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Texas Hell Week
March 24-30, 2024
Route Descriptions
All rides will start/finish at Hermann Sons Lodge
1109 S Adams St., Fredericksburg, TX
Sunday, March 24, 2024
A-route – Adam’s Ronde Van Fredericksburg (97.5 miles/4,578 ft)
This ride was developed by Adam Saladin of Hill Country Bicycle Works – great shop, friendly folks with stores in Fredericksburg and Kerrville. The route provides an excellent introduction to the Texas Hill Country. The clockwise loop around Fredericksburg gives riders a taste of the quiet roads, rivers and creeks, short climbs and open range that makes cycling in the Hill Country special. And you’re never more than 10-15 miles from town.
Riders head S out of Fredericksburg to the Pedernales River, then W upstream to Morris Ranch, where they head N and E, climbing out of the Pedernales drainage – 600 ft over 10 miles. Near mile 35 – the high point on the ride – they pass by the Historic Cherry Mountain School and begin a gradual descent – heading SE, S and SW - back into the Pedernales drainage. There are several short climbs along the way before heading NW and N back and into Fredericksburg. All-in-all, a perfect introduction to the Texas Hill Country.
Once you depart Fredericksburg, there are no services along the route. So, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart.
B-route – Spring-Crabapple (59.1 miles/3,014 ft)
The route is a clockwise loop generally W and N of Fredericksburg. This route is a great introduction to the quiet roads, rivers and creeks, short climbs and open range that makes cycling in the Hill Country special. This route is a shorter version of the A-route.
Both A and B-route riders share the same route for the first ___ miles. Riders head S out of Fredericksburg to the Pedernales River, follow the River W upstream to Morris Ranch. From here riders begin a gradual climb out of the Pedernales River Valley, climbing about 600 ft over 10 miles. At about mile 35, riders begin descending back into the Pedernales drainage. At about mile 46 riders have a short 400 ft climb before descending into Fredericksburg.
Once you depart Fredericksburg, there are no services along the route. So, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart.
C-route – Hayden ranch (38.2 miles /1,835 ft)
This is one of Fred Boethling’s favorite short rides. Experience the best of Hill Country cycling in less than 40 miles – quiet scenic roads, open range, water crossing, with minimal climbing.
The route heads S out of Fredericksburg to the Pedernales River, then follows the River W to Morris Ranch. Route then heads E and NE on Hayden Ranch Rd, a nice climb and descent on a quiet, scenic road across open range. Cross US 290. The route follows Live Oak Creek and Pecan Creek N – quite a few water crossings. The high point on the route is at mile 27. Riders head S on Old Mason Rd toward Fredericksburg, picking up Barons Creek along the way.
Once you depart Fredericksburg, there are no services along the route. So, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart.
Monday, March 25, 2024
A-route – Comfort Zone (91.2 miles/5,185 ft)
This route is a counterclockwise, elongated N-S loop. There is a fair amount of climbing – mostly short climbs. Riders depart Fredericksburg heading S, cross I-10 heading SW into Center Point, E toward Comfort and SE parallel to I-10. They cross I-10 and head back N through Welfare and Waring to Fredericksburg. There are only 4.3 miles (4.7%) on state and federal highways. Overall elevation gain averages 56.8 ft./mile – the highest of all the TXHWK rides.
The northern portion of the route is on the Edwards Plateau and the southern portion is in the Guadalupe River Valley. Riders gradually ascend to the southern rim of the Plateau, reaching the high point of the ride (2,045 ft. at mile 17.5), after which they begin the descent into the Valley.
Shortly after passing under I-10, riders will pass by the Historic Cypress Creek School and begin the first of several short mid-valley climbs. The route parallels I-10 SE. Riders cross and head back north, passing through Welfare to picturesque Waring. Leaving Waring, the route crosses the Guadalupe River and passes through a mature stand of cypress - this may be the most beautiful spot in the entire Texas Hill Country. The river crossing is the low point on the route – 1,288 ft. at mile 61.2.
After riders turn onto Old #9/Old San Antonio Rd, they begin a gradual ascent out of the Guadalupe Valley back up onto the Edwards Plateau, passing by Old Tunnel State Park and the Alamo Springs Café (voted “Best Burger in Texas” … and it is very good!). Riders gradually descend into the Pedernales drainage and on to Fredericksburg.
There are several gas stations/c-stores in Center Point (mile 31.1 to mile 31.7). This ride has a substantial amount of climbing. Be sure to carry enough food and fluids to sustain you, particularly when climbing out of the Guadalupe Valley.
