Wheels Down: Mountain Biking in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is always at the top of the list when it comes to the coolest cities in America. It's got the food, it's got the live music, it's got the horribly hot summers. But what about the mountain biking?
Eric Scott, No Front Brakes: / @nofrontbrakes
Eric Burns: brushycreekbutt...
Special Thanks To:
Mellow Johnny's
Black's BBQ
Reveille Peak Ranch
Host & Co-Producer: Brian Kennedy
Camera, Editor & Co-Producer: Alex Witkowicz
Post Sound: Grant Johnson
Graphics: David Blinn

[@nofrontbrakes]

Thanks for including me! It was really fun and thank you for helping to grow the sport here! I'm biased, but we have some hidden gems!

[@brianelander5905]

Mad kudos to you! +1 sub!

[@mattc4735]

+1 sub from me too!

[@keepingitrealpc6133]

Big fan brother!!! I'm at Brushy Creek often...would love to ride with you!

[@IslandBikeLife]

Inspiring man, keep ripping!

[@andresm5211]

What’s the name of the second trail on the video??

[@The_Sampler]

Man SO MUCH hard work went into this.... and it shows!! Great stuff Brian, and cheers to many, many more of these! The only question is.... where next? :P

[@IvanLopez-te8tf]

The Singletrack Sampler the question is: when will you visit us here in Austin? We need some of the Sampler as well

[@whatahday1145]

Right! Awesome video. You guys both have great content.

[@simplysawyer7877]

The Singletrack Sampler why haven’t you come to oak mountain in AL

[@thegriff9425]

Good job. Nice and a little different. Now all you need to do is learn how to jump and you’ll have it all 🤣!

[@keepingitrealpc6133]

Big fan brother! Come to Austin...I would love to ride with you or capture some video of you riding!

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Mountain biking needs more of this show!

[@th_js]

I agree.

[@MumonkanVII]

im 58 seconds in and i gotta say this is one of your best videos ever, the editing and third person shots really add something that i didnt know was missing. its like im watching the travel channel, make every video like this!

[@AirGuitar]

totally agreed!

[@Nicholas-qd4lw]

Not every video...

[@MCKrebsi]

Definitely true. Just thought the same thing

[@jaketheairsofter8268]

My exact words

[@tn8584]

Plus 1 on that

[@bkxc]

Many apologies to the Erics, as we got their last names mixed up and weren’t able to fix it in time! Thanks guys for making this episode come to life.

[@absolutemtb6696]

BKXC try franklin barbecue brisket it’s the meat heaven

[@marcmaza2821]

BKXC I wanna be interview by you!! Could talk about mountain biking all day!! From the San Francisco Bay Area! Also hearing impaired!! Would show this one awesome crazy spot I go to!!!

[@jellevanlierop7401]

You better make this a netflix series

[@huntstyle]

I really hope the Travel Channel puts you on!

[@Guineson]

🤣 I was thinking the same thing.

[@keithbell8960]

Agreed best ever yet. Could be a travel channel episode

[@huntstyle]

@@keithbell8960 to my knowledge, this is in fact a pilot that he's submitting!

[@Planetone.]

Wow I ain't the only one that was thinking the same thing, it did look like travel channel material. Brian I think your on to something here🤞🤔👍

[@k.a.w1774]

The Travel Channel needs this. A taste of the local trails and trail side eateries

[@BCpov]

OMG, I've got the meat sweats just watching that. Next stop, Austin!

[@TrailFeatures]

Oh sure, NOW Austin is cool. 😉

[@larlevmtb5269]

Man, I can take you to some places that will leave you in a coma. Blacks is great. My local favorite is Brotherton's black iron in Pflugerville. Seriously great food

[@keepingitrealpc6133]

Come on home! Get a group ride together...I'm in!!!

[@planesandbikes7353]

Your recent Bryce canyon video was breathtaking dude!

[@limestone_cowboy]

BCpov can you be here Feb 23rd?

