Texas Bike Tours
promote cycling by offering custom tours
Texas Hill Country Ride
A custom 57-mile route to include the Willow City Loop. In creating the route, we took into consideration the group’s level of cycling experience, comfort with climbing hills and the desired duration of the ride. A local pathfinder aka guide rides with the group and SAG support is available. The two more casual cyclists were picked up at mid-point and driven back to the start with their bikes. The experienced pathfinder provides historical information, is prepared to change the route enroute if need be and is a good photographer. An interesting, charming, competent guide.
Austin First Timers’ Delight
With sights set on history, nature, and food trucks, our guests were excited to get on bikes and explore Austin for the first time. A lovely group of ladies, these guests were looking to enjoy a well-rounded cycling experience in the heart of Austin, Texas.
This tour begins with a custom-fit on bikes at Mellow Johnny’s bike shop to ensure carefree cycling. From the bike shop, a quiet neighborhood built in the 1800’s beckons us onward for a rich taste of a national historic place on the cusp of the hill country. Stories of race, acceptance, and vision flow out of the unique Clarksville area as we ride toward the Colorado river.
Functional art, an old railroad and a revamped power plant are waiting for us by the peaceful river as we cycle down. Standing over the water on a architecturally-astounding bridge, we take in Austin from all angles and see how the landscape all around has evolved over the years.
In the west we find nature uninterrupted by the teeming city life of Austin. Zilker Park marries a skyline vista with an open field to cycle through as locals rest and play on the fields. Gushing spring water flows from the Edwards Aquifer nearby, and after a splash of cool water on the face we enjoy a bite to eat at an iconic food truck park.
As we ride on, the quietness of South Austin is breathtaking. Super-modern homes are grafted into the old plantation lands and their cottage-style dwellings. White peacocks and an old herb store covered in foliage give way to the busy and bright entertainment district of South Congress Avenue. Food trucks dot both sides of the road as the spectacle of shopping and eating scrolls by.
With a quintessential view of the capitol, we head back into town through a shortcut in the east and pick out must-see spots for dinner and drinks later on. The ride continues north through the capitol grounds and the campus of The University of Texas where even more unique sights and stops can be found. Finally, we cycle back to the bike shop to end the day sated and satisfied with life.
Roll Then Stroll
Guests requested nature in abundance for this experience and, as it was their 3rd tour with us, we wanted to give them a unique experience. We decided to think outside the cycling box, looking at an off-road experience that would be more relaxing than mountain biking.
This tour begins with a custom-fit on road bikes at Mellow Johnny’s bike shop to ensure carefree cycling. At the edge of the Texas hill country just outside of Austin, we roll through neighborhoods to high top views of the city from afar and the scenery evolves for a multifaceted native experience. A 20-mile route which may be shortened as we ride, returns to Austin at the Zilker Park trailhead at Barton Springs.
Taking a break at The Picnic for a light lunch at a food truck, or enjoying a culinary break prepared by a personal chef is a great way to finish the cycling. The SAG wagon is close by with personal clothing and any equipment needed for a stroll through nature. The tour then becomes a stroll as we walk the Barton Springs Greenbelt. The hiking trail begins as mostly wide and flat.
With sheer limestone cliff walls, dense lush vegetation, and popular swimming areas, the trail evolves into an untamed expression of rugged Texas beauty. After a soothing walk through the trail, and perhaps a dip into the cool creek water, the tour wraps up with a short rest with refreshments at a picnic table and one last ride to the bike shop to top off the day.
A Child’s Exploration in Austin
A central Austin tour designed to engage children with a little adventure threading through the exploration of a local park, cycling and walking on a historic trail, tree climbing, stream crossing, and a small field of standing stones ideal for play acting. It will be easy to forget you are in a city. Additional time and mileage may be added for older children. Again, duration is driven by the pace chosen by our guests.
Countryside Ride
A countryside cycle through small towns and rural areas outside of Austin. Austin sits between the regions of the blackland prairie and the hill country and the countryside is very beautiful with rolling hills and flat lands beside creeks. We transport bikes and meet guests at a location outside of Austin and then provide a pathfinder, SAG support and supplies for a route that could either be a circular route back to the start or a unidirectional route to end with a late lunch and exploration of the local area while we valet vehicles to the end destination. Experience the peace of Texas’ country life.
32 Miles of Scenery to Comfort, TX
Diane & Chuck’s dream tour was a leisurely ride through the hill country on low traffic roads.
