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12 miles northeast of
Fredericksburg is the hidden jewel of Gillespie
County, Willow City, Texas (population 75). Willow City is the gateway to "The Willow City Loop"
which is a 20 or so mile stretch of beautiful Texas back road
that any motorcyclist will enjoy. If you haven't ridden
this jewel, then it is time to plan a trip towards Fredericksburg
and experience what the Willow City Loop has to offer.
You will not be disappointed.
The narrow road winds up,
down and around green hills highlighted with wildflowers including large
bluebonnet displays, Indian paintbrush and more. There
are numerous cattle guards,  farm gates and low
water crossing so be prepared for most anything. Oh did
I say cattle like to wander on the roadway as well? The
Willow City Loop is just wide enough for two cars, provided both
hug the side and the cattle get out of the way. One word
of caution, if you go during the peak of the bluebonnet
show, be prepared for a lot of other slow moving cars.
To really enjoy the Willow City Loop, I like to go after
the bluebonnets are done blooming, usually late
April or early May. The Willow City Loop is also a great
Fall season ride as well. Get a group of friends
together and go ride the "loop."
The ride takes about 30
minutes to complete. If you happen to stop, DO NOT cross
onto private property. All property around the Loop is
privately owned so please respect that.
There are two really
great places to stop and relax, eat and wet your throat
while riding the Willow City Loop, one is "Harry's
on the Loop" and the other is "The Knot on the
Loop Saloon". Both are a must see while riding the
Loop.
The Knot in the Loop
Saloon is well....not in the Loop but you must pass by
it on your way to Willow City from Fredericksburg. To
quote them it is "Part Saloon, Part Wild
West-O-Rama." Wander around, check out the walls,
the rafters, toss a dollar on the ceiling... It's
all so rustic/eccentric, tong in chic, it's a feast for
the eyes.
When you are in Willow City, stop at Harry's on the Loop, a
bar/restaurant with "Ice, Beer, BBQ & much more." It's a great place to down an icy Lone
Star, either inside or outside in
the grove of picnic tables. Harry's on the Loop is what
the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop is to Leaky. You just
have to stop in. It is part of the ride. If you haven't irritated
Harry before you leave, he
may even ask you to sign the building's graffiti-covered
walls.
Directions To
Willow City Loop:
From Austin, take 290 West to Fredericksburg. From there, go
12
miles north on Highway 16, then right on
FM 1323. Go
about two miles to Willow City; the Loop begins there.
From Kerrville, take Highway
16 North through Fredericksburg, then right on FM 1323. Go
about two miles to Willow City; the Loop begins there.
All photos on this page courtesy of Michael
Knight - Southlake, TX
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Koyote
Ranch is committed to providing a comfortable and
upscale environment for Motor Touring. We have gone so
far as to provide a dedicated area of camp sites in the
resort exclusively for riders, with covered parking for
your bike. 
