This weekend a group of local bikepackers dusted off our bikepacking gear and our social skills to go bikepacking for the Spring Break weekend. The last group bikepacking trip I went on was in March of 2020 at the last Bikes or Death Spring Campout. A worldwide pandemic put a halt to any future rides until this past weekend almost exactly 1 year later. It felt great to be back after a very long year.
We rode a variation of the Sam Houston Restaurant Tour, I’ll post our exact route below. This route was designed to make bikepacking more accessible for people who are new to bikepacking, but it also serves as a relaxing weekend in the woods for a more seasoned bikepacker. It was great to see a collective of riders, from first timers, to newbies, to experienced bikepackers all coming together and finding their own enjoyment or challenge on the same route.
We departed from Big Woods Hunter Camp at 10am on Saturday with perfect conditions. The original route would take you to Taqueria Carmelita, but it’s now closed on the weekends (đŸ˜¢) so we had to find a new Taqueria. Insert Fiesta Taqueria! Honestly, the food wasn’t near as good as Carmelitas, but their service was great! They offered to put my leftovers in a ziplock bag when they saw I was on a bike and when I got to camp I noticed they and written “Have a Safe Trip” on the bag, so they definitely get 5 stars for that! If you are able to ride this route during the week I’d ride on to Carmelitas, you can thank me later.
The morning was typified by a interaction with a Constable. He informed us there was a large horse trail ride and he had to get permission for us to continue. After permission was granted we were treated to quite the site. Hundreds of horse riders, some pulling carts with people, came face to face with a dozen or so bikepackers. I think both groups equally enjoyed the encounter as we were met with smiling faces, waving hands, and more “Howdy’s” than even I’m used to!
After lunch spirits were high, bellies were full, and the weather was still perfect. Everything was going splendidly until…. shortly after lunch we got into a little trespassing (unfortunately easy to do in Texas), no problem we turn around and get back on the main route. Then I get a text from Sarah, who was riding to meet up with us, she had been bit by a dog! We all knew what dog it was, earlier when we rolled through it nipped at me and one other rider. When I got the text I wasn’t sure how concerned to be, how bad was it? Then I got a picture (see below, discretion advised). It was bad! I grabbed a first aid kit from the well prepared Katya and sped off to meet up with Sarah who was 5 miles back. The rest of the group continued on route and we would meet up with at camp asap!
When I was able to inspect the wound in person it obviously needed stitches. In truth there was only a couple small pieces of flesh keeping the wound from gaping wide open. We through her options, like going to a doctor for stitches, but her reply was, “It’s gonna just have to heal on its own, I’m not missing this ride”! Thankfully the first aid kit was well stocked and provided everything we needed to field dress the wound until a doctor could look at it.
After playing trailside doctor we went to catch up with the rest of the group. We rolled into camp around 3pm to find everyone else there, setting up camp, and enjoying the day. Camp that night was a little lake off the route that makes for great primitive camping and lots of trees if you’re a hammock camper like me. We spent this afternoon relaxing to the max and getting to know our new found bikepacking friends which continued into the night with a fire.
The gang A successful fly fisher A hiker soaks in the views Michael and Stephanie Gracie Lakeside chat Robert said it was cold Michael Firestarter I love a good hammock setup Tidy Niederhoffer in the Morning
The next morning started off a little chilly and clouds threatened the weather apps promise of another day of clear skies. But by the time we rolled out of camp we were again treated to some of the best damn weather Texas can provide. Our next stop was the second restaurant on the route, Bullet Grill in Pointe Blank, TX. The whole group had arrived by 12:30 and we enjoyed our food and beers on their outdoor patio.
After lunch we had our biggest climb on the route to look forward to. Part of the challenge on this route is eating smart at the restaurants so you’re not riding with a belly full of bricks. On this particular trip, I nailed the ratio and climbed those hills with no digestional distress, yippee!
The rest of the day went off without a hitch. Everyone made it back to Big Woods by 2:30 and every face was wearing a smile. Some of the riders were really challenged, they were able to push themselves in new ways, and in doing so became stronger and more capable than when they started. For others this weekend provided a break from the stresses of everyday life, an opportunity to reset, and enter the week refreshed and renewed. Regardless of our individual abilities or fitness we were all there for the same reason. Bikes or Death!
I’ve said it before, but I’ll be damned if bikepackers aren’t by and large the best contingent of humans in the known universe. Thanks to everyone who came out and made this a special weekend! If you missed this one stay tuned for more! Until then, go ride your damn bike!
Final notes
After the ride Sarah filed a report with the local police about the dog attack. The officer was very helpful and is working with the owners to hopefully prevent this from happening again. I’ve noted on the map where this took place, so please use caution when riding in this area. If you have an encounter with this dog (or any dog on this route) report them! And please let me know as well.
Speaking of dogs, Michael brought out his newly adopted dog, Gracie. Michael and Gracie both did great on their first bikepacking trip together. And while Gracie didn’t make the whole trip, she did awesome, and I think Michael and Gracie have many bikepacking trips ahead!
Bike porn Pics
