Austin, TX: Weir Lost | Bicycling in Texas

Austin, TX: Weir Lost

Navigate a winding circuit of county roads on this easy 32.4-mile loop north of Austin. You'll tour open plains and pass through several country towns--if you can find them.

Author:	Bicycling Magazine
Date:	25 Jan 2009 8:36:51 PM
Activity:	Bicycling ActivitySearchBicycling
State:	Texas (TX)
Distance:	32.42 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 1310 ft Total Loss: 1311 ft Net Change: -1 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
Tags:	Texas, Austin, Round Rock
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

From Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas, this 32.4-mile route makes a counter clockwise loop through farmland and rolling hills to the small-town store in Weir. Shoulderless country roads on almost the entire route are perfect for a calm cruise through the gently rolling plains, but be warned: navigation is this route’s biggest challenge.

The web of country roads isn’t well signed and sprawling farmland between junctions means that missing a turn can take you miles past your intended destination. Use Highways 130 and 29 (both of which you’ll cross twice on this route) as landmarks and be weary of navigating north of Weir on Farm Road 971. For an intro to this ride, consider joining the Austin Cycling Association for one of its regular hosted rides in the area, or keep your GPS, cue sheet and/or map on hand for quick references en route.

-Mapped by Jessica Talley

TO TRAILHEAD: From Austin, drive 17 miles north on I-35. Take exit 253 to US-79 and follow US-79 east for 4.6 miles. Turn Left at Red Bud Lane and continue 0.8 miles on Stoney Point Road. Turn on TC Oatts Lane. In 0.2 miles turn right onto Aten Loop and take the first left into the baseball complex parking area.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Weir Lost

Dist: 32.42 mi	Points: 1081	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Distance	Instruction		Distance to next
0.00 mi	Start	Old Settlers Park	Then go 0.05 mi
0.05 mi	Turn Left	Allen Loop	Then go 0.11 mi
0.17 mi	Turn Right	Kiphen Road	Then go 0.21 mi
0.38 mi	Turn Left	Stoney Point Road	Then go 0.34 mi
0.72 mi	Bear Right	122	Then go 0.92 mi
1.64 mi	Turn Left	TX-110	Then go 0.51 mi
2.15 mi	Straight	TX-110	Then go 1.63 mi
3.78 mi	Turn Right	Chandler Road	Then go 4.91 mi
8.69 mi	Turn Left	FM-1660	Then go 3.04 mi
11.72 mi	Turn Right	TX-29	Then go 0.09 mi
11.82 mi	Turn Left	Highway 126	Then go 1.36 mi
13.17 mi	Turn Right	Highway 191	Then go 0.39 mi
13.57 mi	Turn Left	Highway 127	Then go 1.24 mi
14.80 mi	Turn Left	Highway 124	Then go 1.95 mi
16.75 mi	Turn Right	Highway 120	Then go 0.55 mi
17.30 mi	Turn Right	Highway 120	Then go 0.56 mi
17.85 mi	Turn Left	Farm Road 971	Then go 0.07 mi
17.92 mi	U-Turn	Weir Country Store	Then go 0.06 mi
17.98 mi	Turn Right	Highway 120	Then go 0.86 mi
18.84 mi	Bear Right	Highway 120	Then go 0.89 mi
19.73 mi	Bear Right	Highway 120	Then go 0.32 mi
20.05 mi	Turn Left	Highway 120	Then go 0.21 mi
20.27 mi	Turn Right	TX-29	Then go 1.12 mi
21.38 mi	Turn Left	Highway 106	Then go 1.93 mi
23.31 mi	Turn Right	Highway 106	Then go 0.81 mi
24.12 mi	Turn Right	Highway 105	Then go 1.77 mi
25.88 mi	Bear Left	Highway 105	Then go 0.92 mi
26.80 mi	Turn Left	Highway 110	Then go 2.28 mi
29.09 mi	Turn Right	Highway 112	Then go 1.25 mi
30.33 mi	Turn Left	Highway 117	Then go 1.35 mi
31.69 mi	Turn Right	Stoney Point Road	Then go 0.33 mi
32.02 mi	Turn Right	Kiphen Road	Then go 0.21 mi
32.23 mi	Turn Left	Allen Loop	Then go 0.12 mi
32.35 mi	Turn Right	Parking Lot

Points of Interest

WEI001

Location: 30.544817°, -97.618976°
This ride begins at the parking lot on the north side of Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The park is a local sporting destination equipped with a softball complex, baseball complex, 3.13 miles of trail, a pond, a professionally designed disc golf course, sand volleyball courts, rentable pavilions, 7 soccer fields, 12 tennis courts, an aquatic center, water park, and practice football fields.

WEI002

Location: 30.588051°, -97.601466°
This point at mile 4.5 marks the rides high point and is the end of the 200-foot warm-up climb from the start point. Look forward to the easy ride down this same hill near ride end.

WEI003

Location: 30.639297°, -97.541771°
Though Jonah was once a thriving community along the San Gabriel River, these days the tiny town has no cycling-friendly services.

WEI004

Location: 30.667300°, -97.582798°
This route turns north toward Weir at mile 17.6. The country store is worth the 1-mile out-and-back detour, but there's another well-equipped store on this route in another 4 miles.

WEI005

Location: 30.646700°, -97.582626°
This 1-mile stretch along TX-29 is one of the busiest on this loop, but it is flat and wide shoulders make it easily ride-able.

WEI006

Location: 30.643580°, -97.601295°
This convenience store has both water and restrooms. Even if you're not stopping, look for it about a mile after the turn onto TX-29: it marks your left turn onto Highway 106.

WEI007

Location: 30.628754°, -97.582283°
Just past mile 23, Highway 106 turns to County Road 103. Take a right after the short eastbound jog and head 0.8 miles south toward Highway 105.

WEI008

Location: 30.584061°, -97.614899°
You'll be headed downhill toward this traffic signal at the University Boulevard junction, so watch your speed and be prepared to stop.

Flag on 124

Location: 30.676652°, -97.546363°
Patriotic residents on this route let their loyalty for the Lone Star State fly. © Jessica Talley

Weir Store

Location: 30.674728°, -97.587159°
The country store in Weir has water, snacks, bathrooms, BBQ, and anything else you might need. © Jessica Talley

Weir Store

Location: 30.674742°, -97.587288°
A great country atmosphere and welcoming locals await at the Weir store. © Jessica Talley

San Gabriel River

Bridge

Location: 30.638244°, -97.598505°
The limestone bed of Mankins Branch signals you're on the right track and headed back toward Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The bridge is just one lane and it's followed by a gentle climb. © Jessica Talley

Horseback

Location: 30.615164°, -97.589107°
In addition to cycling traffic, you may encounter occasional horseback riders on these country roads. © Jessica Talley