Awesome Roads in Texas Hill Country - Day 1

 

Texas is a big state and has a lot of different topology, climates and geographical regions.  One of my favorite regions to ride in is the Texas Hill Country.  The Edwards plateau, limestone hills, changing elevation (500 to 2400+ feet), numerous rivers, big ranches, little ranches and a lot of ranches raising exotic mammals are just part of what makes the region unique.  

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.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!
 

Viking Bags - Quality saddlebags and luggage for your motorcycle travels

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

HOME

First Ride of 2026 and First After Surgery!

 

The sheep in Tennessee country were curious when I stopped by

 

This may be a lot later than most riders in the southern states of North America, but I went on my first motorcycle ride in 2026 and the first after my aortic heart valve replacement.  Wow, it felt great!

In August 2025 my family doctor heard a heart murmur.  No other doctor had every mentioned hearing a murmur so it was new development.  A echocardiogram was ordered.  Two weeks later the doc is telling me I have stenosis in my aortic valve (stenosis is narrowing and stiffening of the valve) which is not good.  

A trip to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee for more tests and consultation took place.  We were told I had a bicuspid valve, which is a birth defect, instead of a normal tricuspid valve and it would eventually fail.  A replacement was needed.

October 22 at 5:30am I checked in for a mini aortic heart valve replacement and later that day I awoke with a new bovine heart valve.  Recovery was slow at first but in the last six weeks I have progressed well and have gained endurance and strength.  So it was time for a ride!

A sunny day and an old country church made for my first 2026 ride photo stop

Fun ahead!  No straight roads on this ride

 

February 2, 2026 was sunny and temperatures rose to the upper 40's.  I geared up for a short ride after the longest period without riding since I first started riding motorcycles in March of 2004.  I headed to a nearby road that I enjoy and I could not stop smiling.  The Indian operated like it should and I enjoyed the curves with confidence.

Although it was a short jaunt, by design, it made me feel good about my recovery and now I am looking forward to more days that are warmer and hopefully dry.  Today has been warmer, but rainy.

Short ride but a good one for the first after heart valve replacement surgery

I plan to get some more miles ridden before the end of March in preperation for a trip to the Texas Hill Country.  Some friends and I will be heading to the Texas Hill Country for four days of riding and then two days attending the MotoGP races at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin.  Of course we will ride the Three Twisted Sisters while in the Hill Country, eat Texas BBQ and some Tex-Mex!

It was great to be back on the motorcycle after 3+ months and I am so blessed the surgery and recovery has been successful.  I am also so blessed to have a wonderful, knowledgeable and caring wife to help me through it all, as well as supportive and prayerful children, family and friends.  Thank you all!

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

HOME

One of the Most Beautiful North Carolina Town to Visit!

Indeed, I understand that if you search for Chimney Rock online, you'll discover there are numerous places with that name worldwide, yet only one is located near Bat Cave! That's correct - Bat Cave, North Carolina, and unfortunately it has absolutely no connection to Batman or Robin.

The community would greatly benefit from visitors as they are still recovering from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in 2022.  

Located southeast of Asheville, NC, along the scenic US 74 Alternate.  Coming from Asheville once you pass the small town of Fairview, NC you will enjoy 10 twisty miles before entering the quaint town of Bat Cave.  Here you will find the entrance to Chimney Rock Park. Bat Cave gets its name from Bat Cave Mountain, which features a cave filled with numerous bats, quite interesting! This charming town boasts several shops and eateries.

The first time I visited Bat Cave we spent the night in Asheville, NC, ate breakfast before making our way towards Bat Cave and Chimney Rock. US 74 Alternate is a pleasant route. Once we were three miles out of Asheville, traffic was quite light. The ten-mile stretch from Fairview to Bat Cave is truly enjoyable, featuring several tight turns and six hairpin curves about four miles from Fairview. Having ridden the Tail of the Dragon twice the previous day, I found this ten-mile route almost equally exhilarating and far less congested, making it much less stressful and highly enjoyable, although shorter.

The second time I visited Bat Cave I led the group out and back from Almond, NC which allowed for a lot more curvy and scenic roads.   

