Motorcycling in the Texas (TX) Hill Country - Topic Profile by Cofran's Texas Hill Country Portal

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Cofran's Texas . . .
Hill Country Portal

Email: info@hillcountryportal.comWeb: www.HillCountryPortal.com

A Powerful Information Database & Gateway Service for the Texas Hill Country

MOTORCYCLING
IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

The Hill Country has is one of the most popular and most beautiful riding areas in the country. Scenic highways and back roads, a biker-friendly community and definitely heavy biker places to visit make this a Mecca for those who live to ride.

Be sure to check out the detailed profile page in this Portal site for each town to see their event calendar and more detail on fun things to do in the area.

Best to check their web site or call them to get the latest details.

To keep this labor intensive web page going, we need your advertising support. In return, you will get great web exposure and likely some new business. We hope. Let us know and please support our advertisers.

Be sure to check our comprehensive Portal Calendar of Events for motorcycle-related events.

For directory listings by city or topic profile, click: Index of Cities & Focus Topics

We welcome submission of updates, additions, corrections & digital photos, without compensation.

QUICK INDEX: Background & Maps, Bikes For Sale, Safe Riding Guide, Biker Joints, Web Resources & Links, Texas DPS MC License & Resources, Dealers, Repair & Accessories, Rentals, Vendor Services, Events & Rallies, Loops & Rides, Lodging,
Top of Page, Portal Home Page & Main Index

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

You have to know where you will be riding, so here are some helpers:

We have a complete section devoted to the definition of the Texas Hill Country and a number of useful maps. See Definition & Maps

LOCAL BIKES FOR SALE

As a service to our biker friends, you can advertise your bike and related "stuff" on this web site. See pricing details by clicking the Advertise button on the left on this page.

To see what is available, click: For Sale

If you want to list your bike or biker items, see the rules on the For Sale page, check the pricing page and send in your info.

EDITOR'S GUIDE ON SAFE RIDING IN THE HILL COUNTRY

GAS: There are virtually no gas stations between towns in the Hill Country. There are few places to stop for a cold beverage and even fewer have anything to eat or a public restroom. Plan accordingly.

DEER: Deer will run at you and in front of you. Deer are amazingly fast, and will change direction toward you before you can say "Oh, sh..". Other frequent 4 legged monsters include cattle, wild pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, armadillos, skunks, turtles, and who knows what else. The more mass it has the more damage, pain, and expense it will cause. Even buzzards can be a serious hazard when they are feasting on road kill. When you see one deer, there are always more deer in the group. Look out!

CATTLE: Some back roads have "Open Range" or "Loose Cattle" signs, meaning that cattle and goats are loose on the road. Big longhorns and dairy cattle are also amazingly fast, and when spooked can come into your path quickly. They are much more agile than most folks think, and ten times the mass of a deer.

DUSK AND DAWN: This is the time when deer are most often seen in our roadways. They lounge in our motorspace and become very skitter-ish when you approach. Slow way down during dusk and dawn, be vigilant in scanning for big critters, and live to tell about the one that just missed you.

CATTLE GUARDS: May back roads have cattle guards embedded in the road surface, and while most are pretty smooth, a few will jar your bones and teeth. Some riders ease up in their seats when crossing these cattle guards so their backrest will not jab into their back.

LOW WATER CROSSINGS: There are many dips in the roads where the cross creeks. Many creeks drain water from the fields under the road dips, as well as OVER the road surface. Those that are often wet are usually very slippery and very wet. I have never seen a warning. Best to slow down to a crawl and keep very steady, with just a tiny positive push on the throttle. any more gas than just to maintain a steady speed may cause your rear tire to spin on the slick surface and you will loose control and possibly go down. your rider should be warned to not make any movements while going through low water crossings. I still think these should be called "high" water crossings.

FALLING ROCKS: Believe the signs. You don't want to hit rock on the road, or be hit by rock slides.

HAIRPIN TURNS: In most cases there will be a sign to alert you. Rarely not. Be safe and believe the posted speed on the turns. Watch for blind S-curves.

SQUARE, 90 DEGREE TURNS: On very rural back country roads, there are many absolutely sharp turns that follow property lines. Often without warning signs. Sometimes with drainage water on the road. Look out!

ON-COMING VEHICLES OUTSIDE THEIR LANE: Be especially alert for on-coming vehicles reaching into your lane, especially on the tight turns and narrow shoulders where there is little room for you to react. Day-dreaming tourists, big trucks, farm equipment, and yes, other bikers wander over the middle line. Not the best way to meet new folks!