B-route – Comfort Loop (54.1 miles/2,696 ft)
This is a simple elongated N-S oriented counterclockwise loop. Riders are spared the numerous short climbs along the margins of the Guadalupe River Valley. There are essentially 2 gradual climbs – 300 ft to the southern edge of the Pedernales River drainage, followed by a nice descent into the Guadalupe River Valley, and a climb of 500 ft N out of the Guadalupe Valley, followed by a short descent and a 200 ft climb, before descending back into the Pedernales drainage and into Fredericksburg.
Riders depart Fredericksburg heading S then W upstream along the Pedernales River and S on Center Point Rd toward Comfort. After passing through Comfort, riders head back N past Old Tunnel State Park and Alamo Springs Cafe (voted “Best Burger in Texas”), gradually descending into the Pedernales drainage and on to Fredericksburg.
There are gas stations/c-stores in Comfort. Be sure to carry enough food and fluids to sustain you when climbing up out of the Guadalupe River Valley.
C-route – Bear Creek (30.8 miles/1,496 ft)
This is a short counterclockwise loop S of Fredericksburg – all on the Edwards Plateau. There is minimal climbing – a gradual climb of 500 ft over 8 miles to the southern edge of the Pedernales drainage, and a 200 ft climb over 2 miles, before descending back into the Pedernales drainage and back to Fredericksburg.
Riders head south to the Pedernales River, then follow the River upstream to the W, then S on Center Point Rd to Bear Creek Rd. Here riders continue SE across US 87 onto Grape Creek Rd, then N on Old San Antonio Rd past Bankersmith to US 290 and into Fredericksburg.
There is a store at Bankersmith, but riders should carry enough food and fluids to sustain themselves the entire ride.
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
A-route – Lauren’s Racers Loop (101.9 miles/5,778 ft)
This route is N and W of Fredericksburg. Less than 1% (0.2 miles) of the route is on state or federal highways. Overall elevation gain is 56.7 ft/mile. This is a scenic ride across rolling Hill Country farm and ranch land with many short climbs (100 to 400 ft) – no major climbs. This is a challenging route favored by local racers.
The route heads N out of Fredericksburg to Crabapple. At approximately mile 18 the route becomes an irregular counterclockwise 66-mile loop. At mile 41 riders will enter the quaint, immaculate town of Doss – the only town of any significance on the entire route. Here you will find the only commercially available services on the route – the Doss General Store & Café. Actually, it’s slightly off-route, on the N edge of Doss. But, hours vary. A bit of “local knowledge” … there is a water tap at the post office. Use it only if necessary. And, if you must, let it run for a bit before drinking … and, make sure you turn it off before leaving!
The first 45 miles averages about 1,800 ft elevation. From 45 miles to 80 miles the route averages 2,100 ft elevation. At approximately mile 84 – in Crabapple – the route takes riders back to Fredericksburg on the same road used in the beginning.
This route best portrays the real Texas Hill Country. No major highways, very little traffic. The only downside – not much commercial support en route. Riders must come fully prepared.
B-route – Willow City Loop (63.4 miles/3,336 ft)
This is a NE-SW oriented counterclockwise figure-8 loop. This is another loop from the folks at HCBW. Most of the loop is on the Edwards Plateau. There are only 2 climbs of note – at mile 37, a 600 ft climb out of the Colorado River drainage back up unto the Edwards Plateau, and at mile 51, a short 400 ft climb before descending into Fredericksburg.
Riders head NE out of Fredericksburg toward Willow City and W to Eckert. Heading N from Eckert, at roughly mile-25 riders will descend into the Colorado River drainage. At roughly mile 28 riders will turn onto “Willow City Loop” – yes, that is the road name - and head back S towards Willow City. At Willow City riders will head W through Eckert and SW back to Fredericksburg.
Once you depart Fredericksburg, there are no services along the route. So, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart.
C-route – Schneider-Moellering (37.0 miles/1,907 ft)
This is a short, compressed N-S oriented route. Riders climb out of the Pedernales River drainage heading N and back into the Pedernales Valley heading S back to Fredericksburg. There are 3 climbs of consequence – a gradual climb out of Fredericksburg – 400 ft over 10 miles, 200 ft over 1 mile, and 200 ft over 5 miles.
Riders head N out of Fredericksburg on US 87, Old Mason Rd and FM 2323, then SE on Schneider-Moellering, SW on Gypsum Mine Rd and S on Cherry Mountain Loop to US 87 and Fredericksburg.
