Trail Overview: Spider Mountain Bike Park

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I've been itching to get down to Spider Mountain, TX's only lift served bike park, for quite some time now and I was further motivated by some chilly January temps here in Bentonville. We decided it was time to make the trip down to Burnett, about an hour outside of Austin in the beautiful Texas hill country.
The plan was simple: Use all 350 feet of the mountain to brutalize the built up Trail 429 and get a solid feel for the new Devinci Troy. Mission ACCOMPLISHED!
The crew had a blast ripping all the trails on the mountain and our accommodations at Thunderbird Lodge were legit! I'd definitely recommend a trip down to Spider Mtn to check out all of the sweet trail. I'm looking forward to a return trip with Sarah and Dex when the weather is a little warmer and we can take advantage of all the other amenities they have to offer.
Spider Mountain Bike Park: www.spidermountain.com/
BIKE
Devinci Troy www.devinci.com/bikes/bike_124...
I'm 5'10, on a size Large with a 40MM stem and I LOVE IT!! (review on this bike coming in two weeks)
Purchased through Revolution Mobile Bike Repair in Bentonville AR revrepair.com/
GEAR
ZOIC Clothing zoic.com/
Fall Line Flannel Size M zoic.com/fall-line-flannel+co...
The One Short Size M (i'm a 32 waist) zoic.com/ether-one-shorts+col...
Carbon Bib Liner Size M (it rules) zoic.com/carbon-bib-liner+col...
SOCKS
JUNK BRANDS Bifrost Size M www.junkbrands.com/products/b...
HEADBAND
JUNK BRANDS Papa Bear www.junkbrands.com/products/p...
HELMET
Kali Protectives Shiva Carbon 2.0 kaliprotectives.com/products/... #howto #richdrew #mountainbike #bentonville

[@davidharbour4547]

'Staying high' riding sticky icky! Can't just be me noticing that 😉

[@richdrewtherideseries]

haha!!! I didn't even realize that

[@sapyproducts]

Man, those manuals down the trails are sick! This is one of the best Spider Mountain vids that I've seen, clear image and great narration 👍

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks dude!! We were trying to do it justice!

[@BikeLifewithRob]

Wow, everyone else who has done a video here chopped it up so much it seemed like a 45 second run, your video makes it worth while to make a trip there!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Bike Life with Rob Thanks for the input Rob!! We worked pretty hard on it. I really dig that place.

[@doctajuice]

they aren't super long runs but the benefit is that the lift ride is only like 4 minutes so you can get in lots of runs in a day and really master each trail. by the time you spend 2 days there you can properly smash every trail as hard as possible. so much fun!

[@BikeLifewithRob]

@@doctajuice EPIC

[@AbideinChristFully]

exactly! Another video i was thinking I won't make the 5 hour drive, but now.....

[@broadneydangerfield]

@@doctajuice Sounds like a solid park to build skills at!

[@mtbbigmike8771]

Rich, you are taking these vids to a whole new level. So stoked to see you always promoting the sport of mountain biking with skills clinics and videos. Keep it up buddy!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Mike!! Really appreciate hearing that feedback from you, especially since you've seen it from it's infancy.

[@NotSoSuave]

I think you have the most comprehensive and realistic video of Spider Mountain. Thanks!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Wow, thanks! Glad you like it!

[@trailbossss]

Spider is so much fun! Love the narrow corridors on the more difficult lines.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Oh yeah bro! Would've been rad to have some follow cam of you ripping it!

[@chancebex5947]

RD, Your unique ability to convey teaching confidence and skill building on the bike along with being an absolute fantastic ambasador for the mountain biking community make me very thankful to have found your channel and I look forward to attending a Ride Sereis Clinic and stepping up my game in the near future.

[@thomasthrower2669]

I'm local and had an unfortunate freak accident my first time out there. Washed out on a loose left turn, and bike went out from under me causing me to slide downward with my right leg fully extended behind me. When I finally fell to the ground, my hamstring ripped apart and then popped off the sit bone. Sidelined me for 6 months but I'm anxious to get back out there, hopefully not to get "stung" again.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Dang dude!! That's a bummer. I hope you are healed up well.

[@thomasthrower2669]

@@richdrewtherideseries Well unfortunately just when I was getting back to my regular trail riding, I ended up in the hospital with a DVT / PE and will now be on blood thinners for several months. I can't risk any type of internal injury while on the blood thinners, especially to the head. So looks like my MTB will be limited to KZbin for a few more months. Really appreciate your ambassadorship of our local trails. Hopefully on one of your next trips to Austin you'll get a chance to check out more of the action in and around town. I've been spreading news of your channel locally and hope to see your subscriber base grow rapidly. Really great stuff you're doing! Hope to see you out on the trails someday!

