Texas Bike Tours
promote cycling by offering custom tours
Overview of Austin for the Moore Family
The mom let us know that her family had never been to Austin before and wanted to feel the vibe of the city. The dad has an offer to transfer to central Texas from Northern Illinois. This trip is to decide whether to move to Austin. Their 11-year old will be a decision-maker as well and on the cycling tour; therefore, her parents wish to have fun stops for her as well as eat healthy at a food truck.
As we cycled together, they experienced the edge of the hill country and the flatness of the blackland prairie as Austin sits between these two regions of Texas. The route also brought into their line of vision that which makes Austin special – openness and acceptance without judgment.
We rode through quiet neighborhoods, looked at and climbed on street art, rode in a dirt bike park, crossed the river and ventured into Zilker Park. Good healthy food was had along the way. A climb up Doug Salm Hill and exploration in South Austin again showed the city to be open, adventurous and embracing of all people. The family enjoyed art created by people as well as art created by nature. Our final stop was a photographic session with the gleaming skyline of Austin alongside the beauty of water and trees.
Evening and Hill Country Cycling
The guest requested an evening ride to enjoy the city as it’s appearance changes in light that moves from golden to blue and then to the black of night followed by a day of hill country climbing.
We began the evening ride shortly before sunset when the rays of the sun are soft. The evening blue hour is late dusk when the residual, indirect sunlight has a blue hue. Cycling east and then west, we followed the reflective light on the city and entered a park to feel the country within the city. As we departed the park, we felt as if we were slipping through the dark to return to where we began. A three hour ride.
The following day’s cycling experience was completely different. A little over 60 miles with an elevation of 3,596 ft with an average speed of 12.8 mph with a max speed of 38.7. A fun time of 6.5 hours. Big smiles on both the guest’s and guide’s faces when they rolled in to the shop.
Immersion into the local life in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a romantic city and the perfect place to celebrate a 7th wedding anniversary. This active couple loves adventure, fun and wine. The husband is especially interested in herbs and culinary aspect of good living.
Casually cycle with TXBT crew and feel the soul of Fredericksburg. Travel through a town where fields are a common sight, historic homes on quiet streets abound, history and local lore can be heard…others may see the Hoffman Haus, you will know the Basse Haus. The experience was customized with a focus on food by visiting a local herbalist, gardner and product maker and being open to adventure as it came during the experience. A local invited us to explore her large property in town with several historic structures. We toured houses not usually open to the public. A 7th anniversary gift to be entranced and informed by two well-known Fredericksburg locals. Do you know the purpose of these steps built into this 1800s wall?
Wowee!!! This is a “must do” in Austin
Let me start at the very beginning …. From my very first encounter with Deaton via email and by phone I instantly knew that this would not be your average bike tour, and I also knew there would be lots of laughter, local knowledge gained & amazing attention to detail. Deaton is someone who is passionate about her business, her city, biking & most importantly … People!! Nothing was too much trouble & she asked lots of questions to make sure that our day was amazing & just perfect for us …. and it was!! My girlfriend & I had a blast and were made to feel right at home in Austin because of the huge Texas welcome given to us by Deaton & Victor (the newest member of the TBT team). The scenery and ride were beautiful, the food stops along the way met by a personal chef were so delicious & refreshing and our fellow bikers a joy to be with. Not only did we have a wonderful experience …. the best part is – we have made a friend for life!! I love this lady and the service she provides is one every tour company should model.
Romancing Austin
A leisurely, mostly downhill unidirectional ride with respites to enjoy seven unique sites and views of Austin as it nestles beside the Colorado River. Locals provide the history of Austin relating to the sites and the route is restful with gracious views while riding. You will visit a tourist attraction from the mid 1800s, a villa built for love, a deck overlooking Lake Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson Hike & Bike trail, a bridge that is art, a sculpture garden and a park that is the playground for locals.
There are a few ups on the route as we travel through old Austin neighborhoods. The extra effort is well worth the view afforded you at the top of the slight climb. Valet service for your vehicle is provided.
Three Tours in 2014
Highest recommendations for the best bike tour in Austin! I used Texas Bike Tours 3 times, so I don’t even need to say how much I love it 🙂 Whenever I have guests this will be on ‘must do’ list. Deaton is amazing, and I always have feeling that her priority is not to earn money but to have happy clients. She always have prepared snacks, wet towels, sunscreen lotion, water etc. I moved to Austin less than 2 years ago and on these tours there is always something new to see and learn. Yesterday tour was with my 6 years old nephew and he was fascinated! Will come back again for sure! Thank you Deaton! English is not my native language so I hope this review will be understandable 🙂
A Bespoke Bike Tour
We were going to be in the Austin area on a recent Texas trip and I contacted Texas Bike Tours about arranging a day of biking for two. Deaton was prompt and thorough in her response. I let her know what we had in mind and she responded immediately with a few suggestions and thoughtful questions about our wishes. Given the high temperatures that area of Texas was experiencing, just a couple of days before our tour, I asked her if it would be possible to move our meeting time to one hour earlier. This last minute curve-ball didn’t phase her a bit and presto, our desire was cheerfully met. She suggested a wonderful spot in Dripping Springs for our breakfast and as we were finishing, she and our bike guide Will appeared right on time. In no time at all we were pedaling through the Texas Hill Country on wonderful winding roads past ranches and olive groves. It was truly a special day and the best part of our trip. We finished with a late lunch in Wimberley at another place she suggested and had one of the best meals of our trip. Seeing this beautiful part of the Lone Star State was wonderful and Texas Bike Tours is the operator of choice.
Fabulous Way to Explore Austin at Night
I moved to Austin a year ago and I must say each day I learn something new about this great city. Moonlight Tour was my first bike tour with Deaton and I was extremely pleased. I learned lot of new things about Austin, such as Moon Towers and full moon howling at Barton Springs pool. I recommend the moonlight tour to someone who is interested to experience Austin in a different light.
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