On the road from Marathon, TX heading to Big Bend National Park

Bikin' Mike's Big Bend Adventure

Next Trip Dates October 2011

One of the greatest places I have visited is Big Bend National Park. It is everything I like in a cycling/hiking vacation. Great roads without congestion. Great scenery without clutter. Great hikes without crowds. Great facilities without over development.

For several years we have put together a trip to this serene locale - and we have never had a bad time. Our event schedule will take us to the land of the ocotillo and the Texas madrone again in October 2011. If you are hankering for a vacation that will include some lifelong memories, join us as we share our favorite places to stay, roads to ride, places to eat and hiking trails to explore. Enjoy a Big Bend Adventure.

Richard Pietersz sitting on the Southeast Rim of the Chisos Mountains

Trip Schedule

Saturday: Depart from Plano by motor vehicle to Marathon TX. We will share a meal and discuss the adventures ahead, then spend the night at the Marathon Motel .

Sunday: Depart from Marathon by bicycle and head to Big Bend National Park . We'll have lunch on the road just inside the park and then finish our ride at Panther Junction (67 miles). After we check out the Visitor Center, we'll load up the bikes/vehicles and drive to The Basin, where we'll camp out or stay in the Chisos Mountain Lodge for the week. Meals will be at the Lodge, with everything included in our one price package.

Day 1 Route Here

Monday: After a good breakfast, we are off for an exhilarating ride from the Basin to Boquillas Canyon. After a brief, intense climb out of the basin, we have a glorious descent through Green Gulch, then on the the canyon. This route (30 miles) is mostly downhill, with some brief and intense climbs in the last 5 miles along the Rio Grande. We'll have lunch at the trail head, then hike into the canyon for some great views. Motor vehicle return to the Lodge at the Basin for dinner and tall tales from the days adventure.

Day 2 Route Here

Tuesday: This is the first of two option days in our trip. You may elect to spend Tuesday and Wednesday within the Basin, trying out a variety of day hike opportunities OR you may elect to spend two days and one night hiking with me into the High Chisos Mountains, where we will spend the night camping on the Southeast Rim. Incredible views, wonderful trails and photo opportunities galore await you with either choice. Please note that you will need to provide your own backpacking gear, tent etc if you plan to join us for the backpacking trip. Meals provided for either option.

Backpacking Info Hiking Info

Wednesday: Our backpackers will hike down from the Rim, while others within our group are checking out the Lost Mine Trail, the Window Trail or just hiking up the trail to meet us as we hike down from the Rim. We'll all gather for dinner at The Lodge and share stories of our many adventures (like our bear sighting in 2006) and plans for the ride on Thursday. Then it is time for a good nights sleep before we get back on our bikes.

Thursday: Time to climb back out of the Basin for another run down Green Gulch - then we'll head to Santa Elena Canyon (45 miles). Like the ride to Boquillas, this ride is mostly downhill, but there is some climbing in the early stages of the ride. We'll have lunch in Costolon and then head to the canyon for a hike along the foot of 1,000' high canyon walls lining the Rio Grande. After loading our bikes into the vehicles, we'll return to the Basin for our last night in the Chisos Mountains and share the memories of our week at Big Bend National Park.

Day 5 Route

Friday: Today we will say good bye to the Chisos Mountains as we ride out of the Basin, through Green Gulch, past Panther Junction - destination Marathon TX - the gateway we visited when we began our journey (78 miles). Take your time and reflect as you ride through the desert, marveling at the vistas and terrain. Once in Marathon, we'll settle in for a big dinner that will provide the perfect back drop for remembering our week long adventure.

Day 6 Route

Saturday: Time to get breakfast and back on the road to Plano - while some of us begin talking about returning for another adventure in 2010.

Sound good to you? Here is the rest of the story:

We have two packages available. Both packages include transportation for you, your bike and gear from Plano TX through the week and back to Plano, TX; all meals beginning with lunch Saturday and ending with lunch the following Saturday; all rides and ride support; park access fees and permits; and cost of accommodations.

The Mostly Camping Package includes 1/2 of a double occupancy room at the Marathon Motel on the first Saturday, camping site in the Basin Sunday through Thursday (access to showers included), and 1/2 of a double occupancy room at the Marathon Motel on Friday. Cost is $895 per person.

The Indoor Package includes 1/2 of a double occupancy room at the Marathon Motel on the first Saturday, 1/2 of a double occupancy room at The Chisos Mountain Lodge for the week, and 1/2 of a double occupancy room at the Marathon Motel on Friday. Cost is $1395 per person.

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