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Central Austin: Falling in sand, and how to go downtown
Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 @ 21:41:48 EDT by Admin
Caden writes "I'm commuting from Anderson/Shoal Creek to downtown at 6th and Lamar. My route is as follows and is obviously not ideal (why I'm asking for help), mostly because I almost fall off my road bike in the sand on the bike route downtown.
Anderson/Shoal Creek south on Shoal creek to 38th.
*UNDER* 38th and then I walk my bike across the rocks in the park to 34th. (Is there a better way?)
Cross 34th and I'm back on actual road (a short stretch I don't know the name of that leads to Lamar)
Now I get on the sidewalk ALL the way down that long nice fast stretch that goes past frisbee golf, etc until you're downtown and go *under* Lamar and on concrete bike path along Shoal Creek itself all the way to 6th. There's deep loose sand washed up under all the bridges you go under. Very dangerous.
Anyone know the "real" route I should take? Is that long fast luxurious sidewalk I use down Lamar a no-no? I see it's used quite frequently even by road bikers.
"
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Re: Falling in sand, and how to go downtown (Score: 1)
by mciarleg on Wednesday, July 05, 2006 @ 16:41:50 EDT
(User Info ) | I'm not sure if it is a no-no, but the trail quality does degrade as you follow it under the bridges at 15th. It is enough of a hazard that I prefer to take a central route. Plus, I hate riding that sidewalk.
After writing this down, I realize I go to some pretty great lengths to avoid Lamar. My advice, and it may not be sound, is to cut toward central at North Loop and avoid Lamar and the trail altogether. If you are traffic averse, this may not be a good idea, but I find that it's fairly painless to head south from central Austin.
There is no perfect solution, and my suggested route has the following disadvantages:
the route is longer, more traffic (with bike lanes), some mild uphill, and the campus is congested
But I think it may be faster because you don't have to get off your bike and contend with the trail and the sidewalk (the traffic lights are faster and less dangerous too). Plus, there are several coffee shops along the way if you fall asleep.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=277945
From North Loop Make your way through the neighborhoods to Duval, which is relatively fast. The construction on 45th is largely done.
Speed down Duval to the campus. San Jacinto is a little YIKES in the morning around the stadium, but not intolerable. This is definitely the worst part. My feeling is that it's the safest way through the campus, which is simlpy unavoidable.
There are tons of ways to navigate downtown to Sixth and Lamar.
Least traffic (avoids riding on 6th):
From San Jacinto
R on 18th
L on West (or Rio)
R on 6th
Most scenic:
From San Jacinto
R on 18th
L on Congress
through capitol grounds
down Congress
R on 6th
Most direct:
Take San Jacinto to 6th
R on 6th
Riding on Congress and 6th doesn't really bother me because it is downhill. There is a tiny voice that says its a bad idea though. If you just ignore him or her, it works out great! |
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