texas roads

[ludlow]

everybody that lives in the hill country of texas knows these roads, they are called the three sisters, 335, 336, 337, people drive down from colorado to drive on these three roads. ( imagine that ) not only are they great roads, lots of twists and turns, but some great biker friendly places to eat.

some great swimming holes. great changes in elevation and a motorcycle museum run by a guy from new zealand. ( talk about getting lost )

during the week you can ride these and never see a soul, car nor motorcycle.

on week ends you meet some great riders from all over

i highly recommend the ride

[Rolling Barcalounger]

WOW cool..I live in Wolfe City TX. How about camping?? I love sleeping bag and packing my tent.. Never heard of this. Have to do a google earth. What city? Near George town???

[BuddyRich]

The 337 is by Hadfield Lake I think. Haven't found the other 2 yet. It wnw of San Antonio.

[AlLandry]

All GREAT roads - a buddy and I spent 4 days in the area last fall. It's convenient to base yourself out of Kerrville, TX.

One word of caution however - animals! Lots of deer, loose cows, etc.

Have fun.
Al

[BigShell]

This link ( http://www.hilliard.ws/texas.htm ) has maps, directions and distance for some roads in different parts of Texas including 335-336-337

This one ( http://www.angelfire.com/fl/roslewski/tx.html ) is mostly text with some map links for rides around Texas

This one ( http://wowirondragons.org/holytrinity.html ) calls these roads the Holy Trinity and talks about a rally there on Sep 22-24, 2006.

[art]

rode 337 this weekend forgot what a great ride that is!!!!!

[GigaWhiskey]

The Hillard page has plenty listed. Now I know where there are a few roads up by me.

I have ran the three's, those were a lot of fun! Almost forgot I have a wife and three kids!

[dld22]

Kerrville State Park, located on the edge of town, has camping with some new shower facilities for just a few dollars a night.

[jburrell]

I you want to ride the 3 sisters and enjoy the area too you can camp at a number of spots along the river in Bandera TX and Median Tx. Both of these towns have numerous bike rallys. Kerrville and Freidricksburg are great rides and great little towns to visit and or try a B&B. During the fall you can visit "Lost Maples Park" and see the leaves change and visit the river. If your in the Houston area you can ride in Montogmenry TX wiith a few twistie there out 1097 and more out toward Navasota as well as rides to aand around Teledo lake as well as a nice ride to Tyler/Longview/Henderson in NE Texas. Of course you can ride down to Galveston and across to Sabine Pass although its not viewed as a great ride like 3 sisters or Navasota. Any place near north of Austin will be in the Hill Country and a great ride. IF you like long rides to West Texas you can go to Big Bend and see the Mountains and canyons. Rememer Texas in over 900miles each way to get across so plan accordingly.
WE have the Lone Star Rally coming up the end of Oct in Galveston and there will be approx 600k bikers in town that weekend.They come from all over the world to see this event.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[Mavrick]

Here is a map of the Three Sisters. It is a great ride. A lot of folks stay in Leakey. Rock Springs is also a great place to stay.

[Roadhand]

If you ride these roads in the fall, don't miss the Lost Maples State Park.\ close to Leaky
Really pretty area.

[george c]

been-there don that got the t-shirt

http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20080422/1/d/1/1d1e332f4a38ec5ae092b356baca07700_small.jpg

good roads and some good places to stop at too

[Gold Rush]

Funny how a name gets started.... Here's a post I placed on the GL1800 Owner's site about eight years ago... Never heard these roads called anything but GREAT before but since this post they have become world famous!!!

OH -- I was known as "REDWING" back then.....

In the Texas Hill Country - south of Interstate 10 and West of Kerrville lie “Three Sisters” that will provide any rider much more pleasure than ever imagined possible. Weather this is your first time in the saddle (a true novice) or you are a seasoned veteran, the “Sister’s” generous curves, unexpected dips, captivating sweet aromas and awe inspiring beauty will fill your heart and you will be 100 percent in love.

Of course I am referring to three of the most loved and often ridden roads in the entire state of Texas. Ranch Roads 335, 336 and 337 (affectionately referred to as the “Three Sisters”) are arguably the best in the state. Connected in one fashion or another by Ranch Roads 187 and 1050 or state highways 16 and 39, the “Sisters” are truly a full day (maybe two) of pure pleasure.

Yesterday, myself and a friend departed San Angelo at 7:30 AM headed for what we knew would be a full day of riding and taking in all the beauty the fall season displays. Exactly nine hours – and 462 miles later we were back feeling very satisfied and a bit worn out. I mean, we had one of those “man I’d love to do that again but don’t have the energy” looks.

