SATN Sentinel Issue #6
A few things in the news:
There is a pipeline project started on Mopac that will impact the Lowbridge trail. It shouldn't scare you off from riding it. Just don't be surprised if it's shut down.
The Violet Crown Trail has completed and opened the Home Depot to Hobby Lobby segment. The official trail ends on grass next to the Mopac service road. Not ideal. But there is a single track trail that branches off the gravel VCT very near the end that goes behind Hobby Lobby. The "My Hobby" trail connects to Brush Country next to the Shell carwash.
Speaking of the Violet Crown Trail; It's time to get your KOMs on Chip Chop, Rattlesnake, and Terminus so that they will be locked in time forever. This is because as single track, they will be going away in October. The construction of the very last section of improved surface VCT will start then. From the two bridges over Slaughter Creek all the way around to the culdesac of LaCrosse next to the Wildflower Center, is going to be shut down for ten months to build the 10' gravel trail like the rest of it. Yes, this is going to be a loss of access to some great single track. But know that the completion of this segment means that the next segment, of natural surface trail not gravel, will begin construction. This segment will go from the south end of the Purple Tiara trail over to the parking lot at 45 and Mopac. It will come out at the north end of Dirtway 45. That will make some great routing possible. After that the VCT will head south from 45 to Buda! So it's all going to be a great gain for us. Well worth the temporary inconvenience of the trail shut down. Also there will most likely be some replacement single track to replace the VCT absorbed single track in some places. So it's all good. Please be positive about it and respectful to the trail builders if you encounter them.
-And speaking of progress, there is some happening at the north side of the corner/elbow where 45 and Mopac meet. This piece of property has changed hands a few times in the history of the SATN. Up until now it has not affected us. Now Valor Education is the owner and they have started development. This has cut off Underoo, the trail that connects the Southbay trail to Bigger Housefire by going under Mopac along Danz Creek. But fear not! There has been a reroute to keep that connection open. It is fairly apparent so don't be afraid to go explore it. There is orange flagging marking both ends of the reroute. Look for them. But there is no point in going on the old route as you will have to carry your bike over four silt fences that have been erected. The south end of Bigger Housefire has been blocked with brush to save you the trouble of riding 100 yards then having to turn back.
Now if it will only cool off and maybe get some rain. Don't give up hope! It has to happen eventually.
-Carl
