Author: Mike Long; Published: Oct 20, 2011; Category: Big Bend Info, General, Mountain Bike Event, Trails; Tags: Big Bend Info, Cycling, Mountain Bike; No Comments
Fall has finally arrived to the Big Bend area and has brought with it cooler temperatures perfect for getting out and riding.
Cycling season here in Terlingua is typically from about the end of September to about the end of April. Our seasons for riding are a bit backward from the rest of the country, prime time out here is the off-season for a lot of other places. If you are looking for a place to ride to extend your fall riding season or a place to escape the winter doldrums, Big Bend could be exactly what you are seeking. And don’t forget that Spring starts early out this way, come on out and celebrate with us at the Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest in mid-February.
Now is the time to start planning your Fall, Winter or Spring Mountain Biking trip to the Chihuahuan Desert and the Big Bend has some of the most spectacular riding of West Texas.
Author: Mike Long; Published: Oct 14, 2011; Category: Big Bend Info, Current Events, General, Mountain Bike Event, Trails; Tags: Big Bend Info, Cycling, Festival, Mountain Bike; No Comments
Contrabando Trails, BBRSP - photo by Crystal Allbright
Save the dates for the next edition of the Chihuahuan Desert Dirt Fest: February 16-18, 2012.
Desert Sports and Texas Parks and Wildlife at Big Bend Ranch State Park are teaming up again to present 3 full days of fun desert riding over Presidents’ Day Weekend in 2012. In 2011 we hosted rides in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Lajitas Resort Trails - some of the best riding in the whole Big Bend area. Last year we celebrated the newly dedicated IMBA EPIC ride in the State Park, the Fresno/Sauceda Loop. In 2012 we continue the tradition with rides on the Contrabando trails, the Rincon Loop and the Lajitas trails. We’ll be working on some new options for the upcoming year’s schedule of events and may even include an opportunity for doing the EPIC as a 2-day ride for folks wanting a more leisurely pace.
We are still working on a final schedule of rides and events, so stay tuned and check back for more information. We’ll be posting more details on our event web pages at http://www.desertsportstx.com/mountain-bike-event/ .
Author: Mike Long; Published: Sep 27, 2011; Category: General, Tours, Trails; Tags: Big Bend Info, Mountain Bike, New Itineraries; 2 Comments
Just in time for you to start planning your fall Mountain Biking trip to the Big Bend, Desert Sports is very pleased to present to you a whole new look at Day Rides for Mountain Bikers. Most all our day trips are either in the rugged Big Bend Ranch State Park or on the fantastic Lajitas Resort Trail System. The listings are some of our favorite day rides in this area. We are offering options from some fairly short easy cruising to some of the more challenging sections of the Contrabando Trail System and venturing up into the Fresno Creek area. Check out the new information we have posted on our Mountain Biking Day Rides Page, http://www.desertsportstx.com/mountain-biking/day-rides/ .
We have attempted to rate the difficulty of the rides as well as a brief description of the ride itself. If you have questions feel free to contact us and one of our trails experts will be happy to talk to you about the different options. Custom itineraries are always available if you have a group with special considerations, whether you are looking for novice jeep roads or training camp for your Mountain Bike Club or Racing Team.
The riding season here in Big Bend is generally from October through the end of April, but if you are here during the warmer months of the year we can still do some of these rides if you are willing to get up and out on the trail early in the day.
Stay tuned for more new Multi-Day camping trips for folks looking to spend some quality time exploring the backcountry of Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Author: Desert Toad; Published: Sep 7, 2011; Category: Current Events, Mountain Bike Event; Tags: Mountain Bike; 4 Comments
Join us on Sunday, October 2nd for the 8th Annual International Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, supported by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). We’ll meet 10 am at the Lajitas Airport Trailhead for some fun adventure on Loops 2 and 3 (with options for distance and difficulty). Have your bike checked and your helmet fitted while we gather (helmets required). Each young rider will need their responsible adult. Join us at Desert Sports for an after ride social with refreshments and hula hoops.
In support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, IMBA has pledged to get 30,000 children participating in 300 cycling events on Oct. 1 (with IMBA’s blessing, we are holding ours on the 2nd). Our local ride is brought to you by Desert Sports and Big Bend Trails Alliance along with our host Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa.
For more information give us a call 888-989-6900 or email. Follow us on Facebook or check back here for updates. Please let us know if you plan on attending.
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.