[@BrianVaughn]

Really nice, high production video. I can see you using this as a self promotion video for going to different cities to get them to finance a video for their city.

[@ardarazi8472]

the musics is great

[@jacobsanchez6924]

Brian Kennedy: No Reservations

[@inMotionOutdoors]

haha almost looks like it could be that!

[@Dryb1as]

I just think the same. 😉

[@mtbsavant5414]

I can totally see you selling this concept to Netflix. Being dead serious.

[@JordanByron]

MTB Savant no kidding. Anyone have a Netflix contact? Their gonna wanna see this.

[@ShortTermObsessions]

This format is exactly what mtb videos need. Awesome job I'm sure it was a ton of work.

[@defloco2000]

breaking the monotony! this is awesomely refreshing. 👌

[@cruesavage5456]

Feel like I watched a travel show on pbs, amazing what you can do with a camera and editing!

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

If you're not subscribed to No Front Brakes, you should.

[@wesleymohawk]

Mountain Bike Advice this is great advice. There are lots of great videos on his channel. Even I got to b in one of his!!!

[@GT-yh1zl]

That bike shop looked like a DOPE bike shop

[@Nico2970]

you are evil!

[@OutdoorGold]

I had watched this before, honestly this is probably the one best videos (maybe the best lol) on your channel! The camera crew did a great job and the editing was solid. I greatly enjoyed this video for what it was knowing the challenges of replicating this top end production!

[@Gotdurt]

It was cool to meet you down here, you'll have to come back when Spider Mountain opens...

[@bakerdj80]

Love the new cinematic look. Some opinions... -more time on bike. 70% Bike 30% visit cool shops and restaurants -have the camera dude use a gimbal too -slower B Roll -keep interviewing people -doesn’t always have to be like this, but we like it.

[@Reeves2010P]

Think it’d be cool for him to have a schedule where he shows this style once a week, in his garage once a week, live feed so many times a month, tech talk so many times a month, throw back day, international/us travel with the older style of shooting one day a week... something like that. Like Peter McKinnon!

[@jeskeland]

A minute and a half in and I’m blown away this is fantastic

[@EricBurns1970]

Brian, thanks for making me (Deception) a part of this. Really cool to be a part of a big format change for your channel and to finally meet you. Eric Scott's story is such an inspiration. It's amazing that he rides and he's progressed SO much since the first time he came out to Deception to ride with us. The production and the stories are AWESOME!

[@snellct]

Eric Burns thanks to you, BCB, and everyone involved for building and maintaining Deception and that entire trail system! Love taking the punishment Double Down delivers!!!

[@steve_exclamationpoint]

Wow. Production value is hot!

[@lonestarmtb6799]

There are SEVERAL other private parks to ride in the Texas hill country. Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort, Flat Creek Crossing Ranch in Johnson City, Bandera Bike Park in Bandera is up and coming with some big features and plans for a Texas version of Whistlers A-Line in the near future. Texas' first lift access bike park, Spider Mountain, should be opening soon as well. There are so many great things happing in the Texas MTB scene right now.

[@tuffmajor5654]

Lone Star MTB from what I hear spider mountain opened either this past weekend or the weekend before, I was out at reveille 3 weeks back when they were having an enduro race at spider mountain as like a special pre opening thing

[@lonestarmtb6799]

@@tuffmajor5654 Unfortunately not yet. They were scheduled to open in December and then were rescheduled again for January. Its current opening date is TBD according to their website. I participated in the enduro race there in Sept. and I can't wait to ride it again. To my knowledge, that's the only time the public has been allowed to ride there, aside from dig days.

[@noahg.6149]

Also, just south of the hill country, in San Antonio, you can mountain bike for days and still not do everything... McAllister Park, OP Schnabel Park, Goverment Canyon State Park, Leon Creek and Salado Creek, just to name a few spots.