VEHICLES TURNING INTO YOUR LANE: Always look for vehicles entering your lane from the right and turning left toward you. Always look for vehicles entering from your left and turning right and toward you but who sweep out into your lane.

BRAKING: Occasionally practice hard breaking to get the feel of when the brakes will lock up and what to do about it. If you ride double and loaded down, practice that way too. Never hit the front break too hard too soon or you will launch over the handle bars. For most conditions apply the breaks equally or with a bias toward the rear break.

SQUEEZE PLAYS:Spot the unintentional squeeze play with multiple vehicles were you are the odd vehicle out because they don't see you. This is especially true with big trucks and narrow roads with curbs, obstacles or no shoulder (meaning there is no easy exit route for you).

SCANNING AHEAD, ANTICIPATING & PLANNING: An absolute must for safe riding is to keep your eyes focused on the road ahead. Constantly scan and survey what is a good ways ahead of you, not just up close to your bike. Keep looking for threats, such as animals, bicyclists, vehicles, etc. that could become a problem. Adjust your speed accordingly. The faster you ride, the further out ahead you should be scanning, plus everything in between. The faster you ride, the more expensive and painful the damage will be to you and your bike when something goes wrong. More speed makes everything worse, including the amount of time available for you to react. Avoid distractive sight seeing. The driver's job is to be super vigilant about safety (your passenger can enjoy the scenery and tell you about it later). Mostly this means worrying about the other guy or animal who doesn't see you. Keep an occasional eye to the rear view mirror so you know what is coming up behind you in case you need to make a fast lane change. Think about what can go wrong, and how you would handle it. Mentally note safe exits from the road. Obsess about what you would do when there is no shoulder and you need to get out of the way.

LOOK THROUGH THE TURNS: Particularly with the hills and valleys and trees on the land forming the turns in the Hill Country, it is especially important to looks "through the turn" to catch the best glimpse you can of what lies ahead. Otherwise you might find yourself on top of a truck or tractor or cow and not have time to maneuver. Making a course adjustment while negotiating a turn is hairy enough, let alone doing it in an absolute panic situation. This is a good practice even when the turn is not blocked by objects . . look ahead, anticipate and plan your defensive move.

THE EASY PART: Keep you bike well maintained, especially focused on tire wear and tire pressure, and brakes. Have a cell phone, phone numbers and a plan for what to do if your bike breaks down.

MORE SAFETY RESOURCES:

Motorcycle Safety Foundation: www.msf-usa.org, A nonprofit organization that offers motorcycle safety courses to both beginning and experienced riders, plus lots of good motorcycle resources on their web site.

Happy Riding ! George Cofran, Editor ('04 Harley, Ultra Classic)

MOTORCYCLE/BIKER JOINTS IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

(Note: We used to list "biker-friendly" places here, defined as any place that you could rest your body and not be stared at or growled at for having leathers on or a doo rag. We kept adding and adding places to this growing list and finally realized that a biker can go just about anywhere in the Hill Country and frequent a place with no problems as long as you remain polite. Pretty much true about everything everywhere. So, this list now has been condensed to just those places that are truly biker joints. Definition: motorcycles out font and back, maybe some pickups, but no cars, vans, or SUVs. Yes, some light beer drinking, cool music playing, and maybe some pool players. Typically a rustic, dark bar. Most common question: Where y'all from? That's the basic definition. That simple.

OK, some want a little more description we are being told, so we have a spoke rating system (tell us if you think differently):

* = barely qualifies as a biker joint, too many cars and non-bikers;
** = your average good biker joint;
***= strictly a biker joint, only exception is during another hail storm.

Be sure to check the detailed profile we have for each town, large and small, in the Hill Country. The index to these towns is on the home page. See home page menu tab on upper left.

11th Street Cowboy Bar: 307 830-796-4849. 11th St, Bandera, TX. The Cowboy Bar is a unique cross between a neighborhood bar and the best country and western night club around. www.11thstreetcowboybar.com. Rating: * (tourists)

ACE CAFE, at Lone Star Motorcycle Museum: Hamburgers, Aussie meat pie, salads. Owners Allan & Debbie Johncock. Rating: ***

ALAMO SPRINGS CAFE: 830-990-8004; Alamo Springs, TX. Located just S of Grapetown, at 107 Alamo Rd, next to the "Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area" on Old San Antonio Highway, southeast of Fredericksburg. Texas Monthly Magazine Cover designated famous burgers, plus beer, shaded porch, and live music Fri & Sat nights. Open 11a-9p daily, closed Tue. Rating: **

