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Bulverde - Rebecca Creek

The Guadalupe River from Spring Branch Rd.
Other Photos:
2009-06-27 Rebecca Creek
2009-06-28 Spring Branch

This ride takes you North from Bulverde up towards Spring Branch. The ride gets more rural the farther North you go.

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The long ride goes North, then comes back South down Hwy. 281 to join Rebecca Creek Rd. I like this option because Rittiman/Sattler Rd. is nice and Rebecca Creek Rd. has some long, but not too steep, climbs after you cross the river.


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The medium distance ride skips Rebecca Creek Rd. and goes through Spring Branch. It's an OK ride, but FM 311 isn't always my favorite road. It's winding and has no shoulders, so you have to keep your eyes open for traffic.


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The short ride cuts across Hwy. 46 and down Stahl Rd. This is short, but Hwy. 46 is somewhat trafficy when you cross under Hwy. 281. This is a good ride if you've got limited time, but I wouldn't recommend it to inexperienced cyclists because of the traffic on Hwy. 46.

Park either at Rahe Elementary School or at the Bulverde Community Center next to it on Ammann Rd. Park either at Rahe Elementary School or at the Bulverde Community Center next to it on Ammann Rd. Park either at Rahe Elementary School or at the Bulverde Community Center next to it on Ammann Rd.

