Texas X Riders

VTX Related Rides => West Texas => Topic started by: matap on January 16, 2020, 02:36:08 PM

Title: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 16, 2020, 02:36:08 PM
This has been a long time discussion amongst many of us but usually is perpetrated by too little time to take off. 

But one question to rule them all...How many conservative days are needed to enjoy the views that Chisos Mountains have to offer? 

Where do you stay?

Where do you eat?

When to go?

Best to have two different dates to go in case the weather is a total wash out?

This is still one area of Texas I have yet to go to and I'm thinking in order for it to happen I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and do it.

With or without anyone.
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: Rocket67 on January 16, 2020, 03:45:24 PM
I'm with ya.  After Sturgis I will need to assess my vacation.

I am sure I could trailer there in one day and save a 2 day ride.  If you are taking the mobile mansion I am staying with you...LOL.  If riding (which I prefer) I think staying in a different place each night would be helpful to avoid retracing steps.  Just string the rides on top of each other and work you way back to I-10 on the last day.  Boogie to Austin and stay on 6th Street then home.  Could be done in 5 days. 
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 16, 2020, 03:58:38 PM
I'm thinking of just riding but having a home base isn't a bad idea either.  There isn't much too look at getting to the Big Bend region but I do enjoy the adventure riding there. 
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: Isorg on January 16, 2020, 04:17:40 PM
Been a few times now with a few different groups and riding levels.

4 day min.   1 day getting there, 2 days for the area, 1 day getting back.

A lot of the area is spread across huge distances.  keep and eye on your fuel, the gas station in the park is not always open.  and due to a power outage (common in the area) the gas station in Terlingua was not an option on one visit.

been in late winter and early spring, and made basecamp @ Alpine.  it's a 60 mile ride just to the entrance of the park.  Been thinking of going again this year and would like to see about staying in Terlingua.

when riding river road, if in the morning, ride east to west. in the afternoon west to east. 

Bring your passport if you want to cross the border to see the small town on the other side, you cross the Rio Grande in a flat bottom boat.

watch your speed while in the park!

Would love to get off the bike and do a little more trail hiking next time I go.
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: paffap on January 16, 2020, 07:02:15 PM
I have never been, but I know 2 people that have been harassed about their speed in the park.
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 17, 2020, 08:37:08 AM
I just want to go when its dry. I'm thinking a 5 day excursion
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: Isorg on January 17, 2020, 11:02:38 AM
I have never been, but I know 2 people that have been harassed about their speed in the park.

it's really easy to speed in the park.   nice roads + 45mph =  :bikerider:
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: xcaliber on January 19, 2020, 02:49:43 PM
Spring time is always busy. I've been twice in late Sept. temp cool at nite 92 in the day. If all you do is ride the park, that can be done in a day but there is so much more to see and do while there.As said, watch your speed in the park.  I'm looking at Oct. There are plenty of places to stay in Study Butte/ Terlingua . Riding the border road from Del Rio ro Marathon is more sceneic than I-10 . Crossing the Border to Boquillas is cool.  The river road to Presideo is a must. Fort Davis , I'm ready to go back.
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: Rocket67 on January 22, 2020, 01:40:35 PM
Spring time is always busy. I've been twice in late Sept. temp cool at nite 92 in the day. If all you do is ride the park, that can be done in a day but there is so much more to see and do while there.As said, watch your speed in the park.  I'm looking at Oct. There are plenty of places to stay in Study Butte/ Terlingua . Riding the border road from Del Rio ro Marathon is more sceneic than I-10 . Crossing the Border to Boquillas is cool.  The river road to Presideo is a must. Fort Davis , I'm ready to go back.