[@thomasthrower2669]

Well said! Just wish it would stop raining here. I've never seen anything like this in the 40 years I've been in Texas. At least the water tables will be high for the inevitable summer drought!

[@FreerideQuebec]

Slowly digging Eric's channel , that guy is such an inspiration !

[@dankraft]

At this point it's been talked to death, but just wanted to add that this format is fantastic. This has better production value and editing than some of the food/travel shows on television. Excellent job. I'm sure it was an insane amount of work but I really hope we see more like this.

[@darylj2617]

Agreed!

[@CooperSellers]

Shout out to the local homies! Nice work!

[@jameswilliams728]

Love the format and the editing. My only criticism is you ate in Austin, but you never rode in Austin. To me what makes Austin trails unique are the miles of trails, of all skill levels, located in the city itself. Are they world class trails, no, but they are close-by and I can ride to the trail head in 5 minutes and get in 20 miles of fun, rocky trails, without having to get in my car.

[@matthewallen769]

He did a couple of videos recently on those trails.

[@jameswilliams728]

@@matthewallen769 Yep., and those would have been perfect for this video about mountain biking IN Austin.

[@zer0bytes2000]

Wow! Great video, I really did think I was watching BKXC on a tv show. Production on this a step up!

[@shmerickl2249]

Gordoughs is amazing! Also, this new style of video is amazing!! I couldn’t stop watching

[@Tyl3rKrupa]

Brian, Its been a long time since I've commented but damn dude. Always love watching your stuff but this is a whole new level over anything I've seen. So stoked!

[@chrismallory3172]

BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!!! Dude, I am so proud of my city, and you advertising the trails we local all ride. The production on this video was on point,(The Eric Burns, you got me into MTB years ago, and I thank you!), and Brian you just dang keep me motivated, and fired up to out and ride.!! Come back to our City anytime...just let me know next time! :-) CM

[@CobraKyle]

This is so good Brian! I'm excited to see Austin get this attention cause it honestly deserves it. I love riding there. Jaws is also one of my favorite lines to ride. Hopefully you can make it back and explore some more, like the vegan food truck Arlos. One of my favorite spots to eat in Austin. Look forward to seeing more episodes like this!

[@bobmeyer5468]

Brian great video, It's like watching a movie. Great quality.At 70 years of age Living now in North Carolina I'm probably One of your oldest viewers. I am formally from Marin County Where mountain biking started And where I started in 1986. I'm currently in a wheelchair, But Working my way out of This chair So I can Enjoy riding a mountain bike again, Preferably a specialized levo E-Bike. Keep up the good work I love your videos.

[@kdub6911]

Besides Revile Peak Ranch, Dana Peak Park is my favorite place to ride in Texas.

[@BikingBadwithTC]

As entertaining as your riding videos are, sometimes a little variety like this adds more flavor. That chicken in the beginning and BBQ look Amazing!

[@tababy2137]

I'm diggin' the new format. That was awesome!

[@sptimmy43]

Dude! Awesome production on this video! You have really been stepping it up! Nice work!

[@hus4berg]

Top quality video, great characters and stories! Congradulations Brian, you've outdone yourself!

[@bimmermac]

This video made me subscribe. It’s that good. I live in Texas and didn’t know about The Reveille Ranch, that’s my next weekend getaway, thanks guys.

[@MTBGarage]

This came out amazing, great location and Eric's story was a perfect start to the series! Love it!

[@slebla240]

So awesome that you came to Austin to hit some of my local trails. Deception and Reveille are two of the best! But what's better than Austin trails?... Austin's bike community!

[@adlar2005]

Please continue on with Alex Witkowicz! This is great stuff!

[@cosendbicycles]

Lance Armstrong is no good, that is all.

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

Loving the Travel Channel / Food Network Channel vibe.

[@cfbjared8509]

Of course you leave right when a ski lift down hill mtb park opens on spider mountain

[@endurofordaboys1768]

also i found the interview with nofrontbrakes extremely interesting as i have the same brake setup. Super awesome

[@nicoperp7575]

Excellent new format, very interesting to see a bit around the places you go!