Ride Dist. Type Description
22.8 conv. store There are convenience stores at the corner of FM 306 and Hwy. 281.
45.3 conv. store There's a convenience store on Bulverde Rd. at the intersection with Hwy. 281.
46.4 conv. store There's a convenience store in Bulverde at the intersection of Bulverde Rd. and Bulverde Lane.
Ride Dist. Type Description
14.3 conv. store There's a convenience store at the Knibbe Rd./FM 311/Hwy. 281 confluence.
29.4 conv. store There's a convenience store on Bulverde Rd. at the intersection with Hwy. 281.
30.5 conv. store There's a convenience store in Bulverde at the intersection of Bulverde Rd. and Bulverde Lane.
Ride Dist. Type Description
7.1 conv. stores There are convenience stores at the Hwy. 46 and Hwy. 281 intersection.
13.2 conv. store There's a convenience store on Bulverde Rd. at the intersection with Hwy. 281.
14.3 conv. store There's a convenience store in Bulverde at the intersection of Bulverde Rd. and Bulverde Lane.
Ride Dist. Description
11.0 You cross over the Guadalupe River on a very tall bridge on Spring Branch Rd.
30.4 On Rebecca Creek Rd. there is a low bridge over the Guadalupe River.
Ride Dist. Description
10.9 You cross over the Guadalupe River on a very tall bridge on Spring Branch Rd.
There are no points of interest for this option.
Help!
Total Miles Instructions For Miles
0.00 WEST on Ammann Rd. 0.69
0.69 RIGHT onto Persimmon Hill 0.80
1.49 LEFT onto Brand Dr. 1.89
3.38 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46 0.75
4.13 LEFT onto Spring Branch Rd. 8.10
12.23 LEFT onto Rittimann Rd./Sattler Rd. 5.40
17.64 RIGHT onto FM 473 2.46
20.09 RIGHT onto Hwy. 281 3.83
23.93 LEFT onto Rebecca Creek Rd. 12.44
36.37 LEFT onto FM 311 0.56
36.93 RIGHT onto FM 3159 0.95
37.88 STRAIGHT onto Smithson Valley Rd. 5.18
43.05 RIGHT onto FM 1863 2.25
45.30 STRAIGHT onto Bulverde Rd. 2.36
47.66 LEFT onto Ammann Rd. 0.07
47.73 Arrive at finish  
Total Miles Instructions For Miles
0.00 WEST on Ammann Rd.
Turn right out of the parking lot.
Ammann Rd.
Go past fields and a few houses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
0.69
0.69 RIGHT onto Persimmon Hill
Persimmon Hill T's in on the right.
Persimmon Hill
This is a rural subdivision.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
0.80
1.49 LEFT onto Brand Dr.
Brand Dr. T's in on the left.
Brand Dr.
This is a rural subdivision.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
1.89
3.38 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46
Brand Dr. dead-ends into Hwy. 46.
Hwy. 46
The traffic is fast here, but the shoulder is good.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1
traffic: Heavy
speed: 60
0.75
4.13 LEFT onto Spring Branch Rd.
Spring Branch Rd. T's in on the left.
Spring Branch Rd.
Go past fields and houses, eventually crossing the Guadalupe River on a high bridge.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Moderate
speed: 35
8.10
12.23 LEFT onto Rittimann Rd./Sattler Rd.
Rittimann Rd. T's in on the left.
Rittimann Rd./Sattler Rd.
Start out going through a housing development, then wind through fields and past rural houses. Rittimann Rd. changes names to Sattler Rd. when it crosses the county line.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
5.40
17.64 RIGHT onto FM 473
Sattler Rd. dead-ends into FM 473.
FM 473
Go past mostly fields but a few houses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Moderate
speed: 50
2.46
20.09 RIGHT onto Hwy. 281
FM 473 dead-ends into Hwy. 281
Hwy. 281
The traffic is fast here, but the shoulder is good.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 2
traffic: Heavy
speed: 70
3.83
23.93 LEFT onto Rebecca Creek Rd.
Turn left at the giant golf ball on Hwy. 281, after you pass the FM 306 intersection. Rebecca Creek Rd. T's in on the left here.
Rebecca Creek Rd.
This is a cool road that takes you down across the Guadalupe River, then climbs back up to FM 311.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
12.44
36.37 LEFT onto FM 311
Rebecca Creek Rd. dead-ends into FM 311.
FM 311
This is a short connector segment.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Moderate
speed: 55
0.56
36.93 RIGHT onto FM 3159
Go right at the light.
FM 3159
This road has fast traffic but a good shoulder.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 2
traffic: Moderate
speed: 60
0.95
37.88 STRAIGHT onto Smithson Valley Rd.
FM 3159 turns into Smithson Valley Rd. at the stop light for Hwy. 46.
Smithson Valley Rd.
Go past the Smithson Valley High School, then through fields and houses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 40
5.18
43.05 RIGHT onto FM 1863
Smithson Valley Rd. dead-ends into FM 1863.
FM 1863
Head back towards Bulverde.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1/2
traffic: Moderate
speed: 55
2.25
45.30 STRAIGHT onto Bulverde Rd.
