The Open Road
by Greg Holcombe
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If you own a motorcycle (or
just want one), this is the first article in
a series about places to ride on the open
road and experience some of the finest
scenery Texas has to offer. |
My wife, Sheryl, and I have been riding our bikes
cross-country since 1997. We have been on trips
leaving from Magnolia, Texas to destinations all
across the United States and Canada including
Wyoming, Sturgis, South Dakota, Colorado, Arkansas,
the Carolinas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana,
New Mexico, Utah, and a whole bunch of small
communities in between. We have encountered some of
the most beautiful scenes along the open roads
between here and there, but one of our favorite
rides is right here in our own backyard, through the
Texas Hill Country.
Nicknamed the “Twisted Sisters,” the ride begins
in a sleepy little town called Hunt, Texas and
covers Ranch Roads 335, 336 and 337. Leaving Hunt,
down Highway 39, the ride follows the laid-back
serenity of the Guadalupe River. When you reach
Highway 83, you will find slow curves and beautiful
shaded river crossings. Heading south on 83 along
this fast-paced scenic path towards Leakey, Texas,
you will find a great place to grab a cold beverage
and experience some friendly rider conversation at
the Frio Canyon motorcycle stop. Once an abandoned
lumberyard, the stop has been converted to
accommodate riders with a rest area, refreshments,
and lots of local history.
When back on the road, head west on 337 to embark
on the first leg of the most beautiful and
challenging ride in Texas. This area is loaded with
tremendous elevation changes, curves and cliffs.
You’ll turn north towards Barksdale on 55 to stay
right to 335 and then follow 335 to 41. Along this
road, you will find wandering curves, switchbacks
and breathtaking scenery.
Turning east on 41 to head south on 336 to head
back to Leakey. Total mileage is approximately 150.
The journey is one of the most exciting rides in
Texas, but do pay very close attention to your path
and speed when taking this ride. “Twisted Sisters”
did not get its name from being tame. There are 10
mile-per-hour curves, switchbacks, falling rocks,
open range livestock, exotic and whitetail deer, and
a few cattle guards. There is nothing like
experiencing Texas’ finest scenery from the open
road.
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