If you look closely, you can spot some of the curves leading towards Bat Cave

 

 

Less than a mile ahead, you will encounter another set of curves with a slope, which, although not as sharp, have some delightful bends. Along the roadside, the beautiful yet invasive Kudzu climbs up the trees and mountainside unchecked.

Main Street, US 74, in Bat Cave

 

Upon our arrival in Bat Cave, we decided to explore a few shops and search for a place to grab an early lunch before heading to Chimney Rock. The quaint shops were full of character and enjoyable to browse. There were plenty of fellow bikers in town, indicating it’s a popular stop.

Chimney Rock viewed from Bat Cave

 Based on a recommendation from one of the shop owners, we chose to have lunch at the Riverwatch Deli and Grill. As the name suggests, you can relax on the back porch or deck while overlooking the Rocky River. We ordered our deli sandwiches and enjoyed them while gazing at the river and Chimney Rock above. The lunch was satisfactory, but nothing particularly memorable comes to mind; nonetheless, I would gladly dine there again.

We rode up to the park entrance, paid the admission fee, and began our ascent up the mountain. The ride was pleasant and shaded, with numerous pull-offs featuring picnic tables. Upon reaching the parking area, we decided to hike to Hickory Nut Falls, which is a remarkable 485-foot waterfall. We descended a series of steps leading to the actual trail.

Some of the steps guiding from the parking lot to Hickory Nut Trail

The trail spans 0.75 miles in one direction and is easy to navigate while providing ample shade. There are several spots to pause, relax, and take in the views of the surrounding mountains or the Bat Cave below. Near the end of the trail, we crossed a wooden bridge that led us to the base of the falls. It was quite beautiful, and I’m glad we took the time to trek the trail.

Hickory Nut Falls

After returning to the main parking area, we took the elevator up to the gift shop and bridge that leads to the top of Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock towers 315 feet above the base at the parking lot, reaching an elevation of 2,280 feet. Once we arrived at the gift shop and snack bar, we crossed the bridge to stand atop Chimney Rock. From there, we could see all of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, Bat Cave, and the surrounding areas.

Lake Lure as viewed from Chimney Rock

We also hiked to the Opera Box (a fantastic place to unwind) and up to view Devils Head, a rock formation resembling what we imagine the devil's profile to look like. It’s an intriguing formation.

Devils Head - reminds me of the Duke Blue Devil logo

We thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. The Chimney Rock Park website claims that one can see up to 75 miles from the peak of Chimney Rock. I can't speak to the exact distance, but it was an incredible day, with amazing sights, and definitely worth the visit.

Chimney Rock as seen from the Opera Box

Chimney Rock and Bat Cave, NC is worthy of visit.  You will enjoy the scenery and the roads as they twist, turn, rise and fall through the North Carolina foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

 

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

HOME

Epic Rocky Mountain Road You Must Ride

The Collegiate Range is vast and impressive

Located in central Colorado on US 24 (65 miles south of I70) sits Buena Vista. Buena Vista offers awesome views and access to many 14'ers (mountains 14,000 feet or higher) in the Sawatch Range.  It also provides the eastern approach to one of the highest and less traveled paved mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains.

Heading west out of Buena Vista on Colorado Highway 306 Mount Princeton towers to the south at an impressive 14,196 feet and to the north Mount Yale rises to 14,199 feet. The magnificent behemoths are members of the Collegiate Peaks range and beautiful valleys loaded with aspens abound.   The road leads to the Cottonwood Pass.  Historically Cottonwood Pass was the major crossing point for travelers and merchants.  For many years it was only paved on the eastern side, but in September 2019 the newly fully paved road on both sides of the pass opened.

The views are awesome

If one approaches the pass from Almont, on the west side of Cottonwood Pass, take Colorado Highway 742 and turn right on Colorado 209 after traveling approximately half way around Taylor Park Reservoir, which is a picturesque mountain lake with Grizzly Peak (13,433) and Jenkins Mountain (13,440) to the north of the reservoir. The paved connection between Buena Vista and Almont is 56.8 miles of curves, vistas, and access to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails and campsites.

