10-24-2009

LBJ National Grasslands
Decatur, TX

75-mile-long LBJ National Grasslands Multi-Use Trail is open to horseback riding, mountain bikes and hiking. Access to the trail is provided by the TADRA Point Campsite.  The trail system consists of five loops that begin and end at TADRA Point. Additionally, open areas of the Grasslands are popular for cross-country horseback riding.  There are some rocky areas so shoes may be required. Because soils on the LBJ Grasslands are susceptible to erosion, vehicle travel is restricted to designated Forest Service and gravel-surfaced roads.   Valley-View Group Use Campsite and numerous dispersed campsites are available in other areas of the Grasslands park.  Visitors should be extremely careful with fire, because the prairie grasses can be highly flammable. 

Map for trails http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/maps/grasslands/clbj_trail_map_2008.pdf

Privately-owned land is adjacent to the Grasslands, and visitors should watch for boundaries, which are marked with red paint and signs to avoid trespassing onto private land.

The TADRA Point Campsites are Primitive;  water is available in the area for horses.  See Directions below.

Parking is $4 per vehicle, per day payable at the camp site. (not included in registration fee)

Agenda:
Check-in  Sat morning 8:00am
Breakfast: 8:00am
Rider's briefing: 9:00am
Ride out: 10:00am - 11:00am
Trail will take about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, 6-7 miles
Lunch following the ride
Awards following lunch

Meals: Menu to be determined. Breakfast, lunch and water/drinks for $10.00 per person

Entries limited to first 100.
$525 in cash awards & great prizes for 1st - 6th place.
Open, pleasure, junior, and buddy divisions. See the FAQ page for questions regarding the divisions.

Fees payable online:
CTC entry fee - $53 pleasure/$78 open/$43 junior/$40 Adult buddy/$35 junior buddy
New membership fee - $25 individual $40 family of 2

Fees collected at check-in:

$4.00 parking per vehicle per day

$10 meals

$5 Dog contest

Additional contests will be:
Best Dog ($5 at check-in)
Best dressed male/female
Best groomed horse

Directions:  To get to the TADRA (parking & start area) From the north end of Decatur on FM730 follow for 10 mi. Turn left on CR2461. There will be a sign that says “Cotton Wood Cemetery Road”at that turn. Follow CR2461 to FORK in road and go right. That is CR2560 follow for 3 mi. Turn left on Forest Service Rd 900 and follow FSR900 across Cotton Wood Lake Damn.  The TADRA is on the right.  Look for the RE/MAX banner.    

Registration for this ride will close Oct 22, 2009 (2 days before the ride date).