What's Makes Texas Hill Country Great for Long Rides (40+ miles)?
04-14-21, 08:40 PM
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What's Makes Texas Hill Country Great for Long Rides (40+ miles)?
I've heard Texas Hill Country has a great reputation for cycling.
What makes it so great for long rides -- 40+ miles?
I'm looking forward to riding there this coming Fall, but would love to hear what experiences others have had there.
What makes it so great for long rides -- 40+ miles?
I'm looking forward to riding there this coming Fall, but would love to hear what experiences others have had there.
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04-16-21, 11:53 AM
#2
mosquito rancher
The Texas hill country is really pretty (especially this time of year, when the wildflowers are out). There's an extensive network of roads, and once you get out into a remote area, very few cars to contend with. Depending on where you are, your route may crisscross rivers that you can jump into when you get hot. Also, riding hills is more interesting than riding in a straight line on a flat road.
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04-16-21, 02:58 PM
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The Texas hill country is really pretty (especially this time of year, when the wildflowers are out). There's an extensive network of roads, and once you get out into a remote area, very few cars to contend with. Depending on where you are, your route may crisscross rivers that you can jump into when you get hot. Also, riding hills is more interesting than riding in a straight line on a flat road.
Can you comment on general condition of the "remote area" roads and size and condition of paved shoulder (if any)?
And by saying "network of roads", does that mean a rider can select from a number of routes depending on starting point?
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04-16-21, 03:42 PM
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And by saying "network of roads", does that mean a rider can select from a number of routes depending on starting point?
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04-16-21, 08:49 PM
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Depends. There are a few classes of roads. US Highways, state highways, ranch roads, county roads, (all of the above will have numbered route shields) and "other" roads. US highways generally have little or no shoulder, chipseal surface, lots of traffic. State highways will usually have decent surface, good shoulder, moderate to heavy traffic. Ranch roads will be chipseal with no shoulder, but usually little traffic—unless they're in heavily settled areas, in which case they might be like state highways. County roads are wildcards—some are glassy smooth, some are packed dirt. Usually very little traffic.
For a ride of 40 miles, there will probably be a couple of options, although they might not feel all that different.
For a ride of 40 miles, there will probably be a couple of options, although they might not feel all that different.
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05-03-21, 04:07 PM
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07-29-21, 02:17 PM
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The Texas hill country is really pretty (especially this time of year, when the wildflowers are out). There's an extensive network of roads, and once you get out into a remote area, very few cars to contend with. Depending on where you are, your route may crisscross rivers that you can jump into when you get hot. Also, riding hills is more interesting than riding in a straight line on a flat road.
08-04-21, 06:19 AM
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Another great thing: In the Hill Country there are extensive hunting leases so the wildlife has economic value. The country folk keep their dogs up so they won't run the deer.
08-23-21, 10:33 AM
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Banned.
Turn around @ TS 6:37 when you reach Highway 16, and go back the way you came.
STAY OFF HIGHWAY 16. It is a kill zone.
Best in the Bluebonnet season of late March to mid-April, or winter ride.
Last edited by Cyclist0105; 08-23-21 at 10:58 AM.
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08-30-21, 09:40 AM
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It is a nice area to ride, but if you have allergies we are coming into Mountain Cedar and Ragweed season. Even people who claim to not have allergies have reactions this time of year.
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11-25-21, 09:24 PM
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Nice place to ride. I live in the Austin area and am looking for nice safe places to do rides in the spring.
