Destinations

DESTINATIONS

Ranch Road 1431

Austin, Texas

ANYONE WHO KNOWS MOtorcycling in Texas knows about the outstanding roads that wind through the Hill Country. One of the best is Ranch Road 1431, which runs from Round Rock, just north of Austin, to Llano. This is a classic Hill Country road, curvaceous and undulating. Its particular charm is that it runs northwest through outstanding scenery along the Highland Lakes chain. starting near Lake Travis and ending near Lake Buchanan.

The road provides hours of challenging riding, but there's also lots of sights to see. One of the best of these are herds of classic Texas Longhorn cattle. Another is Marble Falls, a great place for a mid-way rest stop.

Once you get to Llano, a Texas barbecue lunch is in order, and after

that, if you feel like riding curves as tight as a cowgirl’s jeans, head south on State Highway 16 to Ranch Road 965. This leads to Enchanted Rock State Park. Enchanted Rock isa granite dome upon which, legend has it, aboriginals practiced human sacrifice.

Maybe, maybe not. But whatever the case, riding these roads is no sacrifice. Any Hill Country road is enjoyable, but Ranch Road l 43 l. and the places it makes accessible, is really something special.

— Kyle Kirschenmann

Information Austin Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1967 Austin, TX 78767 512/478-9383

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