Rocky Hill Ranch Stories

[TexReign]

Rocky Hill Ranch is the second-oldest "mountain bike ranch" in Texas (Bluff Creek was the first). It was begun by Gray and Pam Hill long ago and they've leased it out to others over the years. For a while it has been on a slide after management was split between the Saloon and Trails several years ago.

Crash, Skid and Boomer kept the trails available to riders during these dark days while the Saloon languished and eventually went under. We owe the Boomer's Bicycles gang a heartfelt THANK YOU for their efforts to preserve the trails. These guys are now back to happily being riders.

At this time there is a new Rocky Hill Ranch website and a new check-in area at which to sign in and pay.

The trails are in great shape and riders can enjoy up to a 20 mi loop with options of 6, 9, 10, 12 and 16 miles with four "extra credit" trails that will add up to four miles to a loop.

All the classics like Fat Chuck's Demise, Off The Lip, Black Trak, and features like The Wall, Ike's Peak, and The Grind still keep things interesting while winding through the pines. New favorites like Bottle In Front of Me and Y-Knot provide challenging options to riding the fenceline or the double-track.

For those who have been there, what's your favorite trail?

I like Off The Lip best, but the new Switchback option to miss Fat Chuck's is a close second.

How many of you managed to hook the washer on a string to the hook in the tree in the Saloon? How many tries did it take you?

Is there anything you remember about a particular visit to Rocky Hill Ranch?

There's got to be some great stories spread over the last fifteen years or so.

Maybe riding in one of the 24 hour events, or something crazy happening on a day trip?

I read in another forum of a guy whose new bike disintegrated underneath him at the bottom of The Wall last year. Then there was the guy racing who lost his shorts to a tree and finished his lap in a "flash," so to speak.

If you have a great Rocky Hill story I'd love to read it.

As for me, I do a little volunteer work out there and have some plans in the works for more new stuff to ride. Maybe I'll see ya on the trails . . .

[ArmySlowRdr]

This is all greatnews indeed--I've been following it on the bikemojo site and have already scoped out the new RHR web addy.

All the trails there are great. It has the 2d most flow aof all trails in TX--Tyler State Park being flowier--but all in all RHR is d best because there is just enough challenge.

I remember eating Jalapeno Cheeseburgers out on the porch after a race. The kind with the big ole whole Jalapeno Pepper stuck up top via a toothpick. And Diane was in charge--was good times.

I remember scoring the last 4 hours of a 24 hour race--I held the ladies' book. That was fun and I learned a lot--although it was all very intuitive and easy to organize and I had my bookk closed and results final by the race's end.

Also I raced out there a few times. No downhill endos like at Flat Creek Ranch but I do remember breaking my chain and flatting one year all in the same race and STILL did not finish DFL.

Spring of 06 my friend from Oahu visited and we did RHR and Bluff Creek abck to back. He was awed there was such great mountain biking--and in the famed area of ZZ Top's La Grange too!

I've ridden a few times there since Skid Crash and Boomer has maintained things---they have done a FANTASTIC job on the trails. MANY MANY THANKS!!

AND WELCOME R.B. THANKS 4 BRINGING THE SALLOON BACK!!!! I can hardly wait and check it out--gawd I hope I get a break from work soon.

RHR has always been my fave spot to MTB in TX just dont get there more than several times a year due it being almost 100 miles away and BLORA and Dana Peak in my back yard.

LONG LIVE RHR!!!!!!!!!

[bear]

I really appreciate the work going on there and plan to make a more brief than I like visit there on this coming Saturday.

Stories? Hmm.

I guess my most "memorable" one happened to be one Sat after a questionably wet week. We got out there and checked in with Diane at the bar and while doing so she told us that they were allowing people to drive up the gravel road to the top of Fat Chuck's instead of riding up.

This was ominous, but we didn't think much of it, and "rode" up from the bottom.

Stopping frequently to clear the chunky peanut butter goo from tires, pedals, chains, feet, whatnot.

Blecch.

Note: When the local denizens say they are "allowing" you to drive to the top, this actually means "buddy, get back on that car and get to the top, 'cause you ain't riding."

Note2: Trails, while having some standing water, were fine once we got past the climb and up onto the top of the bluff.

[bmwuk]

I am new to MTB'ing but RHR was definitely mentioned in some publications and other places for a good ride not too far from Houston. I had plans to visit it in the next few months at most and although I don't have the historical perspective, I look forward to hearing how the trail will continue on.

For the new owner/operator, I look forward to enjoying the hills just an hour and a half from me. See you soon!

