2011 Hill Country Solo Run

[jsb223]

July 2011 Hill Country

I usually take a week off in mid July but I could only get two days this year so
I decided to head south the ride the 3’s again. It has been 3 years since my first
trip down and with the Arkansas 2010 and Grand Canyon 2011 trip under my belt
I was wanting ride this area again

I decided that leaving early would be my best chance to get some miles in
before the heat would catch up to me each day.

The plan was to leave at 7am each morning and be at the day’s destination by 3pm.

First Stop was Lake Belton Dam. They have a nice overlook area.

Lake Belton

The marina across the lake (zoomed)

No scenic overlook area at Stillhouse Hollow so

And the lake

A boat ramp on the south side on the lake. There is a marina over there across the water.

The marina zoomed in. The features on this new camera are pretty good.

This is near Castell, I think it’s called Scott’s Crossing.

The water was very clear, there were fish jumping all over.

Another water crossing, can’t remember where.

Had to get another bike shot in there.

Mini Monument on 377 North of Junction.

Settled in to the motel by 3pm, dinner at Coopers, tasty adult beverage and early to bed.

On 377 towards Telegraph the next morning.

And directly behind me was.

The moon was setting and the sun was rising and it was going to be a great day for riding.

Llano River State Park

Oh yes there is an entrance fee.

These guys did’nt pay so I hung out here.

More water in the river than I expected.

The water crossing on 377.

I don’t remember a scenic overlook on this highway.

I guess it’s scenic if you’re used to looking through a chain link fence.

Stuck the lens through the wire, probably some sort of crime.

I swear he was dead when I found him, fresh road kill, had I been in my
truck I would have had a nice trophy mount for the house.

On 55 headed towards Barksdale.

There is a windmill on the horizon.

Windmill zoomed in

As soon as a got on 335 running south to north I got behind a cattle trailer and pickup.
So I did a U turn and waited for about 5 minutes to let them get ahead of me.

Ran the entire length and never saw another car. I did pass on couple on a cruiser.

Here is the north end FM sign. I have a picture of my ZRX in front of the same sign.

To be continued…

 

[jsb223]

Now I have one in front of the RR 336 sign.

An overlook on 336, a section of this road has been paved since my last trip, it was nice a smooth.

The valley between 335 and 336.

And zoomed in on the lake.

I tried get in free at Garner SP and Lost Maples SP. I explained I was just moving
through and taking pics but the rangers would not have any of that. Maybe I need to
try in the off season.

This is my lunch stop just outside of Bandera, I think this is the Medina River.

And the actual river.

Simply beautiful.

The bike again at an official overlook. No fence this time.

This is the Guadalupe River just off 39, I crossed it in various stages several times.

I was not supposed to stop here.

I saw jerky signs so I stopped at the Garven store. They were out of elk jerky so I bought beef, turkey, and buffalo.

An overlook on the way into Junction but you can’t see much.

Off to the side I zoomed in on the Junction bridge.

A cross on the hillside behind the no trespassing sign.

And a worn American flag.

To be Continued.

 

[jsb223]

That night after some of the worst mexican food I ever ate I tried to get a good pic of the moon…this is the 40x digital zoom…

I was a bit hazy the next morning and wildlife was moving at a pretty consistent pace so it was a bit nerving.

Sunshine on a hillside

783, 648 and 965 are all great riding roads.

I did not know at the time but this is Enchanted Rock.

At Enchanted Rock I was allowed a free 20min look-see pass.

The entrance.

And some hikers making the climb. Taken from 965 outside the park.

I had to stop for a break.

I had to wait for the wind to raise the flag.

Now let me tell you, the gravel road to Colorado Bend State Park is not bike friendly. But I arrived without incident.

The Colorado was low and smelly.

And there were still people enjoying the cool water.

A someone waiting on a easy meal.

I got a good burger and the Bend Store and cooled off here for a while to make the run back to Waco.

Wildlife in Bend Texas.

And a few remnants of life.

And some fold art.

And the birds.

Sitting.

On a dinner date

This is on Bald Knob Road looking south.

Maybe I was not supposed to be here.

Back at the house by 3pm.

3 easy days of riding about 300 miles a day

About 900 miles total for the trip.

 

[GSer]

Thanks for the report! Those areas are my favorite in Texas. I enjoyed seeing the photos of the different places, and it gave me some ideas for weekend rides. I also enjoyed it because I have the same GS you do.

 

[Bear on a bicycle]

Nice pics!!! Looks like a great trip.

 

[The Bruce]

Should have strapped the head on the pillion seat.

Nice report.

 

[Tom]

Suweat!. Thinking about a little walk about out there next month.

You have wet my appetite.

 

[Jbay]

good ride, glad you took some time to look around and take some photos

 

[achesley]

Nice! Have not been to that area of Texas in too many years. May have too when it gets , like, winter.

 

[Spook]

October is nice