Long-Medium, yes please!!

If you are familiar with the "Long shop ride" there is a slightly shorter alternative. About 5 miles shorter with about 300 feet less climbing.

You cut thru Spring Branch a mile and half before the climb out of the Guadalupe. Cross over 281 returning South on River Way (stopping at the golf course for water.) South of 46 River Way becomes Stahl joining the "medium" shop ride route - hence the "Long-Medium shop ride.)

The tricky part is the route thru Spring Branch. Heading up Spring Branch road, Right on Driftwood Ridge, Left on Falling Water, immediate Right on Grand Oaks, 2nd Left on "2nd" Phantom Rider Trail, Ride on Acacia, Left on Rolling Creek, cross over 281, Right on River Way.

This past Saturday I decided that I needed more than 3 hours sleep and also thought it might rain so slept in skipping the shop ride. (It didn't rain, incidently.)

Wells and Kevin(?) joined Ydays the Turk and I at the shop at noon for an alternative shop ride. Wells and Kevin punched it up the Champions climb, gapping me and dispatching Ydays and myself and dispatching the Turk for the day. Don't worry - no feathers ruffled as she says "I'll do my own ride!!"

I got back on and Ydays took the short alternative thru Timberwood and rejoined us at Borgfeld Park. When I could keep Wells talking we would ride easy, when I didn't he killed it.

All in all a great 3 hour alternative ride for a small group on a nice Saturday afternoon. Keep this ride in mind.