FM 1863 turns into Bulverde Rd. when it crosses under Hwy. 281.
Bulverde Rd.
Go past fields, houses, and businesses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
2.36
47.66 LEFT onto Ammann Rd.
Ammann Rd. T's in on the left after you ride through Bulverde.
Ammann Rd.
Short hop back to where you parked.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
0.07
47.73 Arrive at finish  
Total Miles Instructions For Miles
0.00 WEST on Ammann Rd. 0.69
0.69 RIGHT onto Persimmon Hill 0.80
1.49 LEFT onto Brand Dr. 1.89
3.38 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46 0.75
4.13 LEFT onto Spring Branch Rd. 9.78
13.91 RIGHT onto Hwy. 281 0.39
14.31 LEFT onto Knibbe Rd. 0.18
14.49 LEFT onto FM 311 6.50
20.99 RIGHT onto FM 3159 0.95
21.94 STRAIGHT onto Smithson Valley Rd. 5.18
27.12 RIGHT onto FM 1863 2.25
29.36 STRAIGHT onto Bulverde Rd. 2.36
31.72 LEFT onto Ammann Rd. 0.07
31.79 Arrive at finish  
Total Miles Instructions For Miles
0.00 WEST on Ammann Rd.
Turn right out of the parking lot.
Ammann Rd.
Go past fields and a few houses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
0.69
0.69 RIGHT onto Persimmon Hill
Persimmon Hill T's in on the right.
Persimmon Hill
This is a rural subdivision.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
0.80
1.49 LEFT onto Brand Dr.
Brand Dr. T's in on the left.
Brand Dr.
This is a rural subdivision.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
1.89
3.38 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46
Brand Dr. dead-ends into Hwy. 46.
Hwy. 46
The traffic is fast here, but the shoulder is good.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1
traffic: Heavy
speed: 60
0.75
4.13 LEFT onto Spring Branch Rd.
Spring Branch Rd. T's in on the left.
Spring Branch Rd.
Go past fields and houses, eventually crossing the Guadalupe River on a high bridge.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
9.78
13.91 RIGHT onto Hwy. 281
Spring Branch Rd. dead-ends into Hwy. 281.
Hwy. 281
The traffic sucks here, but luckily it's a very short segment.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1/4
traffic: Heavy
speed: 70
0.39
14.31 LEFT onto Knibbe Rd.
Knibbe Rd. T's in on the left next to the gas station.
Knibbe Rd.
Short connector segment.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
0.18
14.49 LEFT onto FM 311
Knibbe Rd. dead-ends into FM 311
FM 311
This road climbs for a while, then rolls on to FM 3159.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 55
6.50
20.99 RIGHT onto FM 3159
Go right at the light.
FM 3159
This road has fast traffic but a good shoulder.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 2
traffic: Moderate
speed: 60
0.95
21.94 STRAIGHT onto Smithson Valley Rd.
FM 3159 turns into Smithson Valley Rd. at the stop light for Hwy. 46.
Smithson Valley Rd.
Go past the Smithson Valley High School, then through fields and houses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 40
5.18
27.12 RIGHT onto FM 1863
Smithson Valley Rd. dead-ends into FM 1863.
FM 1863
Head back towards Bulverde.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1/2
traffic: Moderate
speed: 55
2.25
29.36 STRAIGHT onto Bulverde Rd.
FM 1863 turns into Bulverde Rd. when it crosses under Hwy. 281.
Bulverde Rd.
Go past fields, houses, and businesses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
2.36
31.72 LEFT onto Ammann Rd.
Ammann Rd. T's in on the left after you ride through Bulverde.
Ammann Rd.
Short hop back to where you parked.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
0.07
31.79 Arrive at finish  
Total Miles Instructions For Miles
0.00 WEST on Ammann Rd. 0.69
0.69 RIGHT onto Persimmon Hill 0.80
1.49 LEFT onto Brand Dr. 1.89
3.38 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46 2.02
5.40 RIGHT onto Old Boerne Rd. 1.65
7.06 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46 0.79
7.85 RIGHT onto Stahl Rd. 3.86
11.71 RIGHT onto FM 1863 1.49
13.20 STRAIGHT onto Bulverde Rd. 2.36
15.56 LEFT onto Ammann Rd. 0.07
15.63 Arrive at finish  
Total Miles Instructions For Miles
0.00 WEST on Ammann Rd.
Turn right out of the parking lot.
Ammann Rd.
Go past fields and a few houses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
0.69
0.69 RIGHT onto Persimmon Hill
Persimmon Hill T's in on the right.
Persimmon Hill
This is a rural subdivision.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
0.80
1.49 LEFT onto Brand Dr.
Brand Dr. T's in on the left.
Brand Dr.
This is a rural subdivision.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
1.89
3.38 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46
Brand Dr. dead-ends into Hwy. 46.
Hwy. 46
The traffic is fast here but the shoulder is good.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1
traffic: Moderate
speed: 65
2.02
5.40 RIGHT onto Old Boerne Rd.
Old Boerne Rd. T's in on the right.
