The Texas Hill Country beckons...LATEST

[trip]

Get your stuff together guys and gals.....we meet in the Texas Hill country in about 2 1/2 weeks.

[chainsaw]

Ready, see you there.

[Cajunrider]

We'll see you all there. I'll be hitting Houston probably around 11 to noon. Is it better to follow I-10 straight through or to drop down on the 610 loop at that time of day? San Antonio will probably be a pain later in the afternoon.

[trip]

Well, not being from Houston, I would say your best bet would be to hit 610 and go around the downtown area to the North and pick up I-10 on the other side.

However, when you hit San Antonio, here is a suggestion.......coming in on I-10, go on Loop 410 on the south side of town and then go out Hwy 90 on the West side. After you go through Hondo, TX, take Hwy 127 North at Sabinal, TX. Stay on 127 until it hits Hwy 83 and continue North until you reach Leakey.

Of course, the countryside would be prettier staying on I-10 out of San Antonio and getting off at Boerne and going through Bandera, Medina and Vanderpool to get to Leakey, but it will probably take you longer.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Cajunrider]

Thanks Trip. That was my plan west of San Antonio. I hate hitting those big cities during rush hour but sometimes it can't be avoided.

[trip]

I'm certain that there were gas stations in Hondo. I've filled up there many times and Hondo is a big enough town to keep some stations open. But, I don't remember if there was gas available in Sabinal. By the map, it's 88 miles from Hwy 90 & Loop 410 to Leakey. So, be sure to at least gas up in Hondo.

Although it's not as bad as the Big Bend area, there are stretches of road in the Hill Country that you have to plan for as far as gas.

In the Big Bend area, a motorcyclist can find themselves literally out in the middle of nowhere with no possibility of fuel. If anyone ever travels to Alpine, TX by way of Hwy 90..... be aware that there is no fuel on Hwy 90 from Del Rio, TX to Sanderson, TX.... a 117 mile stretch. For a Nomad, that's no problem (even two up), but for many bikes, that can present a problem. When I traveled the Big Bend area on my Honda 750 years ago, I had a fuel range of 100 miles. I used to carry extra fuel cells with me in my bags.

I know I'm rambling, but I'm sure you're asking why anyone in their right mind would travel to Alpine from Del Rio on Hwy 90? Well, the answer is to stop and see Langtry, TX. That is the home of Judge Roy Bean, Law West of the Pecos.

[Cajunrider]

I don't foresee it but I don't want to be traveling between San Antonio and Leakey after dark. Mapquest says over 9 hours for the trip from here. I plan on leaving at around 6 am. That would give me about 13 hours of daylight riding. Shouldn't be a problem. I'm wondering if anyone is taking the same route that I am. I haven't heard of anyone coming in from Mississippi or Alabama heading for the Hill Country.

[trip]

Know what you mean Mitch. I wouldn't travel anywhere after dark in the Hill Country.

I'm leaving at 6am on Monday the 26th, too. It will take me about 9 1/2 hours to get to Leakey....that's with fuel and meal stops included. Total mileage for me is going to be 350 miles.

By the map, I show you have just over 600 miles to travel. I'm figuring that's about 10 hours......including fueling and eating. Of course, you're traveling interstate most of the way. Just a suggestion, but have you thought about leaving on Sunday and staying somewhere halfway? It might keep fatigue from setting in. Just a thought.

As of right now, noone is coming from MS., AL. or even MO. Maybe things will change at the last minute.

[Cajunrider]

I thought about it Trip. I would leave Sunday if the weather forecast showed bad weather on Monday along the way. Otherwise, we will leave early Monday morning and test our long range stamina.

[zoom45]

Can't make this trip. Got to work but I am going to Jacksonville, Fl this month (19-23) for work and on the bike if weather is ok.
Zoom45

[oldbikers]

Believe me if I could go I would :'( :'(

[chainsaw]

Trip, remind me to tell you of my story when visiting Langtry. By the looks of things there will probably be about six or seven of us there.

[ndbigfish]

Lets see: new rear tire, swing arm serviced, propeller shaft serviced, final drive serviced, spark plugs cleaned and re-gapped, carb cleaned, fuel filter replaced, new rear brake pads, rattling baffle fixed, oil & filter changed and saddlebag frame's paint touched up. Guess I'm about ready.

[paul]

Mitch, I-10 straight through is fine that time of day except for the construction on the east side of town. Your best bet is to go 610 North off of I-10 and follow it on around east until it comes back around into I-10 near the 290 juncture. Don't go South on 610, that is the long way.
Taking the 610 N route will also avoid the downtown interchange and there is rarely much traffic that time of day on 610. Ride safe and just watch the cagers as you pass the 45/610 interchange. They get a little crazy right there for some reason, and sometimes things slow down fast just before going past the 45 exits. Ride safe.

[Cajunrider]

Thanks for the Houston update. I'll take the 610-N and keep my eyes open for the crazies.