THE OFFICIAL ETS PHOTO GALLERY IS AVAILABLE HERE!! CHECK OUT ALL THE PICTURES OUR MEDIA TEAM CAPTURED AND SNAG THE ONES YOU LIKE!
Building on our reputation of a community centric event, 2023 is going to be even better. This year we are adding 50 more spots and a new event. More is better, right? The heart of this event is the people who participate. You are the focus and the reason we do this. Our goal is to welcome and celebrate everyone who goes out and rides their damn bike any way they please. Some people find enjoyment through pushing themselves to the absolute limits, while others enjoy going slow and taking in every moment. Some people are out there to work through mental illness, others are looking to find themselves, some people are looking to push themselves, and some are looking for community. We believe everybody’s journey and path should be celebrated and respected. With every ETS, we hope to get closer and closer to becoming the best damn bikepacking event on this beautiful rock hurdling through space. We would love for you to join us and become part of the ETS family!
Texas has a shortage of Public Lands, but the ETS takes advantage of two large swatches of public lands, the Sam Houston NF and Davy Crocket NF. This area is known for its loblolly pine trees and often referred to as the Texas Pine Curtain. The route was created with the goal of taking riders to the most remote parts of East Texas on the most obscure and forgotten roads we could find, while avoiding major city centers, opting instead for rural towns and communities off the beaten path. We want even the locals to be wondering “what the heck are ya doing way out here”?
East Texas Showdown
The East Texas Showdown is a traditional bikepacking race. Riders will be timed and awards will be given for first, second and third place winners.
400 miles, 17,500 ft. of climbing, 2 National Forest, 60/40 Gravel/Pavement, 1 million dogs to help you go fast, 100% East Texas.
This is an opportunity to look yourself smack in your own damn face and see what you’re made of.
East Texas Slowdown
The East Texas Slowdown is for riders looking to slow it on down. There will be awards, but now for going fast. More like “Proslow” for the final finisher, “Fauxslow” for the fastest of the slow, amongst others.
Looking for something a little less extreme? How about a 280 mile version so you can slow down and pet the doggies.
East Texas Lowdown
The Lowdown is a new event for 2023. This is NOT a race, it’s bikepacking ride. We will not track your time, no one will care if you go fast. Well, your mom will still care, but we won’t.
There will be a designated group campsite on Friday evening with a bonfire and beverages for all LOWdown’ers. The BoD Team will also be there to share in the comradery and storytelling that is sure to take place. Group camping is not required, but the more the merrier!
Schedule of Events
Thursday, March 16th
6:00pm ~ Racer Check In
8:00pm ~ Pre-race meeting
9:00pm ~ Go to sleep or grab a beer
Friday, March 17th
6:00am ~ Late racer check in
8:00am ~ SHOWdown Group Start
8:05am ~ SLOWdown Group Start
8:10am ~ LOWdown Group Start
Saturday, March 18th
All Day ~ Ride your Damn Bike
Sunday, March 19th
8pm ~ After Party Starts: Live Music, Raffle, Awards
10pm ~ Fin
***There is no deadline or cutoff for the race***
Bullet Grill Headquarters
The Bullet Grill in Point Blank, TX serves as Headquarters for this event. Their facility, staff, food, and beer are the perfect paring to our event.
Camping: Most people will be arriving for ETS on Thursday night, which means you’ll need a place to camp that night (and possibly additional nights throughout the weekend). The Bullet Grill House was gracious enough to clear an area behind their restaurant for us last year and it was perfect for car camping for our riders. However, there is not capacity for all 200 of you beautiful people to camp, but we’ve rounded up a few other options in the area. The Bullet will be first come, first serve, so if you know you’ll be arriving late Thursday or will need a spot another night over the weekend, you might want to check out these other options.
Four Notch Hunter’s Camp – This is primitive camping in the National Forest with no fees associated with it and lots of space.
Big Woods Hunter’s Camp – This is primitive camping in the National Forest with no fees associated with it and lots of space.
Wolf Creek Park – A variety of camping options, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
Huntsville State Park – A variety of camping options, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
Double Lake Campground – A variety of camping options, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
On the Lake (Formerly Lake Livingston KOA) – A variety of camping options and cabins, but you’ll need reservations and there are fees associated.
Of course, there are other camping or lodging options available around the area. If you have any further questions about this, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Showers: Bullet Grill had an outdoor shower installed for event participants to use before or after their ride.
Restrooms: There are port-o-potties onsite for all participantsFood & Drinks: The Bullet serves some damn good food and drinks. You can check our their offerings here.
Live Music: On Sunday night we will have live music featuring some of the best local artist.
Ready to get weird in the woods? Follow the link below to sign up through Bikereg!
*The last day to unregister for a full refund will be Feb. 1, 2023*
Don’t forget to register with MapProgress HERE
Advice from East Texas Showdown / Slowdown Veterans
“Salmon Lake park is perfect for first night if you choose to sleep, has water hose and awesome showers and just about 5 miles after Mission Tejas there is a church with a hose you can safely drink from.”
“extra. brake. pads.”
“If you are planning on going fast carry enough food for 8 hour stretches and a repair kit. I would leave everything else at home.”
“I would say that riding 40mm worked for 85% of the time great, and likely I would ride them again, but I am also used to underbiking and on the road it really helped. If you are NOT used to underbiking a 2.1 or so would be ideal.”
“Sintered brake pads and bring extra. Nothing will save you if it rains. I personally liked having a narrow tire and think it performed well. I hadn’t spent much time pedaling in sand before so maybe practice that.”
“Don’t worry about water/food access: there are stops every 40-50 miles for resupply (on Slowdown route) except for one longer stretch, but you’ll know where it is and can prepare for it.”
For all the latest, up to date information about the East Texas Showdown/Slowdown follow us on social media!
Texas Showdown Series
A two wheeled showdown in the East Texas Piney Woods.
