Known as Ranch-to-Market Roads (RM) 335, 336, and 337, the “Sisters” have been around for over 65 years. Born in 1945 as part of the post-war road expansion effort to aid Texas’ agricultural interests, the Sisters have aged well. So, what’s their allure? Why does MotorcycleRoads.com rank the Twisted Sisters as the #1 motorcycle route in the U.S.? I believe it’s because they offer a great technical riding challenge with some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll see anywhere…and together that’s one dangerous combination. I had the opportunity to experience the Sisters for the second time over the long Fourth of July weekend and I can say with a huge grin on my face, “They were better the second time around!”
I left San Antonio at 6:30 in the morning on the 4th of July to cool temperatures and clear skies. The roads were surprisingly empty so I knew it was going to be a great day to ride. As I turned north onto State Highway 16, the Texas Hill Country began to unfold in front of me. The rolling hills and gently sweeping curves of SH 16 were fun and provided a nice warm-up for the two Sisters I planned to ride on my way to San Angelo. I stopped for gas in Bandera and then quickly made my way to Medina to pick-up the first Sister.
RM 337 starts in Medina and runs approximately 56 miles west to Camp Wood. She’s an easy ride at first with gentle curves and steady elevation gains through Vanderpool, but then she starts to get wild. Changes in elevation occur more frequently and the curves come one right after the other. The views are fantastic but you can’t look at them for fear of losing control and plunging to certain death. You can ride her hard and miss the beauty that surrounds you or slow down and really enjoy it. I chose to slow down. That’s one of the Sisters’ secrets, you can fly and die or you can ease back on the throttle and make a great ride last longer. As I approached Leakey, she began to act more like a lady almost sensing that our time together was over and that I was moving on. I turned north on US Hwy 83 and waved good-bye thinking I’d ride her remaining 20 miles another day.
I found the second Sister waiting just ½ mile north. As I made the left turn onto RM 336 I knew the next 26 miles were going to be fun. Unlike her sibling, she didn't waste any time getting twisty. Quickly gaining elevation as I snaked my way upward, I found myself riding along the top of a ridge line with spectacular views from either side. This Sister seemed a bit more forgiving than the first, almost as if she wanted me to go faster and then quickly slow down as I approached her next curve. Why someone would build such a technically challenging road with so much to look at escapes me but I‘m glad they did. I pulled over to take it all in. I took a deep breath and thought, “This is what freedom smells like.” I felt alive and in that moment I happened upon another of the Sisters’ secrets, you can ride through with wild abandon or you can dismount and savor the experience. I spent about an hour on this Sister experiencing all she had to offer. When I turned east onto State Highway 41 I felt satisfied knowing I had just ridden two of the best roads in Texas.
With two Sisters behind me, I turned my attention to eating-up the miles and making my way to San Angelo. From SH 41, I rode north on US Hwy 83 through Junction, Menard, and Eden. I always chuckle when riding through Eden because many Texans believe this is where it all began…and they have the garden to prove it. I decided to make a quick stop and check it out for myself. After a short stroll through the Garden of Eden, I’m a little skeptical of its origin as there were lots of flowers but not one apple tree. Go figure. I mounted the bike and headed west on US Hwy 87. The 40 miles between Eden and San Angelo went quickly and I pulled into my daughter’s driveway at 12:17 p.m. ready for more 4th of July fun.
I woke-up on the 7th of July thinking about the ride back to San Antonio. I decided to vary my route home and pick-up the last Sister as well as finish off the 20 or so miles I missed on RM 337. I was on the bike at 10:37 a.m. ready for a hot but fun day of riding. After gassing up at a Stripes station about six miles from my daughter’s house, I was on my way to rendezvous with the last of the three Sisters. Heading south on US Hwy 277, I twisted the throttle hard to make good time. The road seemed built for motorcycle travel with slight changes in elevation and a few gentle curves to make it interesting. I turned southeast onto State Highway 55 about 30 miles south of Sonora. The landscape made me appreciate the vastness of the state and the individuals who make a living from the land. It is beautiful but rugged country. I stopped in Rocksprings for gas before turning north on US Hwy 377 and then making my way east on SH 41. I was so close; I could hear the last Sister calling my name.
Four miles east of the US Hwy 377 and SH 41 intersection, there she was…RM 335. I turned south to meet her and almost immediately, the roller-coaster ride began. Up, down, curve after curve, the ride was amazing and the views of the Nueces River were spectacular. I stopped several times over the course of her 29 miles to gather my wits and admire the scenery. This Sister knows how to tease and please. Of the three, this Sister is the most fun…just when you think you’ve ridden her into submission, she throws you a curve…or drops a rock in the middle of your path. She keeps you on your toes and wanting more. I was sad when I saw the SH 55 sign because my time with her was almost over. As I merged onto SH 55 in Barksdale, I waved her good-bye and whispered, “One day, I’ll be back.”
3 miles south of Barksdale in Camp Wood I ran into RM 337 again. As I turned east, she greeted me like an old friend. She had some new twists and turns to show me along on the 20 mile stretch to Leakey and then surprised me with a new look at what should have been familiar curves on the ride to Medina. How different she looked and felt riding in the opposite direction. And then another of the Sisters’ secrets was revealed, you can ride the Sisters from the North, South, East, or West and until the cows come home but every time will be different and just as pleasurable as the first.I pulled into my garage at 5:40 p.m. after riding some 7 hours and 300+ miles. I was hot and tired but happy and content. I had just spent a wonderful weekend with my family and ridden my Harley on some of the best roads in Texas…I was thankful to live in America, and grateful for the secrets the Sisters had shared.
Views From The Saddle
______________________
Check out my route maps for the 4th and 7th of July in Where Did he Go?
Great Article Thanks
ReplyDelete