[BikeMojo]

Originally Posted by TexReign

Crash, Skid and Boomer kept the trails available to riders during these dark days while the Saloon lanquished and eventually went under. We owe the Boomer's Bicycles gang a heartfelt THANK YOU for their efforts to preserve the trails. These guys are now back to happily being riders thanks to the latest development.

Yes, Texas cycling is indebted to Boomer, Crash and Skid for keeping RHR going. Without them there would be nothing there today.

Originally Posted by TexReign

A new leaseholder, R.B. Phelps, has taken over operation of the property, once again combining Camping, Trails and Saloon operations. He is working hard to get restrooms, hot showers, food, and drink available.

This is great news.

Originally Posted by TexReign

R.B. is planning a Grand Opening on Friday, May 7. This will be the evening prior to the Fat Chuck's Revenge marathon race. There will be music, food and drink as he meets the patrons of Rocky Hill.

I am putting it on my calendar. Gotta talk to R.B. about a hook-up for my Winnebago.

Originally Posted by TexReign

If you have a great Rocky Hill story I'd love to read it.

There are many, but one of my best memories is standing on the start line of the 2002(?or 2003) race, with 91 other riders in my sport class. Race attendance was just short of a thousand riders.

[Toff]

Heres a story I wrote for a contest which I won. Its true too.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was probably late ’98 or early ’99 as I was still riding my college bike.

Me and John (w/ the green Schwinn) were at Rocky Hill Ranch just messin’ around. I had just got some Onza clipless pedals (anyone remember those?) and was still new to them. We both felt strong and had a good pace going. We were swooping into turns, jumping cactuses and just having a good time until it happened …

It being the meeting with the CoW FrOm HeLl!!!!

There we were just minding our own business and being all peaceful-like when we spotted the cows and they spotted us as well.

Baby cow: Mama, whats that?
Mama cow: I’m not sure Junior. Stand Back! They may be dangerous!
Baby cow: I’m scared mama!
Me: Yummmm, look at all that hamburger meat just standing there. Got your knife John?
Mama cow: WTF?!? Why I outta …. In fact, I will!!

As I rode “somewhat” close to the cow in order to check out the quality of the meat I was charged!! The mama cow had transformed into a bike rider eating monstrosity from hell!! HUGE horns grew out of her head, flames were shooting out of her nostrils and her red glaring eyes were firmly fixed on me!!

Me: HOLY %*%^!!

Being the expert biker I am I immediately thought of several ways to rid myself of the chasing beast. Since John was a bit back and there being no way to lure the bloated beast towards him so that I could fix in its small mind that he was the proper target I pedaled as fast as my legs would go towards a stand of trees instead. I managed to unclip perfectly (good news being these were new pedals), barrel over a huge catus patch and run behind the trees keeping the massive animal on the opposite side of them. The beast circled the trees a few times but nimble me keep away.

As I played the maypole with the beast John fell on the ground holding his sides while making strange inarticulate sounds.

John: Muuuaaaahahaha haha haha haha

Me: The beast has cast some evil spell on him I thought!! He will be eaten first! YES!!!

After a few minutes the tired and confused beast wandered away in search of easier prey. For some reason it didn’t eat John either.

Me: WTH man!! Why didn’t you help me!
John: I knew you could handle it man, I wasn’t worried.
Me! Yeah, whatever ….

We then finished our ride and made sure we stopped for hamburgers on the way back home.

Interesting enough, we never did see any more riders on that ride ….

[Mtc]

Those are pretty funny, I think half are about me.
Met one of my best friend when I tore a hug flap off the butt of my shorts. He was behind me for a while. As I tired I asked if he wanted to pass, he said he was doing everything he could to keep up to which I responded, then you better not be lookin at my a$$.
I did a race in the early to mid 90's. They delayed the race because it was wet, when they let us all go off it was a mud bog. At the top of fat chucks half the field sat down on the side of the trail and started digging mud out of thier shoes and bikes with sticks...in a race.
Also had a night ride experience where we got to the top of fat chucks and were overheating. As we stripped layer there was snorting a rustling in the bushes, turned out to be a steer, but we were expecting the worst as is rambled out. Thought is was a wild hog for sure!
My favorite is my 14 lap 24hr race, came in forth. One of my racing highlights. Also won a 4 man team there in a hot contest with a team from Dallas.
I bet I've ridden over 250 laps out there.

[Veljko]

The opening is March 7, not May 7.

Originally Posted by TexReign

,,,
R.B. is planning a Grand Opening on Friday, May 7. This will be the evening prior to the Fat Chuck's Revenge marathon race. There will be music, food and drink as he meets the patrons of Rocky Hill....

[TexReign]

Originally Posted by Veljko

The opening is March 7, not May 7.

