Hello fellow Texans, has anyone ever biked to Inks Lake from Austin?

The route would simple enough on paper, but Highway 29 is a little scary, as far as big, fast trucks go. I drove it yesterday, and there are shoulders most of the way, but they are kind of sloping and smallish.

I was also wondering if maybe in the early morning it would be doable, or if there are any back roads that could get you there.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks!

Where are you planning on riding out of Austin at? There are quite a few roads that cyclist use to get from Austin to Burnet. I live in Llano, and I ride some in Burnet County and I can give you some back roads to take instead. Also, when are you planning on making this trip and what day would you be doing it on?

I'd look at the route of the armadillo century in May. I wouldn't ride far on 29.

Although yesterday I was driving from El Paso to Austin and I saw 2 cyclists on IH10 riding by Junction. I thought they were crazy, my wife was convinced I was Jealous.

I was just trying to figure this out on Google Maps. I don't see an obvious route. Years ago, I rode out Highway 71 as far as Pace Bend Park a few times; in terms of traffic, it wasn't great but it was doable. Probably worse these days, though if you picked the right time and day, it'd probably be better. Anyhow, that would get you most of the way there, and it's fairly direct..

Thanks all. I'll look at all the options, if I can't do it, I can't do it. Not gonna risk anything crazy to go camping.

As for the cyclists on IH10, I guess that would be a nice ride, but man...

Just glanced at this and saw the "Mosquito Rancher" title. Reminded me of a friend's uncle who had the "Chigger Farm".

Last time I checked (around May) 71 was all construction west of Austin. I was going to ride to Pace Bend, but it would have been impossible. I don't mind riding on 29.

It's been ten or more years and some roads may have changed, but I use to ride to Burnet from the Cedar Park area when the old "Race the Train" ride was still around. If you can get to Parmer Lane, there's a way to get to Burnet. I've mapped out a route that may be useful to you and can be found on MapMyRide at this link https://www.mapmyride.com/route/detail/21357176/

HTH

I looked at your map, with your directions and I sent him the same ones but I directed him into burnet and down 29 for about 2 miles to CR 116 (its actually FM 3509). The section of 281 on your route is under major construction, bridge replacement, and is too dangerous to ride a bike on right now.

Thanks mthayer. Good to know for me as well if I'm back in that area in the next few months.

Awesome, thanks again everyone. I might try to hit it up this weekend, I did my first 70 mile ride a few days ago.