[@srg_creative]

Man, you're making me wanna call in sick tomorrow lol. This looks so fun. Awesome video!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

"DO IT, DO IT, DO IT" That's my voice in your head!

[@srg_creative]

@@richdrewtherideseries Nice! 😂

[@classactracing]

The power of authenticity!!! Your passion for mountain biking is truly displayed in each video you make. Like you said "Never half Arse it" Ride on!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you! Sometimes that passion gets me into an "intent vs perception" issue and I'm doing my best to manage it. Hoping to make my way out to New England soon for a Ride Series event.

[@classactracing]

@@richdrewtherideseries That's great! Where will the Ride Series Event take place?

[@Tracks777]

awesome video

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Mister Tracks!

[@kennethlucas]

THANK YOU for this. As a total newbie I am terrified to get up there as I am overweight and ride slow. This video is a HUGE benefit to guys like me. Thanks.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You are very welcome Kenn!

[@ianvarga6447]

Loved watching your line choice on the spider trails. Vipers Den is definitely one of my favorites to ride at Spider.

[@therideseries8657]

Thanks Ian! Vipers Den is so rad!

[@doctajuice]

lower viper especially - my favorite section at the whole park! easy to just cook through at ridiculous speed. love it!

[@joejones8009]

You give the best view of these trails. Great job. My family has a house about 10 miles from there, down the main road in, on lake Buchanan. I also recommend Hitting up hog wild bbq, down the street on Saturday. Live blues and bomb ass pulled pork sandwiches and ribs!!! Byob!

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

I'll be in the area this weekend. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@willbros1499]

Great recap...looks like a blast! One thing you may consider is upping your bitrate when you "produce" your POV footage. When you render the final video in your editing software prior to uploading it to KZbin, you will get rid of that "grainy" and pixelated look if you up the bitrate to 60,000. Any less than that, and KZbin doesn't like it, and you get a muddled looking video where the trail doesn't look clear. I learned that one from a videographer who happened upon my channel, and made that suggestion. It helps a TON with the Hero 7 and 8 because of the stabilization software adding some inherent lighting issues. Just an FYI that might help with future trail recaps.

[@Rustyvids2013]

Looks great! Thanks for doing this vid Rich!

[@therideseries8657]

You know it dude!

[@sixgunsal81]

Antidote (jump line) to tarantula (wood features) to the lowest section of itsy bitsy. A fast section of the green trail. That my favorite way to traverse down the mountain. Spider was awesome, my buddy and I where there the day RD was. Honestly I was hoping to accidentally be in RD's video but oh well. Great vid.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Sorry Sal! Wish we had more time man. SO MUCH killer footage and I know we have some stuff of you, it just gets so long so quickly. Maybe next visit.

[@sixgunsal81]

@@richdrewtherideseries no worries at all. And yes I'll be going back. Sailing off the first wood feature past the Texas berm was just incredible. And my hardtail did great.

[@paulmc5412]

Agree with many of the comments: super narration on the vid. I’m in Austin and have not been to Spider yet. Will make it soon though. Keep up the good work!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Paul! It's a super cool spot man! I'm excited to get back down there.

[@giocap5019]

Dude I'm stoked with the content you're putting out , great work man , sharing this video with all my buddies.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks dude!! I really appreciate you sharing it, that's what has been growing it on a steady basis.

[@rgvmarciano]

Epic channel, Rich! My buddy turned me onto your channel regarding the whole drop saga and just like anyone else here that loves MTBing thinks your way of conveying confidence, skill, and just having fun comes so natural for you as both a commentator and rider. The fact that you've nearly doubled your subscribers in a couple of weeks speaks volumes. Keep the vids rippin, bro! Now only if I can get this manual thing down.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Richard! I really dig feedback like this my man. I'm really trying to keep things fun and entertaining as this thing grows.

[@loganayala415]

Dope video and awsome line. Thanks to you shouting out different ways to hit the trails. This was much helpful to a new rider like me

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Logan! Always fun to find a hit different lines dude! Have fun out there!

[@robertscottbyers5502]

Great video...heading there for the first time this weekend and this helped me see what to expect...You make it look easy!

