Author: Desert Toad; Published: Jul 19, 2011; Category: Big Bend Info, Current Events, General, Rio Grande Info, Tours; Tags: Big Bend Info, Rafting, Tours; 4 Comments
Colorado Canyon at 1500 cfs
Rio Conchos joins flows with the Rio Grande as a release of water from Mexico’s reservoir, Luis Leon, has reached the Big Bend area. We saw Colorado Canyon at a ‘fun way to spend a hot day’ level of 1500 cfs yesterday in Big Bend Ranch State Park. And today, Santa Elena is at a lovely one-day level at 1750 cfs. And hey, there is shade at the take-out thanks to Big Bend National Park. Wheel keep you posted.
Author: Mike Long; Published: Jul 14, 2011; Category: Big Bend Info, Current Events, General, Rio Grande Info, Tours; Tags: Big Bend Info, Rafting, Rio Grande, Tours; 7 Comments
Yesterday we got notice that Mexico was going to start a release from the Rio Conchos. The Rio Conchos feeds into the Rio Grande just above Presidio and augments the river flows through both Big Bend Ranch State Park as well as Big Bend National Park. Based on information available on the web, Mexico opened the gates at the dam on the Luis Leon reservoir today and it is flowing about 1200 CFS. We should be seeing increased flows starting the first part of next week and it is supposed to last between 15 and 30 days.
If you have been thinking of coming out to the Big Bend to raft on the Rio Grande, this could be your window of opportunity. We should be seeing flows that will make it possible for us to offer all our river trips. We’ll keep you posted as the situation develops, but give us a shout if you have questions.
Let’s Go Rafting!!!
Author: Desert Toad; Published: May 20, 2011; Category: Current Events, In the Media; Tags: None; No Comments
Texas mountain bike trails of Big Bend experienced a burst of activity over three days in late April when 14 Wounded Warriors came to ride 100k with former President George W. Bush. Barrett Durst of Big Bend Ranch State Park asked Mike Long to help choose the routes beforehand, and Crystal Allbright of Desert Sports and Kevin Urbanczyk of Sul Ross State University joined the bright orange-vested ones to assist and lead rides during the event. The routes covered 12 miles of the Lajitas Resort Trail System on day one, and in the state park day two consisted of 30 miles including a stretch of the Government Road and day three finalized the 100k with 21 miles encompassing the Contrabando Dome Loop. The warriors held up in fine form on the rugged terrain as they kept pace with President Bush and they were thrilled to be joined by Lance Armstrong on the last day of riding.
Here’s ‘Doc’ Kevin U’s article in the Skyline (page 1, page 2), a Sul Ross State University paper.
‘Camera Lady’ Crystal was asked to submit her version to Big Bend Now.
Other local coverage by Big Bend Gazette with additional photos and info in the May 2011 issue of the Gazette.
W100k includes excellent images of the occasion by Paul Morse and other photographers along with insightful interviews with the warriors.
Author: Desert Toad; Published: Mar 8, 2011; Category: Mountain Bike Event, Trails; Tags: Mountain Bike; No Comments
Over 180 registered riders enjoyed a gorgeous weekend of mountain biking at the Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest held Feb. 17-19, 2011. Three days of riding featured the best mountain biking in the area: the Old Ore Road in the Big Bend National Park, the Lajitas Trail System, and the Big Bend Ranch State Park Trail System. Celebrating the Epic designation from IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association), the enthusiastic state park staff provided support for three days of riding on the Contrabando Dome Trail, the newly cleared Rincon Loop, and the climatic 54-mile Epic Loop. Benefiting the Big Bend Trails Alliance, riders enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere along with the challenge of the trails. Base operations were held at the lovely Maverick Ranch RV Park at the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa where Bike Mojo refereed the Bike Toss and other bike games. Throw in after-ride beer tents, an 85 ft. pedal-powered rattlesnake from Austin Bike Zoo, and a dance at the Lajitas Amphitheatre with the energizing Pinche Gringos for a weekend of festivities.
Thanks to all the volunteers for their dedication. We are grateful to our longtime sponsors: Bicycle Sport Shop, Bike Barn, Richardson Bike Mart, Bike Mojo, Specialized and Real Ale Brewing Company. Appreciation goes to local sponsors: Cottonwood General Store, Chili Pepper Cafe, Kathy’s Kosmic Kowgirl Kafe, La Kiva, Lajitas Golf Resort Spa, Long Draw Pizza, Starlight Theatre, Tivo’s and West Texas National Bank. You are the key to the fun times had by all!
See more images and videos from the Desert Sports produced event.
Author: Desert Toad; Published: Dec 14, 2010; Category: Current Events, In the Media, Mountain Bike Event, Trails; Tags: Festival, Mountain Bike; One Comment
Rock Quarry Trail - Big Bend Ranch State Park
Prime time on the trails is now. There’s mucho ground to cover and fine weather to pull you along this winter. Trails are in good shape and ready for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Yes, it’s buzzing about mountain biking in Big Bend. Big Bend Trails Alliance and Desert Sports have paired up with Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa to offer some outstanding mountain biking for all levels of riding. From the challenging jeep roads in the national park to the smooth packed trails of Lajitas to the rugged, epic of the state park.
Did I just say epic? Just getting here can be epic, but now much of the Big Bend Ranch State Park trail/jeep road system, known as the Fresno-Sauceda Loop, has been deemed EPIC by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Jeff Renfrow of Big Bend Trails Alliance applied for this honored status, and now it’s time for cyclists to celebrate this fine award.
Join us for the Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest on February 17-19, 2011! We’ll be featuring some of the outstanding riding in the Big Bend. Old Ore Road in the national park on Thursday, Lajitas trails on Friday, and portions or, if you dare, all of the state park’s EPIC loop on Saturday. Family and Kid rides on Friday and Saturday. And, of course, there will be celebrating. Details about the fest are still on the ironing board, so we will be posting very soon on the Desert Sports website.
In the meantime, check out ‘the buzz’….
“Mountain Bike Dream Ride in Big Bend Ranch”
by Karen Hoffman Blizzard
Texas Parks and Wildlife
“IMBA Unveils Six New Epic Rides”
“The 2010 Epic Rides”
IMBA Trail News Fall 2010 newsletter – hard copy only
Cover photo by Crystal Allbright of KT Misener on the Rock Quarry Trail, Big Bend Ranch State Park
“Biking in Big Bend Ranch State Park is Truly Epic”
by Pamela LeBlanc
Austin American Statesman
“Are IMBA’s Six New ‘Epic” Trails Really Epic?”
by Chris Lesser
Adventure Journal
Mountain Biking Big Bend Ranch State Park
a Texas Parks and Wildlife Film
This piece will air on TPW TV in March.
and then, a bit dated but never posted…
Biking Big Bend
a video by Crystal Allbright, music by Julian Mock
