Big Bend trip

[Rocketman]

There has been some interest in taking a VRCC trip to Big Bend.  This can serve as the discussion central for it.  Who's up for the trip?  When do ya'll want to go?

Discuss.

[HayHauler]

I am up for it. I would think spring or fall would be the best.  Maybe March or early October.  I wouldn't want to try it in the heat of the summer.  I might even be able to talk my buddy here at work into this trip. We had talked about doing our own trip, but a larger group would make the fun that much better.
I don't know the area and have never been there, so I'm no help on  routes/rides in the area. 
Great idea!

Hay
Jimmyt

[franco6]

I second the motion , but its near the frontier, shall we bring Guns ?

[RainMaker]

I think it would be a heck of a trip and traveling in numbers would probably make it safer than most trips to the area.  I'm mostly thinking about the mountains so maybe something around Alpine - whoever has been to the area probably is more knowledgeable about good twisty mountain roads there.  Visit Terlingua Ghost town, Fort Davis, McDonald Observatory.

Looks like the Davis Mountains would be good riding area.

Just as long as it's not on the Oct 1st weekend - that's Aggie/Razorback weekend with the final invasion of Squadron S-1 expected in our house.

RM

[Rocketman]

I would vote for a springtime ride to west Texas (Big Bend/Alpine/etc.).  That way, we can do our 2nd/8th/34th annual Texas rally/statewide gathering/ride-in/TexZane in the fall and they'll not even come close to conflicting.

[Red Diamond]

Spring seems like a good time, been there in late April, cold mornings and warm afternoons. Late May is hot and lucked up on a wonderful late June once. Most any other time between May and October is hot but not unbearable. Rain is sparse, keep in mind you will be in some low desert country, especially in the park. There are some twisties in the park, but the speed limit is 45MPH, radar inforced. I'm told a speeding ticket is somewhere around $3000.00, but aside that, riding in the park is a nice experience. Then there is River Road, 72+ miles from Terlingua to Presidio, talking bout twisties. Love that Texas Desert.
      One other thing, guns are not permitted in a National Park, my wife and I have been right at the edge of Mexico at Santa Elena Canyon, felt perfectly safe. Those cliffs are hard to climb. (LOL)

[Bullgoose]

I'm in. Let's go in November

[Dag]

April sounds perfect 

[Gear Jammer]

      One other thing, guns are not permitted in a National Park, my wife and I have been right at the edge of Mexico at Santa Elena Canyon, felt perfectly safe. Those cliffs are hard to climb. (LOL)

Eli,  as of last March, Firearms are permitted in National Parks as long as person is in compliance with that state's firearm laws.  In Texas, firearms are permitted to be carried in vehicle by anyone during travel.  Those with CHL (CCW) may also carry on their person in the park.   You may also have them on The Three Sisters   

and I'm in for the ride to Big Bend Park, depending on date and duration.

[NCGhostrider]

I might be interested.  I was considering a ride down there the end of this month, but have pretty much backed out.   It seems that too much work and not enough dollar wins again these days.

I would prefer to go with a few people down there, safety in numbers!!  Last time I went, I went alone and had a great ride, but things have changed some since then.

[Red Diamond]

I've never carried a gun and have never objected to anyone carrying one. Oops, now that everyone knows I don't pack, maybe I better start. (LOL) Thanks for the info.

[BuzzKill]

I know Liz has been wanting to go there for a while now.  We have a few people in our other group who has been a few times and if no one else is framiliar with some routes, I'm sure I can get some ideas from them.  Liz says springtime, around April, maybe early April.

How long of a trip we talking?  I would like to stretch it out a few days so we can actually enjoy it and get to see/do more stuff.

[Red Diamond]

Thag, I don't know how long a ride it would be for 2-up. I have ridden from Beaumont to Marathon in about 12 hours, didn't like it solo. There are some towns and other interesting things to see on the way, so like Rocket said maybe a day and one half would be better. You would need at least a day to do the park and River Road from Marathon, then Fort Davis and the scenic route from Alpine. Beautiful route from Alpine to Fort Davis. There is Mcdonald Observatory, 118 to Kent, Indian lodge. Last time, we split the going and coming trip in half, spending a night in Uvalde and SA.

[cutter]

and don't forget about the Marfa lights!    cool thing to see 

[Vroom Kaboom]

Some thoughts from a Big Bend "veteran."  One day out is possible but is kind of a beating, unless you're into the whole "iron butt" thing - I'm really not.

San Angelo has a restaurant called the Western Sky (I think.)  Best chicken fried steak I've ever eaten (and I've had more than a couple!)

The first weekend in November is always the Terlingua Chili Cook-off.  Don't know what your agenda is but I think every Texan should make the pilgrimage at least once.

If you don't mind camping, Rio Grande Villages is a good base of operations out there.  It's also close to Boquias (spelling?) Springs - an old hot spring on the banks of the Rio Grande.  Not sure about safety these days, but it used to be an awesome spot to sit and drink a cold beverage or two.

Life is in the way for me right now, but y'all don't miss out!  Big Bend is truly God's Country!

[Super Santa]

I would like to do it again.  Been several years ago now.  I think early April would be great.

[john]

Terlingua Chili Cook-off ....
i have been told that ...
 " you ain't seen texas till ya been there "     

[2-CUP]

  I have been several times and it is a great place. I have stayed in Fort Davis and Alpine. Fort Davis is about 5200 feet so temp is somewhat cooler.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

We've stayed at the Big Bend Motor inn and also the Easter Egg motel on highway 170 just west of town. Both are just alittle better than camping.

[Gear Jammer]

We've stayed at the Big Bend Motor inn and also the Easter Egg motel on highway 170 just west of town. Both are just alittle better than camping.

Sounds like a rather tepid endorsement of these establishments       

[laserpat]

The Indian Lodge in Fort Davis is a great place. Two thumbs up 

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

 Not bad places to stay just an't much out there as for as cable tv  or phone service. Best time we ever had we camped at the koa camp grounds just across the terlingua river near the La Kiva bar and grill.

[Red Diamond]

Not bad places to stay just an't much out there as for as cable tv  or phone service. Best time we ever had we camped at the koa camp grounds just across the terlingua river near the La Kiva bar and grill.

Now that's the part I like, no phone, no cable tv, just beautiful scenery and riding.

[f-Stop]

Here's a couple of places I've stayed out that way:

Thunderbird Motel, Marfa.  Really cool place, but not many rooms available...
http://thunderbirdmarfa.com/

Cibilo Creek Ranch towards Presidio.  Very hoity-toity and pricey...
http://www.cibolocreekranch.com/

A more pratical place might be the Best Western in Alpine.  Not very exotic, but biker freindly and may do group rates.

[Wanderer]

February is springtime at Big Bend! The prettiest time to go. The desert is in full bloom, and it is still cool enough during the day and great sleeping temps if you are camping. Find out when UT spring break is and avoid that week for sure!

Richard Gibbens has done all the homework for you. Get his guide with maps and a link to the gps routes. http://www.texasadventure.net/RideGuides.htm

Good info here too, http://www.visitbigbend.com/site09/index.php