RUNWAY FOR BIKING: Bicyclists can really "take off" at 
Matagorda Island State Park. We'll tell you more, coming 
up on Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

Back in 1939, the Army decided to build a military base to 
protect the Texas coast during World War II. That base 
was located at Matagorda Island. But when it closed in 
1977, many parts of the base remained ... including the 
runways.

08 -- We have several runways, the longest one is 2 miles long. It 
was set up for B52s to do touch and goes."

And while Matagorda Island's former park manager, John 
Stuart, says planes are no longer allowed to use the 
runways, other types of vehicles are making use of them.

05 -- Kids use the runways for bicycles and skateboards ... we get 
quite a few."

Cyclists are not the only users of the runways, so you 
need to be careful when sharing the area.

09 -- We get least terns nesting on the runway, and that would be a 
big fine if you went over one of those nests and cracked one of 
some endangered bird eggs."

Matagorda Island is just one of the many unique places 
where you can ride your bicycle. 

Want to ride on a former railroad track or on a trail where 
dinosaurs once roamed? Visit the TPW website and find a 
free on-line brochure on bicycling in state parks. 
 
That's our show for today. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, 
I'm Cecilia Nasti.





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