Austin to Terlingua

[ishouldbuyatacotruck_imp]

Hi y'all! I'm planning my first solo trip this fall from Austin to Terlingua. Nothing crazy, just over 1,000 miles round trip. Giving myself plenty of time to get there - I think this will be my route.

Day 1 - Austin to Del Rio
Day 2 - Del Rio to Terlingua
Day 3 - Tooling Around Big Bend
Day 4 - Terlingua to Rocksprings
Day 5 - Rocksprings to Austin



I'm looking through the forum to get recommendations for tank and tail bags, and I'm sure I'll post photos, but if y'all have any tips, I'd welcome them! I'm planning to hit the road in early November.

Some questions:
[ul] [li]What size extra fuel tank should I carry, if at all?[/li] [li]Best headphones?[/li] [li]Are our tires readily available? I'm so worried about a flat.
[/li][/ul]
Thanks y'all!

[redbirds_imp]

Should be an awesome ride. That part of Texas is beautiful and has some wonderful roads. Take a ride on 170 to Lajitas and west along the river.

[the Ferret]

Tourmaster and Cortech make some great magnetic tank bags and strap on tail bags, or you might consider a dry bag ($12 or $14 for the last one I bought) from Wally World and some rok straps to put across the back of your seat

I wouldn't think you'd need extra fuel but I'm not familiar with the area. make extra gas stops if you have to ie: don't pass up a gas station if you are the least bit worried about running out.

Our tires are not readily available. If you are not familiar with the procedure for fixing a flat on the road or have a plug kit and compressor. At least join the AMA or AAA to get some tow coverage to the nearest dealership.

[The A-man]

I'd also recco Tourmaster saddle bags. Easy on and off plus lots of storage space.

[Cormanus]

Bose QC20 in ear noice cancelling ear phones. They kill two birds with one stone. A dry bag’s as good as anything. SW Motech make good ones, but they’re more than $15.

[redbirds_imp]

I bought one of the inexpensive dry bags from WalMart and it worked just fine. As ferret stated, the Cortech-Tourmaster luggage is moderately priced and does the job.

[Stichill_imp]

Three buddies and I did a very similar ride out of Austin in March of 2018. I posted a ride report [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=12371]here if you'd like to review.

Would highly recommend the Marathon Motel in Marathon, TX and dinner at the 12 Gage Restaurant if you're in the mood for some fine cuisine.



If the weather is nice you can take a dip in the Rio Grande here.



Would definitely ride 170 west of Terlingua to Presidio through Big Bend State Park. Best time to see it is in the morning with the sun at your back.

[GoldOxide_imp]

How does one "wall" all that in?

[Stichill_imp]

How does one "wall" all that in?

Don't need to in this sector. Nature is formidable enough in the form of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Santa Elena Canyon and Escarpment. From what I saw, nobody's walking across this part of the border. If somebody does manage to cross the desert, they're going to have a problem at the checkpoints well north of the border, positioned along every route that heads out of the area.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Ah, checkpoints ... how practical.