Planning Thread: Austin to Big Bend, Texas

[Stichill_imp]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! redbirds and Frulk, I really appreciate your byway sightseeing tips...will definitely pad the itinerary with some of these stops!

[Blockhead_imp]

Really cool story Stichill! It’s great that you’re making it happen...

[Inhouse Bob]

I grew up in Houston and went to school in San Marcos. But I never really got out into the deep Hill Counrty. I really regret that. So take lots of photos to share at the rally. I look forward to meeting you there, Stich.

[junipash_imp]

This looks like a really fantastic trip. If weather allows it and you don't mind a bit of extra time on I-10, I would suggest going up through Ft. Davis to Balmorhea on the way back. There's the McDonald Observatory in Ft. Davis and the spring fed pools at Balmorhea State Park if it gets warm by late March.

If time doesn't allow for that, I would just suggest to make sure you go to the hot springs while in Big Bend. Really awesome spot to sit in a warm tub of water looking over the Rio Grande into Mexico. They're particularly nice around dusk and not too long of a drive from the Rio Grande Village campgrounds. I think there might even be a walking trail from there to the hot springs.

I've been out there several times by car and am about to get a CB1100 and get back into motorcycling so I hope I can make a trip like this soon as well! Ohhh I almost forgot... in Del Rio eat at Chinto's Super Taco. Excellent Tex-Mex!!! Hope you enjoy your time in my favorite state! : )

[Stichill_imp]

You guys are getting me even more wound up than I already am! How much longer till we ride?!

Thanks for more great tips, junipash! We always like to take a dip in a swimming hole or hot springs so that's awesome...didn't know they had a hot springs at Big Bend and I hadn't even heard of the ones at Balmorhea State Park. That will be even better if temps are on the chilly side and we're looking to warm up with a nice soak!

I'm a fan of star gazing so the Observatory sounds like a worthwhile detour as well. The Del Rio tip for Chinto's Super Taco is perfect! I think we'll be needing lunch and gas when we roll through there.

Inhouse Bob I'm looking forward to meeting you and the other forum riders at the rally too!

[redbirds_imp]

When in Vanderpool don't miss this neat motorcycle museum. You can get lunch there also but check for days that it's open'
http://www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/

Davis Mountains scenic loop is another treat.
https://fortdavis.com/wp-content/uploads...op-map.pdf

[Stichill_imp]

Here are links to some of the sights you guys have offered that I'm putting into the itinerary:

[url=https://goo.gl/maps/91SDomx2fuF2]Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

[url=https://goo.gl/maps/xC7KBbWXfNp]Willow City Loop

[url=http://www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com]Lone Star Cycle Museum
[url=https://goo.gl/maps/rbpLeTdoucy]Vanderpool, TX

[url=https://fortdavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/scenic-loop-map.pdf]Davis Mountains Scenic Loop
[url=https://goo.gl/maps/uvi41Rmr8M12]Ft. Davis, TX

Thanks, redbirds!

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[url=https://realalebrewing.com/brewery/tap-room-tours/]Real Ale Brewing Company (50th largest brewery in the US)
Blanco, TX

Thanks, Frulk!

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[url=https://goo.gl/maps/sLdvprFFGyL2]McDonald Observatory
[url=https://goo.gl/maps/uvi41Rmr8M12]Ft. Davis, TX

[url=https://goo.gl/maps/gkr5Z5jZGnG2]Balmorhea State Park
San Solomon Spring swimming pool

Thanks, junipash!

[Stichill_imp]

Summary of travel tips going into the itinerary, continued:

[url=https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/soakinthesprings.htm]Big Bend Hot Spring @ [url=https://goo.gl/maps/JRvwzpnkaQN2]Hot Springs Historic Trail

[url=https://www.facebook.com/Chintos-Mexican-Restaurant-120201841462941/]Chinto's Super Taco
[url=https://goo.gl/maps/Tb5TcFVsd9o]Del Rio, TX

Thanks, junipash!

[Stichill_imp]

Weather's looking to be ideal now that it's starting to appear on the [url=https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/10-day-weather/austin-tx-78703]10-day Weatherbug forecast for Austin, Texas.



Here's the [url=https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kvtg3m9KkzgZ712FoZDnRyADQgRyJjHk&usp=sharing]ride plan as it now stands.



Man I'm ready to !! Weather's been unseasonably cold here with surprise black ice and fiercely blowing snow flurries. I got a taste of the weather to come when I was in Gudalajara, Tequila, and Querétaro México on business last week. Absolutely delightful temperatures under sunny skies all week.

[Cormanus]

Mexico and Tequila look just lovely.

So does the ride plan.