ALBERT TEXAS ICE HOUSE: 830-644-2042; 5435 S RR 1623, Stonewall, TX 78671, but it is really in Albert TX. Good Songs, Cold Beer, Good Friends, and Tall Tales. An unusually beautiful setting with centuries old massive oak trees, great entertainment, for family fun and the coldest beer in Texas (they say).Bottled and draft beer, no food unless special outdoor cooking event. Open weekends only. Web: www.alberttexas.com. Rating: ***

ARMADILLO ICEHOUSE: 830-868-4215; 7792 E US Hwy 290, Johnson City, TX 78636. On US Hwy 290, S side, just east of the 290/281 intersection. No menu, some munchies, frozen pizza, indoor bar (bottled beer only), often music, outdoor deck area with tables. Very biker friendly. www.armadilloicehouse.com. Rating: ***

BANDERA SALOON: 402 Main St, Bandera, TX. 830-796-3699; www.banderasaloon.com. Rating: *

BENT RIM GRILL: At Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, above. Burgers, fries, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, no beer. Rating: ***

BLUE GENE'S COWBOY SPORTS BAR: 830-796-7144; 807 Main St, Bandera, TX; www.bluegenesbandera.com. Weekend live entertainment. Rating: * (tourists)

CAMP LIVE OAK: 830-232-4152. Leakey. www.campliveoak.com. Cabins and motorcycle camping. Voted Top 10 Best Motorcycle Lodging 4 years in a row by RTM. Rating: **

DALLY'S DOWN UNDER: 830-868-4200; 9097 Hwy 290, Henly, TX. On N side, just E of the 290/281 intersection. No menu, some munchies, frozen pizza, indoor bar (bottled beer only), often live music, well done outdoor area with tables. Rating: ***

D'ROSE INN & CABINS: 527 S US Hwy 83, Leakey TX 78873, 830-232-5246. www.droseinn.com. E-mail: drdeb@droseinn.com. Where peace and tranquility are reality. Lodging for motorcyclists and bicyclists only! You must be riding or have your bike on a trailer. Swimming pool, covered pavilion, picnic tables, BBQ grills. The ultimate in biker friendliness. Voted #1 in Motorcycle Trip Lodging by Ride Texas Magazine (2006 Best In Texas Rider's Choice Award). Owner/Innkeeper: Deb Rose, PhD. Rating: ***

DEVIL'S BACKBONE TAVERN: 830-964-2544; 4041 FM 32, Fischer, TX 78623. Rating: ***

FRIENDLY BAR BISTRO: 830-868-2182; 106 Nugent, Johnson City TX, 78636. Located near the Courthouse Square, this lovely bistro features Texas wines, local micro-brewed draft beer, easy listening music and live entertainment in a truly relaxing fashion. Food menu. Beer Garden. Live entertainment. Friendly friendly! Owners Tom & Cindy Talcott. 4p to close. Email: tom@friendlybarbistro.com. Web:www.friendlybarbistro.com. Biker Friendly. Picker Music on Sundays. Rating: *

FRIO CANYON MOTORCYCLE STOP: 830-232-6629. POB 753, 657 W RR 337 (1/2 mile W of Hwy 83), Leakey, TX 78873. Providing a comfortable gathering place for motorcycle enthusiasts. Motorcycle clothing, accessories, novelties. Spectacular views. Thurs-Mon: 10a-6p. Owners: Bob & Robin Albright. bikerstop@hctc.net. www.friocanyonmotorcyclestop.biz. 24 hour Roadside Assistance 866-735-5102. Rating: ***

KENNEDY'S HILL COUNTRY TAVERN: 31138 IH 10 W, Boerne TX; 830-755-5313; Thursday nite is Bike nite. It is just up the road from Javalina Harley so it's a good place to wait while your bike is being worked on. Cold beer and full service bar. Rating: *

GARVEN STORE: 27304 N. Hwy 83, Mountain Home, TX. Located 28 miles north of Leakey on Hwy 83 at Hwy 41 intersection, in Mountain Home (although there is NO town here). Biker Leathers!! Best prices you've ever seen!! Jackets, vests, caps, gloves, and goggles. Also out of this world BBQ brisket, jerky and dried sausage. Beer and wine available. Restrooms. Gas. Since 1932. One of the very few stops in the middle of nowhere. Visit online or call 830-640-3235. www.garvenstore.com. Rating: *

HARRY'S ON THE LOOP: 512-450-8239; 2732 RR 1323, Willow City, TX 78675. Located 13 mi N of Fredericksburg TX. Famous BBQ, bottled & draft beer, classic biker stop. Occasional entertainment. Rating: ***

