Originally published in Motorcycles On the Road Again, April 2006.
Leakey- Deep in the Heart of Texas Hill Country.
Leakey (pronounced LAY-key) is nestled deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Elevations in the area range as high as 2,400 feet. The high points are separated by deep, dramatic canyons carved by the Frio and Nueces rivers. Leakey’s central location makes it convenient to all of the Texas Hill Country’s best roads. Camp Wood and Rocksprings provide great riding and these roads tend to be less busy than the Bandera Loop in good weather. If you want to stay the night in Rocksprings be sure to visit the Historic Rocksprings Hotel.
The Frio River and Canyon areas around Leakey provide not only outstanding motorcycle riding but, in the spring and summer, great opportunities for tubing the spring-fed, crystal clear waters of the Frio.
In Leakey be sure to visit the Frio Canyon Bike Stop — don’t worry you can’t miss it. The owners are great people and make all visitors feel welcome. This place is a treasure trove of information about where to ride and what to see and you can even buy Hill Country maps that have an amazing amount of detail and information. Frio Canyon Bike Stop isn’t a shop, but they do carry a few parts that might help you get by in an emergency.
There are several choices of places to stay in Leakey. The D’Rose Inn (830-232-5246) caters to motorcycle and bicycle riders only. It is okay to trailer your bike in. Deb will make your stay pleasant and can answer questions about the area. The local merchants are happy to have bikers in their businesses, especially support those who make this magazine possible with their advertising.
Leakey to Bandera
Leakey is a convenient point from which to ride the roads of the Hill Country. The southern route to Bandera – US 83 to RR 1050 and RR 470 to Bandera is 58 miles of short choppy hills and blind curves — the kind where you crest a small hill and the road suddenly makes a sharp turn. Fun, but you must stay alert.
Although this segment is only 58 miles but there is so much to do and see that you should allow about 2 hours for the trip. Be sure to keep your camera handy.
Bandera to Leakey
The route, Hwy 16 from Bandera to Medina and then RR 337 to Vanderpool to Leakey is 50 miles.
Hwy 16 follows along the Medina River with long sweeper curves and idyllic views of the clear waters of the river. At Medina take RR 337 west. This road is much more challenging with sharp curves, steep hills and incredible views. Allow extra time, maybe as much as 3 hours.
At Vanderpool a quick detour north on RR 187 a couple of miles will bring you to the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. The admission is very reasonable and the chance to see these restored bikes is worth the time you spend here. If you are hungry the museum has a Café serving delicious food.
Vanderpool has a little country store and gas station. It is a good idea to top off your tank frequently in this area where open gas stations can be quite a distance apart.
North on RR 187 brings you to the rolling hills of some of Texas’ finest ranchland. These are huge spreads that frequently encompass thousands of acres. Ranch houses sit far back from the highway and your only clue to the wealth of some of these places is in the gates that they have constructed at the entrances. You will notice that the fences on much of the land are 10 or more feet high. Many of these ranches raise exotic animals and the high fences are the only way to keep antelope and other animals in. Locals refer to riding in the Leakey area as “riding the “threes”. That means that any of the RR (Ranch Roads) that start with the number “3” is good riding.