Once you depart Fredericksburg, there are no services along the route. So, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – “Luckenbach Day”
A-route – Limbo in Luckenbach (62.0 miles/2,934 ft)
Consider Luckenbach Day a “rest day”. This is a modest counterclockwise loop generally SE of Fredericksburg. Luckenbach – where “Everybody’s Somebody” - is a little less than halfway. This is Hondo Crouch’s town, made famous by Waylon Jennings in his #1 hit song, “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)”. Luckenbach has hosted chili cook-offs, Willie Nelson’s Annual 4th of July Picnics and numerous concerts. Luckenbach is a Hill Country “must see”.
The entire route is on the Edwards plateau. The low point is at the Pedernales River crossing at mile 19 and the high point is on the S edge of the Pedernales Valley, W of Bankersmith, at roughly mile 35. From here riders head NW back into the Pedernales River drainage, W along the River to Morris Ranch, then NE on Hayden Ranch Rd and back to Fredericksburg.
B-route – HCBW 38 Special (40.3 miles/1,604 ft)
This is another HCBW route. We are told, it became known as “38 Special” because the original route – out from and back to their shop in Fredericksburg - was 38 miles. OK, we liked the name and decided to keep it. There is only one climb of significance – about 12 miles after departing Luckenbach - 200 ft over 2 miles on the extreme southern portion of the route.
The route is a counterclockwise loop SE of Fredericksburg. The low point on the ride is at the Pedernales River crossing just before mile-21. After passing through Luckenbach, riders climb gradually to the high point between Grapetown and Cain City at mile 32, after which there is a gentle descent back to the Pedernales River and into Fredericksburg.
C-route – Cain City-Luckenbach (24.3 miles/979 ft)
This route is a simple, short out-and-back. The climbing is minimal. Riders leave Fredericksburg, gradually descending to the Pedernales River crossing at mile 5, and climb gradually to the high point at mile-7 – near the junction of Old San Antonio Rd and Luckenbach-Cain City Rd. From there riders descend to Luckenbach at mile 12. After departing Luckenbach, riders climb to the high point at mile-17, descend to the Pedernales crossing at mile-20 and climb back to Fredericksburg. Using the terms “climbing” and “descending” is a bit of an overstatement.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Leakey Death Ride (106.5 miles/6,486 ft)
This was Nick Gerlich’s most popular ride. Despite the name, overall, there really isn’t a great deal of climbing on this route. But the climbs and descents are steep. The day begins at 7:30 AM. Riders should drive or car-pool down to Bandera – the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” It’s a little less than an hour south of Fredericksburg. Park at the W end of City Park. The ride starts in front of the Bandera County Courthouse. There are 3 big climbs on the out-bound portion of the route (800 ft, 600 ft and 500 ft) and 3 moderate climbs on the in-bound portion of the route (300 ft, 500 ft and 300 ft).
Riders will head NW out of town on FM 3240 to FM 2828, then W through Medina on SH 16. Riders continue W out of Medina on FM 337, through Vanderpool to Leakey. Riders return from Leakey heading S on US 83, through Rio Frio, then E on FM 1050 through Utopia, and FM 470 through Tarpley to Bandera.
There are services in the towns along the route. Most important … BBQ in Bandera before heading back to Fredericksburg.
A-route – Mountain Home and Away (100.6 miles/5,448 ft)
This ride is a counterclockwise loop W of Fredericksburg to Mountain Home, SE to Kerrville and NE back to Fredericksburg. Approximately 22% (22.8 miles) is on state and federal highways. Overall elevation gain averages 54 ft/mile. The northern portion of the route is on the Edwards Plateau and the southern portion is in the Guadalupe River Valley.
Leaving Fredericksburg riders will gradually climb out of the Pedernales River drainage up onto the south rim of the Plateau, the high point on the route – 2,247 ft at mile 41. Riders will then cross I-10, pass through Mountain Home and gradually descend into the Guadalupe River drainage, entering Ingram and crossing the Guadalupe at mile 62.7. There are a couple short, relatively steep climbs (mile 64 and 66) out of the valley, then a descent back into the valley, enter Kerrville and crossing the Guadalupe again at mile 72.
The Guadalupe River drops 70 ft. between Ingram and Kerrville. The low point on the route is 1,600 ft. at the Guadalupe River crossing in Kerrville at mile 72. Riders will pass though Kerrville and begin climbing out of the valley, crossing back over I-10, and continuing climbing back up onto the Edwards Plateau. This route has a fair amount of climbing.
