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| More than 500 miles of paved farm roads crisscross Fredericksburg and Gillespie County, making the Hill Country a mecca for cycling enthusiasts. |
Cycle Texas
The Hill Country is a haven for cycling enthusiasts. A vast network of paved farm roads links ranches and creates a perfect surface for road riders. The region's abundance of natural areas also offers many opportunities for mountain bikers.
You can bring your own bike or rent one from Hill Country Bicycle Works, with locations in both Fredericksburg and Kerrville. They'll even help you map out a route that matches your ability.
A new Web site (www.cycletexas.com) points road cyclists to six challenging routes. They also post notices for local group rides that welcome visitors.
Bike Through Texas
Hill Country Bicycle Works: 702B East Main Street, Fredericksburg; (830) 990-2609 or www.hillcountrybicycle.com. Kerrville Shop, 141 West Water Street, Kerrville; (830) 896-6864.
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| The Hill Country's craggy slopes hide watery treasures such as Pedernales Falls State Park, a favorite spot for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. |
Before You Hit the Trail
Visit a few Web sites for help pinpointing the best blooms--before you hop in the car.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org
Texas Department of Transportation, www.dot.state.tx.us
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wine & Wildflower Trail: April 21-23 and 28-30; www.texaswinetrail.com.
Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival: April 6-9, Austin; (512) 249-6300 or www.texaswineandfood.org.
Hill Country Classics
Burnet Bluebonnet Festival: Burnet Chamber of Commerce, Burnet; (512) 756-4297. Held the second weekend in April, this annual celebration includes everything from train rides to parades.
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q: 505 West Dallas, Llano; (325) 247-5713 or www.coopersbbq.com. Whether you're the President or a peasant, you'll love The Big Chop. Barbecue and dipping sauce now available by mail order.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg; (325) 247-3903 or www.tpwd.state.tx.us. The centerpiece of this park is a huge, pink granite rock that rises 425 feet from the ground.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park: Johnson City; (830) 868-7128 or www.nps.gov/lyjo. A bus ride ($6) through the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall offers great views.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin; (512) 292-4100 or www.wildflower.org. Spring is the perfect time to visit this native plant garden. Admission: $6.
Wildseed Farms: 425 Wildflower Hills, Fredericksburg; 1-800-848-0078 or www.wildseedfarms.com. A great place to get those close-up photos of bluebonnets and other wildflowers.
"Bluebonnets" is from the March 2006 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.
