A Go-To Loop for Cycling Central Austin

One of my favorite places for bike workouts is Great Northern Boulevard. This 1.5-mile stretch is perfect for riding intervals and multiple loops to get in extra miles on flat terrain. The entire 20-mile loop is an essential bike route for cyclists in Austin, and it brings together two of my favorite things: cycling and café stops. It’s a  great early morning ride with plenty of places to grab a coffee and snack.

Start your ride at Jack &Adams Bicycles and then head west to Zilker Park, crossing over to the north side of Lady Bird Lake at the MoPac bridge near "The Rock." A quick climb up Veterans Road will take you down Lake Austin Boulevard into Tarrytown and onto the rolling climbs of Exposition. Turn right on 35th Street. The route then flattens out as you cut through the Rosedale and Allandale neighborhoods. Head north on Shoal Creek Boulevard; turn left on White Rock Road, where you will make your way to Great Northern Boulevard and an opportunity to add on more miles, if needed.

Return back via Shoal Creek Boulevard;  cut across 45th Street into Hyde Park before proceeding south on Duval—and start planning where you want to grab coffee and a snack. Cut over onto Red River for a few more rolling climbs before returning to the shop.

 A few of my favorite stops:
1) Upper Crust Bakery
2) Quack's 43rd Street Bakery
3) Juan Pelota Cafe

 Distance: 19.72 miles
Climb: 606 feet

View the route HERE