Vintage Bike Tour in Texas
 

On March 18, 2023, Texas VeloVintage and I will be leading a tour of the Painted Churches around Schulenburg, TX. This tour will take us to four of the famous Painted Churches built by Czech and German immigrants between 1892 and 1919, all while riding through the beautiful rolling countryside. Unassuming on the approach, the interiors are a feast for the eyes. We'll also be crossing the Piano Bridge (built in 1885) on our route.

While the churches are usually open to the public on Saturdays, there's no guarantee that we'll be allowed inside. Weddings or other special events commonly reserve the churches in the spring.

The route is approximately 48 miles with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Moderately hilly by Houston standards, and moderately flat by Austin's. There's nothing a vintage drivetrain can't handle.

This will be a semi-supported tour. We'll have a sag driver, but bring extra water, your favorite sports drinks, food, etc. and we'll load it all into the sag vehicle.

We'll start at 9am from the parking lot nearest the railroad tracks at the corner of N. Main St. and S. Upton Ave. in Schulenburg. Let me know if there's interest. I hope to see you there.

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Dang, wish you were closer, I'd be there.

My wife has family in that region of TX. I'm twisting her arm for a long over due visit. It would be a perfect excuse to come and participate.

I just returned to Bahrain or I’d join you. I just finished building up a late 80s Pinarello that would have been the perfect bike for the ride! Maybe next year? I’ve ridden that area a few years ago and have also toured the painted churches with my wife. You’ll have a great ride with nice rolling hills.


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Have MINI, will travel!
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Picture taken the last weekend I was home. Beautiful Texas weather!

Twist hard. Twist very hard. ;)

Sounds like an awesome day. I will just be back from 3 weeks of work travel. Ditching the partner for Texas would not go well for me.

Been wanting to do this ride for a long time.
Trying to figure out a way to make it happen.
Better to fly into Austin or Houston?

Austin’s airport is about 1 hour away. It’s 1.75 hours from Houston’s.

Sounds like a fun ride. Please count me in— will try to keep up with y’all.

Excellent Spring Break plan.
Looks to be a scenic and fun tour.
I would love to drive down from DFW with one of my classics and join the group.
Maybe share a hotel room to cut costs with another non-local visitor.
Sent FB VeloVintage invite response

Mrs. Doc says: Go!
Flight into Houston Friday the 17th early afternoon.
Rental car, can rideshare with anyone else flying into Houston at same-ish time or from that area who needs a lift.
Return flight late Sunday afternoon the 19th.
Hotel sugestions?

WooHoo!

Vistors: catch the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum while you're in town!

Also was thinking, as long as I’m in town with some free time, maybe some folks would be interested in a ride on Sunday morning?

This is one of the reasons that Doc is at once my role model, yet I hate him. Basically he's living the dream. :D The guy's retired and flies all over the country meeting up with BFer's and riding with him. There was one year that I saw and rode with him so many times I thought he'd up and moved to the PNW.

Later this year I plan on retiring and will no longer hate Doc, then we can get in some serious riding!

Crap, just realized this is the second weekend of my kids spring break here. High likelihood we’ll still be far away from Texas. I’m afraid I’m now a faint ‘maybe’ :(

I hope you can pull it off.

I know of a fantastic route starting just north of Columbus (20 miles east of Schulenburg) that is one of my favorites. The hills are a little punchier, but there's virtually no traffic on the entire route. Also, there will be no sag support.
I'm not staying overnight in Schulenburg, but I'm game to drive back out for a Sunday ride. Good thing I live in the 'burbs.

Sounds like fun!

Unfortunately, Mrs. PB is now saying; "It's prime golf season. I don't want to visit my TX family when I can be on the links." Hmmmmm. I might just need to attend solo.

If I bring cleaned, serviced, and ready to purchase freewheels, would there be any interest?

There are several golf courses within an hours drive to choose from.
But, if you come alone, and don't end up staying with family, joesch is looking for a roomie.

There may be interest in freewheels, but at least bring a sample of your work. I, personally, go through a long, drawn-out process to decide what freewheel I need for any given bike. I'll let you know beforehand if there's something in particular I'm looking for.

Mrs. PB has given me the :thumb: to attend. My first vintage group ride since pre-covid and the first retirement ride. :D I'm psyched! Now--- what to ride?

Oooooohhhhh. Choices!

I'm probably going to bring this - my 1969 Colnago Super.

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@Brad L Totally Tubular. :thumb: I just might need to do the same. :D

That's pretty spiffy!
I may bring the 78 Sachs, or the 84 Raleigh Gran Tour:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...4a4611d2_k.jpgIMG_5683 by Doc Mertes, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1550d830_k.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA by Doc Mertes, on Flickr