Old Boerne Rd.
Ride past houses and fields.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 30
1.65
7.06 RIGHT onto Hwy. 46
Old Boerne Rd. dead-ends into Hwy. 46.
Hwy. 46
More fast traffic, but this is a short segment and there's a decent shoulder. You'll pass under Hwy. 281 along the way.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1/2
traffic: Heavy
speed: 45
0.79
7.85 RIGHT onto Stahl Rd.
Turn right at the light.
Stahl Rd.
Fields and houses.
lanes: 1
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
3.86
11.71 RIGHT onto FM 1863
Stahl Rd. dead-ends into FM 1863.
FM 1863
Head back towards Bulverde.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 1/2
traffic: Moderate
speed: 55
1.49
13.20 STRAIGHT onto Bulverde Rd.
FM 1863 turns into Bulverde Rd. when it crosses under Hwy. 281.
Bulverde Rd.
Go past fields, houses, and businesses.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
2.36
15.56 LEFT onto Ammann Rd.
Ammann Rd. T's in on the left after you ride through Bulverde.
Ammann Rd.
Short hop back to where you parked.
lanes: 2
shoulder: 0
traffic: Light
speed: 35
0.07
15.63 Arrive at finish  
Ride Elevation Analysis
small ride profile
Ride Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 2527.76 20.17 2.4
Descending -2527.26 27.55 -1.7
Overall 5055.03 47.73  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.7 0.60
2 2.6 0.55
3 2.1 0.81
4 2.1 0.90
5 1.7 0.59
6 1.3 0.64
7 1.3 1.64
8 1.2 0.63
9 1.2 0.80
10 0.5 0.49
Segment Elevation Analyses
Ammann Rd. from parking to Persimmon Hill
Starting at 0.00 miles for 0.69 miles
segment 0 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 49.07 0.25 3.8
Descending -64.96 0.44 -2.8
Overall 114.03 0.69  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.4 0.05
Persimmon Hill from Ammann Rd. to Brand Dr.
Starting at 0.69 miles for 0.80 miles
segment 1 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 64.30 0.51 2.4
Descending -26.71 0.30 -1.7
Overall 91.02 0.80  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.1 0.34
2 2.0 0.24
Brand Dr. from Persimmon Hill to Hwy. 46
Starting at 1.49 miles for 1.89 miles
segment 2 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 129.59 0.81 3.0
Descending -132.66 1.08 -2.3
Overall 262.25 1.89  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.6 0.08
2 1.9 0.22
3 1.8 0.17
4 1.5 0.48
5 1.3 0.24
Hwy. 46 from Brand Dr. to Spring Branch Rd.
Starting at 3.38 miles for 0.75 miles
segment 3 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 36.09 0.27 2.6
Descending -30.14 0.48 -1.2
Overall 66.23 0.75  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.6 0.37
Spring Branch Rd. from Hwy. 46 to Rittimann Rd./Sattler Rd.
Starting at 4.13 miles for 8.10 miles
segment 4 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 358.12 2.73 2.5
Descending -505.58 5.37 -1.8
Overall 863.69 8.10  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.7 0.60
2 2.6 0.55
3 2.2 0.14
4 2.1 0.21
5 2.0 0.23
6 1.3 0.14
7 1.2 0.24
8 1.2 0.20
9 1.1 0.37
10 0.7 0.25
Rittimann Rd./Sattler Rd. from Spring Branch Rd. to FM 473
Starting at 12.23 miles for 5.40 miles
segment 5 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 376.31 3.64 2.0
Descending -70.54 1.76 -0.8
Overall 446.85 5.40  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 5.0 0.14
2 3.2 0.33
3 1.7 0.16
4 1.3 0.64
5 1.3 1.64
6 1.2 0.80
7 1.1 0.17
8 0.8 0.42
9 0.7 0.08
10 0.2 0.12
FM 473 from Rittimann Rd./Sattler Rd. to Hwy. 281
Starting at 17.64 miles for 2.46 miles
segment 6 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 157.81 1.32 2.3
Descending -163.30 1.14 -2.7
Overall 321.10 2.46  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 3.0 0.17
2 2.1 0.90
3 0.8 0.14
4 0.7 0.12
5 0.5 0.28
Hwy. 281 from FM 473 to Rebecca Creek Rd.
Starting at 20.09 miles for 3.83 miles
segment 7 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 147.50 1.26 2.2
Descending -288.71 2.57 -2.1
Overall 436.22 3.83  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 3.9 0.08
2 1.7 0.59
3 1.4 0.32
4 1.3 0.47
5 0.9 0.10
Rebecca Creek Rd. from Hwy. 281 to FM 311
Starting at 23.93 miles for 12.44 miles
segment 8 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 776.36 5.04 2.9
Descending -674.87 7.40 -1.7
Overall 1451.23 12.44  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 4.0 0.36
2 3.6 0.30
3 3.5 0.23
4 2.1 0.81
5 2.0 0.32
6 1.8 0.21
7 1.5 0.40
8 0.9 0.28
9 0.7 0.34
10 0.3 0.21
FM 311 from Rebecca Creek Rd. to FM 3159
Starting at 36.37 miles for 0.56 miles
segment 9 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 14.11 0.18 1.4
Descending -63.91 0.38 -3.2
Overall 78.01 0.56  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.0 0.18
FM 3159 from FM 311 to Smithson Valley Rd.
Starting at 36.93 miles for 0.95 miles
segment 10 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 52.17 0.52 1.9
