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Raider Trails/SFA Cycling Trails
3 reviews
1.67 of 5
Want to ride a UCI World Cup caliber course right here in Texas? Now you have your chance. The Stephen F Austin Cycling Club have reopened the “Raider Trails,” their on campus mountain bike race course. To get to the trail head park across the street in the William R Johnson parking lot and cross University drive into the open field. Once in the open field, take the first trail on the right, follow the race course markings up and down short steep hills and some sweet single track. There is one really fast good downhill section on some fire road followed by a mile of climbing back up to the highest point on the trail. This course tested the best of the collegiate racers in the fall of 06’ and received rave reviews. If there are any questions on the course, contact the SFA Cycling Club at Cyclingsfasu@yahoo.com.
Summary: I can't argue with the previous comments placed on the "Raider Trails," however they have gone through a renovation thanks to some support from the Outdoor Pursuits of SFA. New trails have been cut and old trails reclaimed. Now the trails have a better flow with several technical sections added in. Currently trail bosses are awaiting the completion of an ADA walking trail along the creekside before they go in and finish that section. Currently there are plenty of trails that should keep riders busy for a couple of hours. As I stated earlier this is a work in progress, but please feel free to come and check it out. If you happen to run into one of the trail workers please stop and give us any feedback on the condition of the trail and any suggestions you might have. There is plenty of cross-country trails open now. The local favorite named "Scooby," is more of an all-mountain trail with several drops, skinnies, berms, and even a bowl that you drop down into and jump out the opposite side. The trails will continue to improve, but please be patient as there are just a handful of us trying to work on the trails when we're not in class, studying, or working at our jobs.
Recommended Route: If you cross University at E. College there is an entrance into the northern section of the trails. If you have difficulty finding that you can enter "University Woods Apartments" and take the road to the left leading up to the water tower. From there you will see a gateway trail directly past the gate to your right or continue straight on the crosscountry trails on the north side.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Lanana Creek is okay, but short and full of joggers, dogs, and the occaisional horse hockey.
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Summary: I honestly think parts of the Lanana Creek Trail (mostly paved with a short (~1mi) dirt section) are more fun to ride than parts of this trail. The flow stinks and it makes poor use of what elevation change the parcel really has. I need to find out who manages/maintains this trail to see if I can throw my tools in to make it a worthwhile ride.
Someone built some pretty big wooden drops/jumps on a gas line right of way. Honestly, they look kinda sketchy, like they'd fall down if you hit them wrong. If you NEED some dirt and you've ridden Lanana back and forth far too many times, then it's worth riding over to. Don't drive here to ride it, though. Your gas would be better burned going elsewhere. Even the fire roads in Davy Crockett NF would be better.
Recommended Route: I did a few laps and clearly my first lap was the wrong way. BUT, there's no signage indicating the correct direction. I found three entrances. One at the top of the hill off the apartment complex (if you park there without the correct permit, expect a ticket), one right off University (you can see it along the road), and one slightly up the driveway to the apartment complex. The trail appears to be designed with people riding downhill from the top in mind. There are a few routes of this trail on motionbased. One is mine.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Lanana Creek Trail
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Summary: A UCI caliber race course? Who are these guys trying to fool? The raider trails have been there forever and though the cycling club might have improved them a little bit, they are by no means a great trails. In fact, Tyler State Park makes this trail look like the difference in a Titus MotoLite and a Next bike with training wheels. I think these guys are plain flat lying to people by implying that this is anything more than an old trail system that is short and sucks. Please, Please do not make a special trip to ride this trail on account of what you have read in the description above.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Tyler State Park, Cycleland Motorcycle Park
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