"Ranch Roads" in North Texas

[jboutelle]

Anybody know whether the ranch roads in the north part of the Texas panhandle are OK for road bikes? Are they paved? Any shoulders? Generally safe? Thanks for any help/advice.

[ronnie421]

I live in S Tx.  but have traveled the N Tx area pleanty of times and basically, they are all the same... dirty, unpaved, full of rocks (not pebbles... ROCKS) and not a comfortable ride.  I would not punnish my bike on those roads.  Every now and then, you'll find a road that goes off the paved road that seems almost ok, only to find out after 4 or 5 miles that it turned into a nasty, harsh, unpaved road like the one I described.  I  would stay away from them. Good luck.

[BikeFreak]

Maybe using Google Maps or Google Earth you can zoom in and determine the road conditions??

Lucas

[reed523]

I grew up in the southern Texas panhandle.  Lots of true "ranch roads" are private and wander aimlessly.  Most county roads are graded dirt/gravel.  As another poster said, not much fun.  Dust is a major issue when a car goes by you.  "Farm to Market" roads are paved, most do not have shoulders, but traffic is generally light.  If you want to PM your route, perhaps I can offer a little better advice.  Don't miss Palo Duro Canyon.  There is also a long Rail to Trail through a nice section of country.  http://www.traillink.com/trail/caprock-canyons-state-park-trailway.aspx