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Texas Hill Country Wildflowers, 7 Days - Apr. 5-11 "It is a terrific trip, and I was very excited to get to know another corner of this country, not only geographically, but also culturally....the little ranch roads were a delight to bike on, the flowers, the quaintness of some spots."- Irmgard D. - Bethesda, Maryland "The routes were perfect. The sites were truly inspired slices of Texana. The whole week was full of cinematic moments"- Bill T. - Merchantville, New Jersey
Terrain: Generally hilly with areas of flat terrain. Trip has been designed to minimize major hills, allow for trips of various lengths and provide adequate van support to make this trip comfortable for bikers who want shorter mileage, while allowing ample scope for advanced level bikers Average Daily Mileage: 30-60 miles for base routes with shorter and longer options available. Logistics: Trip begins and ends in
Other Activities: Visit Texas wineries, wildflower farms and old Texas towns of Comfort, Luckenbach, Bandera, Utopia, Kerrville and Fredericksburg.
Costs: $1,995, double occupancy. The trip price includes six nights accommodation in the best available hotels, B&Bs and inns; all breakfasts, five dinners, three picnic lunches and snacks; round trip transportation from Austin to Fredericksburg, van support and luggage transfers; guides knowledgeable about local conditions; and route notes and maps. Single Supplement: $425 Bike Rental: $150 hybrid bike, $165 road bike including 27 speed bike, helmet, water bottle and lock. Itinerary
Sunday, April 5: Becker's Winery to Comfort: From our meeting point in Austin, we'll whisk you straight into the heart of the Texas Hill Country as we begin the tour with an interesting and unique diversion, a visit to Becker Vineyards, one of Texas's most acclaimed wineries. Then it's time to mount up and begin our ride to picturesque Comfort nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River and Cypress Creek. Following the path of the defunct F&N railroad, we ride the scenic Old San Antonio Road. We'll also ride through the iconic and legendary hamlet of Luckenbach, where "Everybody is Somebody." We stay at the historic Meyers on the Creek B&B, where you will have some time to explore the antique shops in Comfort. Meals provided: (L), (D)
Monday. April 6: Comfort to Bandera: Take a stroll through the historic town of Comfort, where almost the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. Then as we resume our journey, we meander along backcountry lanes to Center Point and along the peaceful banks of Verde Creek to the historic Camp Verde Store. From there, its up and over Bandera Pass and down into the Medina River Valley to the colorful town of Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." Situated on the Medina River, Bandera still maintains its frontier heritage and the cultural influence of the large Polish community that settled the town. Also, in case you somehow didn't notice, Bandera County is known as the "Switzerland of Texas." (B), (L), (D)
Tuesday, April 7: Bandera to Utopia: Today we ride over Tarpley Pass as we cross from the Medina River valley into Sabinal Canyon en-route to Utopia. As we cross from one river floodplain to another, our route includes some of the most spectacular scenery in the Hill Country high atop the Edwards Plateau. Crystal-clear rivers and springs, deep canyons and exotic wildlife ranches are characteristic of the area. Our cozy accommodations near the friendly village of Utopia are right on the beautiful tree-lined Sabinal River, where we often take a swim. Our accommodations and meal are at the local resort in Utopia. (B), (D)
Wednesday, April 8: Utopia to Kerrville: Our route wanders along the lovely Sabinal River for ten or more peaceful miles before passing through Vanderpool and by Lost Maples State Natural Area. Then it's time to climb up onto the "high lonesome". We'll be ridge running along semi-arid grasslands before diving down into the headwaters basin of the south fork of the Guadalupe River. In those final, twisting miles through Hunt and into Kerrville you'll cross the Guadalupe no fewer than fourteen incredibly spectacular times. At the end of the day, refuel yourself in Kerrville's finest surroundings, the Inn of the Hills Conference Resort. (B), (D)
Thursday, April 9: Kerrville to Fredericksburg: Leaving Kerrville, we quickly exit the main thoroughfare to travel some of the most peaceful back roads in the state. Settled by German homesteaders in the 1840's, the area is more reminiscent of Europe than the USA, with its distinctive limestone farmhouses, narrow country lanes and even a Texas ghost town or two. We emerge from this tranquility in historic Fredericksburg, where you'll have the remainder of the day to enjoy the town's captivating charm. You'll stay in select B&B accommodations, chosen for their character and distinction. (B)
Friday, April 10: The Willow City Loop: We'll conclude our adventure in a spectacular fashion by saddling up for one of the finest rides in the state - the incredible Willow City Loop. And to prove that getting there is half the fun, we start with a spin down the quiet and scenic Crabapple Creek Road. After lunch at a favorite winery nearby, we'll cruise the loop, often cited as one the state's most scenic routes, especially for wildflower aficionados. Afterwards, we will enjoy our final banquet and experience the culinary delights of one of our favorite gourmet restaurants. (B), (L), (D)
Saturday, April 11: Return to Austin: Following a tasty breakfast, we'll shuttle you back to Austin in our private coach for your departing flight home or on to your accommodation there. (B)
Making Reservations: Submit your deposit online or send us a deposit of $400 via mail to hold the reservation. Payment for the balance due is required at least six weeks before the start of the trip. You can pay via credit card by phone or mail a check.
Checks payable to Bike Escapades LLC should be sent to:
Bike Escapades
64 Webster Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: 877-880-2453
Email: tours@bikeescapades.com
Refund Policy: We will refund all but $200 of your deposit or other payments made to Escapades if you cancel at any time up to six weeks before the start of the trip. Because of hotel cancellation policies and other logistical considerations, we will not refund your deposit or any other payments if you cancel for any reason six weeks or less before the start of the trip. In the unlikely event that Escapades cancels your trip, all payments made by you to Escapades for this trip will be refunded in full. Miscellaneous : Email a Friend |
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