The only thing that spoiled even a moment of the ride was news at a pit stop of an accident along our route. We couldn’t tell exactly what had happen because all was cleared when we arrived but it appears a fellow rider on a Harley took a spill on one of the “Sisters” curves. We could only pray the rider will be OK.

Those of you that have ridden the “Sisters” know what I say – the rest of you need to come ride with me……

JERRY “REDWING”
SAN ANGELO, TX

BTW -- the invite to come ride with me still stands.... I'm a couple hours ride from the "SISTERS" but it's a good ride.... Plenty of room at my house!!!!!!

[Tom]

George,Next time you are in the area I work week on week off and live in Blanco,Tx..Can show you alot more of the area also however the Sisters have ALOT to offer! Phone # is in the profile..Tom

[Tom]

Funny how a name gets started.... Here's a post I placed on the GL1800 Owner's site about eight years ago... Never heard these roads called anything but GREAT before but since this post they have become world famous!!!

OH -- I was known as "REDWING" back then.....

In the Texas Hill Country - south of Interstate 10 and West of Kerrville lie “Three Sisters” that will provide any rider much more pleasure than ever imagined possible. Weather this is your first time in the saddle (a true novice) or you are a seasoned veteran, the “Sister’s” generous curves, unexpected dips, captivating sweet aromas and awe inspiring beauty will fill your heart and you will be 100 percent in love.

Of course I am referring to three of the most loved and often ridden roads in the entire state of Texas. Ranch Roads 335, 336 and 337 (affectionately referred to as the “Three Sisters”) are arguably the best in the state. Connected in one fashion or another by Ranch Roads 187 and 1050 or state highways 16 and 39, the “Sisters” are truly a full day (maybe two) of pure pleasure.

Yesterday, myself and a friend departed San Angelo at 7:30 AM headed for what we knew would be a full day of riding and taking in all the beauty the fall season displays. Exactly nine hours – and 462 miles later we were back feeling very satisfied and a bit worn out. I mean, we had one of those “man I’d love to do that again but don’t have the energy” looks.

The only thing that spoiled even a moment of the ride was news at a pit stop of an accident along our route. We couldn’t tell exactly what had happen because all was cleared when we arrived but it appears a fellow rider on a Harley took a spill on one of the “Sisters” curves. We could only pray the rider will be OK.

Those of you that have ridden the “Sisters” know what I say – the rest of you need to come ride with me……

JERRY “REDWING”
SAN ANGELO, TX

BTW -- the invite to come ride with me still stands.... I'm a couple hours ride from the "SISTERS" but it's a good ride.... Plenty of room at my house!!!!!!
Gold Wing,Same Invite applies to you..I know Sleeperhawk and Sleeperhawks mechanic met with me close to Angelo at Lowake Staek house one day and besides good steaks,more than I could eat,We had a nice meet..Next time I cruise over that way I will give you a buzz..I am off this week so who knows where I will ride. I do know I will be in West Texas Thursday and Friday. Tom

[Gold Rush]

Thanks Tom!!!!!! Please do give me a holler...

Lowake Steak House sure puts on a GREAT feed!!! The owner is a heck of a nice guy and does all he can to keep people coming back for more <VBG> !!!! Do I smell a meat (pun intended) and eat..... My back yard will hold about 25 tents.... :whistling::whistling::whistling:

[Tom]

Thanks Tom!!!!!! Please do give me a holler...

Lowake Steak House sure puts on a GREAT feed!!! The owner is a heck of a nice guy and does all he can to keep people coming back for more <VBG> !!!! Do I smell a meat (pun intended) and eat..... My back yard will hold about 25 tents.... :whistling::whistling::whistling:

I think I saw a movie one time that I will steal a line from..."You build it...They will Come".

[Gray Ghost]

I rode a couple of the sisters back in Jan 2006. Found it in a Texas bike magazine and it specifically said to call DOT to check on road construction first. So of course I didn't and ended up riding about three miles of dirt and gravel that sent my pucker factor way up there. Beautiful ride though and I can't wait to take my wife there.

[tomephil]

My wife and I were there a few years ago.
The D Rose inn in Leaky was a great place for us to stay.
The 3 sisters were great, acutually we enjoyed all the roades we traveled on.

[Gold Rush]

Another vote for the D-Rose Inn.... I stayed there last winter once... Deb is a sweet-heart although you really don't want to get her riled up (no I did not).... She runs that business all by herself but gets lots of help from the bikers at times. :thumbsup2::thumbsup2::thumbsup2:

VERY NICE PLACE !!!!!!! :clap2::clap2::clap2:

[Dave77459]

I am part of a group riding the Three Sisters this weekend. Any restaurant suggestions, especially in Rocksprings?