Thanks! That is correct. March 7.

[texacajun]

I remember the first time I rode there in about 96. I remember mostly the post-ride, being whipped, tired & dusty, hitting the showers then going thru the saloon doors and seeing that hottie in the daisy dukes that used to be behind the bar. It seemed like a total apparition because she whispers the sweetist thing I ever heard..."looks like you could use a cold shiner". I was hooked.

[BigJohn1952]

RB has decided to hold a special event over the 4th of July weekend and I am honored that he has asked me to help. Here's what's on tap so far:

The 1st Annual 10 Years After Benefit
Barbeque Cookoff & Musicfest
CTBA Sanctioned Barbeque Cookoff
19 bands on 2 stages.
More to come.

I've developed two sites for keeping tabs on what's going on: http://www.allaustinentertainment.com/cookoff.html
and
http://www.myspace.com/rockyhillranch

This event benefits 2 great non profit organizations that take care of some of the most helpless in our society-abused and neglected children. They are CASA of Bastrop (court appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children) and Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).

We need your help to make sure that Rocky Hill doesn't close again. Make plans to come out. If you are a barbeque type, enter the cookoff. We have some slots open for bands, so if you have a band, please consider performing (contact me). Otherwise, come on out and enjoy the activities, music over 3 nights and 2 days, food, drink and comraderie.

[Becky Thatcher]

Rocky Hill Ranch was the first place I ever rode a mountain bike off road.
When I reached Fat Chuck's I think I made it about 5 feet then started walking. All the way up I thought, "This is stupid!" "NoOne could ride up this hill!"
Well I have since come to understand that Rocky Hill is great. (I do agree with the previous statement lauding Tyler State Park) I have ridden Rocky Hill with only 1 dab and it has been comforting to know that Fat Chuck's is indeed ridable.
Rocky Hill and BCR Warda are great rides only a couple of hours away and I appreciate all the effort that goes into their maintenance and improvements. Keep up the good work.

[Pedigre]

Originally Posted by TexReign

R.B. is planning a Grand Opening on Friday, March 7.(edited) This will be the evening prior to the Fat Chuck's Revenge marathon race. There will be music, food and drink as he meets the patrons of Rocky Hill.

Friday and "evening prior to the Fat Chuck's Revenge" both refer to the 6th...is this actually taking place on the 6th?

[Pedigre]

Originally Posted by BigJohn1952

I've developed two sites for keeping tabs on what's going on: http://www.allaustinentertainment.com/cookoff.html
and
http://www.myspace.com/rockyhillranch.

Site Error

Sorry, the page you requested does not exist or has been moved. Please check to make sure that the URL you entered is correct.

[texacajun]

Originally Posted by Pedigre

Friday and "evening prior to the Fat Chuck's Revenge" both refer to the 6th...is this actually taking place on the 6th?

Nope, it WAS correctly stated as Friday, March 7th, [SIZE="4"]2008[/SIZE]....old post

[Pedigre]

Originally Posted by texacajun

Nope, it WAS correctly stated as Friday, March 7th, [SIZE="4"]2008[/SIZE]....old post

haha, I need more sleep

[Tooon]

I don't have a story to tell yet, but am planning my 21st birthday to be up there! I want to take my dads RV along with some friends and family on the 13-15 of March and ride all weekend long haha. My birthday is Feb 24th but I don't have time to take a weekend off till March. Can't wait to get out there and rip it up. I went there not to long ago as a side trip. I had to get my driving record (got a ticket for running a stop sign...) and took my Titus to check out the ranch I'd heard about. Rode only a very small portion of the trails and they were a big change to what I normally ride down here in Houston. Loved it and ever since I have wanted to go back and experience every last bit Rocky Hill Ranch has to offer .

Only a few more weeks till my time comes

[Kaj]

I remember the original saloon back in 93 or so. The place was sweet. I did my first 24 hour race there, which I think was 94. It was their first 24 hour race at RHR, so it may have been 95, but I'm not sure. I just remember that it started raining at 9pm, which meant 8 hours of mud till the sun came up. Great experience, and good fun.

I still go back to RHR when I come back to Texas. I've lived in Boulder, CO for the past 14 years, and I can truly say that the trails at RHR rival any 20 mile network of trails you can find in Colorado. It's just plain fun. Save some jalapeno burgers for me.

kaj

[jmpilo]

Originally Posted by Kaj

I
I still go back to RHR when I come back to Texas. I've lived in Boulder, CO for the past 14 years, and I can truly say that the trails at RHR rival any 20 mile network of trails you can find in Colorado. It's just plain fun. Save some jalapeno burgers for me. kaj

II can’t agree more - I too now live in Boulder but RHR will forever be one of my favorite places to ride. I used to be a permanent fixture there back in the late 90’s early 2000. The old Saloon was just epic. There is nothing better than enjoying an icy cold beer, hot shower and awesome burgers served TX style after ridding miles of sweet single track all day long.