The high point on the climb out is 2,092 ft. at mile 83. There they begin a gradual descent into the Pedernales drainage through gently rolling farm and ranch land into Fredericksburg.
There are gas stations/c-stores conveniently placed at mile 28.5, 62.2 and 76.3. There are others as well in Kerrville.
B-route – Harper (66.3 miles/3,151 ft)
This is a clockwise irregular E-W oriented loop W of Fredericksburg. The terrain is best described as gently rolling farm and ranch land.
Riders head S out of Fredericksburg to the Pedernales River, W upstream through Morris Ranch, SW on White Oak Rd, N on Friedrich, W on FM 2093 to Harper. Dauna’s Store in Harper is a great place to stop for refreshments. It’s rare day if you don’t encounter other cyclists at Dauna’s.
Leaving Dauna’s, riders will be on US 290 for a short distance, then onto Old Harper Rd, back onto US 290 for a short distance, then S on Usener Rd to FM 2093. The route leaves FM 2093 at Hayden Ranch Rd, one of the most perfect Hill Country cycling roads – a nice climb and descent through scenic, open range – back for a short spell on US 290, off at Upper Live Oak Rd and into Fredericksburg.
Other than Dauna’s there are no services available of this route.
C-route – White Oak (29.9 miles/1,360 ft)
This is a short, clockwise loop W of Fredericksburg. The out-bound portion of the route is very flat, as it follows the Pedernales River upstream. The return portion of the route has a half-dozen of relatively short climbs.
Riders head S to the Pedernales River, following the River W, through Morris Ranch to White Oak Rd, then NE to FM 2093/Tivydale Rd. Riders follow FM 2093/Tivydale to Hayden Ranch Rd. This is Fred Boethling’s favorite Hill Country Rd - a nice climb and descent through scenic, open range. There’s a short stretch on US 290, off at Upper Live Oak Rd and back into Fredericksburg.
Once you depart Fredericksburg, there are no services along the route. So, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart.
Friday, March 29, 2024
A-route – Camp Verde Loop (90.1 miles/4,373 ft)
This is a counterclockwise N-S oriented loop S of Fredericksburg. Climbing is moderate – a couple of big climbs (both 500 ft) and 3 short, steep climbs (200, 200 and 300 ft).
Riders head S to the Pedernales River, W along the river to White Oak Rd then S. Riders gradually ascend to the edge of the Edwards Plateau at mile 25, then drop into the Guadalupe River drainage. The short, steep climbs are encountered as riders head downstream, climbing out of and descending back into the Valley. After passing under I-10 at mile-68, riders make the steep climb back up onto the Edwards Plateau, after which they descend gradually back into the Pedernales drainage and back to Fredericksburg.
There are no services, out-bound or in-bound, between Fredericksburg and I-10. However, there’s a plethora of services along the Guadalupe, in Kerrville and Center Point. But, make sure you have adequate food and fluids before you depart Center Point. The climb up Hasenwinkle Rd out of the Guadalupe Valley can be very hot and dry.
B-route – Cypress Creek (66.1 miles/3,055 ft)
This route is similar to the A6 Camp Verde Loop, except that after dropping into the Guadalupe River drainage, riders parallel I -10 on the S. There is only one short, relatively steep climb in this section – 400 ft at mile-38.
Riders cross under I-10 at mile-44 and head N on Hasenwinkle Rd at mile 45. Here riders begin a 500 ft climb back up onto the Edwards Plateau. After passing under I-10, it’s pretty much a straight shot N back to the Pedernales crossing and into Fredericksburg.
There’s everything you’d need in Kerrville. Make sure you have plenty of food and fluids when you leave Kerrville. The climb up Hasenwinkle onto the Edwards Plateau can be very hot and dry.
C-route – Alamo Springs-Old Tunnel (41.3 miles/2,190 ft)
This is an out-and-back from Fredericksburg to Old Tunnel State Park and the Alamo Springs Café (Best burger in Texas). You may want to leave a bit late - time it so you can have a burger at the Alamo Springs Café. What the heck – life should be fun - you’ll burn the calories off riding to and from Alamo Springs.
Riders will climb gradually out of the Pedernales drainage, climbing 400 ft over 10 miles, topping out at mile-15. From here you’ll descend 250 ft to Old Tunnel and Alamo Springs. You’ll do the same in reverse, climbing 250 ft back up to the high point, then finishing with a gradual 10-mile descent to the Pedernales crossing and into Fredericksburg.