HILLBILLYZ: 830-336-2101; 1931 Hwy 473, Boerne, TX 78006. www.hillbillyzoftexas.com. Biker bar. Rating: ***

(THE) HOG PEN: 830-279-8408; At corner of US 83 & RR337, Leakey. Open Tue-Sat, 9-5. Food: boudain, brisket, sausage. Dirty Earl's Squeaky clean car wash. Rating: *

KNOT IN THE LOOP SALOON: 830-685-3591; RR 1323 in Eckert, TX at Hwy 16 intersection, located 13 mi N of Fredericksburg TX. Kitchen food, beer, wine. Occasional entertainment. Gateway to Willow City. Owners: Wayne & Robin Nichols. Email: knotintheloop@aol.com. Web: www.willowcitytexas.com. Open: Thu-Sat, noon-late. Rating: ***

KOYOTE RANCH: 830-589-4695, 800-225-0991; 23233 Hwy 16 N, Medina, TX 78028. www.koyoteranch.com. RV sites, wireless internet, furnished cottages. This is a multi-mode facility, biker friendly, with cabins, and lots to do. Great biker group base camp. On Hwy 16 N of Bandera. Rating: *

LONG HORN SALOON: 1307 Main St, Bandera, TX. 830-796-3600. www.longhornsaloonbandera.com. Rating:*

LUCKENBACH: 830-997-3224. 1-888-311-8990; 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Stonewall, TX 78624. The history of Luckenbach, along with events that are happening and their favorite pickers, are included on their web site, including Willie, Waylon, and many more. Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach". Web: www.luckenbachtexas.com. Voted #2 of Favorite Small Towns, by RTM. Rating: ** (It would be a *** if it weren't for all the tourists in SUVs).

(THE) LUG NUT SALOON: 830-964-6111; 11285 FM 306, New Braunfels, TX 78132 Rating: *

NUTTY BROWN CAFE: 512-301-4648. E of Dripping Springs, on US Hwy 290, S side. Full menu, great food, Sun brunch 11a-2p, upscale bar (mixed drinks too!), draft beer, huge outdoor arena with tables and music venue. Rating: *

PARADISE BAR & GRILL:830-249-0301; 1032 N Main, Boerne, Live Oak Shopping Center. 15 draft beers. Big screen TV. Burgers, pool. Rating: *

SALT LICK: BBQ, beer. www.saltlickbbq.com. Open daily 11a-10p. Reservations accepted, bring your own cooler. Cash only (ATM available). 512-858-4959 restaurant, 512-894-3117 office for reservations, directions. Rating: *

SAXON SALOON: Next to Inks Lake. After the bridge on 29 TX. Hole in the Wall. To get to this place just ride from Burnet W on Hwy 29 and look to the L after you cross Inks Lake. Good a/c and also a back patio. Rating: *

SHADE TREE SALOON & GRILL: 830-885-5550; 13430 Hwy 281 North, Spring Branch, TX. Burgers, sandwiches & more. M-F daily specials. Live Entertainment in big outdoor venue. Call for entertainment schedule or visit www.theshadetreesaloonandgrill.com. Rating: ***

SISTERDALE ROAD HOUSE: 830-324-6767; 1211 FM 1376, Sisterdale, TX 78006. Beer, limited snack food, outdoor tables, nice view, entertainment occasionally. www.sisterdaleroadhouse.com. Home of live Texas Music, Cold Drinks, Good Friends and Fun. We are interested in being a biker rally point or route stop. Contact: Marie Nipp, Owner. Rating: **

MAC & ERNIES CAFE: 830-562-3325. Tarpley, TX. Home-style cooking. Pit smoked BBQ. Bottled beer. Open Thurs-Sun for breakfast and lunch. Owner: Val. Some of the best BBQ the Hill Country has to offer as well as a great biker stop. Special motorcycle parking. Located on RR 470, 12 mi W of Bandera. Check out this great hang-out. Rating: **

TARPLEY HOTEL GUEST HOUSE: Same number and owners as above. Daily & weekly rentals.**

LONE STAR MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM: 830-966-6103; 36517 FM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885. Four mi N of Vanderpool. Free admission. More than 50 vintage motorcycles on display, plus lots of motorcycling posters and memorabilia. The Ace Cafe located at the Museum serves kitchen food. www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com ***