[jburrell]

Well, I am not sure there is a restraunt in Rock Springs. There is a lot of rocks though as well as Mohair sheep. Need a good Mohair sweater check out the local stores. Not much else in Rocksprings. Have a good trip. There is a small Mountain (hill) that I used to go over to get three from Sonora that crossed a river and you actually drive thru the water. it was a fun ride up and down though.
Have a great time but lookout for the deer and Turkeys as they cross the rode a lot there. Had several times that Turkeys just missed my truck windshield when I was up that way.

[Dave77459]

Well, I am not sure there is a restraunt in Rock Springs. There is a lot of rocks though as well as Mohair sheep. Need a good Mohair sweater check out the local stores. Not much else in Rocksprings. Have a good trip. There is a small Mountain (hill) that I used to go over to get three from Sonora that crossed a river and you actually drive thru the water. it was a fun ride up and down though.
Have a great time but lookout for the deer and Turkeys as they cross the rode a lot there. Had several times that Turkeys just missed my truck windshield when I was up that way.

I guess we need to pack lunches! LOL! I found a place on Google Earth called Dora's Diner, but who knows?

This is one version of our planned route. We are staying in Kerrville:

http://www.motowhere.com/maps/route/Stonehenge-2-Lost-Maples-Dora-s-Diner

I'm excited to see Stonehenge 2!

[Gold Rush]

Yes there are a few places in Rock Springs to eat. The best one is part of a motel just south of the intersection of 55 and 377 (right across from the Shell gas station)... The folks in there are friendly and the groceries are good.. :thumbsup2::thumbsup2:

The other two places are questionable.... :whistling::whistling::whistling:

[Dave77459]

Well, we road the Three Twisted Sisters, and I got the t-shirt to prove it! :-)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3036620914_585792f961_m.jpg

Actually, we rode two of the three, but the replacement leg was so good that I will count it!

This was a group of seven bikes, mainly Harley riders, but there was also a Honda Shadow 750. I was tickled that my wife road two-up with me. That was a bit doubtful before we mounted up, because it was 42F when we left!

We started in Kerrville, stopping near Hunt to pick up another rider. Then we went and visited "Stonehenge II" outside Hunt. We backtracked to Hwy 39 and headed south and west to Hwy 187. That Hwy 39 section is gorgeous!

We intended to stop at Lost Maples State Park, which is off Hwy 187. But there was a half-mile long wait to get in and it was 45 degrees or so. We pushed on.

We turned right on Hwy 337 at Vanderpool to begin our Twisted Sisters experience. That is a terrific road! There is even a guy who stands at a scenic top and grabs your photo as you whiz by. You can pick it up later at TxMotoFoto.com.

We stopped on Hwy 337 just west of Leakey at a place called the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop. That's a nice place, a better than typical stop in my experience.

Pushing on Hwy 337 towards Camp Wood, we suffered a bike breakdown in our group. After a while, the group minus this bike made it to Camp Wood. Finally, we decided he needed a tow and we called AAA. They sent a wrecker from Uvalde, over an hour away. The rider insisted we leave him along the road and continue. In his place, I would have insisted too.

We had lunch in Camp Wood to salvage some use of our time. We ate at the Holy Smoke on Hwy 55 just south of Hwy 337. They had great pulled pork, quickly served.

Turning north, we took Hwy 55 north to Rock Springs. This is the non-Sister section we took in lieu of Hwy 336. Hwy 336 apparently features lots of cattle crossings, forcing a slow down. So instead we took Hwy 55 and rocketed through sweepers at an alarming pace. So much fun! Going uphill most of the way, I could regulate my speed by just using the throttle. It was a blast!

At Rock Springs, we went on Hwy 377 to Hwy 41. Then we turned right on Hwy 335, another of the official Sisters. My friends call this the Roller Coaster, and the name fits. Lots of vertical curves through great ranch country. This was my favorite section, a superb ride. I scraped my pegs for the first time, riding two-up! I think we even saw some giraffes and camels along this stretch! 8-)

We got back to Camp Wood and retraced our path. We were going to continue on Hwy 337 to Medina, because the stretch between Vanderpool and Medina is apparently great as well. However, we found that our buddy was still stuck on the road some four hours later! As chance would have it, the tow truck arrived minutes later and we helped push his bike up onto the flatbed.

After a pitstop back at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, we headed up Hwy 83 and onto Hwy 39. We were able to help our buddy unload his bike back at his house in Hunt.

