Photo by Coen van de Broek on Unsplash
Texas is huge, and if you’ve only driven the interstates, you might assume it’s all highways, but anyone who has ridden here knows there’s more. Here are five rides that show Texas at its most dramatic.
When locals talk about the Caprock, they mean the escarpment that separates the High Plains from the rest of Texas. A variation of the route known as Goodnight’s Grind runs roughly 50 miles across the historic JA Ranch, starting near the Donley County courthouse in Clarendon. These climbs and descents are the kind that challenge even pro racers, and it’s no surprise that cyclists often compare them to the grueling stages of the Tour de France.
Out on the trail, conversations drift toward the thrill of competition and the growing culture of sports wagering that surrounds big events. With major cycling races joining football, basketball, and other sports in betting markets worldwide, many enthusiasts are keeping tabs on where and how they can legally place a wager. In Texas, online sports betting remains a legal gray area, which is why Card Player shares updates on offshore options that give Texans a way to participate from the sidelines.
After swapping stories, riders push on, and the climb toward the High Plains begins, steady at first, before surging upward by five hundred feet and then spilling into dramatic red, orange, and cream-colored gullies. You finish at the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site, a Victorian‑style ranch house built in 1887.
On the opposite end of the state, the Northeast Texas Trail follows old railroad beds for about 130 miles from the Dallas area to Texarkana. It’s a patchwork of pavement, crushed stone, dirt, and gravel. Different counties manage different sections, so the character changes every few miles. Moderately challenging but never truly steep, the ride rewards those who take their time and check the trail coalition website for updates.
Further west, there’s a gentle 20‑mile trail connecting Mineral Wells and Weatherford. This corridor once carried trains but now offers flat grades and sweeping curves through farmland and pecan groves. With the grades being so mild, riders of all abilities can enjoy it. You’ll see hybrid commuters alongside Lycra‑clad roadies. The state park staff maintains maps of trailheads, campsites, and points of interest.
Deep in Big Bend Ranch State Park lies the 60‑mile Fresno–Sauceda Loop, an intense ride that climbs and drops through high desert. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has called this route “epic” because it’s both technically and physically challenging and beautiful to behold. You need good tyres, plenty of water, and even better lungs: the rocky terrain and sudden gullies demand caution. Start early and ride with a partner because there are no services for many miles, and the desert heat can sap your strength.
Not every Texas ride is remote. In San Antonio, a 15‑mile paved path links the city’s five 18th‑century missions. Starting near the Museum Reach downtown, the trail winds past shaded picnic lawns, public art, and mission churches with Spanish colonial facades. The surface is smooth, so it’s ideal for commuters and tourists alike. The National Park Service maintains the trail and offers detailed maps and historical information.
On these rides, you meet locals who are proud of their trails. Some will tell you about the best place to get a kolache in the next town or where you can spot a javelina near Big Bend, and others will wave from their porch as you pass. You end up sharing stories and snacks at picnic tables under shady trees.
One day you’re out on the Caprock feeling like a pioneer, the next you’re gliding along a shaded urban path. Each of these routes has its own rhythm and character, and they all prove that the Lone Star State isn’t just flat highways and big skies. It’s a cyclist’s playground with hidden challenges and unexpected rewards.
The post Classic Texas Bike Rides for the Adventurous Cyclist appeared first on PezCycling News.