Y.O. RANCH: 1-800-967-2624; 830-640-3222; 1736 Y.O. Ranch Rd, Mountain Home, TX 78058. www.yoranch.com. Store, entertainment, restaurant-steak house, lodging, RV sites, retreats, weddings, land sales, social club, adventure/summer/day camps, swimming, hunting (exotic, native game), wildlife tours, trail drives & horseback riding throughout on rugged 40,000 acre ranch.Rating: *

WB SALOON & CYCLES: 830-833-4190; 621 Chandler St, Blanco, TX 78606. Restaurant, biker hang-out, full bar, weekend bands, entertainment, motorcycle service shop and store, all in one. http://www.wbsaloonandcycles.com

OTHER HILL COUNTRY MOTORCYCLE WEB LINKS

BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE-HILL COUNTRY CHAPTER: 830-456-0442; PO Box 2822, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Kevin "BandAid" Martin, Road Cap & State Rep. www.bacausa.com

HILL COUNTRY RIDER: www.www.hillcountryrider.com; Focused in the Leakey area.

MOTORCYCLIST ONLINE'S FAVORITE RIDES SERIES, #5 - Texas Hill Country: www.motorcyclistonline.com/escape/favoriterides/123_0444_getaway/index4.html; A one page summary on riding here.

MOTORCYCLE ROADS', TEXAS HILL COUNTRY TWISTER REPORT: http://motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthWest/TX/TX_4.shtml; Trip via Kerrville, Medina, Bandera

ROAD & TRAVEL MAGAZINE ARTICLE - Biking The Texas Hill Country: www.roadandtravel.com/adventuretravel/bikingtexashillcountry.htm; An interesting travel log of biking the area with lots of web references. Good reading as a first introduction to biking in this area.

STAR TOURING & RIDING - SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER 175: http://www.startouring.org/chapter175

SUDS & BUTTERFLY: http://sudsandbutterfly.homestead.com. All about motorcycling in Texas, including event listings.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY CHAPTER OF THE HARLEY OWNERS GROUP (HOG): www.hillcountryhog.org

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY TOY RUN ASSOCIATION: 830-832-1723; POB 203, Hye, TX 78636. Kevin Martin, Pres, bandaidclub@yahoo.com

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY MOTORCYCLE RIDING: www.hillcountryriding.com; Local riding information centered around Kerrville.

TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ROADS TRIP REPORTS: www.motorcycleroads.us/tx.html; A collection of road trip info for 19 routes (each with a map) in the Hill Country, plus many more in other parts of Texas.

TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ROADS WEB LINKS: www.motorcycleroads.us/resources.html; A helpful listing of local, regional, state and national web sites.

(THE) THREE AMIGO's TOUR: www.hilliard.ws/hc2001/3amigos.htm; 3 guys, 3 bikes, 7 days in the Texas Hill Country. Good article with maps.

TWO WHEELED TEXANS: www.twtex.com

VIDEO BIKER's "RIDING THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY": www.videobiker.com/MagazineArticles/Ride%20The%20Hill%20Country.htm; Good general article on riding in this area, plus a link to purchase their video of the area.

BIKE DEALERSHIPS

ALAMO BMW: 210-828-5511; 3111 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209. New location at 25600 I-10 West, near Boerne (Exit 550), BMW and Triumph Motorcycles. www.alamopowersports.com

ALAMO CYCLE PLEX: 210-696-2000; 11900 IH-10 W, San Antonio, TX 78230. www.alamocycleplex.com

C F MOTORSPORTS: 830-798-1206; 2203 9th St, Marble Falls, TX 78654. www.cfmotorcycles.com

CENTRAL TEXAS HARLEY-DAVIDSON: 512-652-1200; 2801 N IH-35, Round Rock, TX 78664. www.centraltexasharley.com

COWBOY HONDA AUSTIN: 5 Brent Blvd # 200, Kyle, TX

COWBOY HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF AUSTIN: 10917 S I H 35, Austin, TX

CYCLE NATION POWER SPORTS LLC: 512-331-6686; 13806 N, Hwy 183, Austin, TX. cyclenationpowersports.com

FORT HOOD HARLEY-DAVIDSON: 875 W Central Texas Expy, Harker Heights, TX

GRUENE HARLEY-DAVIDSON: 830-624-2473; 1288 Loop 337, Gruene/New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.grueneharley.com

JAVELINA HARLEY DAVIDSON: 830-755-5202; 800-860-9696; 29078 IH-10, NE Side of I-10, W Boerne, TX 78006. www.javelinaharley.com

KAWASAKI-SUZUKI OF MARBLE FALL: 830-693-5044; 2803 Hwy 281 N, Marble Falls TX 78654. www.kawasakiofmarblefalls.com

