Dripping Springs Century News | Editor Bonnie Gonzalez
The Dripping Springs Mountain Bike team, both Middle School and High School now have one more place to practice that is closer to home—the Dripping Springs Ranch Park.
The trails currently in place at the park are designated as pedestrian trails and equestrian trails. However the pedestrian trails have been closed for months due to damage from the October flood.
That’s why at City Council’s February 16th meeting, the Mountain Bike Team was granted access on the equestrian trail.
“We’d like to come in and use the trails and if we have the opportunity build new trails out here, we’ll also help in building the trails, keeping them ridable and walkable for other people that use the trails and keep them nice and clean for everybody to use them,” Mountain Bike Coach Lance Thornton told council.
He also told council that the team will be aware of trail etiquette such as bikers yield to horses and pedestrians. Horses yield to pedestrians.
The city will also work with Thornton on creating signage and brochures to help educate people on multi use trails. Dripping Springs Ranch Park Manager Lynne Dickinson said those multi use trails will be designated in the next month or two. Then those will be open to the public.
“They aren’t open to the public yet,” Dickinson said.
As for repairs on the Pedestrian trail, “It’s kind of a long process,” Dickinson explained.
“We’re waiting on all kinds of things. Part of the trail went over the dam here at the pond and the dam was compromised during the storm as well. So, we’re trying to decide what we’re going to do with the dam and once we make that decision, will we keep the trail where it is or will we end up moving it depending on what we do with the dam,” She said.
“We’re working with FEMA. We’re working with engineers. We’re working with all kinds of folks to get this solved. So, the pedestrian trails themselves aren’t open but there’s so much open space out here that people are welcome to come and walk on.”
Now, the 60 plus students involved with the Mountain Bike Team can pedal out there as well.