- Joined
- Sep 22, 2006
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- 2,693
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- Location
- Castroville, Texas
- First Name
- Sander
A Texas Adventure Riders Association
San Antonio Chapter Event
What?
A 200-mile adventure motorcycle ride entirely within Medina County, Texas. Saturday, January 18, 2020.
The main route for 2020 has been shorten to 200 miles, also posted are 250 and 300 mile routes, still within Medina County, for those that want more mileage.
This is a self-guided GPS ride, start a group or join one, as the ride is self-guided.
The routes start and end at the Alsatian Steinbach House Park in Castroville, Medina County, Texas. For 2020 the route will run clockwise.
*You determine your start time, and the route you ride.
I plan to ride the 200 mile route, my group will depart from the Alsatian Steinbach House Park about 10a after the 9a breakfast @ Sammy's Restaurant, next door. I plan to arrive about 830a or so for breakfast.
Of course those riding one of the longer routes should KSU earlier.
The ride and gathering is all about fun, camaraderie and being safe.
Some rides will focus on completing the route, while others will just relax and ride to their cut off time and head home.
Previous ride reports - 2019 2018 2017
A weather date decision will be made at least by the Wednesday before. Edit 1/17/20 7:36am, the ride is on!
Start and end location image - The visitors center is located at the Alsatian Steinbach House Park, an Alsatian house that was originally from Wahlbach, France.
Breakfast - Saturday 1/18/20 @ 9a
Meet for breakfast at Sammy's Restaurant in the backroom, just across Lower LaCoste road from the Alsatian Steinbach House Park.
202 US Highway 90 East
Castroville, Texas 78009
Phone: 830-538-2204
www.sammysrestaurant.com
I'll be handing out unofficial V Medina County 200 Adventure Motorcycle Ride starter stickers at breakfast at Sammy's Restaurant and at the start location, Alsatian Steinbach House Park.
Pre-ride dinner - Friday night 1/17/20 @ 7p
Taqueria San Juan
1012 U.S. 90
Castroville, Texas 78009
(830) 931-2355
Map
Post-ride dinner - Saturday evening 1/18/20 @ 530p
Fremdes
307 Lafayette St
Castroville, Texas 78009
www.fremdes.com
I plan on having dinner at Fremdes Pizza after the ride if anyone wants to join in, about 530p. They have live music both Friday and Saturday night. https://www.fremdes.com/about-fremdes/
Another option is Cora's up FM 471 known for "The Best Nachos in Texas". Or to feel like you are in Europe, Alsatian Restaurant.
If a non-riding companion needs something to do while you are out riding click HERE
Parking @ your own risk and liability
The Alsatian Steinbach House Park, Castroville Regional Park or Castroville Park and Ride are options for parking for those that are trailering over. Riders have parked at Sammy's in past, they several have no parking signs posted regarding unattended vehicles, ask first, park there at you own risk.
Lodging
The Hotel Alsace & Spa, now Hillside Texas.
Camping is available at the Castroville Regional Park, 816 Alsace Street, on the Medina River.
$10.00 per tent per day, with access to restroom/showers.
RV $35.00 + 10% discount for seniors and members of recognized RV clubs (daily only) call for more information 830-931-0033.
All park and RV reservations to made at City Hall. Full payment is due at reservation. Castroville City Hall 1209 Fiorella St (830) 931-4070
Castroville Regional Park Regulations, Rules and Guidelines
V Medina County 200 Adventure Motorcycle Ride Map
Route information - *Disclaimer, I built the routes on my computer using the Roads of Texas map book as my guide which is the best and most accurate I have used, but not perfect, and Furkot's mapping program. So the routes may not be 100% accurate. I do not pre-ride the routes; it's an adventure for me also. Road closures, legal status, road conditions and routing of county roads can change. If in doubt, turn around and find another route - DO NOT trespass. If a landowner says you are on private property, don't argue; politely ask for directions to get back to a public road.
About Medina County, it is immediately west of Bexar County in southwest Texas
Ride plan & Rider etiquette
When I lead a group I don’t stop for lunch in a restaurant, I'm in the office all week so when I'm on a ride I want to spend as much time as possible in nature. I plan a stop about midway out in the country for snacks or a sandwich I bring with me, there is also the planned fuel stop(s) to pick up a snack.
I stop at every corner without a clear / obvious direction to continue and wait for the entire group to make sure the last rider sees the proper way to go, there is NEVER a need to ride above your comfort level to keep up, if I'm leading I won’t leave you.
I encourage riders to spread out to avoid the dust, no need for anyone to ride in the dust. The daisy chain method also works well, especially when its extremely dusty to keep the group even more spread out, the rider in front of the other makes sure the rider behind makes the corner and so on until the sweep rider makes the corner. As long as each rider in front the other takes responsibility for the rider behind no one gets lost.
Please tell someone in the group if your plans change and you decide to break off from the group, that prevents you being searched for.
Road closures, legal status, conditions and routing of county roads is constantly changing.
If in doubt, turn around and find another route - DO NOT trespass. If a landowner says you are on private property, don't argue, politely ask for directions to get back to a public road.
Safety
AGATT
Having your emergency contact information on you and having that information readily available is critical. This is important not just for group rides but everyday. Even though you may have a buddy along on the ride you may get separated on the road.
At minimum:
Name
Your street
Your town, state, zip code
Driver's license # & state
Emergency contact
Emergency phone
I taped mine on the bottom of the visor of my dual sport helmet, I also taped another on the back side of my fairing near the dash. The important thing is that it is easy for anyone to find.
Adventure / dual sport roads are disappearing due to pavement or closures, etc. Respect landowners and other road users, slow down and ride quietly when passing, people, vehicles, animals, homes, etc.
After the Ride thread
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