KENT POWERSPORTS OF AUSTIN: 512-268-6999; 5 Brent Blvd, Ste 150, Kyle, Tx 78640. http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/Victory-Motorcycles

NAPALM MOTORSPORTS: 512-345-7433; 12112 RR 620 N, Lakeway, TX 78734. www.napalmmotorsports.com. Victory dealer

WOODS CYCLE COUNTRY: 830-606-9828; 1933 IH 35 E (Exit 191), New Braunfels, TX, 78130. www.woodscyclecountry.com

BIKE REPAIR & ACCESSORY SHOPS

ACTION CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE ENTERPRISES (ACME): 325-656-8885; San Angelo, TX

BIG MIKE'S BIKE SHOP: 830-990-2625. 922 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Clothing, accessories, and more. Owner: Billy. Free motorcycle parking in back all day. 1/2 block from downtown. Sit on the porch or tables in the back and enjoy a cold one. Open Wed-Sun, 10a-5p.

BOERNE TEXAS CYCLE GOODIES: 830-249-1405; 807 N Main St, Boerne, TX 78006. Open Tue-Sun. A cool place to shop, eat, or just hang out. www.cyclegoodiesofboernetx.com

BURNET COUNTY CYCLES: 830-798-0800: 1610 US Hw 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654. Service, accessories.

CUSTOM CYCLES: 830-885-5822, Cell: 210-846-1081; Spring Branch, TX 78070. Jimmy Herrera, Owner/technician

DEMENTED CYLCES: 817-690-0401; 277 W San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130. www.dementedcycles.com

DESTINATION CYCLE: 888-886-3001; 830-896-2453; 3341A Loop 534, Kerrville, TX 78028. www.destinationcycle.com

FROSTY'S MOTORCYCLE STOP: 830-796-7401; 584 S Hwy 16, Bandera, TX 78003. Leather, helmets, accessories, t-shirts.

GOOD OL' DAYS GARAGE & BIKE SHOP: 830-257-2376; 2422 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028. www.goodoldaysgarage.com

HARDLEY ANGELS CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES: Check out what these creative gals have to offer in their unique apparel geared for the women! www.hardleyangels.com

HILL COUNTRY CUSTOM CYCLES: 512-264-1050; 3101 Tabletop Mountain Dr, Spicewood, TX 78669. www.hillcountrycustomcycles.com

JACK'S CYCLE SERVICE: 830-367-7575; 3370 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX 78025. Full service from barhooppers to baggers. HD certified. Accessories, apparel. Jack Rucker, Nathan Adams. Tue-Fri: 9a-6p, Sat 9a-3p.

LIZ ON THE SQUARE: Harley Davidson footwear, leather chaps, jackets, saddle bags & motorcycle apparel and accessories., 405-A 3rd Street, Blanco, TX 78606, 830-833-0405, info@LizOnTheSquare.com, www.LizOnTheSquare.com

PHANTOM RIDER CHOPPERS: 830-228-4606; 6535 W Hwy 46, New Braunfels, TX 78130. 6 mi W of Loop 337, on the south side. Harley Davidson & after market. Repair & service. Dyno Jet Tuning.

RABLEY CYCLE WORLD INC: 512-858-2163; 1550 CR 195, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Motorcycle Repair Shop

RIX MOTORCYCLE KLASSIX: 210-695-8706; 12602 FM 1560, N Helotes, TX. Most services while you wait. All makes and models. HD's & Sport bikes.

SATTLER V TWIN: 830-899-7900. 7840 FM 2722, Canyon Lake, TX 78132. We build wicked custom bikes from the ground up or we can even customize your bag of bones. Chrome upgrades, performance modifications, tires, brakes, full service on all types. Ken Kirkpatrick, Bob Slusser, Robert Johannesson. www.sattlerv-twin.com

TEXAS CUSTOM CHOPPERS: 512-266-2208; 2203 RR 620 N, Lakeway, TX 78734. texascustomchoppers.biz

WILD THINGS MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES: 830-792-4430; 1208 Sidney Baker S, Kerrville, TX 78028. www.wildthingsma.com. Parts and accessories for all types of motorcycles, including parts and chrome from Drag Specialties, Custom Chrome, Parts Unlimited, Kuryakyn, Biker's Chocie, Mustang Seats, Martin Bros. Large selection of apparel and leather from Easyrider and others. Vento dealer. Repair & maintenance. Owners: David & LeAnn Wanex.