Is there anywhere you can safely ride into Mexico from Big Bend?
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 22, 2020, 02:35:32 PM
Safely you can cross.  It's once you're in there that changes the atmosphere. 
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: xcaliber on January 22, 2020, 03:46:33 PM
not from Big Bend. No bridge crossing. There is a crossing at Presidio but I ain't taking my bike over there. I think El Capitan would like a orange Harley.
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: Rocket67 on January 23, 2020, 08:36:23 AM
I figured as much.    :stickpoke:
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 23, 2020, 09:41:30 AM
Well, I have committed to go to Big Bend this year.  I've been talking about this place for years and it's one of the last places left for me to explore in Texas.  I've been thru the Piney woods of East Texas, the rolling hills of CenTex the plains of North Texas and the Rio Grand Valley and everywhere in between.  It's now time to tame the Wild West.  Leaving last weekend of March and returning first weekend of April.  Going to drag the RV out there and spends 8 nights.  Most definitely going to do some star gazing!
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: xcaliber on January 24, 2020, 07:38:56 AM
 you gonna set up in one place or move around? That time of year is gonna be busy so make your reservations soon. Probably not a problem since your RV ing it unless your looking at FT Davis. I wasn't impressed with any of the RV sites there except the state park which is nice but fills up. Let me know if I can help.
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 24, 2020, 08:44:22 AM
Setting up in Lajitas, they have an RV resort adjacent to a golf resort.  They have about 80 spots that can accommodate my size rig and one of the other parks I looked at says depending on how many people are in the park that rigs over 40' long might not be able to navigate thru.  My total length is about 53' hooked up. 

Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: xcaliber on January 24, 2020, 03:21:07 PM
Lajitas is a good choice. That would be my suggestion. The resort is really nice. Not much else there though. Be sure to check out the R.E. Lee statute on the golf course. Neat piece of art that was taken down in Dallas, bought by the resort owner and move there. The mayor of Lajitas is a goat. A real bah bah goat. LOL
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: jmdaniel on January 29, 2020, 12:36:47 PM
Boogie to Austin and stay on 6th Street then home.

You mus not have been to 6th Street recently. Watch for the needles and poop.

Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: jmdaniel on January 29, 2020, 12:53:05 PM
Well, I have committed to go to Big Bend this year.  I've been talking about this place for years and it's one of the last places left for me to explore in Texas.  I've been thru the Piney woods of East Texas, the rolling hills of CenTex the plains of North Texas and the Rio Grand Valley and everywhere in between.  It's now time to tame the Wild West.  Leaving last weekend of March and returning first weekend of April.  Going to drag the RV out there and spends 8 nights.  Most definitely going to do some star gazing!

My money is on you not spending 8 nights out there, as I don't have you pegged as a golfer, and there isn't that much to see in BB to stretch that long. A lot of other good info here, from the other folks. I've been a few times, stayed at the Chisos Mountain Lodge the first time, and in Alpine the other times. The speed limit is a factor in the park, but I had the Feejer in the triple digits, racing a buddy of mine on his Kawasaki.

From 2008...

(https://i.imgur.com/EwnORMW.jpg)


Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: matap on January 29, 2020, 03:12:31 PM
I'm taking the land yacht.  we like to just spend days in the rv doing nothing but cooking and drinking and sleeping.  a few days for riding and few days for nothing and the rest getting there and back. 

If I was just going on the bike I would not take 8 nights, but towing that beast that far isn't worth just pulling for a few nights stay.  closer yeah, but a days worth of towing I make sure to make it worth it to not have to tow back that soon. 

...and your are correct sir, I am not a golfer. 
Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: MRVTX on January 30, 2020, 08:47:45 AM
We did a 4-day trip in April '15 and it wasn't long enough...two days just riding there and back.  There are a ton of things to explore, especially if you do some hiking.  I saw signs for hot springs, which sounded good after all that riding...but we didn't do that.  The Boquillas crossing is a must...authentic Mexican food was delicious.  Bring your passports in case you decide to do it.  Book a tour of the McDonald Observatory and go check that out...if you really want to see some stars.

https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/

Eight days sounds good to me for my next trip!   :thumbup:  However, no more 2-wheelin' on a 4-wheelin' road...the scenery was breathtaking, but that "washboard" road sucked riding on it. 

Title: Re: Big Bend - Let's talk
Post by: xcaliber on January 30, 2020, 09:25:41 AM
I have not ridden the road out to Candalaria but a friend just did it. there is an old cavalry fort on the way from the days of Pancho Villa. Interesting history in the area. Your Not a golfer but a stop to see the resort and the statue is worth a few minutes.
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