George

I'm going to the Big Bend area next month and I was wondering if anybody has any information on the area. I know there is some travel stuff on the internet, but I would like some from someone that's been there. Thanks for any replys.

sisddwg

George:

I did a little cycling in Big Bend about ten years ago. It's is beautiful in it's own special way. Make sure you're self-sufficient. It is very dry! When I was there the road surfaces were very good and had little motor vhehcle traffic. There is a nice motel/lodge, restaurant in Big Bend.

George

Thanks sisddwg,I'll have to send an e-mail to the state park and get more information on the motel.

mtbtour

I was wondering if you were riding to Big Bend or around the park itself? A friend of mine went hiking and camping there last spring and had a blast. He didn't bring binoculars, but wished he had.

George

I'm kind of focusing on the Fort Davis area, but when I get out there that could change. I was thinking about having my wife SAG for me and take off for a few hours at a time. I'll just have to play it by ear.

tmdesou

I toured there last year around the beginning of January and it was really beautiful. The Chisos in the center of the park are the real gem though - six mile climb and even more importantly, the six mile decent.

If you don't want to stay in the park I'd recommend the Marathon Motel and RV Park. It may sound sketchy, but the owners had constructed an adobe outdoor plaza with a huge patio, outdoor woodburning fireplace, and had recently redone all of the facilities.

Have fun.

bmoc11102

I second a stay at Marathon Motel. Good, simple accomodations, great views, and easy access to the park.

supcom

George,

If you are planning to be in the Ft. Davis area, then check out https://www.peytonsbikes.com/ftdavis.htm for some routes in the area. However, virtually any of the paved roads in the Marathon, Alpine, Ft Davis, Big Bend National Park, etc, are good low traffic roads.

I particularly like riding in the National Park. The scenery is unbeatable. For an incredible ride, start at the park headquarters at Panther Junction and ride up to The Basin in the center of the Chisos Mountain Range. the climb starts steep and just gets steeper the further you go. You can get lunch at the restaurant in The Basin and it's also where the park motel is located. The trip back is pure joy.

Check out bicyclebigbend.com as well.

There's plenty of other good riding, but be sure you have plenty of water as sources or water can be many miles apart. Also, there are lot's of hills and the grades can be deceptive.

And, if you have a MTB, bring it along. Plenty of great MTB riding in Big Bend!

George

Thanks a lot supcom, those numbers will come in real handy. I'll probably start making some calls today.

George

Thanks a lot supcom, those numbers will come in real handy. I'll probably start making some calls today.

mtnbiktn

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/border_travel.htm

When Visiting A Border Park
Big Bend National Park shares the border with Mexico for 118 miles. This is a remote region.
Visitors should be aware that drug smuggling routes pass through the park. If you see any activity which looks illegal, suspicious, or out of place, please do not intervene. Note your location. Call 911 or report it to a ranger as quickly as possible.

Each year hundreds of people travel north through the park seeking to enter the United States. It is possible you could encounter an individual or small group trying to walk through the park with little or no water. Please do not stop, but instead, note your location and immediately call 911 or contact a ranger as soon as possible. Lack of water is a life-threatening emergency in the desert.

card

Great riding around Ft. Davis. I stay the the Veranda in Ft. Davis. 915-426-2233. There is a scenic loop that goes past the Ovservatory that is 75 miles. Long and hilly. A good ride is to Marfa. 21 miles south of Ft. Davis. Marfa is a really neat town w/great restaurants and hotels. I love to eat at the Pizza Connection and Maiyas. They have a great bookstore w/wine and good imported beer. There is a winery about 5 miles east of Marfa toward Alpine.
The motels in Marfa are the Paisano and the Thunderbird. The Paisano is where the cast from the movie Giant stayed and has been restored to its original splendor. The Thunderbird is owned by a lady from Austin that has made a really great funky retro motel out of it.

Then, you can peddle on east to Alpine. Stay at the Holland House right down town. There is a German that moved there and has a brewery and German restraunt downstairs. For a little more upscale, there is the Riata. I suggest going from Marfa to Alpine (21-23 miles) to have a tail wind. The west wind is hell out there. Also they have the Railroad Blues Bar for nightly entertainment. Good bands come through.

Then you can go NE about 26 miles and you will be back in Ft. Davis. It's pretty hilly, so the wind doesn't have much effect on you. I've been going out there and biking for years and love it. Hope to buy a home in the area one day. Marfa is a really artsy town and real estate has about tripled in the last 3 years--tiny Santa Fe.

Hope the general synopsis helps.