XIMENEX CYCLE LUBE: Cell: 210-663-4628. San Antonio, TX. Specializing in motorcycle maintenance. 1 hour oil change. Owner: Rene Ximenez.

MOTORCYCLE RENTALS

COLORADO TOURBIKE RENTALS: Austin. 720-231-6349

EAGLE RIDER SAN ANTONIO: "Specializing in Harley Davidson Rentals"; 9600 IH-35 N at Randolph Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78233. 210-651-1222. Toll Free 1-866-651-1222
email: SAT@eaglerider.com. www.eaglerider.com.

HILL COUNTRY MOTORCYCLE RENTALS: 512-906-2396. Austin. Dual purpose, KLR 650s and BMW 1200 GS, Jolie Kirsten, www.hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com, hillcountryrentals@gmail.com

JOE HARRISON MOTORCYCLE RENTALS: www.jhms.com. Honda Goldwings, Harleys, Big Dogs.

TEXAS MOTORCYCLE RENTALS/TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURES: 720-940-9630; New Braunfels, TX 78130. Owner: James Williams. Adventure bikes, touring bikes, dual sport bikes. Bikes delivered to locations of choice. james@texasmotorcycleadventures.com, www.TexasMotorcycleAdventures.com

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE-ORIENTED VENDOR & SERVICES INFO

AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION: www.ama-cycle.org/index.asp

ARTICLE: THE GREAT ESCAPE: Motorcycling in the Hill Country, April 2007, Texas Highways Magazine. www.texashighways.com

BIKERS: An online magazine dedicated to biker lifestyle by an independent North Carolina lady biker who rides a Harley. About bikers, by bikers, for bikers, and provides bikers resources. www.bikersmag.com

BIKEZ: www.bikez.com. Online Motorcycle Catalogue. Technical specifications of all motorcycles made since 1970.

CYCLEFISH: www.cyclefish.com

MICA PEAK: http://micapeak.com. Lots of good resources.

MOTORCYCLE CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS: www.dropbears.com/bikelinks/clubs.htm#usa

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION: www.msf-usa.org. Be sure to watch their videos on-line.

MOTORCYCLE INFO & ACCESSORIES: http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com. Helpful info.

(THE) MOTORCYCLE SCHOOL: www.themotorcycleschool.com. Located in San Antonio and Victoria, Texas. Be sure to watch their videos on-line.

OPEN ROAD JOURNEY: www.openroadjourney.com. Ride, share, discover.

RALLY BIKE BUS MOTORCYCLE TRANSPORT: Have your bike professionally transported to major events: www.rallybikebus.com

RIDE TEXAS MAGAZINE & TEXAS MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE: http://texmoto.com. The on-line Texas motorcycle travel magazine. www.ridetexas.com

RIDING TEXAS, THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY TRAIL: www.hhjm.com/bikes/txhill.htm. A video for sale highlighting biking in this area.

SKERT'S "PICKING UP A DROPPED BIKE" INSTRUCTION: www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html. A good instructional tool for all of us.

STREET EAGLE OF SAN ANTONIO: 877-931-7433; 903 E Nakoma, Ste. #102, San Antonio, TX 78216. 210-496-0880.

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIDE - A MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE: www.customflix.com/207901. A DVD for sale featuring a ride in the southern part of the Texas Hill Country.

(THE) TRIKE CORRAL: http://www.trikecorral.com

ZEKE'S HARLEY HAULER: 512-422-4533; Roadside service, hauling.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY RESOURCES

TEXAS DRIVER'S LICENSE DIVISION: www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/dlindex.htm

DPS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY UNIT: www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb

DPS MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK: www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/forms/DLhandbook.pdf

HILL COUNTRY BIKER EVENTS & RALLIES

ONLINE EVENT DIRECTORIES:
www.lets-ride.com/event/texas.htm
www.bikerplaza.com
www.motorcyclemonster.com
www.motorcycleevents.com
http://sudsandbutterfly.homestead.com

Late Feb - MOTORCYCLE BOOT CAMP: New Braunfels, at 1288 Loop 337. 6:30p-8:30p Hey guys, interested in riding but don't know where to start? Then this party is for you! Learn about different types of Harleys, customization and more! To Reservations: 830-624-2473. http://www.grueneharley.com

Motorcycle Events in Texas: www.lets-ride.com/texas.htm. World-wide listing of motorcycle events sorted by area. Motorcycle photos from all over the world. Classified ad section.

