jodypitch

Looking for suggestions: I want to ride from central Dallas for two days, 50-70 miles/day, and end up in a semi-interesting place. Would apppreciate any suggestions for a safe route, and a place to stop along the way--would like to go in early November. I know that Waco and Paris are both about 100 miles away, but don't know anything about the route (just moved to Texas!). I can google a map, of course, but wanted to hear from anyone with direct experience/advice. THANKS!

jcbryan

I know Paris has a Swaim's Hardware near the city square. About as eclectic mix of stuff as I have ever seen, can you say what size ice tongs did you need? Lots of historical markers and the like. Lot of good places to eat along the way. Tons of classic homes in Bonham if that's your cup-o-tea.
Never really thought of touring there, keep us updated on your choice! Might check this: https://bikeacrossamerica.org/trip-re...-newboston.htm

If you wander over to Muenster, like to Octoberfest, be sure and go to Fischer's Grocery and get some summer sausage and cheese. It's "Oh, my!" good.

Hope this helps your planning.
Best, John

tcs

You want challenging riding or easy or a bit of both? Any preference between meandering along country roads or riding down the shoulder of a major highway?

truman

Start by taking the DART train or the TRE to the outskirts in the direction of your choice. You can avoid a bit of skank riding and get out to the enjoyable stuff a lot quicker.

If you go East, Jefferson and Marshall are nice. As is Southeast, down toward Nacogdoches. I took a tour from South Dallas, by the VA hospital down past Waco in a couple of days. Easy riding, but not a lot to look at.

In Texas, I like to go out to the South and let the wind blow me home, but in November that may be reversed. Lake Texoma has been on my radar for awhile. Dunno what's there, except the Cross Timbers Trail.

If you decide to come West, let me know and I can help with routing.

BengeBoy 

I lived in Dallas and did a ton of cycling in the area years ago (X,000's of miles over 3 years).

My super strong advice would be to drive to Fredericksburg and spend two days cycling around there if you're new to the state.

Also, as someone else in this thread has noted, be aware of the prevailing winds (from the South, though I don't recall about November). If you head north, you'll be cycling home into the wind, which is a drag.

If you do want to do "interesting" riding, take the advice above and take some kind of transit out to the edge of the city if you can -- otherwise you'll spend your first several hours just getting out of town.

But, really, if you've just moved to Texas you'll have more fun if you can do a quick two-day tour around Hill Country (Fredericksburg area is a great place to start).

truman

Benge Boy is correct about the Hill Country's beauty, but the terrain around Glenrose-Meridian-Hico-Stephenville-Palo Pinto, is beautiful as well and reachable on bike in a short tour.

tcs

+1 on the beautiful middle-Brazos: one of the truly great yet unknown cycle touring areas.

I was going to suggest riding out through Oak Cliff/Cedar Hill to Cleburne on day 1, and then taking the back way to Glen Rose on day 2.

truman

I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that should you want to tour West. (The new) Trinity Bicycles is at the westernmost end of the Trinity Railway Express commuter line, and a good place to start and/end a tour. Being owned and run by cycle tourists, they understand our needs well. You can stage gear there, take a shower, get local information, talk touring, buy stuff....

https://trinitybicycles.com/home/

jodypitch

Challenging riding is fine! Would prefer guidance on a route that is NOT on a major highway. Appreciate all the suggestions so far!

Cyclebum

The suggested area SW of the metroplex makes for fine riding and scenery. Did a circle tour around Hico couple years ago. Pick a county or two and call the county courthouse to see if they'll mail you a county map. Will have all the back roads. If you go that route, a hardtail mtb or hybrid will smooth out the bumps.

tcs

Maybe something like this for day one:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/211159

And for day two:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/173228

I dunno. Just a thought.

jodypitch

YEAH!!! I was starting to zero in on Glen Rose, based on comments above, and on reading that it is a pleasant little town. That route looks like a great start, and perfect distances. Thanks---I will report back---now looks like first week in December, depending on my wife's schedule (and cooperation from the weather).

StephenH

I was down in Glen Rose for the Texas Time Trials a while back. The Dinosaur Park is about 7 miles out of town, and an easy ride. There's also another touristy dinosaur place near there. There's a number of old homes and whatnot in Glen Rose. Check out the museum by the town square. Visit the Pie Peddler just off the square, not cheap, but it is good. You can make some good loops just riding around in that area; look up the routes of the Goatneck ride and the Paluxy Pedal. There are some good hills in the area.

One bit of warning: The main highway that goes down there, Hwy 67, crosses the Brazos not too far from Glen Rose. And there was a sign on that bridge southbound that said "Pedestrians and Bicycles Prohibited". (It's a high speed highway, and there is no shoulder in the southbound bridge.) You can turn on FM 199 before that, then take FM 200 and Co Rd 312 instead, which brings you up right behind the Sonic in town.
https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...336.73,,0,7.61

From this summer:


From last summer:


(This is the touristy place I mentioned, but I haven't been through it.)