A Road Trip to the Texas Hill Country

I didn’t want to ride the interstate all the way down again; I found out how boring that was for 892 miles, so I thought I’d try a web site I found called http://motorcyclecroads.com, which offers bikers the best scenic rides that are actually ridden by bikers. So with a map in the bag, I headed down 71 Highway to I-44 across Joplin, Missouri south on 69 Highway at Big Cabin, Oklahoma, and after a 525-mile trip south, I arrived in McKinney, Texas for the night. I decided to grab a night’s rest and head through Dallas at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, thinking I would miss the traffic—wrong! I think there are only two cities in the great state of Texas—Dallas and San Antonio. The rest are just suburbs of those two. I made my way through the Dallas maze and picked up The Purple Heart Trail, which is what they call I-35, just south of Dallas. I then slipped around San Antonio over to 90 Highway and on into Sabinal, Texas for my last stop.

What the heck is in Sabinal, Texas and furthermore where is it? Sabinal Texas is in the foot hills of the Texas Hill Country, about 90 miles west of San Antonio. My son and his family moved there about two years ago to begin his law enforcement career. At first I thought what the heck for? Some people think Texas is all flat with nothing but sand and cactus. But little did I know there is some of the prettiest riding in the United States located in Texas. Many people don’t realize it, but the Texas Hill Country is one of the most romantic regions in the country. With scenic rolling hills, clear streams, and quaint small towns, the Hill Country is a perfect escape for Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion with that someone special.

If you’re into hunting, you've found a hunter’s paradise. So while riding Texas roads 335, 336 & 337, which the locals call the “three sisters,” you will enjoy the twisted turns, hills, valleys and crossing the Frio and Sabinal rivers on several occasions. The beauty literally takes your breath away. You will want to ride a little slower so you can see everything the hill countryside has to offer.

All in all, I can say the Texas Hill Country is now one of my favorite places to ride. Spending time with my son and his family just made it a plus for any vacation I have ever taken. How much better can it get, spending time with the people you love and riding some of the most beautiful riding Texas has to offer.

By Phil Peeler