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Three of us from Tennessee met six of my Texas friends for 3 days of riding and two days at the MotoGP races in Austin. For me this was my second time to attend the races as a spectator instead of a volunteer track marshal as I had six times over the past 11 years.
We converged on a Tuesday for lunch at the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, TX, one of the best restaurants in Texas (I can't believe I haven't posted about the Blue Bonnet Cafe, yet). After lunch we enjoyed a scenic ride on the east side of Inks Lake and headed to Llano. After a fuel stop we continued south on Texas 16 towards Fredericksburg. Prior to getting to Fredericksburg we detoured west and rode the Willow City Loop. The loop is a county road and has a few cattle guard crossings and free-range cattle could be crossing the road, although they weren't close that day. The views of the canyon along the loop are picturesque. Around dusk or dawn it is very likely deer would be seen on or near the road, but we were there mid-afternoon.
On Wednesday, day 1 of all riding together, we head south and west on some great roads and I had my action camera ready to capture parts of the ride. (See Video)
After getting through and out of Kerrville we experienced very little traffic. TX 16 is in great shape and has plenty of sweepers and elevation changes. At Medina we turned west on Ranch Road 337. Whenever we saw the tall fences we would look for exotics, bison or other non domesticated animals of which we saw numerous over the days of riding.
I made a mistake and turned left at the intersection with Ranch Road 187 and ended up in Utopia long before we should arrive so we stop for a break. We heading back to Vanderpool and then continuing west on Ranch Road 337 which has nice elevation and scenic views of the surrounding area.
At Leakey we stopped for a fuel break before taking Ranch Road 1120 to Ranch to Market (RM) Road 1050 east towards Utopia and Lost Maples Cafe. RM 1050 was 14 miles with sweepers, tighter curves roller coaster elevation change and nice vistas.
In Utopia we pulled into Lost Maples Cafe, which was suggested by my friend Jerry. When I entered the cafe and before I could ask for a table for eight the host/waitress said "We have your table in the back." I asked was that for us and she stated she saw us pull up and tried to count how many of us there were and proceeded to prepare for us. The waitress was quick, friendly and had a good sense of humor. The food was very good and everyone enjoyed his meal. If you are in that area it's worth the stop. Those who had pie for dessert we pleased.
After lunch we took Ranch Road 470 east to Bandera and then north on Ranch Road 689 to the edge of Kerrville where we turned on TX 27 to Comfort. We rode through Comfort to Ranch Road 473 to Old San Antonio Road aka Old Tunnel State Park Road. At Grapetown we took Grapetown Road to Luckenbach.
After some time in Luckenbach we headed back to the house in Fredericksburg. So Day 1 with 220 miles of fun filled, grin inducing riding in the Hill Country was in the books. If you haven't ridden in that area of Texas put it on your bucket list.
See Day 1 Video and watch for the next post about day 2 and the video of day 2 which included riding the renown Three Twisted Sisters.
