See into Austin and Ride Countryside

Tour Description:

These New Zealand guests were stopping in Austin for only two days on their way to Chicago. They asked to see what is important in Austin and ride a little in the countryside. They requested a picnic basket culinary experience during the tour but the CED recommended food truck stops to really immerse in the full Austin experience.

The cycling and culinary experience created brought into their line of vision that which makes Austin unique – openness and acceptance without judgment. Incorporated into this sight line was “a little in the countryside” where they would be surprised to still be in the city. The following is the concept we created with and for them.

First a custom-fit on bikes hired for the experience. Then cycling in a quiet neighborhood with opportunities to see and climb on a project dedicated to street art and to hear about and experience a dirt bike park. Then moving past public art, ride over the Colorado River and cycle beside the river on the hike and bike trail to Zilker Park with Barton Springs pool.

By traveling west just another block or two, we could have climbs to conquer as the hill country begins here. Instead we…travel E on city streets or on the hike and bike trail, to the SoCo entertainment and shopping district stopping for look-see and a break.

We move further south to explore this district or head N to cross the Colorado again to travel along the trail to the Rainey Street District. Literally completely different from SoCo except they are both highly entertaining. Your pathfinder will continually fill you in on the history and local lore of each district.

After Rainey, “Dirty 6^th” is just a few blocks away. We could take a peak down that street and then cycle East on 4^th Street to the part of the city that is currently undergoing the greatest change, East Austin. Traveling through the streets, you will see old and new Austin including visual arts, cultural areas, and remnants of the past.

Moving to the edge of the city, we access a trail specifically built for bikes and pedestrians. We ride through fields, quiet woods, over streams and make our way north for a higher view of the city. Swooping down to travel south, we enter a country road to see an urban farm with a good story and if we want to ride a half-mile further, we can visit the site of Austin cycling races.

Traveling west, we access the Colorado River to wade at Secret Beach, explore the wildlife sanctuary and venture through the south shore to access the boardwalk for a memorable view of the city over the water. From there we cross the Lady Bird Lake to explore a little of downtown and then end where we began.

There will be many opportunities to pop off the route for a bite to eat, drink and rest. To get the full Austin experience, we will stop at food trucks along the way.