Review Date
November 1, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: AngryDentist ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I love this trail, pretty new to the sport. I have ridden all the routes on this trail and must it is a blast. It is very well maintained, has a lot of twists, close proximity tree's, small drop offs, great decents across creeks then climbs and great open sections for some speed. Trial 13 and 14 are my most favorite, seem to be the most technical too. 13 is a great rocky trail and 14 is just plain fun with all the crossings. I give it 2 thumbs up for the cleanliness and upkeep. I do mostly the north side south side was great for going thru with it with speed for aerobic workout. Something for everyone and what I hear probably the best dfw has to offer in trails. Also local families that ride this trail usually go and clean it up regularly, thanks Lin and Jen, you guys rock.

Recommended Route:
If you want some fun and what I hear a relatively high technical level 14 and 13 are the bomb.

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Review Date
August 3, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: jeffhallman ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
This is my trail of choice in the Dallas area, plus it's the closest to me (~8 miles from where I currently live). I ride this on a hard-tail with no problems. It has a little bit of everything, and the trail is well maintained. There are many loops and alternate routes, so you can decide what you want to do (or not do). Total trail length is about 15 miles now, and the crew is continually working on it.

The newest loop is 14, and I think it is the best loop out there now since it has some tight ups-and-downs, and some steep descents into creek crossings which then go to uphill climbs. The north loops are most challenging out there, and the south loops are pretty flat but let you work on speed. Since most of the trail is in the woods, there is hardly ever any breeze.

You will see people of all skill level out there. You'll see kids on BMX bikes, people with their dogs, and trail runners. Overall, I'd rate this trail 8 out of 10 and would recommend this trail over any other in the Dallas area. I wish there were some more climbs and aerobically challenging sections.

Recommended Route:
North loops (1, 1a, 7-14)

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Check out http://www.dorba.org

Review Date
January 9, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: dannyboy8807 ,  Racer

Summary:
RCP is a very comfortable, enjoyable bike trail. Because the ground is very firm and there are few terrain changes, riding is smooth and quick. However there are many technical spots to test your skill. Though some parts requiring an expert's skill, most technical spots are passable by an alternate route(or on steep slopes, walk your bike up). It is a terrific place to practice skills and mess around. Also, it is a very confortable location because it is almost entirely shaded.

My opinion is slightly jaded because I have only ridden two real trails, this and The Breaks at Bar H. Comparatively, this one has more short technical challenges but Bar H is much, much more aerobicly difficult (because it has actual slope changes). I gave RCP a technical 4 because it has challenges to that level, as a whole maybe only a 3.

Recommended Route:
The North side. For sure do Loop 7. 8,9,10, and 12 are pretty fun. Don't miss the seesaw on the way back on 1 (i think it's 1).
If you think you are pretty skilled, the hardest thing i find is a nasty root right after the alternate route up Glen's Wall on 9. It's on the right as you dip and almost fall into the Creek (alternate route on the alternate route), very easy to miss.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Bar H Breaks (completely different)

Review Date
October 22, 2006

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: kalz ,  Racer

Summary:
Described as a technical trail. It is a good trail for a beginner to learn how to ride and approach obstacles. Very well thought out by trail maint. staff and setters. It is technical at race speeds ie 30k plus and demands respect because of its tight lines but is no means a pure tech but because of its flat nature demands respect at speed.
It is a shame that he topography of the Dallas area lends itself to flat fast courses. None the less a good course to hone skills and balance. Well done guys.
Kal the Kiwi.

Review Date
May 23, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: Beldrueger ,  Racer

Summary:
To the previous poster: How can you review the trail if you didn't even ride loops 10-12? Sure there is a sewage plant off the edge of the property, but it's no big deal. I've ridden Rowlett probably a hundred times. It is a very fun trail The trail designers have done a great job with the available land. It doesn't have great markings, but stop and read the map and you should be fine. If you are new, ask someone which way to go. The only confusing spot is loop 7.

I've ridden trails all over the country, and I still have a blast at Rowlett.

Recommended Route:
Do the whole thing, but the higher numbered loops 7-12 are where the fun is too be had. 7,8,9, and 10 are the best.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Erwin park, Cybourne, Grapevine, IDB, Arbor Hills