December 13th 2nd Annual TexasRxs Hill Country Christmas Tour
11-23-2008, 01:09 PM
#1
December 13th 2nd, I mean 5th Annual TexasRxs Hill Country Christmas Tour
Hey all,
Last year I was tasked with coming up with a Christmas themed run for the club, the route worked out so well and we had such a good time we decided to make it an annual gig so on Saturday the 13th we'll be leaving for an entire day of twisties, sight seeing, some shopping, and mega Christmas lights to finish it off.
Details are as follows:
MEET 10am-Albertson's vacant lot @Oakhill "Y". I can try and arrange a North Austin meetup spot prior to 10 if necessary, or we can all just meet at the Albertson's and leave it at that.
LEAVE 10:30am-Wimberley, Blanco-lunch, Fredericksburg, Johnson City (the most lights anywhere)/Silver K Cafe.
HOME/ (hopefully)deer free by 290W.
Route details from last year (same route, different date and meeting location so just gloss over the first few lines until you get to where it mentions the "y" in oak hill) )in .doc format are at this link./
I've cut and pasted them in the thread for the lazy peoples to give you an idea, it's an all day, 3-4 town deal and it's pretty easy to bail out at anytime if you don't want to make the whole trip, although I do recommend the lights in Johnson City at some point over the holidays even if you don't make it this run.
These directions were taken from last year, but you get the idea, feel free to pm me with any questions, I should have maps printed out and ready to go by then for handing out as well.
Right on 290 heading South at the “Y” in glorious Oak Hill
Left at light on to 1826 (Camp Ben Mculloch) heading South
Left at 150 heading South
Right at 3237 (I believe there is a Valero service station here for a rest stop)
Left on to RR12
Right on to RM32 and on our way to the “devil’s backbone”
Right on to 281
281 to Blanco and lunch at Sunset Grill, overflow can eat at Riley’s BBQ or there is also a Tex-Mex Restaurant in the same area, all within yards of each other.
For those who want to head back after Blanco, take 165 heading North to Henly, Henly comes out right at 290 where if you take a right it will take you right back to Austin, or the more direct/boring route is 281 straight up the road to 290 and a right once you get there as well.
2nd Section (Blanco to Fredericksburg)
Leave Blanco at 1:30ish
Left on to 1623 (river on left…oooohh pretty!)
Left on 290 then Right on 1623 (cross over Pedernales river)
Left at 2721
2721 turns into 1631 after Stop sign and which takes us straight to Fredericksburg
Early leavers here can take 281 out of Fredericksburg straight to Johnson City, then right at Johnson City on to 290 heading south back towards Austin.
3rd Section (Fredericksburg to Johnson City and home afterwards)
Arrive at Fredericksburg around 2:30 or for shopping, checking out decorations, whoever skipped lunch can eat here as well. We can park next to the firehouse, check out the town for 2 hours, meet back at firehouse at 4:30 and leave to go to Johnson City. Lots of great gift ideas in the shops here. =)
Leave Fredericksburg on 16N (Left at light)
Right on 1323 (Knot Limp/Loop Saloon sign)
Right on Willow City Loop (cattle guards and loose livestock, beware the future hamburgers!)
Right on 281 South to Johnson city
Right on 290W then a left on Ave F and awesome lights and Silver K café for dinner!
To go home we take 281 and then a right on 290, or some folks can take 281 all the way to I35, whichever works best etc.
Finish things off by possibly visiting Domain for fireworks or even swinging by Zilker and the tree etc. if anyone is still up for it.
So there you go, a nice little trip in the spirit of Christmas and loaded with gorgeous hill country roads and scenery, hope to see you there
Last year I was tasked with coming up with a Christmas themed run for the club, the route worked out so well and we had such a good time we decided to make it an annual gig so on Saturday the 13th we'll be leaving for an entire day of twisties, sight seeing, some shopping, and mega Christmas lights to finish it off.
