Every spring, cyclists from all over Texas come to the beautiful rolling hills of Washington County to train for the BP MS 150 or just to enjoy the great outdoors.

Bikers round a scenic corner of Gates Ranch at the intersection of FM 1155 and FM 2726.

With views of historic, green farms dotted with horses and cattle, to lanes with quaint, country churches, you will see why the area around Gates Ranch has long been considered as the very best countryside land within close proximity to Houston. While only an hour away, it is truly a world apart.

Here at Gates Ranch, we invite you to enjoy some excellent cycling routes, presented below, that are a great way to experience the country. While cycling these routes, you will also see some of the exciting changes that are happening at Gates Ranch, a 1,500-acre community of family farms. For more information or to schedule your personal tour of Gates Ranch, please call Cyndee Smith with Oldham Goodwin Group at 713-816-3407 or visit www.gatesranchtx.com.

Route One – Chappell Hill Loop

Distance: 66.39 miles

Starts in: Chappell Hill,  Texas

Rider quote: “Great rid eon quiet country roads”

Local advice: Finish your route off with lunch or a nice slice of homemade pie with Blue Bell Ice Cream at Bever’s Kitchen. http://www.bevers-kitchen.com/

Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/29621726

Route Two – Washington-on-the-Brazos/Chappell Hill/Brenham/Independence

Distance: 64.24 miles

Starts in: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Washington, Texas

Rider quote: “Long and hilly ride with great scenery”

Local advice: Visit the birthplace of Texas at the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historic Site.

Route Three – Independence to Washington-on-the-Brazos

Distance: 30.1 miles

Starts in: Old Baylor Park in Independence, Texas

Local Advice: Note the Texas historic sites, country churches and cemeteries on your ride that you might like to return to visit when you’re not cycling.

Map: http://www.independencetx.com/biketour.html