Texas Backways Adventure Trail (TXBAT)

September 21 – 29, 2024

The TXBAT forms a 2,200 mile adventure loop around the Lone Star State

9 day ride for experienced Motorcycle Adventure Riders

About the Texas Backways Adventure Trail

The Texas Backways Adventure Trail (TXBAT) is a 2,200-mile adventure trail that winds its way through the mountains, forests, and deserts of Texas. The trail is designed for experienced motorcycle riders who are looking for a challenging and rewarding off-road experience.

The TXBAT is divided into 9 days, each of which can be ridden independently or as part of a larger loop. The sections range in difficulty from easy to difficult, and there are plenty of opportunities to camp, hike, and explore along the way.

Some of the highlights of the TXBAT include:

The Hill Country, with its rolling hills, scenic overlooks, and charming towns.

The Big Bend region, with its towering mountains, deep canyons, and remote desert wilderness.

The Piney Woods, with its dense forests, clear streams, and abundant wildlife.

The TXBAT is a challenging but rewarding adventure that offers riders a unique opportunity to experience the best of what Texas has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or a beginner looking for a challenge, the TXBAT is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Signup info:

The cost to join this 9 day ride is $1,900.   This covers your lodging for the 9 nights during the ride. It also includes your ride packets which consist of a custom Garmin GPS map on a micro SD card and printed ride maps and descriptions.

Now taking signups: You can now reserve your spot on this ride by leaving an $200 Deposit  (Ride limit is 16 riders)

After your signup riders will receive an email from me with further ride information and instructions.

Note: Riders must make full payment by July 19th, 2024.

Riders will receive ride packets in the mail one week before the ride.

Refund Policy

Do not sign up for this ride unless you are serious about coming.  I take your signup very seriously and start planning for you the minute you sign up.  If you need to cancel up to two months prior to the ride start date I will give you a full refund but I will keep $100 to cover the planning work. Sorry but I make non refundable commitments myself so it gets hard for me. "I hate this world of non refundable deals myself." If you need to cancel within two months of the ride, I cannot give a refund unless I can find a replacement rider. In the case of finding a replacement rider, I will gladly give you the full refund minus the $100 to cover the planning work.  In the event of ride cancellation, you will be given a full refund.

Ride Details

 I know many of you also enjoy dreaming about the ride and making your plans, so here is the detail, enjoy! 

Ride Yoda's

What are these Adventure Rides like? These rides are designed along the theme of exploring the world.  They include a mix of remote dirt routes, back paved roads, sometimes some very seldom ridden paths and pavement.  Rides are a mix of all these things and sometimes some surprises due to weather conditions.  These rides are for experienced, well seasoned riders that are capable of turning a washed out road experience into just part of the day's fun.  Riders should be comfortable with turning around when necessary and finding an alternative route around unexpected obstacles. These rides are not for new riders. As an experienced rider, the tough part of having a great motorcycle adventure is the routing and logistics.  What routes do I take? Where do I stay? How do I find the best routes and places?

How does the ride navigation work?

This is a self-led GPS ride; all riding is on your own.  You are responsible for your own riding.  You will be given a GPS map file and instructions on how to use your Garmin GPS unit.  People will hook up in small groups of less than 6 riders and tend to ride together.  You are not encouraged to ride alone.  You are responsible for your own riding and yourself. 

 (see my ride Navigation Video)

Are you right for this ride?

When something goes wrong on a ride, would your riding friends say that you are more likely to need help or more likely to give help?  You should be in the more likely to offer help camp.  This ride is filled with riders that are more likely to give help, so most of the time the riders never need help.  Additionally there is all the normal stuff, come prepared to maintain your bike, fix your bike on the trail, repair flat tires, deal with bad weather and rain and make a joke or two.

How do I make the GPS stuff so easy?

I develop very high quality ride maps custom for our ride. They come from much of what I and others have ridden.  I take the best from all my rides and make new ones. 

(See my Custom Ride Maps Video)

Note from me, gpsKevin

My goal for this ride is simple:  great riding.  So you can count on great routes and places to ride.

But in addition, the ride is about discovering new places, meeting new friends, seeing new parts of the country.

Thanks

gpsKevin

FAQ's

Q; What do I do if I don't have a Garmin GPS?

A: Buy one, you need it, we will show you how to use it. You can get a great one for under $200 bucks. ( See gpsKevin's gps recommendations)

Q: Is the riding really on my own?

A: Yes, but almost everyone hooks up and rides with a friend, or a new friend or me.