[@VanCan]

This is gold! The people that disliked this are monsters.

[@pkundrat]

I didnt, but i could understand why - most of Brians videos are authentic - this one looks/sounds like a commercial. Very attractive and informative, but still a commercial.

[@akmalvlog6587]

Best vid ever from this channel!!! And you look cleann

[@ericjenkins2737]

I'm not a rider but I've been running all the trails in and around Deception for the past 6 years. I try to do my part by bringing a group of about a dozen volunteers once a year and we do a deep clean of everything we can. We usually split up and have a group hit Rim Job and another hit Picnic. When we are all done we meet at Mulligan and clean it as well. Luckily, Deception proper stays pretty clean. This past year we lugged out about 25 bags of trash. I organize this myself as part of my company's annual Volunteer Week.

[@EricBurns1970]

Mike and I (the co-founders and OG builders of Deception) actually met while on a Cub Scout trash pick up along Brushy Creek in the Winter of 2012...and March 2012 we started building Deception. I wonder wear you are finding 25 bags of trash...definitely not on the single track - no way, maybe down at the BCRT, but the single track is never trashy, besides a few broken reflectors, a handful of broken items (Crank Bros egg beaters, LOL), occasional bottle, but the MTB community does a good job policing the trails.

[@ericjenkins2737]

@@EricBurns1970 The worst year was about 5 years ago. I'm the one who lugged out several tires, a recliner, decomposed tent and what looked like the rotted remnants from someone who had camped there along the east edge of Mulligan. This year also had the creek flood so there was TONS of debris along Picnic when the water receded. The entrance to Rim Job usually has a good bit of junk because people camp there. I'm in Colorado now and have migrated my volunteer trash pickup here along the trails next to my house...near the rad and well known Captain Jacks trail in the Springs.

[@CaliradoKid]

I can't believe it's been a year since you posted this. Hopefully one day we can get more. I really think this is an excellent way to reach the mainstream audience about how GREAT mountain biking is. Bringing people together and creating economies around the area of a trail system.

[@osirus272]

THIS is the next level of your channel! DAMN good stuff! Keep it up man... this is great stuff! Travel, Ride & what else that area has to offer.

[@FRAGMENTAL]

Production value is off the scale! Loved the change up in format. Do you mind me asking which camera was used for the non GoPro shots? Thanks!

[@gucass]

I feel like Brian, mountain bikes, and the food channel all just got mashed into one video.....

[@sydandmacky]

Super cool format! loved the 3rd person shots! And Eric's new prosthetic is super impressive. So cool to see bike tech and adaptive tech coming together!

[@TrailFeatures]

Only just dented how much there is in Austin. It seriously is one of the best MTB destinations people haven't heard of. 😎

[@MTBGarage]

All we've heard is it's "weird" there ;)

[@TrailFeatures]

@@MTBGarage it is, but in a good way. 🙃

[@CowneloAlvaroid]

@@TrailFeatures I've lived in Austin my whole life and I gotta say it's overrated....people shouldn't visit here trails are overrun, too hot, expensive rent now, bad traffic& we couldn't even drink our entire city water for a while this past year lmao #keepaustinAustin #keepaustinweird

[@nofrontbrakes]

Agreed!

[@MTBGarage]

@@TrailFeatures It's actually really cool that private owners open up their ranches for stuff like this, and allow cool features to be made, locally we're under such scrutiny for insurance reasons on public land we can't have cool features and "dangerous" tech.

[@brandonabbott7574]

By far the best video yet! Show quality

[@misterclear9692]

Definitely upped the production value on this one! LOL! Looking good!