Descending -53.31 0.43 -2.4
Overall 105.47 0.95  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.2 0.63
Smithson Valley Rd. from FM 3159 to FM 1863
Starting at 37.88 miles for 5.18 miles
segment 11 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 116.47 1.29 1.7
Descending -351.53 3.89 -1.7
Overall 468.00 5.18  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.1 0.16
2 1.1 0.20
3 0.9 0.17
4 0.9 0.40
5 0.9 0.25
6 0.4 0.07
FM 1863 from Smithson Valley Rd. to Bulverde Rd.
Starting at 43.05 miles for 2.25 miles
segment 12 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 101.88 1.06 1.8
Descending -48.88 1.18 -0.8
Overall 150.77 2.25  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 0.7 0.12
2 0.5 0.49
3 0.4 0.08
4 0.3 0.12
Bulverde Rd. from FM 1863 to Ammann Rd.
Starting at 45.30 miles for 2.36 miles
segment 13 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 143.06 1.24 2.2
Descending -52.17 1.12 -0.9
Overall 195.22 2.36  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.2 0.45
2 1.9 0.08
3 1.9 0.31
4 1.1 0.26
5 0.7 0.08
6 0.4 0.08
Ammann Rd. from Bulverde Rd. to parking
Starting at 47.66 miles for 0.07 miles
segment 14 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 4.92 0.05 1.7
Descending 0.00 0.02 0.0
Overall 4.92 0.07  
Ride Elevation Analysis
small ride profile
Ride Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 1642.52 12.93 2.4
Descending -1662.01 18.86 -1.7
Overall 3304.53 31.79  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 3.6 0.62
2 3.1 0.49
3 2.7 0.57
4 2.2 0.45
5 1.6 0.86
6 1.5 0.48
7 1.3 0.44
8 1.2 0.63
9 0.6 0.46
10 0.5 0.49
Segment Elevation Analyses
Ammann Rd. from parking to Persimmon Hill
Starting at 0.00 miles for 0.69 miles
segment 0 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 49.07 0.25 3.8
Descending -64.96 0.44 -2.8
Overall 114.03 0.69  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.4 0.05
Persimmon Hill from Ammann Rd. to Brand Dr.
Starting at 0.69 miles for 0.80 miles
segment 1 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 64.30 0.51 2.4
Descending -26.71 0.30 -1.7
Overall 91.02 0.80  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.1 0.34
2 2.0 0.24
Brand Dr. from Persimmon Hill to Hwy. 46
Starting at 1.49 miles for 1.89 miles
segment 2 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 129.59 0.81 3.0
Descending -132.66 1.08 -2.3
Overall 262.25 1.89  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.6 0.08
2 1.9 0.22
3 1.8 0.17
4 1.5 0.48
5 1.3 0.24
Hwy. 46 from Brand Dr. to Spring Branch Rd.
Starting at 3.38 miles for 0.75 miles
segment 3 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 36.09 0.27 2.6
Descending -30.14 0.48 -1.2
Overall 66.23 0.75  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.6 0.37
Spring Branch Rd. from Hwy. 46 to Hwy. 281
Starting at 4.13 miles for 9.78 miles
segment 4 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 451.44 3.37 2.5
Descending -614.50 6.41 -1.8
Overall 1065.94 9.78  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 3.1 0.49
2 2.7 0.57
3 2.2 0.27
4 1.9 0.22
5 1.9 0.27
6 1.9 0.30
7 1.4 0.32
8 1.3 0.20
9 1.2 0.24
10 0.6 0.21
Hwy. 281 from Spring Branch Rd. to Knibbe Rd.
Starting at 13.91 miles for 0.39 miles
segment 5 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 4.92 0.03 2.7
Descending -27.37 0.36 -1.4
Overall 32.29 0.39  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 0.6 0.10
Knibbe Rd. from Hwy. 281 to FM 311
Starting at 14.31 miles for 0.18 miles
segment 6 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 6.65 0.10 1.3
Descending 0.00 0.08 0.0
Overall 6.65 0.18  
FM 311 from Knibbe Rd. to FM 3159
Starting at 14.49 miles for 6.50 miles
segment 7 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 481.96 3.43 2.7
Descending -259.78 3.08 -1.6
Overall 741.73 6.50  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 3.9 0.33
2 3.6 0.62
3 2.6 0.20
4 2.3 0.20
5 2.2 0.14
6 2.1 0.27
7 1.6 0.86
8 1.3 0.44
9 0.6 0.46
10 0.4 0.20
FM 3159 from FM 311 to Smithson Valley Rd.
Starting at 20.99 miles for 0.95 miles
segment 8 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 52.17 0.52 1.9
Descending -53.31 0.43 -2.4
Overall 105.47 0.95  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.2 0.63
Smithson Valley Rd. from FM 3159 to FM 1863
Starting at 21.94 miles for 5.18 miles
segment 9 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 116.47 1.29 1.7
Descending -351.53 3.89 -1.7
Overall 468.00 5.18  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.1 0.16
2 1.1 0.20
3 0.9 0.17
4 0.9 0.40
5 0.9 0.25
6 0.4 0.07
FM 1863 from Smithson Valley Rd. to Bulverde Rd.
Starting at 27.12 miles for 2.25 miles
segment 10 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 101.88 1.06 1.8
Descending -48.88 1.18 -0.8
Overall 150.77 2.25  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 0.7 0.12