Details are as follows:
MEET 10am-Albertson's vacant lot @Oakhill "Y". I can try and arrange a North Austin meetup spot prior to 10 if necessary, or we can all just meet at the Albertson's and leave it at that.
LEAVE 10:30am-Wimberley, Blanco-lunch, Fredericksburg, Johnson City (the most lights anywhere)/Silver K Cafe.
HOME/ (hopefully)deer free by 290W.
Route details from last year (same route, different date and meeting location so just gloss over the first few lines until you get to where it mentions the "y" in oak hill) )in .doc format are at this link./
I've cut and pasted them in the thread for the lazy peoples to give you an idea, it's an all day, 3-4 town deal and it's pretty easy to bail out at anytime if you don't want to make the whole trip, although I do recommend the lights in Johnson City at some point over the holidays even if you don't make it this run.
These directions were taken from last year, but you get the idea, feel free to pm me with any questions, I should have maps printed out and ready to go by then for handing out as well.
Right on 290 heading South at the “Y” in glorious Oak Hill
Left at light on to 1826 (Camp Ben Mculloch) heading South
Left at 150 heading South
Right at 3237 (I believe there is a Valero service station here for a rest stop)
Left on to RR12
Right on to RM32 and on our way to the “devil’s backbone”
Right on to 281
281 to Blanco and lunch at Sunset Grill, overflow can eat at Riley’s BBQ or there is also a Tex-Mex Restaurant in the same area, all within yards of each other.
For those who want to head back after Blanco, take 165 heading North to Henly, Henly comes out right at 290 where if you take a right it will take you right back to Austin, or the more direct/boring route is 281 straight up the road to 290 and a right once you get there as well.
2nd Section (Blanco to Fredericksburg)
Leave Blanco at 1:30ish
Left on to 1623 (river on left…oooohh pretty!)
Left on 290 then Right on 1623 (cross over Pedernales river)
Left at 2721
2721 turns into 1631 after Stop sign and which takes us straight to Fredericksburg
Early leavers here can take 281 out of Fredericksburg straight to Johnson City, then right at Johnson City on to 290 heading south back towards Austin.
3rd Section (Fredericksburg to Johnson City and home afterwards)
Arrive at Fredericksburg around 2:30 or for shopping, checking out decorations, whoever skipped lunch can eat here as well. We can park next to the firehouse, check out the town for 2 hours, meet back at firehouse at 4:30 and leave to go to Johnson City. Lots of great gift ideas in the shops here. =)
Leave Fredericksburg on 16N (Left at light)
Right on 1323 (Knot Limp/Loop Saloon sign)
Right on Willow City Loop (cattle guards and loose livestock, beware the future hamburgers!)
Right on 281 South to Johnson city
Right on 290W then a left on Ave F and awesome lights and Silver K café for dinner!
To go home we take 281 and then a right on 290, or some folks can take 281 all the way to I35, whichever works best etc.
Finish things off by possibly visiting Domain for fireworks or even swinging by Zilker and the tree etc. if anyone is still up for it.
So there you go, a nice little trip in the spirit of Christmas and loaded with gorgeous hill country roads and scenery, hope to see you there
Last edited by canaryrx8; 12-04-2008 at 11:29 PM.
11-24-2008, 07:54 PM
#2
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sound good canary - i think i'll try to make this one!
oh, fyi, it is AWESOME to have full a/c-heat control back! thanks for your help over the weekend.
oh, fyi, it is AWESOME to have full a/c-heat control back! thanks for your help over the weekend.
12-01-2008, 09:50 AM
#6
Awesome man, I had a fun time last year, even got a speeding ticket from an officer with the last name of "bacon" (no joke). I work 3pm to 11pm these days (and I frickin' hate it) so it's going to be rough for me as well, thank God they moved off the 7pm to 4am as that would have been almost impossible to pull off.
