[Big Jim Mac]

Just got back from a trip to Austin, TX. While I was there I had a day to ride the Barton Creek Trail. I've done this before and in the past rented a Blur LT from Bicycle Sport Shop. This time they had more high end bikes to rent and I went for an Ibis Mojo. This is a $4,000 bike, decked out in carbon fiber with full XT down to the wheels. Once I got used to its strange looks and got the hang of the Shimano shifters, it turned out to be a nice ride. Super light and really quick on the pedals. It had a Float fork that was dialed in nicely. Barton Creek is nothing but big rocks to run over and this bike really did a nice job of that. What I really liked was the fact that you could ride super slow and pick your line, then give the pedals a hard tap and the bike just walked over really nasty stuff. I need to get my Yeti out now that I'm home to get a real sense of how they compare. I will say I was not at all comfortable with a full carbon bike on a rocky trail like that one. When I was about a mile from my car I smacked the rear derailleur pretty hard and managed to shear the hanger off the bike. Pretty sick feeling, could hear it snap and feared the worst. Next time I'll insist on a spare as I always carry those for my Yeti. Only stopped for a couple pics, too much fun riding. It's fun riding different bikes but I always feel more at home on my own. If you ever get down to Austin, you have to ride this trail. :thumbsup:

 

[Asbury]

Barton Creek is a great trail. I used to hit it up 2-3 times a week back when I was at UT. I need to go ride it on a good bike now though. Back in those days I was on a fully rigid Rockhopper, no bueno.

 

[crisillo]

nice... the mojo looks like a nice ride indeed

 

[Big Jim Mac]

One of these days I'm going to ride that trail without fear -- might require a few Shiner's however! Would love to see what it looks like with water in the creek. I met two women who must have been at least 65 riding there. They had body armor on and were riding matching pink SC Julianas. :thumbsup:

 

[trailbrain]

Next time your in town post up or pm. I gather a few of the troops and we'll give you a big ole Barton Creek tour.

 

[Big Jim Mac]

That's what I'm afraid of! Last time I stopped riding where the big washed out hill is -- this time I discovered the trail keeps going across the waterfall or dam. I rode it to where the trail forks with the left one going up another washed out hill and the right heading lakeside to where there are some nice homes on the water. Had to turn back here but was really wondering how much more trail there was? I get to Austin once a year for a meeting of an advertising co-op. Next time I'll give a shout and plan an extra day or two.