Riding in Austin

[roc]

I need to go to Austin in late august for work. I can go a day earlier and check out some riding if its worth it. I may just hang out by the hotel pool, looks like it will be a furnace down there anyway.

But if its worth it, i'll go down a day early and check it out.

Any other suggestions on anything fun in Austin, i'll be there 8/27-8/31

 

[JimN]

You can rent a bike at Mellow Johnny's and hit mountain bike trails off the greenbelt right from downtown. I probably wouldn't ride there in August though.

@Bizarro

 

[Norm]

Not worth it, far too hot. I have done both road & mtb from Mellow Johnny's. Shop is awesome. You can rent bikes, get espresso, have a shower, toss your shit in a locker, and ride to the trails from the shop.

One of my old corporate HQs was down there. In August, you ride at 5am or not at all.

Music & BBQ downtown are sort of the things to do. The city is super spread out. Many of these orgs in Austin are technically in Austin, but not really. Like all the big tech companies are on the outskirts, 15 miles from downtown. Neat little pop-up communities but you're 30 minutes away from downtown, often times.

Where will you be exactly?

 

[roc]

Not worth it, far too hot. I have done both road & mtb from Mellow Johnny's. Shop is awesome. You can rent bikes, get espresso, have a shower, toss your shit in a locker, and ride to the trails from the shop.

One of my old corporate HQs was down there. In August, you ride at 5am or not at all.

Music & BBQ downtown are sort of the things to do. The city is super spread out. Many of these orgs in Austin are technically in Austin, but not really. Like all the big tech companies are on the outskirts, 15 miles from downtown. Neat little pop-up communities but you're 30 minutes away from downtown, often times.

Where will you be exactly?

The Palmer Event Center, I'm staying at the JW Marriot.

I don't know anything about Austin, I've never been. Looks like I'll hit the hotel gym, I don't need heat stroke!

 

[Norm]

The Palmer Event Center, I'm staying at the JW Marriot.

I don't know anything about Austin, I've never been. Looks like I'll hit the hotel gym, I don't need heat stroke!

That's a good location. Everything is across the river from where you'll be. You could rent a bike and ride super early, if that's your thing. You can ride from your hotel to the trails easily. Minimal road, if any.

You'd need to rent the bike for 2 days and commit to waking up early. But your location is solid.

 

[MadisonDan]

Nothing to do with bikes, but this is just down the street from JW Marriot...

https://www.gusfriedchicken.com/locations/austin-texas

 

[roc]

That's a good location. Everything is across the river from where you'll be. You could rent a bike and ride super early, if that's your thing. You can ride from your hotel to the trails easily. Minimal road, if any.

You'd need to rent the bike for 2 days and commit to waking up early. But your location is solid.

I may do that, why not? About how far from the hotel to a trail? 5am there is really 6 for me, so it's not that bad.

I'm guessing I would rent at that Johnnys that you mentioned? I can ask them also.

Thanks for the info.

Nothing to do with bikes, but this is just down the street from JW Marriot...

https://www.gusfriedchicken.com/locations/austin-texas

I'll have nothing else to do, so I'll check it out. I like chicken!

 

[Norm]

You're staying the light green spot.

Purple bike upper right = Johnny's rental.
Purple bike left = the park. You can ride in there, and under the word "Broken Spoke" on the other side of 1

You'll get to it via the green connector on the map. So from your hotel you go west (slightly north) then at the Barton Springs Municipal Pool hang a left and follow that greenway all the way down. It's been a few years so I don't remember the quirks, etc. But it's easy enough to figure out on TF.

The coffee cup is Houndstooth Coffee - it was good 5+ years ago but in that time I am sure things have changed a lot.

Blue food is La Condesa. I have friends in Austin and the last time I was there this is where we went. I should say "had" as they have since moved to Chicago.

If you like ice cream, there is an Austin place called Lick. They have a few locations, 1 of which is close enough to your hotel:

Lick Honest Ice Creams: Homemade Local Texas Goodness

Lick Honest Ice Creams has been making seasonal and sustainable artisan ice creams since 2011 that celebrate the flavors and culture of Texas. Visit our Austin & San Antonio scoop shops, order online, or search for where to find us near you.

www.ilikelick.com

Some of the best ice cream I have had in all my travels. This place and Salt & Straw out in Seattle are 2 of the top ones. If I were you I would go there every day and enjoy the shit out of it.

 

[roc]

View attachment 219541

You're staying the light green spot.

Purple bike upper right = Johnny's rental.
Purple bike left = the park. You can ride in there, and under the word "Broken Spoke" on the other side of 1

You'll get to it via the green connector on the map. So from your hotel you go west (slightly north) then at the Barton Springs Municipal Pool hang a left and follow that greenway all the way down. It's been a few years so I don't remember the quirks, etc. But it's easy enough to figure out on TF.

The coffee cup is Houndstooth Coffee - it was good 5+ years ago but in that time I am sure things have changed a lot.

Blue food is La Condesa. I have friends in Austin and the last time I was there this is where we went. I should say "had" as they have since moved to Chicago.

If you like ice cream, there is an Austin place called Lick. They have a few locations, 1 of which is close enough to your hotel:

Lick Honest Ice Creams: Homemade Local Texas Goodness

Lick Honest Ice Creams has been making seasonal and sustainable artisan ice creams since 2011 that celebrate the flavors and culture of Texas. Visit our Austin & San Antonio scoop shops, order online, or search for where to find us near you.

www.ilikelick.com

Some of the best ice cream I have had in all my travels. This place and Salt & Straw out in Seattle are 2 of the top ones. If I were you I would go there every day and enjoy the shit out of it.

Thanks!
I'll give an update on the ice cream and the ride.