Real Ale Ride-Blanco
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Expert, 2019 Specialized Diverge Sport
I was thinking about doing it. The 80 mile route goes southwest to Kendalia and then west to Sisterdale. Before it gets into Comfort it goes north to Luckenback and then takes 1888 and River Road all the way back to Blanco. The 60 mile route is similar but turns north at Sisterdale to 1888.
I've never done it nor ridden on these roads so can't comment on the route or support. My guess is that it is somewhat hilly.
I've never done it nor ridden on these roads so can't comment on the route or support. My guess is that it is somewhat hilly.
#3
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1985 Ross Signature
I'm just signing up for it now, though I don't know anyone else riding in it either. 
I'm not too worried about the hills, although there's not much opportunity for that here in Houston. I am a little concerned about finding a place to stay overnight, however. All of the State Park's campsites are full (big surprise there
) and booked for the weekend, though I was hoping I could just wander in and find a friendly group willing to accommodate an additional camper.

I'm not too worried about the hills, although there's not much opportunity for that here in Houston. I am a little concerned about finding a place to stay overnight, however. All of the State Park's campsites are full (big surprise there
) and booked for the weekend, though I was hoping I could just wander in and find a friendly group willing to accommodate an additional camper.
#4
Clipless faller
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: 2008 Specialized Allez Elite Compact, 1981 Raleigh Super Record 10-sp, Trek 4900 MTB
I rode it last year. Hot and hilly. Had to sag out at 38 miles when I blew a tire, and didn't have a replacement. If you plan to ride the 50, you might want to rethink that and do the 30 instead, depending upon your climbing ability and stamina. Nice Hill Country scenery, though.
#5
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Bikes: 85 Schwinn Peloton w full Campi record
We had the same problem-we finally found an RV hookup at Miller Creek RV at 281 and 290. Its about 7 miles north, but they seem nice. The people at Blanco Settlement were not nice at all, and not accomodating about a late checkout! I called the Brewery to inquire about parking with an RV and they seemed to think parking will be an issue as well. So, we will hook up there I guess. If you are just camping, I really didnt find any other areas, but Guadalupe S.P. still had water only campsites available as of a few days ago.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
#6
It's true, man.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Bikes: Cannondale T1000, Inbred SS 29er, Supercaliber 29er, Crescent Mark XX, Burley Rumba Tandem
You're not terribly far from the beautiful Pedernales Falls SP.
I rode a bunch of the roads around J City, Blanco, Kendalia and Sisterdale. They were some of my favorite in the state.
I rode a bunch of the roads around J City, Blanco, Kendalia and Sisterdale. They were some of my favorite in the state.
#7
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 1985 Ross Signature
oh man.... I was not prepared for those hills at aaaaall.
Actually, I take that back. I did prepare for them, mainly by eating all carbs, all the time. I had to walk up a hill or two, plus a mechanical problem forced me to take a SAG for about a mile. (My front bearings were overheating). But I survived the 80mile route, with enough energy to drive to Kerrville and party the rest of my ass off till 3am!
Now the Houston landscape looks like it's been leveled while I was away. I can't wait to test out these new legs on Washington Ave.
Actually, I take that back. I did prepare for them, mainly by eating all carbs, all the time. I had to walk up a hill or two, plus a mechanical problem forced me to take a SAG for about a mile. (My front bearings were overheating). But I survived the 80mile route, with enough energy to drive to Kerrville and party the rest of my ass off till 3am!
Now the Houston landscape looks like it's been leveled while I was away. I can't wait to test out these new legs on Washington Ave.
#8
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Bikes: 85 Schwinn Peloton w full Campi record
The problem was the elevation map was taken every 1/5th of a mile-you might never know they were coming, or how bad they might be! We found a few suprise hills too! I actually saw one guy just fall over on a hill-scared the &^## out of me! But, cant wait for next year to do it again! Photographer was awesome too and ordered some photos!




