Texas Hill Country Loop GPS vs Printed Map

[George]

I live just off the loop in Cedar Park. I’m trying to reconcile my printed map (BC2401 2016) with the current electronic map, and am looking at the part near where I live (Panel 10).

The printed directions have me going from Bagdad Rd to Crystal Falls Pkwy to Lakeline Blvd to Cypress Creek Rd to Anderson Mill Rd.

The electronic directions have me going from Bagdad Rd to E San Gabriel Pkwy to CR 270 to Hero Way to Ronald Reagan/Parmer to Anderson Mill Rd.

The map updates section of the web site doesn’t list any changes to this portion of the map. Am I just totally misreading the map (very possible, I’m definitely GPS-dependent)?

[George]

I've heard back via email from the Cartography department that the 2017 printed map does match the electronic directions. I'll be getting the updated map.

[Tandem Tom]

George,
Just saw your post. I am waiting on this map as we are considering doing the loop in late March.
Tom

[George]

That's Wildflower Season! Best time to do it, and it won't even be 100º 

[Tandem Tom]

We live in NE Ohio so we are ready for a bit of warm weather.
My wife was asking about services and whether things will be back to normal after the snow storm?

[George]

By then, I expect all will be good. Texas was spectacularly unprepared for the cold snap, so many pipes burst. But things should be pretty normal by then. State is a lot more open now that COVID numbers are down, but expect to mask around other people.

Many restaurants are still to-go only, and a fair number have gone under. Verify that everything is still open. I know what’s been happening in the Austin area, but haven’t checked much of the rest of the route.

[Tandem Tom]

George,
Since you are familiar with the area I have a couple of questions!
Direction, I am thinking CW. Also where to start or where is a good location to start that we can leave our vehicle?
Thanks!
Tom

[George]

Well, Cedar Park would work. I sometimes simply book a night at the start of the trip and a night at the end of the trip at a motel, and ask to let my car stay in the lot. Cedar Park is near enough to Austin that heading in for a day trip is simple (and there's rail service between Cedar Park and downtown Austin -- Lakeline Station). You could even park in Cedar Park, take the train into downtown, and start the loop from the official starting point if you like.

I can also see a number of places to stay along Jollyville Rd (on route into Austin from Cedar Park).

I also plan on going CW when I'm able to do the loop.

[Tandem Tom]

Thanks!!
Looking forward to a bit of warm weather. It was 20F last night!

[George]

I noticed that ACA is running the Hill Country Loop this year (https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/fully-supported-tours/texas-hill-country/), and they are starting and ending in New Braunfels. You could check with the tour leader and see where they are parking people's cars.