I'm going to have maps printed out to hand out at the meeting location, Larry will probably have radios etc. so we can all keep together, people that want to do the whole drive can meet at the starting location which is at the "Y" in
Oak Hill (S. Austin) at the old Albertson's parking lot, it's really hard to miss as it's basically a huge lot in front of an empty building. If there's enough interest I can meet some folks up in North Austin at 9am at the Carraba's lot on 183/Duval, and we can caravan to the South meeting location. If you want to come along but neither of those meeting locations works for you, like maybe you're from out of town or live closer to one of the stops for example, you're more than welcome to join us along the way, heck, we pick up random drivers all the time on these runs as it's kinda' hard to miss a gang of Rx's going somewhere in a group.
This link will take you to a general map of where Oak Hill is, if you look where 71 and 290 split, that's what is known as the "Y".
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Oa...3&geocode=CITY
Feel free to pm me with any questions, I put a lot of work into this drive last year, even drove it a couple of times prior to the actual club run just to make sure it was fun enough and had enough variety for everyone to enjoy the stops,roads,lights, etc. so hopefully I'll see some folks out there on the 13th.
I'm going to have maps printed out to hand out at the meeting location, Larry will probably have radios etc. so we can all keep together, people that want to do the whole drive can meet at the starting location which is at the "Y" in
Oak Hill (S. Austin) at the old Albertson's parking lot, it's really hard to miss as it's basically a huge lot in front of an empty building. If there's enough interest I can meet some folks up in North Austin at 9am at the Carraba's lot on 183/Duval, and we can caravan to the South meeting location. If you want to come along but neither of those meeting locations works for you, like maybe you're from out of town or live closer to one of the stops for example, you're more than welcome to join us along the way, heck, we pick up random drivers all the time on these runs as it's kinda' hard to miss a gang of Rx's going somewhere in a group.
This link will take you to a general map of where Oak Hill is, if you look where 71 and 290 split, that's what is known as the "Y".
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Oa...3&geocode=CITY
Feel free to pm me with any questions, I put a lot of work into this drive last year, even drove it a couple of times prior to the actual club run just to make sure it was fun enough and had enough variety for everyone to enjoy the stops,roads,lights, etc. so hopefully I'll see some folks out there on the 13th.
12-01-2008, 01:15 PM
#7
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Awesome man, I had a fun time last year, even got a speeding ticket from an officer with the last name of "bacon" (no joke). I work 3pm to 11pm these days (and I frickin' hate it) so it's going to be rough for me as well, thank God they moved off the 7pm to 4am as that would have been almost impossible to pull off.
12-01-2008, 10:19 PM
#9
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Hell man you are just down the street! I live at 290 and Wm. Cannon. I bowl at Westgate lanes when Im too lazy to drive to Dart lanes. My 8 is my second car so it hardly gets driven. When I drive my Tahoe, I see 8s all day long. When I take my 8 out for a spin, never see one. Funny how that happens!
12-02-2008, 04:38 PM
#11
Last year we had about 10+ cars or so, but it was the first year with a formal route so the turnout was small, we ended up with about 3 cars by the end of the drive I expect a few more than that this time as word is out among several clubs and forums etc. Here is a sample of the lights:
(random flickr album- http://www.flickr.com/photos/casamagnolia/2117186348/)
edit: Marble Falls has awesome lights as well, another cool place to go during the holidays, doesn't really fit into my route very well though, although I'm open to suggestion, here's a pic below
I expect a few more than that this time as word is out among several clubs and forums etc. Here is a sample of the lights:(random flickr album- http://www.flickr.com/photos/casamagnolia/2117186348/)
edit: Marble Falls has awesome lights as well, another cool place to go during the holidays, doesn't really fit into my route very well though, although I'm open to suggestion, here's a pic below
Last edited by canaryrx8; 12-02-2008 at 04:44 PM.
