Let me paint a picture for you: you’re in a new city and you want the best seafood restaurant. How do you find a place with the best fish that isn’t just a tourist trap? The answer for this is simple: ask a local where to eat.
If you don’t happen to know a local, Google reviews or Yelp can give you the low-down on the best places to eat, making exploring local cuisines much easier.
But how about when you want a good motorcycle ride?
Well, this is a little trickier. What are the don’t-miss roadside stops and stop-to-snap-a-pic local landmarks? We at Twisted Road decided to ask our Austin, Texas riding community this very question, and our community came through with the best motorcycle routes Austin has to offer, as well as the coolest moto-friendly stops along the way.
Each of these recommendations was provided by owners of motorcycles for rent in Austin, Texas.
Justin H., owner of this 2018 Zero Motorcycle SR, Cedar Park, Texas enjoys riding FM 1431 from Cedar Park to Marble Falls. He says that its “long sweeping, high speed turns makes it a lot of fun” and notes that “there are also several turn-offs you can take to spice it up.” Justin also suggests riding route 2769 toward Volente if you like lots of very tight turns.
Alex T., owner of this 2014 BMW F800 GS, in Austin, Texas has a good, long list of best motorcycle rides in Texas: LLano county road 315, Littig Road, also enjoys FM 1431, Cow Creek Road in Marble Falls, and FM 2222.
Janine R., owner of this 2015 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, in Austin, Texas suggests that riders check out Overlook Park at Canyon Lake by riding from Austin; it’s one of the essential Texas Hill Country motorcycle rides. She also loves Lime Creek Road on Lake Travis for “twisty riding.”
Rafael L., owner of this 2017 Honda Africa Twin Enduro Sports Concept in Austin, Texas also suggests riding Lime Creek Road and adds three roads west of Austin in the hill country affectionately known as “The Twisted Sisters” (state roads: 335, 336, 337). He says, “Anything going West of Austin is a guaranteed fun road trip!” Rafael’s favorite stops include Ale Brewing, Middleton Brewing, and the town of Luckenbach, TX.
Brian G., owner of this 2012 Ducati Monster 696, Austin, Texas likes to ride some local Ranch Roads: 1431, 2222, and FM 2769, which follows the north side of Lake Austin from Austin to Marble Falls. He, like so many others, also loves the Twisted Sisters and suggests that you need “more than just one day, or at least a very LONG day to go, ride and return to Austin.” And, of course, you shouldn’t leave the Lone Star State without sampling some Q. Brian says, “It's always fun to stop at Salt Lick BBQ."
Brett S., owner of this 2010 Triumph Tiger, in Austin, Texas casts another vote for fan favorite, The Twisted Sisters, and adds Cow Creek Road, City Park Rd, Mt. Bonnell Road, Scenic Drive, and FM 2222. When it comes to stopping to eat, Brett has you covered with Bent Rim Grill and Ski Shores, a burger joint on the lake.
Phil B., owner of this 1976 Honda CB500, San Marcos, Texas says simply, “I like to ride FM 32 and 12, but also spend a ton of time slamming 35 and 37.”
Some other favorites from Texas friends include a stretch of road that's just a short ride away from Austin called Paleface Ranch Road and County Road 404 out in Spicewood. The latter is right off of the beaten path that is TX-71, and it leads to some great twisty roads with a couple of long sweepers thrown in the mix. It's Hill Country, too, so the road features elevation changes and at sunset the trees burn bright gold. It's super manageable as it's not overrun with traffic, and if you hit the road at the right time, the Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area — featuring incredible fields of endless Bluebonnets perfect for a rest, photo op or picnic — is right along the way off of Co. Rd. 414.
More city-centric routes include riding from downtown to 2222 to the 360 bridge and back to downtown to 2244 “Bee Cave Rd”. And don’t forget you can always stop at biker-friendly County Line BBQ.
Finally, no ride to Austin would be complete without reading our Austin Area Motorcycle Rider’s City Guide. So grab your helmet, dust off those boots, and bring your appetite, attitude, and good vibes down south and experience Austin. So when you're ready to rent a motorcycle in Austin, you can do it right. On a bike. Like a local.
