My Getaway: A Conversation with Julie Engler

Julie loves an epic two-wheeled adventure! One of her favorite things to do is travel around the country to explore unpaved roads and trails. She grew up in Illinois, lived in Wyoming for 10 years, and then moved to the Texas Hill Country. She now calls San Marcos home. When she’s not riding (which is rare), she enjoys PC gaming, gardening, walking her border collie Emma, and exploring new flavors of food either in her own kitchen or at the amazing restaurants here in San Marcos. Julie works on the marketing team of Athletic Brewing Company, which makes award-winning, craft non-alcoholic beer. She’s also a fitness instructor and certified personal trainer who loves being active and sharing that joy with others.

Why do you value the natural areas?

It’s important to be connected to nature, especially as we grow and expand. Our natural areas are disappearing so fast! Fresh air, clean water, a healthy ecosystem – these are all easy to forget about when we aren’t right there in front of it.

Who or what most influenced your view of the natural world?

I grew up in northern Illinois on the edge of town. I always say I grew up near Chicago, but I was on the other side of the state, where it’s very rural and quiet. We had forests to run through as kids, streams to play in, stars to look at, country roads to get lost on, quiet roads for riding bikes and skateboarding … so I’ve always really loved and appreciated nature because I spent so much time in it! We really didn’t have a lot to do as kids, so we would spend time with our friends hanging out at the park for hours. I think, in a way – while it seemed boring at the time – it really helped shape me in becoming someone who can enjoy getting lost, feeling comfortable and content when there’s nothing really going on except for all of the beautiful life around you. Our natural world is pretty amazing!

How did you find out about the trails in San Marcos?

I started riding with Andy of Galaxy Bicycles (they have a weekly trail ride on Wednesdays), and through that, I’ve met so many amazing riders and friends! I would have been very nervous exploring here on my own – these rocky tech trails aren’t for the faint of heart, and I’ve gotten plenty of bruises, scrapes, and broken bike parts over the past couple of years – but it’s been awesome to be with a fun and supportive group of riders. It’s been amazing to learn the trail systems. It’s cool that they change with each heavy rainfall. We also notice all of the hard work the trail team puts in, and I am so grateful for a community that cares as much as they do!

What is your favorite trail? What do you like about it?

For riding, I really love Spring Lake. I enjoy the challenge of the hills, and it’s got just enough tech to be tough, but some smooth sections to find flow, too. I also really love doing laps at the small trail in River Recharge. I will go there to ride loops when I’m feeling like I need a chill day or for a nice, easy warmup. If I’m hiking or walking my dog, I absolutely love Prospect / Purgatory! It’s so fun to explore the rocks and the beautiful trails there. I also enjoy riding there, but it’s very intense, haha!  

What do you most enjoy doing when you visit the Greenbelt?

It may take a little bit of imagination to “ignore” all the signs of the urban life around us, but once you’re out there, among the trees and rocks and dirt, it’s so awesome to just breathe and forget about everything for a little while. Let go of the work stress. Forget about what you have on your calendar. It’s just you and the trail. You can really focus on how you feel. Listen to the rhythm of your breathing. For a little while, everything really just feels all right. It’s a therapy of sorts. So, I guess, to sum it up, what I enjoy most is just enjoying the time I have in nature on the trails 🙂

What recommendations would you give new users of the trail?  

I would definitely say to respect the trail and respect Mother Nature. Know what the weather is going to be like. The rocks are so slick and dangerous to ride in the rain. Don’t underestimate the heat and how tough the trail can be to navigate even on two feet. You can get into trouble pretty quickly if you’re underprepared! But also, just be ready to see some beautiful landscapes!