12-02-2008, 04:53 PM
#12
Actually, after looking at my route, we could do Marble Falls instead of Johnson City just by going left on 281 instead of right, it is quite a bit further though so I'm not sure who'd be down for that, maybe when we leave Fredricksburg, we can make a game day decision then as either one is an amazing display, and it might be possible to spend an hour at Marble Falls, then hit Johnson City on the way home or something 
12-02-2008, 11:03 PM
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Im open to anything you guys want to do. I dont know where anything is so Im just along for the ride. Im just excited to put some miles on the car and meet new people and see new sites. The wife and I are really looking forard to this as to end our "same ole same ole" routine and see some more of Texas and meet and make new friends.
12-03-2008, 01:59 AM
#14
I'm seriously considering an impromptu test run this weekend, probably on Sunday, as I want to double check the roads/route, and make sure there's no freaky construction going on or something else that might mess us up. If you guys got nothing going on (anyone for that matter, makes no diff to me ) you're more than welcome to tag along, I'd also like to see how feasible Marble Falls is and if we can do both, hitting both towns in one night would be so insanely kick *** lights wise 
) you're more than welcome to tag along, I'd also like to see how feasible Marble Falls is and if we can do both, hitting both towns in one night would be so insanely kick *** lights wise
12-03-2008, 02:13 PM
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I'm seriously considering an impromptu test run this weekend, probably on Sunday, as I want to double check the roads/route, and make sure there's no freaky construction going on or something else that might mess us up. If you guys got nothing going on (anyone for that matter, makes no diff to me ) you're more than welcome to tag along, I'd also like to see how feasible Marble Falls is and if we can do both, hitting both towns in one night would be so insanely kick *** lights wise
) you're more than welcome to tag along, I'd also like to see how feasible Marble Falls is and if we can do both, hitting both towns in one night would be so insanely kick *** lights wise
12-03-2008, 02:37 PM
#16
I'm usually up pretty late on Saturday as well as my freaky work schedule screws with my sleeping and I like to take advantage of not having any obligations the next day (like having to be at work at 3pm ugh). You want to shoot for noon at the "Y"? If we leave later then we can grab some grub in Fredricksburg or something instead of the usual lunch stop in Blanco. (or just skip food, which is probably not a good idea lol)
12-03-2008, 03:16 PM
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I'm usually up pretty late on Saturday as well as my freaky work schedule screws with my sleeping and I like to take advantage of not having any obligations the next day (like having to be at work at 3pm ugh). You want to shoot for noon at the "Y"? If we leave later then we can grab some grub in Fredricksburg or something instead of the usual lunch stop in Blanco. (or just skip food, which is probably not a good idea lol)
12-04-2008, 04:32 PM
#19
I will see about trying to get a few of the SA people to group up and go. Maybe meet somewhere along the way and then follow along. I will PM when I know more about who is interested.
12-04-2008, 09:21 PM
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Randall,
It's a tradition now, actually the 5th one; this is your 2nd. Thanks for leading.
*I recommend the 10am time; we save maybe 1/2 hr by meeting @ the "Y" which give us a more flexible, less rushed sched. to see all. Easy to be be in Johnson City by 5pm+- to wait/eat @ the Silver K before dark & lights spectacular.
*Instead of Blanco lunch @12:30pm+-, waiting for Fredericksburg @1-1:30pm is an option.
The "Bavarian Inn" @ the W.end of Main always has good food & several several large tables almost always available w/o calling ahead (which we do) or waiting. The usual in/out 1 1/2 hr lunch is no problem.
With a little walking around, etc. in the historic downtown shopping row for the ladies/kids, we'll be leaving (who knows) anytime quickly from 3pm or, more likely, casually 4pm+ for a Johnson City 5pm arrival.
*With Blanco, Fredsbg & main destination-Johnson City on the list, Marble Falls is a stretch but possible unless the hard-core survivors want to go there by 281N after Johnson City @7pm++. From Marble Falls, 71E is the only deer-safe route to Austin @ 10pm +++.
*Some may opt to go home from Johnson City @ 7pm++, so your idea of ending @ the Zilker Xmas Tree may have more takers. Marble Falls pm- Lime Creek/143/River City Cafe/Xmas lights/71E deer-free home- is a nice trip on it's own.