2 0.5 0.49
3 0.4 0.08
4 0.3 0.12
Bulverde Rd. from FM 1863 to Ammann Rd.
Starting at 29.36 miles for 2.36 miles
segment 11 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 143.06 1.24 2.2
Descending -52.17 1.12 -0.9
Overall 195.22 2.36  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.2 0.45
2 1.9 0.08
3 1.9 0.31
4 1.1 0.26
5 0.7 0.08
6 0.4 0.08
Ammann Rd. from Bulverde Rd. to parking
Starting at 31.72 miles for 0.07 miles
segment 12 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 4.92 0.05 1.7
Descending 0.00 0.02 0.0
Overall 4.92 0.07  
Ride Elevation Analysis
small ride profile
Ride Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 882.92 7.03 2.4
Descending -915.79 8.60 -2.0
Overall 1798.71 15.63  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.5 0.45
2 2.2 0.45
3 2.1 0.34
4 2.1 0.69
5 1.9 0.31
6 1.8 0.79
7 1.7 0.40
8 1.5 0.48
9 1.4 0.42
10 0.9 0.32
Segment Elevation Analyses
Ammann Rd. from parking to Persimmon Hill
Starting at 0.00 miles for 0.69 miles
segment 0 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 49.07 0.25 3.8
Descending -64.96 0.44 -2.8
Overall 114.03 0.69  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.4 0.05
Persimmon Hill from Ammann Rd. to Brand Dr.
Starting at 0.69 miles for 0.80 miles
segment 1 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 64.30 0.51 2.4
Descending -26.71 0.30 -1.7
Overall 91.02 0.80  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.1 0.34
2 2.0 0.24
Brand Dr. from Persimmon Hill to Hwy. 46
Starting at 1.49 miles for 1.89 miles
segment 2 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 129.59 0.81 3.0
Descending -132.66 1.08 -2.3
Overall 262.25 1.89  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.6 0.08
2 1.9 0.22
3 1.8 0.17
4 1.5 0.48
5 1.3 0.24
Hwy. 46 from Brand Dr. to Old Boerne Rd.
Starting at 3.38 miles for 2.02 miles
segment 3 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 124.67 1.07 2.2
Descending -87.07 0.95 -1.7
Overall 211.74 2.02  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.1 0.69
2 1.7 0.40
Old Boerne Rd. from Hwy. 46 to Hwy. 46
Starting at 5.40 miles for 1.65 miles
segment 4 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 53.15 0.60 1.7
Descending -152.96 1.06 -2.7
Overall 206.11 1.65  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 1.4 0.42
2 0.9 0.32
3 0.4 0.06
Hwy. 46 from Old Boerne Rd. to Stahl Rd.
Starting at 7.06 miles for 0.79 miles
segment 5 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 70.87 0.40 3.3
Descending -47.82 0.39 -2.3
Overall 118.69 0.79  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.5 0.45
2 2.3 0.05
Stahl Rd. from Hwy. 46 to FM 1863
Starting at 7.85 miles for 3.86 miles
segment 6 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 174.54 1.32 2.5
Descending -341.93 2.54 -2.6
Overall 516.47 3.86  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.6 0.19
2 2.0 0.31
3 1.8 0.79
4 1.2 0.12
5 0.4 0.13
6 0.4 0.06
7 0.3 0.09
8 0.3 0.08
FM 1863 from Smithson Valley Rd. to Bulverde Rd.
Starting at 11.71 miles for 1.49 miles
segment 7 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 68.75 0.79 1.7
Descending -9.51 0.71 -0.3
Overall 78.26 1.49  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 0.6 0.23
2 0.4 0.08
Bulverde Rd. from FM 1863 to Ammann Rd.
Starting at 13.20 miles for 2.36 miles
segment 8 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 143.06 1.24 2.2
Descending -52.17 1.12 -0.9
Overall 195.22 2.36  
Top 10 Climbs:
Rank Gradient (%) Distance (miles)
1 2.2 0.45
2 1.9 0.08
3 1.9 0.31
4 1.1 0.26
5 0.7 0.08
6 0.4 0.08
Ammann Rd. from Bulverde Rd. to parking
Starting at 15.56 miles for 0.07 miles
segment 9 small profile
Segment Analysis
  elevation change (feet) distance (miles) avg. grade (%)
Climbing 4.92 0.05 1.7
Descending 0.00 0.02 0.0
Overall 4.92 0.07  
large ride profile
segment 0 large profile
segment 1 large profile
segment 2 large profile
segment 3 large profile
segment 4 large profile
segment 5 large profile
segment 6 large profile
segment 7 large profile
segment 8 large profile
segment 9 large profile
segment 10 large profile
segment 11 large profile
segment 12 large profile
segment 13 large profile
segment 14 large profile
large ride profile
segment 0 large profile
segment 1 large profile
segment 2 large profile
segment 3 large profile
segment 4 large profile
segment 5 large profile
segment 6 large profile
segment 7 large profile
segment 8 large profile
segment 9 large profile
segment 10 large profile
segment 11 large profile
segment 12 large profile
large ride profile
segment 0 large profile
segment 1 large profile
segment 2 large profile
segment 3 large profile
segment 4 large profile
segment 5 large profile
segment 6 large profile
segment 7 large profile
segment 8 large profile
segment 9 large profile