By the time we got back to hour hotel in Kerrville, we'd gone 250 miles in 10 hours. It was a great day.

If you want to see my trip photos, you can click here (http://www.flickr.com/gp/25499247@N00/75042z) for a guest pass to my Flickr photos from the trip. Warning: boring!

[Tom]

Sounds like you had a great time..Being I live in Blanco I go out there when I need to get "Peace of Mind" and I can just get totally lost in thought out there..It is a great ride and a "Must See and Do" for those coming to Texas. Tom

[Ponch]

Thanks for the pics. Great photos. Not boring to me. Glad ya got to go.

Ponch :missingtooth:

[Gold Rush]

GREAT PICTURES DAVE !!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2::thumbsup2:

Ain't that part of the county a wonderful place to ride... I wish I was about 100 miles closer so I could go more often.. Getting down there and doing the Three Sisters then getting back home is about 500 miles.... If it were just normal riding that would be a walk in the park but I can't hold back when I get into the twisties....:sign13::sign13:

You are right about 336 having plenty of cattle guards but they aren't all that bad. A couple will get you off the seat but the rest are pretty smooth... Of the three it is my least favorite... Isn't that little section of 55 a hoot? Sometimes I run to the top of the hill from Barksdale just for that short distance then turn around and go back...

Next time you get all the way to Rock Springs and have the time (I'd schedule it) there is a road (FM674) that runs from just south of Rock Springs down to Bracketville on US90 that is a super diversion..... Don't get me wrong - it's not 335 or 337 but you would have a time for sure.....:clap2::clap2:

Glad you had a good time. Too bad you buddy had the mechanical problem. Sort of takes some of the sweet away....

[Dave77459]

Sounds like you had a great time..Being I live in Blanco I go out there when I need to get "Peace of Mind" and I can just get totally lost in thought out there..It is a great ride and a "Must See and Do" for those coming to Texas. Tom

Hey Tom, on our way back we ran from Luckenbach to Blanco. That is a great little stretch too!

Thanks for the pics. Great photos. Not boring to me. Glad ya got to go.

Ponch :missingtooth:

Thanks Ponch!

GREAT PICTURES DAVE !!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2::thumbsup2:

Ain't that part of the county a wonderful place to ride... I wish I was about 100 miles closer so I could go more often.. Getting down there and doing the Three Sisters then getting back home is about 500 miles.... If it were just normal riding that would be a walk in the park but I can't hold back when I get into the twisties....:sign13::sign13:

You are right about 336 having plenty of cattle guards but they aren't all that bad. A couple will get you off the seat but the rest are pretty smooth... Of the three it is my least favorite... Isn't that little section of 55 a hoot? Sometimes I run to the top of the hill from Barksdale just for that short distance then turn around and go back...

Next time you get all the way to Rock Springs and have the time (I'd schedule it) there is a road (FM674) that runs from just south of Rock Springs down to Bracketville on US90 that is a super diversion..... Don't get me wrong - it's not 335 or 337 but you would have a time for sure.....:clap2::clap2:

Glad you had a good time. Too bad you buddy had the mechanical problem. Sort of takes some of the sweet away....

Thanks for the route suggestion! I definitely plan to go back. I just need more vacation time. :-)

[Tom]

Well, we road the Three Twisted Sisters, and I got the t-shirt to prove it! :-)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3036620914_585792f961_m.jpg

Actually, we rode two of the three, but the replacement leg was so good that I will count it!

This was a group of seven bikes, mainly Harley riders, but there was also a Honda Shadow 750. I was tickled that my wife road two-up with me. That was a bit doubtful before we mounted up, because it was 42F when we left!

We started in Kerrville, stopping near Hunt to pick up another rider. Then we went and visited "Stonehenge II" outside Hunt. We backtracked to Hwy 39 and headed south and west to Hwy 187. That Hwy 39 section is gorgeous!

We intended to stop at Lost Maples State Park, which is off Hwy 187. But there was a half-mile long wait to get in and it was 45 degrees or so. We pushed on.

We turned right on Hwy 337 at Vanderpool to begin our Twisted Sisters experience. That is a terrific road! There is even a guy who stands at a scenic top and grabs your photo as you whiz by. You can pick it up later at TxMotoFoto.com.

We stopped on Hwy 337 just west of Leakey at a place called the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop. That's a nice place, a better than typical stop in my experience.

Pushing on Hwy 337 towards Camp Wood, we suffered a bike breakdown in our group. After a while, the group minus this bike made it to Camp Wood. Finally, we decided he needed a tow and we called AAA. They sent a wrecker from Uvalde, over an hour away. The rider insisted we leave him along the road and continue. In his place, I would have insisted too.

