Saturday, March 6, 2010

Saturday Afternoon Ride 03-06-10

A while back I had heard about a new section of the Trinity Trails that was constructed next to a waterfall. I was under the impression that it was a man made water feature, probably something akin to the falls in Wichita Falls, Texas, just on a much smaller scale. I know that one of the area bloggers had made an attempt to ride to the falls but for some reason never reached his destination. I set off to find the elusive Trinity Trails falls for myself.

I didn't have too much time to ride today so I cheated by driving to the trailhead at White Settlement Road and Isbell. This trailhead is located in northwest Fort Worth. It's a nice facility. It was chilly and gloomy when I started but the sun eventually came out.

This is too common of a site on the trails. I wish that they had made the crossings a couple of feet higher. I stayed on the northside of the river rather than attempt crossing here.

This is generally what the trails look like on the northwest side of town. There's not much in the way of scenery. The trails are mostly crushed limestone in this area.

If you stay on the north side of the river you'll pass the old Air Force base. That's an F-4 Phantom in this photo. When I was in the Air Force I was stationed at Bergstrom in Austin. It was a reconnaissance base equipped with RF4C Phantoms. I hated those things. They were incredibly loud and tended to fall out of the sky on a regular basis. I watched one take off, immediately blow an engine and crash into east Austin.

End of the trail. It's still gloomy.

I took a chance and crossed the river here to the south side trail. I was more worried about slipping on algae than being washed off the trail. I've slipped crossing a creek before and it was pretty embarrassing.

The sun started to peek out when I hit the new trail.

My first sight of the falls. The falls themselves are natural. Obviously the river banks have been reinforced.

The area around the falls is much prettier than I expected. This will be a great area to wade in the river and explore once the weather warms up.


I rode back to the starting point and decided to grab a bite to eat at George's Specialty Foods, a Greek restaurant located just across the street from the trailhead. You can't get much more convenient than that.

There wasn't much available to lock my bike to so I sat next to a window and kept an eye on it.


I was indecisive about what to order. The waiter suggested a Greek Turkey Sandwich which I wolfed down. I would suggest stopping here for a meal if you decide to check out the falls for yourself.

12 comments:

  1. it looks fantastic - and nicely reported.
    i said it before and i'll say it again (i expect), but your reports of 'local' rides are a real insight into what riding is like in your part of the world.

    note to self: i must try to report my local, everyday rides, not just the super-special ones

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  2. F-4 Phantom. Proof that even a brick can fly with big enough engines.

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  3. Looks really good...the falls and the sandwich. Thanks for the report. If it's convenient, can you show where the falls are on a map?

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  4. Nice report. From what I understand, if you follow the trail on the southwest bank of the river, going northwest from River Oaks Blvd., you will get to the falls. I haven't been up that way in quite some time myself. Maybe I'm due for a ride up there.

    Did you read about George's on Fort Worth Hole in the Wall? That's a great Fort Worth Food blog.

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  5. Beautiful falls! Those crossings do look a little sketchy ... good idea, being extra careful there.

    I actually like riding on gloomy days. They tend to be quiet and you can have the roads/trails to yourself, more than usual, I think. Looks like a great day to be out on the bike.

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  6. Great post, Myles! I did cross over to the other side the one time I rode the Trinity Trail in Ft. Worth. But that was in the summer and I didn't have to worry about algae or cold water.

    Those falls are picturesque. I love the sound of running water, it is soothing.

    The sandwich looks yummy!

    How is the folder? Are you riding it much?

    Peace :)

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  7. Placid Casual-Thanks, it's good to hear from you again. I'm glad you're enjoying the look around my small piece of Texas.

    Steve A-I remember hearing that repeated many times back then.

    Pondero-Sure, looking at a map, search for the Trinity River where it crosses under U.S. 183 (River Oaks Blvd.)just south of Sam Calloway Rd. Follow the river west to where it forks off to the south. The falls are just south of that location.

    Doohickie-That's right. From the trailhead at White Settlement and Isbell, cross to the south side of the river, head west and you'll run into the falls.

    I hadn't heard about George's until I actually stopped there. I found the Hole in the Wall blog when I was searching for info on the restaurant. I haven't had a chance to browse through that blog yet.

    Apertome-Last time I wiped out on a creek crossing I ended up with a black bruise on my hip the size of a baseball glove. I'm extra careful now.

    Chandra-I still need to do some maintenance on the folder. It seems like something else is always competing for my time. With the weather warming up I plan to start using it quite a bit on my lunch breaks.

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  8. Ok. Food and cycling and nature? When do I get to come along on your rides? Sign me up ASAP!

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  9. I have heard about those falls, but wasn't exactly sure how to get there. I have been meaning to go to George's for ages too. Thanks for the motivation to check both out!

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  10. Ashley-It might be warm enough to do some wading.

    If you want to walk to the falls there is a spot on Pumphrey Dr. about 1/4 mile north of 183 where you can park. Its on the east side of the road. If you look at Google Maps in the satellite mode, its the second driveway on the right north of 183 (across from the golf course). Its about a 1/4 mile walk to the falls.

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  11. We were going to go this past weekend, but it was so dang windy! I'm glad to know where to walk from, though we live near hidden rd. and may do a ride from there.

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