[@dreadsanddirt5966]

We were there that day! (that's me on the side of the trail at the entrance to the 3rd section of Viper's Den. I had just crashed and was checking for wounds). Great depiction of a park my son adn I ride very often. Thanks for coming down. (incidentally we were just in Arkansas last weekend)

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

Excellent video. I love how you manual everywhere like it's nothing. Very nice :-). I have a trip planned in 3 weeks!!! Can't wait!!!

[@rayfrazier8783]

Dude your a freakin shredder!!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

thanks Ray!

[@mtbwithshane5699]

What an awesome vid man. every trail looks so fun and your shredding through them ! Great riding man.

[@heres_the_sauce]

Awesome footage! Love spider mountain great folks great park

[@lightwavelibrary]

Fantastic video!! Super narration!

[@mcksrt4]

Love those casual manuals you were popping talented man.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Haha, gotta throw those in there when I can man! It's crazy how bike dependent they are for me. Certain bikes are just easier.

[@82lowe36id]

great preview for sure! I am pretty new to MTB coming from MX, so still learning. Wanting to hit this place up and glad to see they have some new guy trails.

[@stevec8030]

Great Video! Best one I've seen on Spider yet. Me and my boys went ten times last year and probably will go more this year.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Steve C Thanks Steve! How old are your boys? I’m looking forward to getting my four year old down there soon.

[@ntxtrance3802]

Awesome video Rich and it was a pleasure meeting you that day. I’d have to say that lower part of Vipers Den is so fast and has so much flow!

[@therideseries8657]

Thanks man!! Great meeting you also. I love that section so much!

[@vne2328]

Incredible riding, fast and super skilled with the manuals and everything. The video was super stabilised, to the point that it looked like a drone flying down the trails. The stabilization was a cool effect, but it made things look fake and disconnected from the actual terrain of the trails. Great review of the park and makes me want to check it out.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks VNE! I agree that the footage looks a bit disconnected, that's a downside to the GP 8. It's certainly a rad park and I'm excited to get back down there soon!

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

Coming from SoCal and being used to riding Big Bear (Snow Summit) bike park for many years, this honestly looks sick! Great flowy bit of speed you were able to get on the blue run 🤘

[@windrock4511]

you are such a good rider! love seeing you had those little play on the bikes

[@mikebussart2575]

Looks like a damn good time.

[@therideseries8657]

It really is Mike!!

[@coreybordelon5219]

You got some serious skills man, Shredding those trails like nothing. Very talented ridder.

[@paulcavender850]

Great vid! Looks like I need to make a trip down that way and escape all this SNOW!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You must Paul! You'd really dig it.

[@TheSaucyMTBr]

Great demo of the park! I'm excited for a visit to my home state this spring. Will definitely hit this up.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Oh yeah Cody, you're gonna dig it!!

[@slatonstrey2494]

This guy really trusts his bike

[@richdrewtherideseries]

He certainly does!

[@brandonpaul06]

Can't wait to visit in my new transition

[@richdrewtherideseries]

CRANK IT MTB Heck yeah dude! Which Transition did you get?

[@brandonpaul06]

Going today....yip yip

[@brandonpaul06]

@@richdrewtherideseries I got the transition scout sorry I didn't answer in prior response

[@Hunter5604]

Great ride Drew. Makes me wanna go ride it NOW 😄

[@csh182]

Awesome video, you’ve got some shredding skills for sure!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Chris!! Hoping to get back down there this winter!

[@cooperlegal69]

Wow you shred so hard lol. Awesome to watch

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks dude!!

[@kodywells3142]

THANK YOU FOR THE INFO AND THE VID!!!!!

[@Hawk-qn2zk]

I will be there in a few days. On my only bike, Vitus Sentier VR 27.5. First time ever at a park like this.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

How was it Hawk??

[@Hawk-qn2zk]

@@richdrewtherideseries I loved it! Just green and blue for me. Im not this good. Viper's den claimed some skin from my knee and shoulder. It was a blast.

[@ronhau1542]

I WILL go there. If I tried the manuals though I would died! Great video great riding!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Ron!

[@samnyb7266]

Just went for the first time the other day, it's definitely legit - I'm already planning to make another trip in January

[@jackolbean4765]

great vid! Thanks - can't wait to go :D

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It's a fun spot Jack!

[@ronin550]

Out freaking standing 💪🏾🤙🏾🤘🏾

[@richdrewtherideseries]

YES! That's exactly what we we're going for!

[@keithsmathers9815]

Great video Rich!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Keith Smathers Thanks Keith! Hope you’re well my man

[@keithsmathers9815]

@@richdrewtherideseries wish I could have caught you on those trails!