Taylor Park Reservoir is surrounded by snow-capped mountains

Cottonwood Pass 12,126 feet

The average grade of the road is 4.1% but has a 6.1% grade at its steepest section. The road ascends 3970 feet from Buena Vista to the 12,126 feet at the top of the pass making it the second highest pass in the USA behind Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park which rises to 12,183 feet. At the summit the continental divide is crossed and breathtaking views of both sides of the divide can be enjoyed.

 

What a curve!  Looking east from the summit in July

 

Looking east from the pass as the sun is setting - mid June

The road is closed due to snow and/or ice during the colder months but typically open late May till late October or early November. Colorado road closures can be found HERE.

The ride is smile-inducing and the views are world class. Wildlife viewing is always a possibility especially in the earlier morning hours or as the sun sets, caution is advised. The road is popular with bicyclists so be alert.

Buena Vista has a lot of lodging and eating options. 18 miles north of Almont on highway 135 Crested Butte, another beautiful mountain town, has a lot of options or 10 miles south on highway 135 is Gunnison which also has plenty of options.

 

My brother-in-law, Jeff and I at the pass

Western view from the pass in July

 

Cottonwood Pass will not disappoint, but be prepared. 

Some Travel Tips from the Road

Best time to go: Late June through early October. The road usually closes in winter, and snow can linger well into May. Fall is absolutely stunning with the aspens turning.

What to bring: A light jacket (even in summer, it can get chilly up top), water, and snacks. If you’re into hiking, there are trailheads along the way — toss in some boots.

Keep an eye out: Wildlife is common, especially in the early morning and at sunset. Elk, deer, and sometimes bears wander nearby. And remember, cyclists love this road — give them space.

Food + fuel stops: Grab coffee or a burrito in Buena Vista before heading up. On the west side, Crested Butte has tons of great restaurants (plus that mountain-town charm), while Gunnison is bigger and has plenty of practical options.

Photo ops: Don’t miss the pullouts near the summit. The views of both sides of the Divide are the kind of thing you’ll want on your camera roll forever

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

HOME

A Wyoming Road That is a Must Ride For Motorcycle Riders

The Rocky Mountains stretch from New Mexico to western Canada for 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) and is full of great roads that twist through, over and around the mountains.  Inspiring vistas, expansive valleys, meandering rivers and abundant wildlife can be see along the way.

 

Taylor Park Reservoir in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado

 

I have been blessed to ride many, but by no means all, of the Rocky Mountain roads, some paved and a few not paved.  All have unique traits, charm and of course views.

One in Wyoming that I have greatly enjoyed on two different occasions, once as I lead a group to Yellowstone National Park for six days and again when a friend and I were heading to Glacier NP then on to Alaska.  The  scenic road travels north of Cody, WY to US 212 aka Beartooth Pass (which is also a delightful and breathtaking ride).  So in reality combining the two roads makes for an awesome ride full of views and curves.

Surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway aka WY 296 starts 17 miles north of Cody off WY 120.  Turning west the byway curves left and begins to rise and fall for the next few miles before beginning to ascend up to Dead Indian Summit Overlook at 8,071 feet (2,460 meters).  The overlook is 13 miles from WY 120 and is worthy of a stop to soak in the amazing view of some of the most pristine Wyoming landscape. 

Breathtaking vista from the overlook

  

From the overlook one can see the Absaroka Mountains to the west, to the north the Beartooth Mountain Range and the Clarks Fork River down below.   

Absaroka Mountains

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway winds off Dead Indian Summit Pass

 

Overlook to the left and Dead Indian hill to the far right

 

Heading north from the overlook for 32.5 miles the scenic byway continues to provide smile inducing curves, switchbacks, elevation change and massive views until it intersects with US 212.  Turning left will take you to Cooke City, Montana and a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.  Turning right will lead up Beartooth Pass, pass Top of The World Store and on to Red Lodge, Montana.

If you get up to NE Wyoming or South Central Montana don't miss the opportunity to ride Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Beartooth Highway (closed in the winter).  You will be glad you did.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

HOME