The first thing you have to do for any of these rides is get to the starting place. This tab gives you everything you need to get there.

Up top is a description of the starting place. Below that is a box to enter the address of where you're coming from so you can get directions. When you've entered the address, press the 'Get directions to parking' button and it'll tell you how to get there. You'll get the usual Google Maps turn-by-turn instructions below the address box, and you'll get a corresponding line drawn on the map. Follow these directions, and you'll get to the ride.

Once you've digested the directions you will probably get tired of having the map cluttered up by them. Just hit the 'Clear parking directions from map' button and they will go away.

If you'd like to print out the driving directions, the "Get printable parking directions" button will bring up a Google Maps page with the parking directions in them that you can manipulate and print out.

Here's all the information you need to know about stops on the ride. Mostly this is where to get water and food and how far away it is. I generally prefer to list convenience stores and things like that because they're geared to deal with travelers on the go. I don't include all the restaurants and hotels and everything else, since those things aren't really necessary to help you get through the ride and there are far better resources on the web for finding those sorts of things. If there's a restaurant I particularly like eating at after a ride, I'll mention it in the overview.

You can click on any stop in the list and it'll show its info window on the map. This helpful if you're not sure where on the map a stop is.

Ride Dist.: Distance to the stop from the start of the ride. This is in miles. Sometimes I include stops that aren't actually on the route but are close to it. For those, I'll show how far off the route the stop is. These are as-the-crow-flies distances based on the point in the ride you would turn off to get to the stop, so the street distance is probably a little further to get to the stop.

Type: What type of place you're stopping at. It's mostly convenience stores, but I do add other types of places when they are very convenient or are the only things available.

Description: Anything you need to know about this stop.