[@thegracefulfail6579]

Just want to say thank you, Been watching your videos the past few weeks and went ahead and bought myself a hardtail. been needing something extra in my life to fill that gap, something to which i can turn to when i want pure relaxation. ive been out a few times now and in love and can see myself making it into a life time hobby. thank you for the motivation, and keep up with the great content

[@bkxc]

Love hearing that!!

[@kobortamas7163]

Loved it so much :)

[@HSHess]

I really liked the production of this video. Kinda like Globetrekker on PBS but for mountain biking.

[@maxpower19711]

Do they sell steroids at that bike shop?

[@JuanAlvarez-kn5ix]

Yes, yes they do!

[@wills1110]

In the coffee

[@Rod.Machado]

I found the comment... atlast hahahaha

[@limestone_cowboy]

You nailed it. Steroids are what make you TdF fast.

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

Not steroids but EPO

[@BikeLifewithRob]

Who would have thought Texas...I thought Jennifer Lopez was going to start singing with the tunes but I guess not...good production dude.

[@barefootmtb1338]

Yes Austin is nice on the outside. lived there for a few years, there is a dark and dangerous side too. certain places you don't go and never leave your bike unlocked or outside unattended.

[@RicQuintanilla]

No joke! Hell, 15 mins after pulling up to my hotel in RoundRock a couple guys tried to steal my buddies and mine bikes off a hitch rack while we where checking in! And it wasn't even the lower eastside.

[@Gotdurt]

Like any city.

[@ardarazi8472]

Thanks for making me miss that brisket bro

[@MTBScotland]

BKXC goes to Austin only when trail features has left ha ha ha

[@TrailFeatures]

I have noticed an odd correlation with the influx of Austin's popularity with my departure. 🤔

[@carlcooper1788]

That was really good Brian! I really enjoyed something a bit different from your normal stuff (which is great too by the way). Travel with an MTB spin, never a bad thing. If you make it, or plan to make it, to Germany, let me know!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Loving the new style! Production value stepped up big time, props!

[@th_js]

Me too (Jeff?)!

[@gallorody]

That was great! I lived in Austin from 2000 to 2003 before moving to San Diego. That its also where I started mountain biking. Lance Armstrong was a HUGE inspiration for me and I am still a huge supporter of his. My favorite trails there were in Walnut Creek in North Austin. Every now and then I wish of going back to visit and riding those trails again. Great job on the video. Loved the look and feel of the whole thing.

[@RicstasTech]

I don't know why but I really got annoyed by the music maybe it was the style but or the China but I really didn't like it (It's just me giving my opinoin don't take this as me hateing, I love this channel!!)

[@BikesTrailsandGreenways]

Yes sir, very nice format and story! I enjoyed the interviews with the two Erics and seeing a little of what Austin has to offer.

[@MSNYdude]

Liked this new approach a lot! Definitely more please

[@bearsreview5337]

Like if he is the best You Tuber alive

[@craigelliott12]

Brian... hands down , one of your greatest videos .... Yes its a MTB channel , but there is so much more to riding than just the ride . Every ride has a back story , and your letting us in on that story. You have a open no bullshit way with people , no time for snowflakes !!!! Thanks Man !!!!!!

[@tylerroberts4645]

Wow Brian! Your channel and Singletrack Sampler are the only POV channels I watch. I have been hoping one of you would do something like this. I like this style a lot. I live in Austin and I think you did a great job on this. I would love to see more videos like this about different places you travel. More like this and you will definitely have a new Patreon supporter.

[@gcavy1]

What's the general consensus from riders on these private trails on a rancher's land? Are there any downsides? Does it gentrify things? Or cause other consequences? From my understanding they're generally a win-win for both groups, but here in New Mexico we have so much public land, the idea is a bit foreign.

[@PaulThePunter]

I for sure learnt a lot about Austin from this one, it's definitely on my travel plans now 👌

[@th_js]

Wheey what's up Paul?

[@zimmermandk]

Awesome production. Hope you keep it up. Probably could have broken it up and done a 15 minute episode on each Eric!

