Outlaw Trail Cycling Tour, Round Rock, TX

October 9, 2010

The Good: Check in was quick and easy. The pre ride announcer was very motivational. He seemed to give you and extra fire in you. Sag support was great and had emergency teams available if needed. Climbed 2800 feet in 100 miles. Rest stops had plenty of things for you and everyone was very friendly. Pizza after the ride was nice. About 3 hours from the Dallas area.
The Bad: Only one complaint and it is a big one. The scenery was depressing. I did the 100 mile route. I was expecting beauty since it is right nest to Georgetown and was really looking forward to what the territory offered. When I uploaded my route from my GPS, the route was completely surrounded by trees except where we went. The route took us thru many, many miles of cotton farm land and rough roads. Gravel at many corners and turns. No trees to block the wind. I think this is the reason that the ride is called the Outlaw Trail. I would still do this one again though although lower my expectations scenery wise.

October 18, 2003

This was my first year for this ride and I would say, all in all, that it was a good event. The packet pickup was well organized and the long sleeve t-shirt was a nice plus. It came in handy because the morning temperature was in the low to mid 50's - time to break out the arm and knee warmers! The start was smooth, with groups leaving in 2 minute intervals depending on distance. The ride offered 100, 100k, 50, 40, 24, and 10 mile routes. I'd say there were about 600 people there. The routes were well marked with color coded arrows on the pavement. Some of the roads were in great shape, others were the typical bone-jarring Texas country chip and seal roads. A couple areas had us on gravel or really bad pavement. The rest stops appeared to be well stocked although I did not stop. Pizza at the finish was a nice touch as was a DJ and music cheering people on - it sure beats those rides where you get to the end and nobody is there!. Suggestions for next year - try to limit the poor pavement routes, increase presence of the motorcycle patrols (saw them once during the whole ride), add some more porta-potties - lines were too long. This was my warm up for Ride for the Roses so I'd probably do again.

What a great ride! I really enjoy rides that are scenic with tree covered roads in the mix. The first 20 miles were not disappointing. After that, it was kinda flat and out in the open. Some roads were rough, but, you were warned ahead of time if you took a look at the map. Also, we were informed
about the detour on the 50 & 40 mile routes. Great support at the rest stops, lots of gun-shaped "arrows" (outlaw 100) so it was hard to get lost. I agree with the other poster that the D.J. and music at the end was a nice touch. They also had a clock, and a finish line nicely decorated with a red, white and blue balloon archway. Sure beats kinda rolling into an area that's kinda sorta the finish area. I'll be back for next year's ride. - Hardway Haro.