The state of Texas, especially its central hill country, provides different and challenging terrains for beginning and experienced bicycle riders. Guided bicycle tours of the Texas countryside can range from a few miles to 80 miles. Texas parks, with their selection of creeks, mountainous areas and winding trails, are a rich source of adventure for bike riders. With all these options, there's a bike tour for every rider, regardless of preferred length or experience.
Winter Rides
Even during the winter months of January and February, low temperatures in Texas remain moderate. Partly because of this temperate climate, many biking tours and events take place in winter. The Freeze Your Fanny Tour, which begins in Longview, east of Dallas, gives participants a choice of biking routes from 10 to 60 miles long. The tour fee benefits East Texas Lightning Special Olympics. The Humble Lions Ride in February raises money for handicapped children. Entrants can choose the length of the ride, up to 79 miles. The ride starts at the Humble Civic Center in the town of Humble, near Houston.
Cycling Tours of the Hill Country
Texas Hill Country, in the central region of the state, consists of hilly terrain punctuated by long, empty roads and fields of wildflowers. Intermediate and advanced cyclists can take a guided tour of the Hill Country via Bike Escapades. This seven-day tour helps bikers explore 30 to 60 miles of the Hill Country per day. The Hill Country Bicycle Touring Club hosts the Fredericksburg Fall Foliage Frolic every October. The club offers tours of various lengths through the Hill Country and the town of Fredericksburg, stopping in the historic town to browse at shops or explore the Enchanted Rock, a 425-foot granite boulder.
Gulf Coast Cycling
Texas Gulf Coast cyclists can enjoy scenic views of harbors, wildlife and migratory birds while biking in the city's parks and other trails. The two-day, weekend Bike Around the Bay in October benefits the Galveston Bay Foundation, a conservation organization, and ends just outside of Baytown on Sunday.
Urban Tours
The two largest cities in the Lone Star State have yearly organized cycling tours.
The Tour de Houston started in 2005 as a way for cyclists to view all of the city's neighborhoods. Participants can choose from 20-, 40- or 70-mile rides beginning and ending at Houston City Hall. Tour Dallas, a corporate-sponsored event, begins at Dallas City Hall, and finishes on Marilla Street, by the rapid transit station.
Considerations
Always inspect your bicycle before beginning a tour. This is important when biking in sparsely populated rural areas, where it's harder to find help if you break down. Adjust the seat until it's comfortable enough for a long ride. Some avid cyclists prefer recliner bikes for longer rides. Also called recumbents, these bikes have bucket seats with foot pedals in front of the rider, like an easy chair. According to Bicycling Life, recumbent bikes reduce repetitive injuries and allow cyclists to admire the Texas countryside instead of looking at the ground when biking.
Member Comments