Hillcountry

Texas Hill Country

by Larry Gore

Most people have an unrealistic image of what Texas is like, they have remember too many “cowboy movie” images of wagon trains moving across flat expanses of treeless plains.

When you think of riding great mountain roads with challenging hills and curves and one incredible view after another, you normally wouldn’t think of Texas. Well, think again.

The area known as the “Texas Hill Country” stretches roughly from San Antonio to Austin and then westward for about 100 miles. The roads range from the mild – gentle hills and sweeping curves – to the wild -don’t let your concentration lapse for a second.

White limestone cliffs form distinctive backdrops to the cypress-lined banks of spring fed crystal clear rivers. The scenic views are awesome as you enjoy the hills, curves and “twisties”.

There so many wonderful roads that planning a visit to the area can seem overwhelming. In this guide we have focused on three basic loop rides; Bandera, Kerrville and Fredericksburg.

Each ride can easily take up an entire day if you choose to sight see, shop and enjoy the many restaurants and watering holes, and if you have more time check out the recommended side trips.

Tip: Some of these segments are in very remote areas. Gas stations can easily be 50 miles apart and they don’t operate “24/7”. With this in mind top off your tank frequently.

Tip: Cell phone service is generally available but, depending on who your service provider is, you will probably find some “dead spots”.

Tip: Many of these rides, especially in the hills, are just as exciting if you run them a second time in the opposite direction. The ride and the views seem totally different when done from the opposite direction.

The Texas Hill Country

Our favorite way to enjoy the Hill Country is to stay in Kerrville and explore the various trips from there. Kerrville, centrally located, is an easy day’s ride for any of the trips listed.

Where to Stay: YO Ranch Resort Hotel 830-257-4440 2033 Sidney Baker Kerrville, Texas 78028 (just South of I-10 at exit 508)

Named after the YO Ranch at Mountain Home this is a very large, very nice resort hotel with all the amenities. The 2-story Ranch-style buildings offer privacy and the ability to park your motorcycle where you can see it from your room. The restaurant offers some outstanding menu items and the pool is a welcome sight after a long day of riding. On most nice weekends there are dozens of motorcycle riders using the YO as a base from which to explore the Hill Country.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall are best. The summertime can be pleasant in the Hill Country especially riding early or late in the day. Plan on spending the hottest part of the day in the Guadalupe River.

Getting There: Kerrville is on I-10 West about 60 miles Northwest of San Antonio. We have included maps and directions to help you plan your trip. We use the YO Ranch Resort Hotel as the starting point for all trips from Kerrville.