[@noisiboi7308]

The production value of this video is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@despeasland4837]

Hey Brian. The new format is BRILLIANT! Wish i could go to that donut bar. Des P England.

[@cartterlong9464]

Check out the north shore trail in North Texas if you ever get a chance. Draws lots of riders to the area and bunch of amazing trails in a place you would never expect it.

[@TRACKMTB]

Great format Brian! Very logical progression in your channel. Looking forward to see more!

[@honey322]

Awesome and cool production... Just like what Seth described... Just like a Netflix production... Keep it Brian....

[@henrysordia9844]

This is kinda like Man vs Food but vs Trail with out the meat sweats.

[@TheTSFChannel]

Dude, Tejanos are sensitive. They don't even like California Mexicans let alone white folks, and your choice for BG music is East Coast / Caribbean jazz? Way out of place for a Texas vibe. Maybe a little more research, bruh. Great visuals and tour, though.

[@WarWithinActual]

This "Show", this Experiment was GREAT!! Very professional looking and great editing. But im nobody, just a fan and when this SHOW airs... I will definitely be watching it... Great job Brotha!! WAR Within MTB

[@SenderoSeeker]

Brian, congrats man. This new style is like a breath of fresh air and I loved it, loved it! You must have put some much work into it. The quality has taken a gargantuan leap! How did you manage to get a film crew involved? :) Do you think the time invested in videos like this is sustainable? Awesome job man. You should be proud. 👌

[@mikieson]

Brian..DUDE!!..this video was a HUGE stepup..NOt that your videos arent fine,but this is so polished.You have someone following you around shooting??Did you edit or have someone edit for you?? AND I like Erik.Been following him for quite a while..

[@wills1110]

Mountain biking in texas???

[@dpw420]

its been a while since Ive watched your vids, and HOLY SHIT! When did you hire a production crew? This is TOP quality stuff Brian, keep it up

[@SHREDD-ED]

The CINEMATOGRAPHY............!!!!!!!!!!! JUST WOW!!!!! YOU FOUND IT! THATS THE PRODUCTION QUALITY YOU NEED TO STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION

[@BGWordneemig]

Hi Brian! What is this new video style? Is just sometimes-sometimes 1-1 video or something else? You got a new video team? ( Is not a problem, because is nice! I love it! It's a new feeling!

[@crazyeyes7821]

Nice! What sunglasses are you wearing in the off-bike shots?

[@ChrisCXK]

This is my third time seeing this and its really great! I'm so behind this idea, if you ever come back to Texas and need help filming one of these, I'd be glad to donate my time to one of these projects. Even if you just need someone to carry/hold/go get something, I'm in! (As long as I'm off work or have notice haha)

[@FlyFishtheMitt]

Without reading the description I thought this format felt different when watching it. Some good B-roll...excellent edit. Keep'em coming!!

[@OLKIEMTB]

This episode PBS episode of BKXC rides was provided by viewers like you. But for real, awesome video! It was nice to see something outside your typical format!

[@endurofordaboys1768]

production quality on this is absolutely superb! Really appreciate the time and effort that went into making this Brian mate. More videos like this would be amazing because its by far the coolest video you have pulled off so far!

[@PHAM_mtb]

Great, great video. So many nice stories you told in these 15 minutes. It's probably incredibly hard to make and a lot of effort, so I hope it pays off in such a way that we get more such videos. Honestly, you could revisit all the places you have already visited and tell the stories of these places like you did here. :)

[@ajscyclingvlog]

Nice change!! Make more vids like this .. you are a natural in front of the camera!

[@BoloMTB]

wow you changed a lot your video style. cameraman, third person shots, counter shots... is this gonna be the style of all your future videos, or just for this kind of “mtb traveling” ones?

[@nateschmidt8881]

This was a slick package. I’m biased, being from Austin, but I would love to see more videos like this, in cities I could travel to with my bike. If you were wondering if this came off as too PBS, it didn’t. More, please!