Adventure Cycling Association

This is the third Langford Elementary School bike camping trip supported by Adventure Cycling’s Bike Overnights program. You can read about the first one here and the second one here.

This year, Langford Elementary School celebrated its third annual bike camping trip, supported by Adventure Cycling’s Bike Overnights program. Embracing the tradition, students and volunteers embarked on an adventure from Langford Elementary to McKinney Falls State Park on May 9-10, 2024, marking the final trip before the school closed for renovations. 

For over seven years, Langford Elementary and the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative have partnered to provide South Austin students with biking opportunities, fostering skills, exploration, and friendships. This time, ten enthusiastic students and three dedicated volunteers set out for an overnight trip. 

A Hot and Challenging Journey

Gathering in a classroom after school, the group prepared their bikes, filled water bottles, and loaded gear, including tents and sleeping bags, into the support vehicle. The six-mile ride to McKinney Falls was filled with camaraderie and encouragement as students navigated neighborhood streets, bike lanes, and McKinney Falls Parkway. The trails were too overgrown this year, necessitating a road and bike lane route. Braving one of the hottest days of the year, with temperatures soaring over 90 degrees and limited shade, the kids persevered with the support vehicle providing much-needed water, air conditioning, and moral support. 

Arriving at McKinney Falls, the intense heat couldn’t dampen their spirits. The group set up camp with enthusiasm and cooperation. The students, many of whom were new to camping, eagerly pitched tents and helped unload the vehicles. 

Fun Despite the Heat

The highlight of the trip was playing in the Upper Falls. Recent rainfall had made the creek’s flow even more robust, and the kids delighted in splashing and swimming in the refreshing water. As the day wound down, the group gathered for a delicious dinner. Grilled fajitas, followed by s’mores, made for a memorable meal under the drizzling sky. 

Evening Activities and Bonding

After enjoying a dip in the falls, the group encountered thunderstorms, including a tornado that touched down about 15 miles south of the campsite. Despite being in the eye of the storm, the kids munched on cheese sticks until it was dry enough to cook dinner. Though Bike Story Night had to be canceled due to rain, the kids enjoyed a camp-cooled dinner, stories, and tent time with friends. Phone calls from concerned parents and the principal were met with assurances of safety as the group watched the storm pass over. 

Wrapping Up

The following morning, the group packed up their tents, enjoyed breakfast tacos, and set out for the return ride to Langford Elementary before school started. The cooler morning weather and downhill ride was a joyful finish to their overnight adventure, with students greeting the wildflowers along the way. Back at school, Principal Castillo welcomed them with congratulatory words and celebrating their successful trip. 

Gratitude

This adventure was made possible by the support and dedication of many individuals and organizations. Special thanks to parent volunteers and teachers Girmawi, Lily, Kari, and all the students for their participation and enthusiasm. Kari’s support with the SAG wagon was invaluable for water breaks along the way. We are also immensely grateful to Cabela’s for helping us purchase last-minute tents after discovering our usual tents were damaged. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to Ghisallo, Langford Elementary, Adventure Cycling, and Texas State Parks for making this trip a reality. As Langford closes its doors for renovations, we look forward to continuing our programming at Palm Elementary, where students will be transferred during the school’s temporary closure.