Review Date
June 5, 2009

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: TxMtnBiker ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I live relatively close to this preserve and get to it at least once a week for an afternoon ride. It offers something for everyone no matter if you are just starting out or an "expert" on technical trails.

Other reviews talk about this being in the ghetto. It is not in the best part of town, however, it is located right next to a large, gated apartment complex and the surrounding area is largely industrial. Advise parking in the most forward lot if you can.

Depending on what your looking for, this trail can be great for a fun afternoon spin or if you need to beat yourself up a bit.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Boulder Park, Joe Pool Lake, Big Cedar

Review Date
August 3, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: jeffhallman ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I rode this trail for the first time on a Saturday morning in July 2008, after running about 8 miles earlier in the morning. The trail is about 27 miles from where I currently live, so not convenient for me but a buddy of mine wanted to go so we checked it out.

I enjoyed this trail. It is mostly through the woods, and seemed more 'open' than other trails in the Dallas area. There was a noticeable breeze through the woods, which was nice in the 95 degree heat. There is some of everything here - descents, climbs, technical, flats, even some 'platforms' to go over trees. The 'expert' sections are marked and have an 'easy' route around them.

I did all the loops through 'expert' sections, and ended up with about 8 miles total. I finished in about an hour, mostly because of the heat plus running before riding. Because it had been so hot and dry, the trail was sandy around turns and on the hills, so I was getting 'squirrely' when going over 10mph through a turn, and had problems with traction on a couple climbs.

A word of caution - this trail is in the ghetto! I was nervous driving down Illinois Ave with thousands of dollars of mountain bikes on my vehicle. There were about 7 other vehicles in the parking lot, so I felt better after getting there.

I'd go to this trail every weekend if it was closer and not in the ghetto. However, I'd rate it 7 out of 10 because it was a pretty cool trail. I would recommend this trail for anyone who lives close to it, but I probably won't ride this but once or twice a year.

Recommended Route:
All routes - do the 'expert' sections!

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

Review Date
May 10, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: sgill32 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
First time riding this trail today and I think it's a nice trail overall and very fun to ride. The trail head is clean with ample parking. There are a lot of trees, vegetation and a creek which makes it pretty humid. It was @ 85degF today and I still drank 100oz of water during 1-1/2 hrs of riding...so word to the wise take plenty of water. Hikers share the trail and I saw a few there today but they were quick to move off the trail. My only issue with the trail is that it's not located in the best part of town, but I didn't see any trouble makers lingering around the trail head nor on the trail. But something to keep in mind if you're going alone.

The trail offers a little of everything. Some nice steep dips that transition into some steep ups. There aren't any killer climbs and not really any fast downhills. The trail is very hard packed with little to no sandy spots. There are a few places to catch some air, a few places with big rocks, a few places with some massive roots, some tight twisty sections, wooden bridges and ramps and several creek crossings. It has good flow and is not too difficult over all. Although there are a few tricky parts that intermediate riders and even experts riders will find challenging. Most of the trail is covered with shade but there are a few open areas. The trail is pretty well marked and I never got turned around. Hat's off to the trail stewards, great trail design...I'll definitely ride this again.

Recommended Route:
Loop 1 is great for beginners and for a warm-up. Combine all loops and your looking @ 6 miles total. I averaged 9mph and finished the entire trail in under 40min.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Cedar Hill; I hear Boulder is decent too.

Review Date
April 13, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: ViDD ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Very technical with lots of switchbacks, roots, rocks, dips, descents and up hills. Several bridged creek crossings. Two large trees with ramps to ride or jump over. Open areas for fast speed at loop 1. Lots of shade and trees to avoid. Some cactuses along open areas. There is an area for jumps with man made dirt ramps too. Pretty well marked, with "EZ" by-passes for beginners. Park in the innermost area. Clean head trail area. Loops are relatively clean also. Bring a bag and pick up stuff during warm up.

Recommended Route:
Take loop 1 and 2 for a warm up. Then dive into loops 4 - 6. You can get lost in some areas so keep a watch for signs. I got lost around the area where the license plates are, went right instead of left - ended up behind a school.

This is my official first trail ever. Most of the time I have just gone around white rock lake park and some of the other paved urban trailes going north from the lake.

I had a blast at this place! Had to walk a lot of uphills but thats because Im a newbie. I hope to get better.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
none yet. my first