Bicycle Austin forum

SLS

Member

Registered: 2010-08-09

Posts: 8

Route from Austin to SM

Hi all,

I'm planning to make a little bike journey from Austin to San Marcos and would like to know if anyone has done this and has a suggestion on routes/roads to use. I am leaving this Friday (13th) early morning. I'd like to be as direct as possible. Google maps suggests a route using Old San Antonio rd and then skipping over to FM 2770 directly into San Marcos.

While I think it's probably a straight forward ride, I'm just wondering if there are any much more experienced riders available to give me some advice.

Thanks.

MichaelBluejay

Webmaster

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-26

Posts: 1,466

Website

Re: Route from Austin to SM

There's a route listed on this very site.  From the home page just go to GET AROUND > ROUTES.

SLS

Member

Registered: 2010-08-09

Posts: 8

Re: Route from Austin to SM

Sure enough. And that's the route gmaps suggests. When I looked closer though at the back road, it's just a two lane road with no shoulder so in case there was a better way, I thought I'd ask. Any idea as to how busy Old SA and Old Jack Hays can be in the morning?

Much appreciated.

rickb

Member

Registered: 2008-09-09

Posts: 23

Re: Route from Austin to SM

Yes, the route you describe is the most direct route.  It's the same as Austin Cycling Association's Old San Antonio Ride.  If you have access to the map, get it.
I would stay off FM 1626. Even on weekends it's not fun.  You can go through Akins High School grounds from South First to O.S.R.

There might be some commuter traffic on Old San Antonio Rd between FM1626 in south Austin and Buda, although if you're heading south you will likely be going against the heavier traffic flow. 
FM 2770 has shoulders along part of it.  There's some truck traffic and no shoulders near the cement plant(s). 
I don't know where Old Jack Hayes road is so I can't comment on that.
Old Stagecoach Road, CR 136, continues from FM2770 to Post Road and then into San Marcos. 

You could consider skipping routes to the west of I-35 to go east on more lightly-traveled county roads, although it's a longer distance.

Last edited by rickb (2010-08-10 09:23:47)

Chuck_McNeil

Member

Registered: 2008-06-05

Posts: 33

Re: Route from Austin to SM

Old SA to Loop 4
to Ranch Rd 967
to Cole Springs Rd
to Old Black Colony
to 1626
to FM 2770
becomes Old Stagecoach Rd
become Hays County 136
to CR 140/Post Rd

Old SA and Loop 4 are a little sketchy, but not terrible. 
Cole Springs and Black Colony are  little rough, but almost no traffic
1626 and 2770 have wide shoulders
Old Stagecoach/CR 136 has really smooth pavement. Light traffic and respectful drivers.  That road gets a lot of cycle traffic.
Post Rd is a little rough.  There's a bike lane once you get close to San Marcos.
It's a pretty nice route.

Chuck_McNeil

Member

Registered: 2008-06-05

Posts: 33

Re: Route from Austin to SM

Here's most of what I'm talking about.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-st … 7191443852

Old Black Colony is good for Austin to SM
Cole Springs is good for SM to Austin

2770 from Buda to 1626 is heavliy trafficked and very sketchy.

The other way is only a little longer, but definitely worth it.

SLS

Member

Registered: 2010-08-09

Posts: 8

Re: Route from Austin to SM

This is all very wonderful information. Getting prepped tonight and plan to film the ride. Thanks so much for your tips and insights.

Last edited by SLS (2010-08-12 22:42:17)

rich00

Member

Registered: 2010-01-18

Posts: 166

Re: Route from Austin to SM

Good luck, I hope you make it safely. I never like biking down south there, not many shoulders, feels like you are playing roulette with your life.

SLS

Member

Registered: 2010-08-09

Posts: 8

Re: Route from Austin to SM

The ride was beautiful. Thank you Chuck and rickb for the route. I went on Chuck's suggestion to use Ranch Road 967 to Cole Springs to Black Colony, etc. and it was definitely a good choice. Very light traffic with polite drivers, great scenery, and a nice feeling of "getting away from it all". 1626 was a blast, not sketch at all. The only rude and dangerous driver I met was before I was completely out of Austin, on Old SA. Got him on film ;).  And rich00, yes there were a few parts without shoulders, but the longest sections of road had nice wide shoulders. I'd definitely recommend this ride to anyone. For me, the biggest downside was all the rough pavement, but when it's all over, the springs feel mighty nice.