To tired to go home no worries just pitch your tent and camp. Weekends typically produced some good live music as well.

I never meet a stranger @ Rocky Hill, all the folks were friendly. (Sure can’t say that about Boulder & JeffCo.) Rocky Hill was 100% MTB no need to worry about open container BS, don’t have to deal with up-setting hikers. It was just a fun place to live and let live.

Granted they may not have the magnificent mountains of Colorado or close assess to Moab, but the friendly folks, and awesome ridding @ RHR made for one the most unique and enjoyable mountain biking experiences one could ever ask for.

I do really miss the place

[weldo]

My first race was Warda in 91 or so ,then the second race was a Rocky Hill. Myron Brown was the man back then in the racing scene. I got first at warda, and he told me that I had to go to RH
I will never, ever, forget this one. Drove up from Houston early that morning. It is the place that got me hooked on racing and riding as a lifestyle. The burgers, omfg. amazing!. Throwing washers at the tree, beautiful sunsets, and killer trails for TX back then. It was sad to see it go downhill , but with local efforts ( boomer, john ) you know who, it cameback to life. I remember sitting at the wall back then to watch the pros, and over time had seen a few great wrecks, and broken frames as well. The Fat Tire Fest there was cool. Need more events like it, and my bro Matt won the bike jousting contest. Having a pic up on the wall from the old days was cool...I live in Grand Junction now, and ended up riding with a fellow - John( aka ridinfool on Mojo) who has a long history at RHR, it was great to see this post, as we rapped a lot about RHR and its history not but 3 weeks ago when I was showing him the local digs here in town . Hope that it dosent turn into a biker bar , as was mentioned, and ends up being the "hot spot" it once was.

Ryan C.

[Hang 21]

My RHR experiences, aside from the great riding, involve the local fauna.

One time, a buddy and I were camping out there in December. Weather was perfect. About 2 in the morning, we hear footsteps walking around the tent. Coyotes. Kinda creepy.

Another time, near the back of the ranch, we were blasting through the trees, came out into a clearing, and found ourselves right in the middle of 7 or 8 frisky-looking longhorns. We were too far out of the woods to get back if they had wanted to poke us with those pointy things on their heads, so we sat still, us watching them, and them watching us. Eventually, they gave us a 'meh, whatever..' look and turned around and trotted off.

[BigJohn1952]

I hate to have to explain this long after the 4th of July event was canceled, but there are persistant rumors that I canceled the event. These rumors are untrue. Period. Rocky Hill ranch is, indeed, an awesome place-particularly if you are a mountain biker. I encourage you to try out the trails if you haven't already. The truth is that RB decided to cancel the outdoor stage and to try and use local bands he could get to play for free. I found out from a musician who called me to ask what was going on. There was a sound engineer providing a large PA for the outdoor stage that RB had decided not to have and I had to call him 2 days prior to the event to tell him he was cancelled. There were a mess of bands scheduled for the outdoor stage I also had to cancel at the last moment. I have never had to do anything like that nor since, but my alternative was to let these people show up to no outdoor stage and no where to play. The rumor that I cancelled the event is simply not true and anyone who is genuinely interested in what happened is welcome to contact me and I can provide proof. If not for those rumors being posted recently in a public forum, I would never have made a post like this, but I am forced into defending myself. Again, Rocky Hill Ranch is an awesome place (I use to love hanging out on the porch), I feel as though I am compelled to explain what really happened in readers digest version.

Please forgive the post. I am frustrated that I have forced into the position of having to defend myself and my business.

Originally Posted by Pedigre

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Sorry, the page you requested does not exist or has been moved. Please check to make sure that the URL you entered is correct.

[TexReign]

As of January 1, 2010 RHR is again being operated by the owners and originators.

The new website is www.rockyhillranchtexas.com

Changes are afoot as Grey and Pam have plans for improvements to the facilities. These include restrooms and showers at the Middle and Upper Campgrounds, renovation of the Saloon into a General Store (including deconstructing the existing building and raising a new metal building that will be finished with materials from the old, for character).

The Rocky Hill Burger is still up in the air as they hadn't been planning on adding a kitchen.

Watch for a comments page to be added to the website where you can provide feedback. For now please post comments here, or on the "Forum" link to RHR's forum on BikeMojo.

Who else has an RHR story to share?