EthanHawley

Just curious what my fellow Texans, in their experience, believe to be the most beautiful bike ride (for road bikes) in Texas. I've started some training rides for the MS 150 and have had a chance to explore the countryside around Houston a bit, but I imagine there are some really lovely rides in East Texas or Hill Country...

txags92

The areas around Fayetteville and Chappell Hill are really nice when the windflowers are blooming. Lots of good rides out near Fredricksburg too.

texbiker

It will be tough to pick just one ride. What criteria did you have in mind?

obed7

I actually enjoy the MUT rides along the bayou on allen parkway and along TC Jester...don't care for the braeswood bayou though.

EthanHawley

In terms of criteria, just a 30-60 mile ride, great scenery, and road bike-friendly (e.g., not too heavily trafficked by cars and relatively smooth surfaces). Thanks!

Jarrett2

I was just coming to ask this. I'm looking more for supported/charity/"T-shirt" rides this year. What are the must do T-shirt rides in Texas this year? The closer to DFW, the better.

Last I did:

Waco Wild West
Tour De Ted
Tour De Dallas
Cow Creek Country Classic

I've heard Hotter than Hell is one not to miss. Also the LBJ 100 was recommended. I hear a lot of folks talk about the MS150, but I don't know anything about it. Any others?

Jarrett2

To the OP, check out the Chain Link Bike Shop Saturday morning rides. They do a 30 mile ride up River Road there in New Braunfels and it's pretty.

I'm going to go ride with them again soon.

the sci guy 

I'm doing the ready 2 roll training series for the ms150 so I'm looking forward to some of the rides out in areas I haven't been yet. I'd recommend the tour de Houston, the ravens revenge ride, and blue bonnet express for some good scenery. Did those last year and they were great.

txags92

As far as "charity" type rides, the Houston to Austin MS150 is the obvious biggie, but for smaller scale rides, the "Head for the Hills" ride out of Chappell Hill is a nice spring ride. I think the distance choices go from 25ish up to around 65. If you get lucky, the wildflowers will be coming out. It is nice hilly terrain, mostly good and relatively quiet roads, and is coordinated with the Ready2Roll training series, so it is very well managed and supported.

Mindcrime

My favorite scenery wise in my first year of riding was the Pineywoods Purgatory. Wont do you any good training for the MS150, but definitely a later season treat, good hills, good roads, good rest stops and a bit cooler than mid summer.

Jarrett2

Cedar Hill or a different one?

Head for the Hills Cedar Hill Rotary Bike Rally

We're considering doing this one:

2015 EASTER HILL COUNTRY TOUR

Seems like fun but expensive.

Jarrett2

Just found this calendar with a lot of good rides on it:

2015 Bike Ride Calendar

txags92

Nope, Chappell Hill. Down near Brenham.

Head for the Hills Bike Ride - Mar 28, 2015 - News & Events - Brenham/Washington County Chamber, Texas

Jarrett2

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification. I'm interested to see how this thread progresses throughout the year.

EthanHawley

Thanks for all the comments so far, everyone. I'm doing the Ready2Roll training series for the MS150 as well, not just to get fitter for the ride but to have the opportunity to explore the local backroads in a supported environment. I agree that seasons probably play a contributing role to how pretty a ride is.

rpecot

I rode the Tour de Gruene this past fall. The route follows the Guadalupe River then later across the Canyon Lake dam. It was really nice.

Thinking of signing up for GASP the week after MS150. What could be better than a cold Shiner after 100 miles in the saddle?

Jarrett2

I rode on River Road in New Braunfels/Gruene weekend before last. Great route!

pv2

I rode the time trial with a fellow I just met.
Some friends got us together.
We drove the course and he pointed out all the caveats and opportunities.
We took 3rd place and that was after a month layoff due to finals.
I had his contact details; however, everything has a shelf life.
He took a photo and I don't have it!
Tour de Gruene took phots and never responded to me.
BUMMED! I think the tour is closed now.
Was an awesome ride.

adamrice 

It's been a long time since I rode it, but the best ride I've ever been on in Texas was Willow City Loop Rd, about 20 miles south of Llano. It's only about a 20-mile ride.

Riding on and around SH27 near Kerrville is also pretty idyllic.

Riding on SH118 around Fort Davis and the McDonald Observatory is challenging but beautiful.

tcs

An old thread but still a valid question.

Park Road 5 from the entrance station around the loop and back. Catch it in the late spring or early summer - W00T!




FM170 from Presidio to Lajitas surely would be on the short list of any Texas road cyclist who has ridden it.

A different sort of ride: San Antonio, from the SA Zoo past the Alamo and Missions to the Medina River Natural Area.

Alas, the Hill Country is not the cycling paradise it was 50 years ago. With NO traffic, I'd recommend TX39 west of Ingram in a heartbeat.

tmvtf

the wildflowers around there are completely outrageous this year