We had lunch in Camp Wood to salvage some use of our time. We ate at the Holy Smoke on Hwy 55 just south of Hwy 337. They had great pulled pork, quickly served.

Turning north, we took Hwy 55 north to Rock Springs. This is the non-Sister section we took in lieu of Hwy 336. Hwy 336 apparently features lots of cattle crossings, forcing a slow down. So instead we took Hwy 55 and rocketed through sweepers at an alarming pace. So much fun! Going uphill most of the way, I could regulate my speed by just using the throttle. It was a blast!

At Rock Springs, we went on Hwy 377 to Hwy 41. Then we turned right on Hwy 335, another of the official Sisters. My friends call this the Roller Coaster, and the name fits. Lots of vertical curves through great ranch country. This was my favorite section, a superb ride. I scraped my pegs for the first time, riding two-up! I think we even saw some giraffes and camels along this stretch! 8-)

We got back to Camp Wood and retraced our path. We were going to continue on Hwy 337 to Medina, because the stretch between Vanderpool and Medina is apparently great as well. However, we found that our buddy was still stuck on the road some four hours later! As chance would have it, the tow truck arrived minutes later and we helped push his bike up onto the flatbed.

After a pitstop back at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, we headed up Hwy 83 and onto Hwy 39. We were able to help our buddy unload his bike back at his house in Hunt.

By the time we got back to hour hotel in Kerrville, we'd gone 250 miles in 10 hours. It was a great day.

If you want to see my trip photos, you can click here (http://www.flickr.com/gp/25499247@N00/75042z) for a guest pass to my Flickr photos from the trip. Warning: boring!


Dave,You forgot one thing..If you had your VentureRider list with you I would have come pick up the guy that was broke down.I dont care if he is a member or not I will always be available to get another that is stranded! Next time write down my number,If I am not out on the road I will come get Ya..ANYTIME of the night or day. Tom

[Dave77459]

Dave,You forgot one thing..If you had your VentureRider list with you I would have come pick up the guy that was broke down.I dont care if he is a member or not I will always be available to get another that is stranded! Next time write down my number,If I am not out on the road I will come get Ya..ANYTIME of the night or day. Tom

I appreciate that Tom. I think he was a bit embarrassed to have broken down, and wanted quit of us ASAP. He thought he'd only be out there an hour with AAA on the way. But that is really great advice for my next trip!

[Sleeperhawk's Mechanic]

Gold Wing,Same Invite applies to you..I know Sleeperhawk and Sleeperhawks mechanic met with me close to Angelo at Lowake Staek house one day and besides good steaks,more than I could eat,We had a nice meet..Next time I cruise over that way I will give you a buzz..I am off this week so who knows where I will ride. I do know I will be in West Texas Thursday and Friday. Tom

Tom, that was so great hearing from you when you guys were at Lowake last Saturday! Hope you had plenty to eat there!

Both George and I were reminiscing Saturday afternoon - wished we could have just hopped on the bike and come on over!:happy-emoticon:

[Tom]

Tom, that was so great hearing from you when you guys were at Lowake last Saturday! Hope you had plenty to eat there!

Both George and I were reminiscing Saturday afternoon - wished we could have just hopped on the bike and come on over!:happy-emoticon:


Yes Bobbie you and George were on our minds as we rode thru Downtown Paint Rock and the cottonfields but I have to Admit I really could not hardly wait to call you when we started to eat there in Lowake..YES,They were really good too! Maybe we can meet again sometime there! Tom

[Sleeperhawk's Mechanic]

Yes Bobbie you and George were on our minds as we rode thru Downtown Paint Rock and the cottonfields but I have to Admit I really could not hardly wait to call you when we started to eat there in Lowake..YES,They were really good too! Maybe we can meet again sometime there! Tom

Sounds like a plan to me! :thumbsup:

Next time we come out there, we will have to have a Meet and Eat at Lowake!:cool10::cool10::cool10:

[straight pipe]

After reading this post I started looking at the internet and discovered a great web site that tells you where every Farm to Market / Ranch to Market Rd. in Texas is. Just GOOGLE : Texas-FM & RM Roads.

[MikeM]

Here are some pic.s I took a few years ago while on my old Goldwing
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32802665@N06/ The pic.s don't really do the area justice as it looks much nicer in person!
Hill Country Update
Stonehenge II has been taken down. BOO!!
Last rumor I heard was it would be relocated but haven't heard when or where.

Long Live Stonehenge II !

http://i40.tinypic.com/8wcqkm.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/nbuc6c.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/iylx08.jpg