There are no services on this route, other than the Alamo Springs Café. So, unless you are planning on stopping here when they are open, make sure you have sufficient food and fluids for the ride.
Saturday, March 30, 2024
A-route – Comfort-Kerrville Loop (101.1 miles/5,322 ft)
This is a great ride – a clockwise irregular loop S of Fredericksburg. This is one of Fred Boethling’s favorite A rides. The route follows River Rd, Center Point Rd, Bear Creek RD and Grape Creek Rd SE to Old San Antonio Road and S past Alamo Springs Café (Best burger in Texas) and Old Tunnel State Park (mile 20.6). The route then heads SE on FM 473 and Zoeller Ln to Waring. From there it roughly parallels I-10 NW through Comfort and Kerrville before heading back NE to Fredericksburg. Less than 1% (0.8 miles) are on state and federal highways. Overall elevation gain averages 50.1 ft/mile.
The northern portion of the route is on the Edwards Plateau and the southern portion in the Guadalupe River Valley. There are three high points on the route – the first is 2,070 ft at mile 14.6 - before dropping off the Edwards Plateau into the Guadalupe drainage. The low point is at the Guadalupe River Crossing -1,274 ft at mile 35.3 – just before entering Waring. This section of the Guadalupe is positively gorgeous. There’s a beautiful stand of cypress, arguably the most beautiful spot in the Texas Hill Country. The second high point is 2,002 ft at mile 58 - just SE of Kerrville. Leaving Kerrville the route passes over I-10 and climbs out of the Guadalupe Valley back up onto the Edwards Plateau reaching the third high point - 2,092 ft. at mile 76.5 before gradually descending into the Pedernales drainage and back to Fredericksburg.
Waring is a classic small Hill Country town with well-preserved historic buildings - Texaco Gas, Waring General Store, school house and church.
From Comfort through Kerrville there are several opportunities to re-supply. There are 2 gas stations/c-stores and a market in Comfort between mile 44.3 and 44.8 and 1 gas station/c-store after leaving Kerrville (mile 65.7). There are no opportunities to re-supply after crossing I-10 on the way N out of the Guadalupe Valley. Be sure to carry enough food and fluids for the 28-mile ride back into Fredericksburg. It can be hot and dry.
B-route – Hill Country Ranches (71.5 miles/3,836 ft)
This is an interesting route – lots of Hill Country ranches. It’s basically a N-S oriented loop- “squashed in the middle” - S of Fredericksburg. Riders end up heading S on Center Point Rd, climbing 400 ft to the southern edge of the Pedernales Valley before descending on Hasenwinkle Rd 600 ft into the Guadalupe Valley. Comfort marks the southern point on the route.
Riders head out of Comfort E on FM 473 and N on the “road of many names” (Old No. 9 Highway, Old Fredericksburg Rd, Old San Antonio Rd). Shortly after Old Tunnel State Park and Alamo Springs Café, (Best burger in Texas) riders will take Grape Creek Rd and Bear Creek Rd to Center Point Rd. Riders will take Old Kerr Highway, cross the Pedernales, and take SH 16, Morris Ranch Rd, Morris-Tivydale Rd and FM 2093 to Hayden Ranch Rd – Fred Boethling’s favorite road – to US 290, Live Oak Rd and back into Fredericksburg.
There are services in Comfort. Make sure you have sufficient food and fluids before departing Comfort. The climb out of the Guadalupe Valley can be hot and dry.
C-route – Weinheimer-Loudon (44.3 miles/2,628 ft)
This is a relatively short route that is challenging, interesting and fun. This route is a clockwise loop W of Fredericksburg which features a bit of everything - great scenery, short climbs and descents, water crossings, open range – all the things we love about the Texas Hill Country. This is a great way to end the week.
Riders head W out of Fredericksburg on W Live Oak Rd and Upper Live Oak Rd. After a short stretch on US 290, riders head SW on Hayden Ranch Rd, across open range, then W on FM 2093/Tivydale Rd, and N on Usener. After another short stretch heading W on US 290, riders take off on Old Harper Rd, then off on a series of quiet, winding roads N of US 290. There are numerous short climbs, descents and stream crossings. Riders end up heading E on Pecan Creek Rd and S on Louden Rd. After a final short stretch on US 290, riders head back into Fredericksburg on Upper Liveoak and W Live Oak Rds.
There are no services on this route. So, make sure you have sufficient food and fluids to sustain you.