Need riders Fort Davis/Marfa area in April
 

The rides out there are heavenly! It was good even with the fires this last April.

Rides I have done are:

******Fort Davis "Scenic Loop." Nice smooth asphalt -- no cars to speak of! http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/22161584 http://www.donsautomotive.com/BIKEPI...IS%2010-11.JPG

******Cruise around off-pavement in Big Bend Park.

******Back way to Chinati Springs from Marfa
The last 25 miles is unpaved unsuitable for a road bike, but does not require a full suspension, hard core MTB. We rode with front suspension and fat street tires no problem. The scenery on this ride is breathtaking. When you get to Chinati Springs you can soak in the natural lithium-saturated hot springs and use a communal kitchen to prepare a meal. Ride back in truck or my daughter's Honda CRV, whichever my wife is driving.

http://www.donsautomotive.com/BIKEPI...NGS%20ROAD.JPG http://www.donsautomotive.com/BIKEPI...%20SPRINGS.JPG

We will have top-tier SAG! My wife "leapfrogs" the riding group in either my truck or my daughter's (she lives in Marfa) SUV. I carry nothing but a water bottle which I can trade in when passing or being passed by her. She will also carry an air tank, tubes, tools, snacks, etc. She is never far from us. On each of these rides what she drives is just about the only vehicle you will encounter.

The pace is moderate 12-16 avg on-road. I am not a young racer, just a 65-year old buzzard that likes to ride a bike.

My previous riders have a lot in their lives and have not been able to commit, but hopefully will go. While my wife is happy to provide SAG, I would feel weird having her provide it for me alone!

We will book a time-share house in Marfa where my wife prepares gourmet meals having trucked in groceries. Grocery stores in Marfa are GRIM, and there is not anything much better anywhere close. Restaurants are fast food or pricey with limited hours.

Don't need any $$$ for the SAG, would ask contributions towards the meal plan, and gas/diesel fuel if you ride out there with us, contribution if you share lodging. Will be bringing a crew-cab PU that can hold lots of bikes. My wife and a couple of her girl-friends will probably go out there ahead of the riders and set up house and kitchen.

Looking at three ride days or more. It takes about 6 (very boring) hours to get there from Austin.

We will have the lodging and dates firmed up by the end of the Christmas/New year's vacation. Looking to put together a casual group of up to 5-6 riders.

If interested: 512-447-9032, 512-413-7001 or reply to this forum --- Don in Austin