[@L4J20]

Love the trail ride, thanks!

[@Thepackman1997]

Rich, awesome video! When are you going to come down to Florida and ride our unique trails with perfect winter weather? Would love to see you tearing it up!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Ahmad! Man, I'd LOVE to head down there to ride some trails and do a Ride Series Clinic! There's been some talk of it, might be a possibility in the fall.

[@chrismichael3916]

Great video🤘

[@therideseries8657]

Thanks Chris!

[@cmcrow1]

Your videos with the Devinchi Troy really have me thinking 🤔. That had to be the quietest bike I've heard in a long while. That thing plows and seems pretty poppy.

[@gregthehodler]

🔥bro bro. Thanks

[@vallejodroning9578]

Looks fun asf

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Super fun!

[@daarcher21]

Vipers Den looked cool. Nice video. Hope to see you at Sedona MTB

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Dude, Vipers Den was KILLER! They're planning to add quite a few more runs and potentially another lift. Can't wait to see what develops.

[@TMAN882]

Awesome!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks TMANN! I really dig that place!

[@cellphonenut]

I cant wait to get out to Spider MT

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You will love it!!

[@songwriter910457]

your videos are very well done. Also your a badass .

[@BackyardShredder]

looks fun

[@parker6711]

Rich, awesome video! How did the Troy handle Spider and how do you like the bike overall? Thanks for posting this rad content. I gotta make my way back to Bentonville for one of your ride clinics!

[@therideseries8657]

Thanks Parker! It was incredible man! I'm REALLY digging this bike. I figured I'd be a fan of it, but not to this level. I've made some adjustments and it's gotten even better. It's a LONG bike, so I shortened the stem from a 55 to a 40 and flipped the chip to the up position to shorten the wheelbase a bit. I think we're planning on releasing the review in a day or two, then we will do a "long term review" in a few months. I'd love to have you at a TRS event!

[@petermccann2561]

I'll be back. Looking forward to some new runs...

[@dpw420]

awesome videos, great edit, and thanks for posting. My only thing, the stabilization is SO good it takes away from the trails. That shit looks ridiculous easy from your view. I dont know if there is a way to destabilize some? IDK, just a thought, thanks again for posting!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

D Wright Haha, you rarely hear this 🤷🏻‍♂️. I do agree though, it’s crazy how much that GoPro 8 stabilizes.

[@JZMartinez]

Rich love the video... which lines in the video did you ride with the Trail 429 and the Troy? Keep up the great work. Looking forward to the Patreon material. Cheers!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks John! I actually hit every line on each bike and it was killer! Stinger took a little finesse on the Trail, but everything else was money.

[@keithsmathers9815]

Wish I had known you were in the area...could have gotten some rad photos!

[@jacksondaniels8169]

I’m from SE Texas good to see someone stepped up. Is it your video or am I seeing texas shale and red clay dirt on those trails?

[@brandonsavage7008]

Yo Rich! you got to go back and hit the new green jump line!!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Don! I saw a few videos of it, looks super cool! Hoping to get back down there early in the year, might even do a group ride.

[@brandonsavage7008]

Now there's another new trail!

[@nekocat3999]

You are fast !

[@oldmanmtb1443]

I'm two years late but dam you make it look like you're riding on pavement. Them blacks are insane. Nice work bud

[@damonendel4847]

Love this place! Great video to put in on display. Blessed and spoiled to have it only 30 minutes from my house!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I agree! I need to get back down there soon.

[@justsayin3600]

Nice video! If it would have been longer I would have watched. It would have been cool to hear you call out your ride series techniques to know what you're doing real time.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

That's a GREAT idea Bo! Didn't even think of executing it in that fashion. Just tossed that into the idea hopper!!

[@LittMTB]

Send 'er!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Oh it was sent!!

[@agustavo2726]

Buen video !!

[@ewartbuilt660]

Nice videos. What gopro settings you running? Looks crisp and the angle is perfect. Is that a chesty or chin mount?

[@D0EKUN]

I'd also like to know - that bike is smooth but left me wondering - are you using a stabilizer mount for the cam? The footage is so buttery!

[@sidharthramasubbu3221]

hey can you make a tutorial on faster cornering cuz you were railing the turns at spider !

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Coming soon dude!

