The best road cycling routes around Austin

The Mellow Johnny's Early Morning Tuesday loop offers a quintessential Austin road cycling experience, winding through the city's urban landscape and dedicated bike routes. You'll pedal past the iconic Lance Armstrong Bikeway, enjoy views of the Austin skyline, and cross the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge with its open water vistas. Expect a dynamic ride with rolling terrain and challenging hills, making it a rewarding outing for experienced cyclists.

This popular route starts and finishes at Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop, a central point for Austin's cycling community. The shop provides excellent amenities, including an in-house cafe and free commuter showers, perfect for freshening up after your ride. To make the most of this moderate 29.9 miles (48.1 km) loop, which typically takes 2 hours and 11 minutes, consider an early start to beat the heat and crowds.

With 1253 feet (382 metres) of elevation gain, the Mellow Johnny's Tuesday morning ride Austin details a route that's more than just a casual spin; it's a true test of your legs. The strong community aspect is a highlight, as you'll often find groups of riders enjoying the route together. This loop is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Austin's vibrant cycling culture and tackle some of its best urban climbs.

The Southern Walnut Creek and Austin to Manor Trail Loop offers a delightful road cycling experience, weaving through the lush greenbelts and forests of the Southern Walnut Creek Trail before opening up to the serene countryside near the Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and Walter E. Long Lake. You'll mostly be on wide concrete paths, enjoying glimpses of the Austin skyline and potentially spotting wildlife like deer and armadillos. It's a nature lover's delight, providing a continuous and scenic escape from urban bustle.

This easy 26.3-mile (42.3 km) loop, with 662 feet (202 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hours and 57 minutes to complete. While the Southern Walnut Creek Trail has some gentle and a few steeper hills, the Austin to Manor Trail is largely flat, making it manageable for most riders. The route is multi-use, so you'll share the path with hikers and joggers. Remember to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.

This trail system is a significant part of Austin's planned regional network, connecting neighborhoods and facilities, and the Austin to Manor Trail serves as a key commuter route. Its completion in summer 2024, including an underpass for SH 130, makes it a seamless and safer option for cyclists. The route's blend of urban connectivity and natural beauty makes it a standout choice for road cycling in the Austin area.

Embark on the Violet Crown Mckinney alternative loop for a moderate road cycling adventure, spanning 30.1 miles (48.5 km) with an elevation gain of 954 feet (291 metres). This route guides you through a diverse landscape of urban greenbelts and parks, featuring a mix of crushed granite pathways and smooth concrete sidewalks. You will enjoy the varied scenery, including views from the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, making for an engaging ride that typically takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes to complete.

Before you set out, be aware that while this specific loop is designed for road bikes, the wider Violet Crown Trail system includes sections with uneven, rocky terrain unsuitable for racebikes. Always check the specific segments of your planned ride to ensure they are compatible with your equipment. Planning your visit during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the surroundings and navigate the varied surfaces safely.

This route provides a substantial workout for cyclists seeking a good challenge within the Austin area. It stands out by offering a unique blend of natural and urban environments, allowing you to explore different facets of the city's outdoor spaces. The trail's design ensures a consistent surface for most of its length, distinguishing it from other parts of the broader trail network.

The South Austin loop via the Butler District Park Trail offers a fantastic blend of urban cycling and natural beauty, taking you along Lady Bird Lake with stunning views of the Austin skyline. You'll ride through lush, tree-lined pathways and experience the unique 7,250-foot boardwalk over the water, which is a highlight of this route. The trail's surfaces vary, from well-paved roads to sections of crushed red granite and compacted dirt, providing a diverse and engaging ride.

This moderate 30.3-mile (48.8 km) road cycling route, with 1112 feet (339 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. While generally accessible for most fitness levels, be aware that sections of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail are shared with pedestrians and joggers, especially on busy days, so you'll need to be mindful of others. Parking is available near Butler District Park, but arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

What makes this route truly stand out is its seamless integration with the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a natural gem in the heart of the Texas capital. You'll pass under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, known for its bat colony, adding a unique local flavor to your ride. This trail is perfect for those who want to explore Austin's vibrant urban core while still enjoying scenic lake vistas and green spaces.