Flowers In The Hills

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW
"Flowers in the Hills" is a self-directed bicycle tour that features rides through acres and acres of wildflowers in the Texas hill country. You will see miles of riding on little traveled, very picturesque, pothole free, ranch and market roads.  Many are open range, which means that longhorns, sheep, chickens and goats may be up close and personal on the road. Fredericksburg is the cycle capital of Texas (see cycletexas.com) and Gillespie County has over 500 miles of paved country roads. Fredericksburg is a town of 10,000 resident which receives 3 million visitors annually, and boasts German heritage with Texas hospitality.  There are 100+ unique and kitschy restaurants--all within walking distance of our lodging…the Pie Shop is to die for.  Activities abound:  The Museum of the Wars of the Pacific requires two days to fully explore. The stores on Main Street offer many one-of-a-kind items. There are 20+ wineries and microbreweries within an easy drive. You are within a few pedal strokes of Luckenbach music, the historic Lyndon B Johnson ranch, the Willow City Loop (most famous bicycle road in Texas)  and the world famous Wildflower Seed Farm.  The Alamo Café boasts the 3rd best burger in Texas.  Hill country woolen arts and fabric arts stores are acclaimed the best in the USA. 

RIDE RATING
This ride is rated 2B. We maintain an inventory of 22 out-and-back and loop options ranging 17 to 57 miles with climbs ranging from 1000-3200 feet for your availability on any of our ride days.  There is something for every skill level.  Here are the number of rides in each category: 4 at 1A; 3 at 2A; 9 at 2B; 2 at 2C; 1 at 3B; 3 at 3C.  It is "hill country" after all.

WEATHER
Texas Spring weather is unpredictable. Generally, expect daytime highs in the 50's to high 80's, mostly 80s.

LODGING
We will be staying at the Inn on Barons Creek in Fredericksburg. It offers large suites, a daily continental breakfast, laundry, spa and gift shops. The inn is a short walking distance from the downtown "historic" district of Fredericksburg.  Evening social hours will be in the hotel conference room.

LOGISTICS
Fly into San Antonio or Austin where you can rent a car or share a ride with another rider to Fredericksburg.  RVers welcome. Please contact Becky on the perferred RV parks in Fredericksburg. First meeting is on April 2 at 5:30 pm for happy hour followed by a special dinner all at our hotel.  Last ride day and catered group dinner is on Sunday, April 9,2017. Check out will be Monday April 10, 2017.  Should you decide to come early or stay late, please check with Inn on Barons Creek for room availabilty. These charges will be at the riders own expense.

COST & ADMINISTRATION The estimated cost listed above is based on double occupancy and includes eight nights lodging, opening and closing dinners, maps, cue sheets and GPS tracks (will be provided prior to the ride) and the evening social hours that feature catered hors d oeuvres and local Texas wine and beer.  The BAC registration fee of $50 is not included in the fee and is paid upon acceptance.

SINGLES
We welcome singles and will make every effort to match roommates.  If a single prefers to have a room without a room mate (solo), the single supplement is $500.

CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC ride registration fee of $50 is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

SIGN-UP
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description.  When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List.  At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee online.  Once those steps have been completed, the initial deposit of $500 will be due.  To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.

Ride Participant Responsibility
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.