Several tries w/2 meeting/waiting/starting times north & south haven't worked well. To save time/delays, meeting @the"Y" is faster/quicker/simpler/better. I can be there in 15 mins. from N.Austin by Mopac; easy.
LD.
It's a tradition now, actually the 5th one; this is your 2nd. Thanks for leading.
*I recommend the 10am time; we save maybe 1/2 hr by meeting @ the "Y" which give us a more flexible, less rushed sched. to see all. Easy to be be in Johnson City by 5pm+- to wait/eat @ the Silver K before dark & lights spectacular.
*Instead of Blanco lunch @12:30pm+-, waiting for Fredericksburg @1-1:30pm is an option.
The "Bavarian Inn" @ the W.end of Main always has good food & several several large tables almost always available w/o calling ahead (which we do) or waiting. The usual in/out 1 1/2 hr lunch is no problem.
With a little walking around, etc. in the historic downtown shopping row for the ladies/kids, we'll be leaving (who knows) anytime quickly from 3pm or, more likely, casually 4pm+ for a Johnson City 5pm arrival.
*With Blanco, Fredsbg & main destination-Johnson City on the list, Marble Falls is a stretch but possible unless the hard-core survivors want to go there by 281N after Johnson City @7pm++. From Marble Falls, 71E is the only deer-safe route to Austin @ 10pm +++.
*Some may opt to go home from Johnson City @ 7pm++, so your idea of ending @ the Zilker Xmas Tree may have more takers. Marble Falls pm- Lime Creek/143/River City Cafe/Xmas lights/71E deer-free home- is a nice trip on it's own.
Several tries w/2 meeting/waiting/starting times north & south haven't worked well. To save time/delays, meeting @the"Y" is faster/quicker/simpler/better. I can be there in 15 mins. from N.Austin by Mopac; easy.
LD.
Last edited by topdownbackroads; 12-05-2008 at 06:35 PM. Reason: content
12-05-2008, 06:18 PM
#23
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It's good to know the history; "Roots", "Tradition", "Wagons West", "The Gumball Rally",... all that.
Like Moses leading his people out of the wilderness to........., well, they had no Xmas lights & no time, place or money for shopping. You have inherited the heavy burden of leadership & the sole responsibility of making sure that everyone has a wonderful time, or else....... We know were you live.
You are my hero since it's a day off for me !!
We all support/appreciate your efforts & are behind you all the way. As we enter Blanco, we'll be way, way, way behind your attention getting Canary Yellow. Your old friends from last year may remember it. A radar detector from our terrific sponsor-AudioFx-would make a great early Xmas gift for you.
Looking forward to next wknd.
See: *Edited #21 above.
LD.
Like Moses leading his people out of the wilderness to........., well, they had no Xmas lights & no time, place or money for shopping. You have inherited the heavy burden of leadership & the sole responsibility of making sure that everyone has a wonderful time, or else....... We know were you live.
You are my hero since it's a day off for me !!
We all support/appreciate your efforts & are behind you all the way. As we enter Blanco, we'll be way, way, way behind your attention getting Canary Yellow. Your old friends from last year may remember it. A radar detector from our terrific sponsor-AudioFx-would make a great early Xmas gift for you.
Looking forward to next wknd.
See: *Edited #21 above.
LD.
Last edited by topdownbackroads; 12-05-2008 at 06:28 PM. Reason: sp.
12-06-2008, 06:03 PM
#24
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Hey Canary, I dont think Ill be able to make it to the trial run tomorrow. Im leaving for AZ in 2 weeks and I need to do some work to my Tahoe before we go and next weekend is full, so I need to jump on this. Sorry about that but I will for sure be there next week for the cruise.
12-07-2008, 04:56 AM
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Talked to a buddy tonight at work and he said the Zilker park thing isnt open till Sunday 14th, unless you are doing the run on the 13th, which he is. Maybe we could go to that neighborhood downtown thats all lit up. Dont know how good that is but its something to do.
