Just outside Smithville, in the storied Lost Pines Forest (steadily recovering … Which would you recommend: clockwise or counter-clockwise for the ride? This is a slow drive up the mountain which is a scenic loop. The ranger outpost warned of mountain lions in the area, but we didn’t see any on our tour, though we did encounter roadside javelinas. “Onwards and upwards” was an appropriate term. I have ridden that scenic loop and all around the Ft. Davis, Marfa, Alpine area, to Presidio, Lajitas, Terlingua, Big Bend. Saturday, Aug 10 th, 8am, we’ll do the famous 75 mile Davis Mountains Scenic Loop which includes 6 mountain passes. Pingback: Daily News Roundup March 29th – Texas Bicycling « Texbiker.net. One prime spot to see the best of West Texas is via the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop. A side trip goes to the highest point on the Texas Highway system, on TX 78, then the drive on 118 continues until daylight runs out. This 100-mile route is the creation of devoted cyclists in the state’s river region. great story. Descent #2 is noted. The route map and elevation profile below show why admonitions of ride difficulty would be commonly issued. This loop is, if you ride starting from the Indian Lodge Hotel in the Davis Mountains State Park and return to Indian Lodge, 78.1 miles. Sorry, we’re unable to find an account with that username and password. Traffic is virtually nonexistent, and even the drivers of dually pickup trucks swing wide to provide riders safe passage on the narrow shoulders. Drive this stretch of highway, and you’ll see everything from 8,000 mountain tops to rolling green hills and lush valleys. I ride, more often than not, with my high school classmate and cycling pal, State District Judge Guilford Jones. There were three more gentle climbs with easy, but fast, descents before the turn south onto TX166. 10 miles — Into Fort Davis, enjoy town and return when ready. Great pictures thanks to Peggy. The terrain was gently rolling and climbed from about 5,100 feet to just under 5,900 feet. Get map and code to gate for access to primative area and trailhead. Really enjoyed reading this. We have reviews of the best places to see in Fort Davis. Some think the sparse appearance is ugly, but they’ve never seen it just after a rain, or as the sun rises or sets. CPSC, SNELL OR ATSM HELMETS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. The Catrike and I are about in the center of the picture looking and feeling pretty small. Don. I’m training to do this ride, but have a question. I was not a student of significant dedication and often skipped Dr DeFord’s class, so that I could go to his office and discuss the material I knew, from others in the class, was being covered. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Davis Mountains high in the Big Bend region, this one-of … Thank you, Don, for that account of an exciting ride, and the excellent photos and videos you made of the trip. Never too late to give things a try. The Fort Davis Scenic Loop Only try this 75-mile barn burner if you’ve got quads of steel, or break it into a two-day journey. USA Cycling sanctioned stage race through the mountains of Fort Davis, TX held each spring, the last weekend in March or first weekend in April. Rolling out of the Davis Mountain State Park, I turned left on TX118 toward the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory. 10 miles – Into … And the entire area is a photographer’s paradise as your writeup and Peggy’s photos demonstrate. The annual Cyclefest Bike Tour and Hill Climb is held in the scenic “Texas Alps” of West Texas in Fort Davis, Texas. It sure felt that way. Chug up Limpia Canyon, all the way to McDonald Observatory. Davis Mountain Scenic Loop: Worth Driving On and On - See 99 traveler reviews, 32 candid photos, and great deals for Fort Davis, TX, at Tripadvisor. Cycling – Tour de Longneques 28 July 2012, Sailing – 2012 Shreveport YC Sunfish Regatta, Cycling – 61 miles of Wildflowers on March 24, 2012, Cycling – Turning a Tadpole Trike into an Offroad Sandhog, Map – Bluffton to Fall Creek winery – 14.4 miles, Map – Inks Lake State Park to Longhorn Caverns – 12.9 mi. A cyclist approaches the long climb toward the McDonald Observatory. Every one of those write-ups, except a brief section in a Texas Parks and Wildlife brochure,  noted that there was also The Fort Davis Scenic Loop but cautioned that only riders in exceptional condition should attempt it due to the amount of climbing involved. About which time Mr. Bunny made his appearance, first hopping left and then right. Mountain Trails Lodge and Outdoor Learning Center, one mile south of the Scenic Loop and Fort Davis on Hwy 118, Phone 800-403-3484, www.mountaintrailslodge.com Cycle-friendly features include: comfortable cabins and healthy meals (at a great price) for your cycling group, sag support and shuttles, pre-arranged water stops, snacks or meals delivered or served on your route, skilled bike mechanic … After the restful and amusing diversion at the courthouse I headed on north to the cut-off that would get me back to the Davis Mountain State Park and complete the loop. Moderate From the parking lot follow an easy flat trail through Limpia Canyon, then slowly climb 550 ft. to Sheep Pen Canyon Loop junction, enjoying amazing views of the Davis Mountains. Map – Lone Grove, TX16 via CR216, RR2241 via CR215, Lone Grove – 17.7 mi. In turn, as my thighs began to burn on the near-constant climbs, I held tightly to the idea that, until 1947, when the loop’s construction was complete, many travelers used muscle power as I was doing now. The closest gas stations are in Fort Davis, so be sure and have a full tank before setting off. Reading that announcement/eulogy   I learned just how fortunate I had been to luck into that man’s class. Fort Davis grew up in support of its namesake fort in the second half of the 1800s. Rough trip for me in a car!! After a couple of miles on TX166, the imposing shape of Sawtooth Mountain came into view. Mountain air and experience the same sensation that the young men of the Scenic Loop drive Fort Davis the. Entire Loop encompasses the highest town in … the Scenic Loop through the Mountains of west Big. You a nice descent, I did that on the valley floor goes., so be sure to take in the Davis Mountains State Park bragging rights a... 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