We arranged two carbon bike rentals from Jack and Adams in Fredericksburg. We met there at 10 AM, and departed on quiet city streets avoiding busy highways to reach scenic ranch roads. Goat farms, dairy farms, alpacas, donkeys, old log cabins, and small hills and meadows adorned the countryside as we followed the Pedernales River. Our roller coaster descent into Comfort culminated in a sublime view that suspended time.
We enjoyed Comfort with lunch at High Street Café and hitched a ride back to Fredericksburg in our SAG wagon.
See into Austin and Ride Countryside
These New Zealand guests were stopping in Austin for only two days on their way to Chicago. They asked to see what is important in Austin and ride a little in the countryside. They requested a picnic basket culinary experience during the tour but the CED recommended food truck stops to really immerse in the full Austin experience.
The cycling and culinary experience created brought into their line of vision that which makes Austin unique – openness and acceptance without judgment. Incorporated into this sight line was “a little in the countryside” where they would be surprised to still be in the city. The following is the concept we created with and for them.
First a custom-fit on bikes hired for the experience. Then cycling in a quiet neighborhood with opportunities to see and climb on a project dedicated to street art and to hear about and experience a dirt bike park. Then moving past public art, ride over the Colorado River and cycle beside the river on the hike and bike trail to Zilker Park with Barton Springs pool.
By traveling west just another block or two, we could have climbs to conquer as the hill country begins here. Instead we…travel E on city streets or on the hike and bike trail, to the SoCo entertainment and shopping district stopping for look-see and a break.
We move further south to explore this district or head N to cross the Colorado again to travel along the trail to the Rainey Street District. Literally completely different from SoCo except they are both highly entertaining. Your pathfinder will continually fill you in on the history and local lore of each district.
After Rainey, “Dirty 6th” is just a few blocks away. We could take a peak down that street and then cycle East on 4th Street to the part of the city that is currently undergoing the greatest change, East Austin. Traveling through the streets, you will see old and new Austin including visual arts, cultural areas, and remnants of the past.
Moving to the edge of the city, we access a trail specifically built for bikes and pedestrians. We ride through fields, quiet woods, over streams and make our way north for a higher view of the city. Swooping down to travel south, we enter a country road to see an urban farm with a good story and if we want to ride a half-mile further, we can visit the site of Austin cycling races.
Traveling west, we access the Colorado River to wade at Secret Beach, explore the wildlife sanctuary and venture through the south shore to access the boardwalk for a memorable view of the city over the water. From there we cross the Lady Bird Lake to explore a little of downtown and then end where we began.
There will be many opportunities to pop off the route for a bite to eat, drink and rest. To get the full Austin experience, we will stop at food trucks along the way.
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.
Off-Road Touring on a Mountain Bike
A cycling experience for those who want to be surrounded by nature, quiet and beauty with no vehicles riding beside you. We will rent mountain bikes for you and deliver your bikes to the entrance of the trail where the TXBT pathfinder waits to lead you on a off-road experience through the park. The route on the trails are selected based on comfort & experience of the group. If the weather is hot, a quick dip in a cool pond could be available to enhance the experience.
At the end of the ride, TXBT transports you to a culinary experience at a private residence overlooking the Colorado River. There you will enjoy a gourmet feast designed around your preferences and may share the adventure again through conversation.
This tour is designed for riders who are curious about mountain biking and those who are very experienced and wish to share that experience with others not so experienced.
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.
“Great way to explore Austin!”
We moved to Austin only a few months ago but never really had the chance to truly discover Austin. Being Dutch we love to ride bikes and figured it would be great to have a guide who could help us explore the city. Jacob was our guide and he did a great job! We loved biking through the city and felt completely safe at all times. Riding a bike is something we do every day in the Netherlands, so we felt comfortable biking while wearing flip-flops – I guess that was a first for Texas Bike Tours! We had a fantastic day and definitely recommend booking a tour, not only for visitors but also if you just moved to Austin. There is so much more to see when you’re riding a bike! Let them help you explore this amazing city!
Highlight of our weekend in Austin!
Our bike tour was the best ever! My daughter and I traveled to Austin for the weekend for her business. We had several hours that I knew she would be free, so I found Texas Bike Tours online.
From the first contact with Deaton, I knew it would be great, because Deaton was so kind to me in her emails. She went above and beyond to make it an absolutely amazing experience for our first visit to Austin. By the time we arrived, I felt like she was my new friend. Jacob was our guide, and he was the best. He was funny and knew so much about the city. He took us to places/sights that we would have missed on our own. I would recommend Texas Bike Tours for everyone when you visit this city. I can’t say enough good things about Deaton and Jacob……wonderful people whom I will not forget!