MotorcycleEvents.com: www.motorcycleevents.com

LOCAL MOTORCYCLE EVENTS: Be sure to look at our overall Hill Country Events page for detailed listings of events related to the motorcycling, at our Portal Calendar

[Send us your events via email to post here. Must be typed out so we can copy it. Flyers not acceptable. No fee for listing these events.]

HILL COUNTRY LOOPS & NOTED RIDES

(Note: References are to 2007 Ride Texas Magazine (RTM)'s Best in Texas Readers' Choice Awards):

STARTING IN LEAKEY: Twisties with hair pin turns and steeps. Not for beginners.

Three Sisters Loop: FM 337, 335, and 336. This loop is about 96 miles. It's the best of them all, about 2 1/2 hours. Also called "The Three Twisted Sisters".

Bandera Loop: RR337 east, Hwy 16, Hwy 470 west, 1050 west, Hwy83 north to Leakey.

Kerrville Loop: RR337 east, Hwy 187 north, Hwy 39 east, Hwy 27, Hwy 16 south, RR337 west to Leakey.

Brackettville Loop: RR337 west, Hwy 55 south, RR334 west, from Bracketville you can travel on 674 to Rocksprings and return on Hwy55 or RR335 to Camp Wood and RR337 to Leakey.

OTHER LOOPS & NOTED RIDES:

FM 337: A 58 mile roller coaster running from Medina through Vanderpool and Leakey to Camp Wood. Voted the #1 Best Fall Colors, #8 Top Wildflower Road, #1 of Top 5 Hill Country Roads, & #2 of Top 10 Scenic Overlooks, by RTM.

FM 335: Camp Wood to TX 41: #2 of Top 5 Hill Country Roads, by RTM.

FM 336: Leakey to TX 41: #3 of Top 5 Hill Country Roads, by RTM.

US 377, Rocksprings to Junction: Voted the #1 Best Sections of US Highway, rated #2 of Top 10 Scenic Overlooks, by RTM.

FM 187, Utopia to TX 39: Voted the #1 Best Fall Colors Road by Ride Texas Magazine. Voted the #2 Best Fall Colors Road by RTM.

Willow City Loop: (N of Fredericksburg off Hwy 16). RR1323 & Willow Loop, to Hwy 16 and back. See Willow City above for 2 great biker bars. Voted the #1 Top Wildflower Road by RTM.

FM 1323, Willow City to US 281: Voted the #7 Top Wildflower Road by RTM.

US Hwy 290 to Waller: Voted the #2 Top Wildflower Road by RTM.

FM 1431: Cedar Park to Lake Buchanan. Voted #5 of Top 5 Hill Country Roads, by RTM.

RM 473: (from Hwy 281 below Blanco, through Kendalia, Sisterdale, Comfort).

Hwy 16, Llano to Bandera: Voted the #3 Top Wildflower Road & #1 Top Sections of State Highways by Ride Texas Magazine.

US 281, Lampasas to Johnson City: Voted the #10 Top Wildflower Road by RTM.

Devil's Backbone (RM 32): Wimberley. Voted #1 of Top 10 Scenic Overlooks, by RTM.

US 83, Uvalde to TX 39: Voted the #5 Best Sections of US Highway by RTM.

US 81, North of Leakey: Voted #3 of Top 10 Scenic Overlooks, by RTM.

RIVER ROAD (Along Guadalupe River), Gruene-New Braunfels: Voted #4 of Top 10 Scenic Overlooks, by RTM.

US 281, Marble Falls Overlook: Voted #5 of Top 10 Scenic Overlooks, by RTM.

State Hwy 965

FM 1376 to FM 1888 to FM 1623 (sunset ride):

State Hwy 39 Hunt (river ride):

Junction, TX Area: www.junctiontexas.net/motorcycling.htm

SPECIAL LODGING FOR HILL COUNTRY BIKERS

ANTLER CABINS: 143 Timber Ln, Bandera, TX 78003, www.BanderaCabin.com. Tim & Trina Word, Home: 830-535-4412, Cell: 210-415-4384. Two new cabins on private acreage just outside of town. Fully equipped. Rates range from $65-99/night. Bikers welcome.

SANDY ROAD GUEST HAUS: An Upscale Western-style Guest House in a Beautiful Ranch Setting in the Gorgeous Texas Hill Country, Reservations & Information: Office: 281-300-7177, Fax: 281-754-4775, 9242 RR 1320, Johnson City, TX 78636. Web: www.SandyRoadGuestHaus.com, Email: info@SandyRoadGuestHaus.com. This guest house is on Sandy Road, the well-known biker route to Willow City. One queen bed and a pull-out couch. Bikers welcome.

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