west/east texas route

[thomblack]

My Dad and I will be riding from Jackson Wy. to Atlanta Ga. in Sept. My only condition to go on this ride is that we would travel on secondary roads only, (except for access, when needed). My Dad would really like to go through Texas, having never been there. My map of the Texas road system is overwhelming by the sheer size of the state and the number of roads. Does anyone have any suggestions for a ride across Texas? I'm interested in desert scenery, biker friendly establishments, and the less traffic the better. We have eight days, so no hurry. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
TB

[Far 3ast]

It would help to know where you will be entering Texas. Unless you are planning to build the rest of the trip around your Texas route.

[Far 3ast]

If you want a simple, easy to follow route, I'll suggest US 84 (enters TX from NM near Clovis, NM). US-84 will take you to Logansport, LA and beyond, and doesn't go through any major metro areas. However, if you really want the roads less traveled, stick to the state highways.

[Far 3ast]

Here is a link to a website showing good places to ride in Texas. http://www.bikerroads.com/rides/index.htm

Maybe you could look at these, pick whichever ones you like, then string them together to make your ride across the state. Hope this helps.

[donpro1]

One thing to keep in mind is that although there are towns in the panhandle, they ight not necessarily have a gas station. Out there, a lot of farms have their own gas pumps. Strap an extra 2.5 Gal gas can on and fill it up. Of course if you come in over the Red River, it's a little different.

Also, keep in mind that Sept. in the panhandle is cooler than around Dallas. Once you get down around there, Sept. is a pretty warm time. Temps will still be in the 80's to low 90's.

Alternatively you can come into the state via the New Mexico area which will give you the "desert" scenery (Most of Wyo., Colorado, and New Mexico are deserts) you're looking for. Honestly, if you're looking for big cactus and such, Texas doesn't have much of that except for areas that will take you waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of your way and will not be as friendly (in the way of rest stops and gas) as the northern, Central part of the state.

As for biker friendly, Amarillo has a HD dealer and, in and around Dallas are 6 more.

Ride safe and look closely at the maps before you leave. Most of Texas's secondary hwy's are 2 - 4 lanes and fairly easy riding. Although the Panhandle will give you a lot of up and down due to the terrain.

[Mark Galinsky]

You might think about comming through Dallas and stopping by Strokers Dallas. If you haven't heard of it, it is a Custom MC shop and a bar and grill. It is featured on a show on Speed Channel called "Texas Hardtails." A fair amout of tourist's but a lot of nice bikes on Sat. and Sun.

[Ed Y]

I'd come thru Raton Pass in southeast CO/northeast NM, thru Clayton, down to Amarillo, then 287 to Wichita Falls, then take US 82 east. You could also switch between 82 and 84 is you want.