Texas - Favorite place to ride in Texas

Aight - now that we got our own little forum lets play with it a little.

If you were going to go anywhere in TX to take a cycling trip, where would you go? I haven't seen all of this state even though I've lived here my entire life. The National Forest in East Texas looked really nice and I saw a lot of cyclist and bike routes out that way. I'd also be intrigued to ride in West Texas with those looooong climbs! I also find it kind of pretty out there in its own way...

Been some time, but the Devil's Backbone out past San Marcos.

Been some time, but the Devil's Backbone out past San Marcos.

Thats in my neck of the woods actually. Would you happen to be able to remember the route?

Thats in my neck of the woods actually. Would you happen to be able to remember the route?
A little cheating here. I worked at west end of the backbone. Last time I took the bike out there, was 7 years ago. I just got on the backbone, when east bound. Took on Purgatory road, Uturned and took on the backbone again. I remember getting some really weird looks form the other patrons of "What was Riley's" for my almost done riding beer.

Hard to go wrong in the Hill Country near Fredericksburg. La Grange/Fayette County has outstanding cycling. Bosque County SW of Fort Worth has miles of scenic roads.

I've really only ridden in the Austin area but just love the variety. If you want hills, there are plenty around here. If you want flat, go east of I-35. Mix it up however you want. Oh yeah...then there's that 100 loop out of Wichita Falls in August...sure ain't purdy but you've got plenty of company.

We drove out to California last year and I'm not sure if I'd want to ride in West Texas. East Texas is another matter...that's some pretty country there in the Piney Woods.

I like where you are! What you looking for, day road rides, tours? Here is pics of one I did with a buddy out by Marble Falls. It was pretty much all dirt/gravel road though so you may want some wide tires. It was beautiful though!
Hill Country Open Range (http://128.83.80.200/bike/hillcountry.html)
Same Area (http://128.83.80.200/bike/rr.html)

The Piney Woods area sounds like it could be lots of fun too, not sure about roads there. Also, El Paso would bring the hurt for long mountain like climbs ... probably not a great idea in the summer though ;)

Aight - now that we got our own little forum lets play with it a little.

If you were going to go anywhere in TX to take a cycling trip, where would you go? I haven't seen all of this state even though I've lived here my entire life. The National Forest in East Texas looked really nice and I saw a lot of cyclist and bike routes out that way. I'd also be intrigued to ride in West Texas with those looooong climbs! I also find it kind of pretty out there in its own way...

Hey Mike, you might get your chance to ride in west Texas this fall. Looks like we may be setting up a bike trip for about 3-4 days of riding in Big Bend and the Davis Mountains.
We are going to stay in Alpine, which is one of the nicest spots in all of Texas. It sits in a valley with mountains on 3 sides. Its elevation is around 5000 feet and it will be the perfect stageing point for the rides.
Talk to me about it and I can give you the details, so far anyway.

We drove out to California last year and I'm not sure if I'd want to ride in West Texas. East Texas is another matter...that's some pretty country there in the Piney Woods.


If you drove out through west Texas (I assume I-10) and didn't get off the interstate, then you just missed one of the most scenic places in Texas, and the bike riding is pretty good too. Just 40 miles south of I-10 and 2000 ft higher sets Ft Davis, Texas and the Davis Mountains. Great scenery and good roads with low traffic, but be prepared to climb. The altitude keeps the temps cooler, even in the summer. Routes to the South and East lead to the high desert towns of Marfa and Alpine. Routes to the West lead higher into the mountains including Mt. Locke, home of the McDonald Observatory. Routes to the North lead to desert oasis at Balmorhea, think Barton Springs pool in the middle of the desert. This area gets my vote.

I just returned from 5 days in Fort Davis....fabulous riding! Stayed at the Indian Lodge and from there rode in various directions.....weather was good, cool mornings and evenings. I rode with a compact crank, and 12-25 in the rear...although not moving terribly fast, I was able to climb everything out there. It was great!

mark

I think my ride would start at DFW Int'l Airport and end in Hawaii.

Have not really travelled to ride other places, just road and mountain riding in and around the Dallas area. Dang, I need to get out more.

If you drove out through west Texas (I assume I-10) and didn't get off the interstate, then you just missed one of the most scenic places in Texas, and the bike riding is pretty good too. Just 40 miles south of I-10 and 2000 ft higher sets Ft Davis, Texas and the Davis Mountains. Great scenery and good roads with low traffic, but be prepared to climb. The altitude keeps the temps cooler, even in the summer. Routes to the South and East lead to the high desert towns of Marfa and Alpine. Routes to the West lead higher into the mountains including Mt. Locke, home of the McDonald Observatory. Routes to the North lead to desert oasis at Balmorhea, think Barton Springs pool in the middle of the desert. This area gets my vote.

amen to this post. I usually stay in Ft. Davis at the Veranda. IMHO, that area has to be the best riding in all of Texas!................and there are some really great restaurants.