So -- your rig is packed and reservations are made for the winter season - right? But there is one more thing you need to pack -- your bicycle!
Texas has some of the finest riding trails and events in the nation and there is no better way to get acquainted with the Lone Star State than from the seat of a two-wheeler. Whether it's riding along sandy beaches, breezing through pristine Hill Country terrain, or coasting along historic routes, you'll enjoy many winter days in Texas from the seat of your bike. Not to mention all those calories you'll be burning off while taking in the sites.
So get the bikes loaded in the RV, buckle up your bicycle pants and get ready to ride! Don't miss these fall and winter bike tours across the Lone Star State.
Beginning and ending in Seguin at the Guadalupe County Fair Grounds, the self-led "Texas Festival Frolic Bike Tour" navigates through small town Texas. The 10-day tour gets its name from two small-town Texas festivals on consecutive weekends - the "Kolache Festival" in Hallettsville and the "Come and Take It" celebration in Gonzales. For those unfamiliar with kolaches, it is a delicious traditional Czech pastry filled with a variety of fruits, the most popular being apricot. The planned route will take you over the flat coastal plains to the town of Palacios, with its historic Luther Hotel and outstanding seafood in several local restaurants. Gentle coastal breezes and some smooth roads make for idyllic cycling conditions. On the way back, visit the historic town of Goliad, which was prominent in early Texas history. Today, Goliad harkens back to these early days with its 18th century mission and fortress and a historic town square.
Overall, the tour winds through other historic Czech/German communities and a lot of agricultural terrain. Those, coupled with several museum (and brewery) visits, make for an unusual, interesting and informative bike tour. It's a good opportunity to experience small town Texas and it's many cultural heritages.
There’s no other bike ride like this one! The Conquer the Coast bicycle event in Corpus Christi is a real adventure on two wheels. Where else can you rise with the morning sun and ride across Corpus Christi's famous harbor bridge, pedal through numerous scenic coastal towns, enjoy water stops stocked with food and cheering student athletes, take your bike on a ferry crossing escorted by dolphins, and be pushed home with a tailwind down one of Texas’ most prestigious boulevards? No where but Conquer the Coast in Corpus Christi! But it doesn't stop here. After the ride a huge after-ride party goes on and on, a great time for fellowship with fellow bikers. Pizza, hot dogs, beer, and an awards ceremony takes place after the event. You don’t want to miss it! For those looking forward to a weekend in Corpus Christi while you Conquer the Coast, the Best Western Marina Grand Hotel is offering a special Conquer the Coast rate of $70 per night. The Best Western Marina Grand Hotel is on the gorgeous Corpus Christ Bayfront and it is just blocks from the start/finish area.
Texas is extremely proud of native son Lance Armstrong who hails from Austin. This wonderful bike/walk event is the last and perhaps biggest fundraiser of the year for the world champion's nonprofit foundation. His own story of overcoming cancer and his tireless efforts to raise cancer awareness is most inspiring. Funds raised through the LIVESTRONG Challenge support the LAF's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the LAF has invested nearly $3.1 million in Texas-area cancer research projects, community-centered organizations and other awards.
The ride takes place rain or shine Sunday morning, October 8th starting and finishing at the Travis County Expo Center (7311 Decker Lane in Austin). Riders may choose from four safe, scenic looping bicycling routes of 100, 70, 40 and 10 miles respectively, through a variety of small towns and communities and lush open farmland and ranches east and northeast of Austin. The longer routes head northeast and include rolling hills and several challenging climbs. The open terrain of these courses does leave them prone to strong directional winds with no cover, so be certain to pace yourself accordingly. Although the route is controlled at all critical intersections by police, EMS, and volunteers, it is held on open roads with vehicular traffic. Still, it is an inspiring event and one for a great cause.
Reward yourself with a fully supported bike ride on quiet country roads through some of the most spectacular fall scenery Texas has to offer. The Texas Hill Country River Region Classic starts at Garner State Park and follows the Frio and Sabinal rivers and climbs the ridge that divides them. Route choices include 34, 52, 68 and 94 miles in length with well-stocked rest stops about every 10 miles.
With your registration, enjoy pre-ride breakfast tacos and a post-ride pasta dinner. Showers are available in the Garner State Park campground. Proceeds of this ride benefit local civic organizations. The event is limited to 600 participants and will be staged rain or shine. A skills clinic on climbing and descending will be presented in the park on Friday evening, October 20.
The dog days pass and Indian summer brings cooler temperatures, brilliant sunshine, and beautiful blue skies. Rejuvenate yourself while creating happy memories in the peaceful town of Goliad. Don't miss the annual Missions Tour de Goliad Bike Ride, which is rapidly becoming one of the premier rides in Texas. The Missions Tour offers the unique charm and challenges of the South Texas countryside. Whether you choose the 10-, 30-, 50-, or 85- mile tours, you will pedal through a rich countryside filled with stately centuries-old live oak trees and gently rolling hills. You will immerse yourself in the rich history and birthplace of Texas and enjoy the beautiful Spanish architecture of the ancient missions located along your journey. Set your course for Goliad---a Texas Destination!
The Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club will host the Sixth Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic. This event features rides up to 75 miles in length on Saturday and an unsupported ride on Sunday. The ride starts at 9:00 AM Saturday morning at Lady Bird Johnson Park three miles south of Fredericksburg on TX 16. Registration includes one day of supported rides with maps, rest stops, sag support, dinner and a ride souvenir. The event cost is only $15 before October 28th - $20 thereafter.
Join the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce, area sponsors, and the youth of Aransas Pass for a fast and fun ride around the scenic Coastal Bend area. All proceeds stay in Aransas Pass and will directly benefit the summer youth camp program. The Bike Ride begins at 8:00 a.m. for riders taking the longer routes. You'll ride along the coastal causeway route, first through downtown Aransas Pass, then through Ingleside, past Gregory and Taft, and will turn in Sinton heading back through some quiet (and less traveled) country roads! There are routes of 13, 33, 51 and 62 miles to choose from during this event and a free BBQ lunch at the end of the ride. It's a chance to get to know the wonderful folks of this coastal region and contribute to a good cause all while enjoying a scenic bike ride.
Ride the dedicated Hike and Bike Trail in San Antonio and see four restored historic missions! The Family Tour pedals along the San Antonio River on the historic Mission Trails from Mission Concepcion to Mission Espada. The route is principally on hike and bike paths with opportunities to visit four of the five Spanish Missions. A 15 mile option meets BSA merit badge requirements. The Performance/Extended Tours continue beyond the Mission Trails along city and county roads toward Braunig Lake. The 34 mile route proceeds past Mission Espada onto Hwy 181 to Braunig Lake and back. The 50 mile route continues south on Hwy 37 to 1604 and through the community of Elmendorf along "El Camino Real" (Spanish Colonial Royal Road) and north on "Old Corpus Christi Road" (Hwy 181).
The Walking Tour is a five mile round trip that includes a loop on the Mission Trails from Mission County Park to Mission San Jose to Espada Dam Park and back. Don't miss an opportunity to see San Antonio and it's historic missions like you've never seen them before!
With so many great biking trails to hit and events to attend in Texas, your bike is the one thing you'll want to be sure to bring along for your winter stay. Have fun pedaling across the Lone Star State.
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Rio Grande Valley