletrack.
This was my first attempt to work out the kinks in my setup. I left my car at the park in Denton after work one day, rode to the state park and camped near the water (reservation required). When I arrived I made camp and went to refill my water. By the time I made it back to camp it was getting dark so I made some dinner, and hit the hay. The next morning I got up bright and early, ate breakfast and rode the DORBA trail. After that I went back to camp to pack up. With bike loaded I made the 15 mile journey back to my car. Total mileage, 42 miles and a whole heck of a lot of fun. Great trip for beginners like me that need to "practice" before hitting up a real ride. Looking forward to going again soon. If you are local to Dallas and want to give it a try let me know and I can answer any question about the route. If you want company I'd be willing to go, still need to work out my gear setup and packing.
Regards,
Kip
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Kip Young
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #1 on: May 09, 2012, 08:37:40 AM
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REV
Posts: 44
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« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2012, 08:37:40 AM » |
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Kip,
We ride that route quite a bit as I live in NE Denton not far from the 380 trailhead. There is tons of gravel/dirt roads to explore n of Denton near the red river. Any future trip plans?
Ben
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #2 on: May 09, 2012, 08:45:16 AM
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kipyoung
Posts: 55
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« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2012, 08:45:16 AM » |
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Hi Ben! I was thinking about doing an overnighter Sunday night as I have Monday and Tuesday off next week. However, I just got back from REI to return my paniers so i can spend the money on a sewing machine and material to make my own custom bags. My hope is to get them made sometime in the next month or two and then give them an inaugural trial run shortly after. Later this summer I'm shooting for a trip to do about 150-200 miles of the Colorado Trail... good times!
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Kip Young
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #3 on: May 10, 2012, 12:59:38 PM
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Rabid Hillbilly
Posts: 63
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« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2012, 12:59:38 PM » |
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I grew up in denton,plan on visiting my brother sometime in the future.let you know when, we'll ride(try mayhill rd.
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #4 on: May 10, 2012, 01:09:21 PM
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Rabid Hillbilly
Posts: 63
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« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2012, 01:09:21 PM » |
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Ment red river, got to thinking of mayhill rd, used to be 12miles of gravel,nice bike ride when i was a kid.
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #5 on: May 16, 2012, 12:15:40 PM
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wisaunders
Posts: 78
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« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2012, 12:15:40 PM » |
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I'm in Dallas too. I've been spending some time over the past few weeks planing a trip for a my wife, few friends and me on the Chaparral trail starting from Farmersville. I'm starting to think I should have done your route since re are all beginners. I'm afraid some of my group might not make it. Here's our plan: https://sites.google.com/site/memorialdaybiketrip/ |
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #6 on: May 17, 2012, 07:04:00 PM
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kipyoung
Posts: 55
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« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2012, 07:04:00 PM » |
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Hey there! Thanks for the info. Didn't know that trail existed. I just got clearance from the wife to go scout it out this weekend! Question, is the trailhead in Farmersville safe to park and leave a car at legally? Trying to determine if I need to arrange a ride or if I can park and go.
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Kip Young
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Topic Name: North Texas S24O
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Reply #7 on: May 17, 2012, 07:25:00 PM
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wisaunders
Posts: 78
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« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2012, 07:25:00 PM » |
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It looks to be safe enough, right in the middle of their downtown. Let me know what you find out.
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