Texas Bike Tours
promote cycling by offering custom tours
Cycling, Countryside & Cronuts
Jodi wanted to give her finance, Steve, a memorable experience for his birthday. Steve introduced Jodi to road cycling and they often cycled together in a large metropolitan city. She wanted to surprise Steve with hill country road cycling; cronuts as a part of their nutrition in the SAG wagon as Steve missed ready access to this French-American pastry; and a romantic overnight stay in Wimberly.
TXBT created a cycling experience with a custom route. TXBT’s culinary director prepared cronuts and other delights for mid-ride breaks. TXBT SAG picked up Steve and Jodi in Wimberly and transported their personal bikes and gear to the start of the ride in Dripping Springs.
The ride began near a field of flowers.
A break mid-way surprised Steve with cronuts.
The ride continued to meander along hill country roads with local signage along the way.
Photography, SAG guidance and full-support while hill country road cycling, surprises from TXBT and transportation to and from the hotel in Wimberly were included in the experience.
Jodie texted later in the afternoon. “We had a wonderful ride…loved the scenery and rolling hills! Steve is still talking about it. “ Her happiness made us happy.
Hill Country Experience as a Gift
Michael wanted his sister and brother-in-law to have an experience for their Christmas gift. Rather than purchasing a specific cycling & culinary experience, Michael chose a specific dollar amount so Mary & Rob could “get exactly what they want” in the moment when they chose to book with TXBT. This, he said, is to make sure it is “new and different”. We created gift wrap for his gift and personally delivered to their home as Michael lived in another state.
In April, Mary and Rob contacted us and described the experience they wanted us to create for them. They wanted to ride 50 – 70 miles “…through beautiful, relatively low-traffic scenery, with a nice break for lunch. Then we would have a romantic dinner with some wine, and retire to our b&b…”
A local guide in the Fredericksburg area was chosen to ride with Rob and Mary as well as a local chef to create the culinary experience. Then, based on their cycling expertise and preferences, the TXBT guide created a 55-60 mile route with a stop for mid-ride lunch at one of our favorite spots in the hill country.
The chef created a menu based on their dietary preferences while selecting various romantic spots in the garden and greenhouse to serve the couple as they progressed through the menu of delights.
During the afternoon, Rob and Mary rested, relaxed and explored the historic area of Fredericksburg. Main St. is a walking wonder with all the shops and tourists who visit this small, friendly town. Then they strolled to the chef’s gardens to have a romantic, enchanted evening together as the sun set and the stars came out…deep in the heart of Texas.
It was such a pleasure to bring to their lives the Christmas gift Michael gave to Mary and Rob.
City Bike Tour & Romantic Dinner
She wanted a special, romantic experience as a gift for her husband’s birthday who enjoys cycling.
To begin, a city bike tour conveying the heart of Fredericksburg through history, local lore, and quaint beauty. As hills roll into quiet streets, the historic homes, churches, cemeteries, and shop buildings become a backdrop for Fredericksburg’s best stories. Tenacity, bravery, intelligence and humility marked the original settlers who lived peacefully in the hill country with the Indians.
Then as the sunlight began to fade, the couple rolled into a garden where a personal chef awaited them. At sunset, they sat in the garden, sharing thoughts of the day over appetizers and wine. At twilight, they continued the culinary journey into the garden greenhouse to dine intimately in light from chandeliers surrounded by nature and art. The custom menu description for one course was “Feel your heart beat with Heart Beet Salad with Maple Roasted Cashews and a pale ale vinaigrette.” The couple could feel their hearts beat as one as they shared this cycling & culinary experience.
Anniversary Ride through the City and Romantic Dinner in a Park
Bryan wanted to celebrate his 1st wedding anniversary with Lisa by surprising her with a cycling experience and a romantic dinner. She rides bikes – podium. He rides motorcycles. The cycling and culinary experience directors pondered, collaborated and created this concept for Bryan. Check out the bride’s review on Trip Advisor. Bryan hit a home run with his lady love.
The concept gave them a ride through our city looking into the north, south, east and west. The city reflected back the uniqueness of their relationship – openness and acceptance.
They rode together through quiet neighborhoods to see architecture, art, and nature while hearing about how the city developed and became what it is today…a vibrant, creative community with support for individuals as well as businesses. Traveling deeper into the South Austin area, the pathfinder delved further into the rich history as to why and how South Austin differs from North Austin.
We visited SoCo, Rainey St. entertainment district, then headed west to travel back through the city talking about the past while seeing how 6th street and the city have evolved. Continuing through the city, we traveled back to where we began. As they rolled up, they entered a romantic spot created just for them and glowing in the waining light from the setting sun. The chef stood by waiting to serve a quiet, elegant dinner designed especially for a 1st Anniversary celebration.
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.
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 🙂