BackRoads: Riding the Bandera Loop

When you think of riding great mountain roads with challenging hills and curves and one incredible view after another, you normally wouldn’t think of Texas. Well, think again!

The area known as the “Texas Hill Country” stretches roughly from San Antonio to Austin and then westward for about 100 miles. The roads range from the mild – gentle hills and sweeping curves – to the wild -don’t let your concentration lapse for a second.

There so many wonderful roads that planning a visit to the area can seem overwhelming. In this issue we have focused on two ride options – a Kerrville – Bandera Loop, and the Kerrville – Fredericksburg area. Keep in mind there is so much to see and do that either of these could easily turn into a several day excursion.

Each ride can easily take up an entire day if you choose to sight see, shop and enjoy the many restaurants and watering holes, and if you have more time check out the recommended side trips.

Some of these segments are in very remote areas. Gas stations can easily be more than 50 miles apart and they don’t operate “24/7”. Top off your tank frequently.

Cell phone service is generally available but, depending on who your service provider is, you will probably find some “dead spots”.

Our favorite way to enjoy the Hill Country is to stay in Kerrville and explore the various trips from there. Kerrville, centrally located, is an easy day’s ride for any of the trips listed.

Where to Stay: YO Ranch Resort Hotel

830-257-4440

www.YOResort.com. 2033 Sidney Baker Kerrville, Texas 78028

(just South of I-10 at exit 508)

Named after the YO Ranch at Mountain Home this is a large, very nice resort hotel with all the amenities. The 2-story ranch-style buildings provide privacy and the ability to park your motorcycle where you can see it from your room. The restaurant offers some outstanding menu items and the pool is a welcome sight after a long day of riding. On most nice weekends there are dozens of motorcycle riders using the YO Ranch as a base from which to explore the Hill Country.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall. The summertime can be pleasant in the Hill Country especially riding early or late in the day. Plan on spending the hottest part of the day in the Guadalupe, Frio or Medina Rivers.

Getting There: Kerrville is on I-10 west about 60 miles Northwest of San Antonio.

Name of Trip: Kerrville – Bandera Loop

Distance: 170 Miles

Time: 5 hours, more if you sightsee a lot.

Route: Kerrville, Hunt, Vanderpool, Utopia, Leakey, Vanderpool, Medina, Bandera, Kerrville.

Side Trips: Leakey to Camp Wood and beyond, 90 miles.

Highlights: White limestone cliffs form distinctive backdrops to the cypress-lined banks of spring fed crystal clear rivers. The scenic views are awesome as you enjoy the hills, curves and “twisties”. Go in the spring and enjoy a wildflower extravaganza.

Kerrville – Hunt. 18 miles, From YO Ranch go to SR-27. At junction take SR-39.

Ride along the Guadalupe and watch it switch back and forth along the sides of the road. One of the interesting things is to notice how often the river has been dammed with low dams to form large pools that seem to invite all passersby to stop and cool off.

The initial section as you leave Kerrville is lined with resorts that offer all kinds of...

We hope that you enjoyed reading this excerpt from "Riding the Bandera Loop". If you would like to read the entire article and more, you can order a back issue of May / June 2004 where this article was originally published.

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