[@tonycoffee7335]

I would love to try out thought trails I live close...... but I dont think I could do the chair lift..... lol

[@Alebal76]

Just recovered from a broken collar bone due a bad crash, recovering mentally is taking longer 😞. Maybe I'll go to do the green ones for now to regain confidence

[@phoenixeasyrider6026]

Are you ever coming back to Phx. AZ for a skills clinic??

[@therideseries8657]

Heck yeah!! www.bikereg.com/the-ride-series-basic-mtb-skills-clinic0

[@pabloramon768]

I live HERE! And I haven’t been there! 🤪😝🤣

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Pablo Ramon Not acceptable Pablo! You’ve gotta get out there and shred that place!

[@pabloramon768]

Rich Drew I believe a weekend should suffice. 👌🏼

[@ninjalu1]

Will it be ok to take a 29r full suspension aluminum bike with wire pad brakes ??

[@TNW84]

What’s with the DH bike in the background at the end? Lololol

[@Southernrefinish88]

Yeah for real it's not like they are going down a literal hill or nothing lol (insert sarcasm)

[@trapptours6679]

Wow 👍🇦🇺

[@iBANGgears]

What PSI are you running trail 429 tires @?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Brian! I was running Cushcore Pro with Maxxis Rekon 2.4s on 27mm internal hoops. Front was 22, rear was 26

[@tydurden81]

How did you manage to get the sound quality so good and no wind noise?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

tydurden81 Hey Ty! For the POV stuff I was using a GoPro 8 with one of those foam covers you can order from Amazon. I also used the chin mount and i think that helps a bit

[@TomCGhost]

Lol. I wanted to learn about the trail. Instead I have to watch this dude wheelie nonchalantly traveling at 20mph.

[@Southernrefinish88]

How is spider mountain doing since all this COVID-19 crap? I wanna go but not sure if it's safe enough asking a friend.👍

[@cletus2199]

I've wanted to get a mountain bike for so long now. Turns out this has been an hour away for over 3 years.... Time to drop in to a new hobby

[@richdrewtherideseries]

DUDE, you must get in the game! Reveille Peak is also very close to Spider and it's a blast!

[@cletus2199]

@@richdrewtherideseries went out and dropped the cash for a pre owned Trek Full suspension shortly after I made this comment! Hitting spider MTN today!

[@abelm.s9661]

I want to ride like this

[@BoonMountainBike]

I'm new to MTB, i want to go but is it for beginners? nice video..

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Bo! Man, tough to say. If you are at all comfortable on the trail, I think you'd be able to navigate all of the green and blue trails. There isn't anything too gnarly on them, it's more a matter of how fast you ride. Let me know if you make it out.

[@BoonMountainBike]

@@richdrewtherideseries will do. thank you for your reply.

[@RNicknackpaddywhack]

How are you going to go to Texas but not visit Colorado? Trestle bike park, do the banana peal line!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Just hit Trestle this past weekend, so good!!

[@derrickcurtis5274]

Have you been to reveille peak ranch?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

OF course I have!! Such a rad spot. We would've gotten over there to film a bit if we'd had more time.

[@derrickcurtis5274]

Rich Drew awesome, we will be there Wednesday preplanning all the trails for rescues. I want to go up to Bentonville and ride. My family is from there!!

[@Idisagreethisisnotanon]

420 likes 0 dislikes nice job

[@jackbauer562]

Deym... ripping , very fast

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you!

[@menemismix]

Its almost like you buil this trail yourself with how fast you’re going

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Mike! Rad place and the trails are sweet!

[@thatboywong11b71]

I have a giant fathom, hard tail... is a full sus recommended or dare I say REQUIRED?!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You'll be all good, go hit it!

[@mmodtomic7119]

This is why I really prefer Chest Mount video. Great trail review, but because I can't see a bike for the most part, it may as well be drone footage. I wanna see Mountain Bike trail footage, not Drone trail footage!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Fair enough!

[@michaelmarzella5460]

No issues with assembly for me kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".

[@broadneydangerfield]

160 mm of travel to much at Spider, Rich?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It's never too much ;) You certainly don't need it in my opinion, but you'll have fun either way.

[@broadneydangerfield]

@@richdrewtherideseries I love the reply! I figured I'll be "over-biked" at Spider, but better equipped when I travel to other spots. Thanks Rich!

[@broadneydangerfield]

Recently flipped the script after visiting Spider and realizing that I suck and would be better-served by an all-rounder more suited to local trails that can still hit Spider from time-to-time. Now looking at the Troy and Switchblade. Sold the 160 mm frame and am on the hunt! Watching your Troy review now!