Occasionally there are interesting things to check out along the ride. Here I tell you all about them.

You can click on any POI in the list and it'll show its info window on the map. This is helpful if you're not sure where on the map a POI is.

Ride Dist.: Distance to the POI from the start of the ride. This is in miles. Sometimes I include POIs that aren't actually on the route but are close to it. For those, I'll show how far off the route the POI is. These are as-the-crow-flies distances based on the point in the ride you would turn off to get to the POI, so the street distance is probably a little further to get to the it.

Description: Anything you need to know about this POI.

What does all this stuff mean? These are all the instructions necessary to complete this ride. This includes the turns and intersections of interest and which way to go when you reach them.

There are short and long instructions. You see the long instructions when you check the "Show road descriptions in list?" box. The long instructions include information about the street and any comments for the turns.

You can click on any instruction in the list and it'll show its turn info window in the map. If you click on the road information in the long instructions it'll show you its road info window in the map. This helpful if you're not sure where on the map a stop or road is.

When there's a road that the road conditions change on, such as speed, shoulder or lanes, I put the worst of the conditions down. This means narrowest shoulder, fastest speed, and most lanes of traffic. This way you can only be pleasently surprised.

Short Instructions

Total Miles: Distance to the turn from start of ride.

Instructions: What to do at the turn. Usually it'll be RIGHT or LEFT, and occasionally STRAIGHT. The first instruction of the ride is the direction to head away from parking.

For Miles: Length of the road you turn onto.

Long Instructions

The long instructions include all information from the short instructions plus the following:

Turn Comments: These show-up right below the turn instruction and tell you any additional information that is helpful to make the turn. I'll point out when the current road dead-ends into the next one, or when the next road T's into the current one. A 'T' intersection is when the new road dead-ends into the one you're currently on.

Road Name: Name of the road you are turning onto. When a road changes names while you're going down it, I'll put the name as "first name/second name". Also, there are lots of ways to designate country roads. Sometimes they're called "Farm Road", sometimes "Ranch Road", and sometimes just "FM" (for Farm to Market). In fact, you might see all three designations used on the same road in different places. I've just settled on calling them all "FM" since it's easier to type. Therefore, when I call something "FM", you should keep your eyes open for any of the three designations.

Road Description: Description of the road and any relevant facts about it.

Lanes: How many lanes this road has. This includes both directions, but doesn't include center turning lanes when they exist. The difference between a 1 and a 2 is sometimes a close call. I generally say there is one lane if there's no center stripe. This means that many streets that I rate as a 1 can fit two cars but aren't striped.

Shoulder: How wide the shoulder is. This is a subjective measurement that tells you how many bikes you can comfortably fit next to eachother. 1/4 means that it's just enough shoulder to tease you but isn't very helpful. 1/2 means the shoulder is wide enough for a cyclist, but that cars still need to scoot over to give you room. 1 means that a cyclist can comfortably fit in the shoulder with enough room for cars to pass without moving over. Numbers go up to 2+ for super-wide shoulders.

Traffic: How heavy the traffic is on this road. Right now this is a TOTALLY subjective measurement based on how I feel about the roads after having ridden them. In the near future I hope to switch to real traffic counts or something else that is more objective and, frankly, more useful.

Speed: Speed limit on this road. I make note of the speed limit signs and go with the fastest limit. It's not unusual for a road to change speed limits as you go down it so I choose the fastest in order to not under-estimate what the traffic is doing on the road. Some roads don't have posted speed limits, so I go with reasonable estimates. I usually guess 30 mph for residential and 40 mph for rural roads.

This is an analysis of the elevation data for the ride and for each of the segments of the ride.

The graphs show the elevation profiles. They are shaded underneath to show how steep each part of the ride is, lighter for less steep all the way to black for very steep. I normalize the height so you see elevations from 0 to the tallest point on the ride. I don't put the true elevation above sea level because, for the San Antonio area, elevation above sea level isn't very interesting since we're never high enough to make a difference. Also, you can click on a graph to see a larger version of it. The larger graph will pop up in a separate window.

The ride and segment analyses show how much climbing and descending you'll do in the ride or segment and what the average grade is for each. The climb list tells you how steep and how long the worst climbs in the ride or segment are, and is ranked by steepness.