DFW -> Fredrickburg route alternatives?

[jcyuhn]

Hi Y'all -

I'm riding DFW -> Fredericksburg next week for my annual romp through the trinity. The typical route I take down to the hill country is 67 -> Hico -> eat at the Koffee Kup -> 16 into Fred. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives or side trips to spice things up a bit? Are the roads further west of 16 interesting - I've never been over there. What about a side trip to Dublin? How about a stop at Buchanan dam, and then ride into Fred on some of the tiny little roads I see on Google maps. I'm open to all suggestions.

As an aside (am I permitted to hijack my own thread in the first post?) how are the low water crossings looking in the hill country? We won't exactly be dual sporting with two BMW RTs and an FJR, but are there any crossings in particular to be aware of?

Thx for any and all input,

- JimY

[mikeofcontex]

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=16447444937318148252,30.466910,-98.635520%3B10891890488341887127,30.448060,-98.663440%3B13065411689961907183,30.359540,-98.676990&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=hico,+tx&daddr=Willow+City+Loop+%4030.466910,+-98.635520+to:30.445714,-98.663149+to:RR-1631+%4030.359540,+-98.676990+to:fredericksburg,+tx&mrcr=1,2&mrsp=2&sz=14&mra=dme&sll=30.450967,-98.662891&sspn=0.032112,0.076904&ie=UTF8&ll=30.977609,-97.932129&spn=1.021989,2.460937&z=9&om=1

If the link works, it shows the Willow City Loop just before you get to Fburg. I've heard that it's a nice piece of road.

[Eulogite]

At Hamilton, take 2005 west, then 1047 to Star, Moline. Then 581 to Lometa and Bend. 501 to Cherokee puts you back on 16 where you can still catch Willow City Loop. If you have time, run up 580 and back (13 miles one-way) just past Bend.

There is a cafe at the 1047/84 intersection run by a WWII vet who's 90 something and still cooking (last time I checked). He likes bikes, too.

[mikeofcontex]

Like this...

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=14337003534176037623,31.500990,-98.324220%3B13858393729829236326,31.455900,-98.558240%3B7130318591758253782,31.302160,-98.302300%3B16447444937318148252,30.466910,-98.635520%3B3050661832596752847,30.445710,-98.663130%3B13065411689961907183,30.359540,-98.676990&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=hico,+tx&daddr=FM-1047+%4031.500990,+-98.324220+to:FM-1047+%4031.302160,+-98.302300+to:Willow+City+Loop+%4030.466910,+-98.635520+to:Willow+City+Loop+%4030.445710,+-98.663130+to:RR-1631+%4030.359540,+-98.676990+to:fredericksburg,+tx&mrcr=1&mra=mr&sll=31.372399,-98.337936&sspn=0.240952,0.615234&ie=UTF8&ll=30.619005,-99.755859&spn=1.9428,4.921875&z=8&om=1

Looks like fun!

[jcyuhn]

Thanks y'all. Keep the ideas coming!

- JimY

[Barbosa]

Quite a bit late in this thread, but here goes:
No matter what part of the Metroplex you're in, Cleburne should be your jump off point.
From Cleburne, take 174 to Meridian.
Take 22 from Meridian to Hamilton.
Take 2005 from Hamilton to Goldthwaite.
Take 16 from Goldthwaite to Fredericksburg.

I found it more enjoyable than 281 and 290.