Sealy Texas 30 Mile (Gravel)

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Austin County, TX, US

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Route Overview

Gravel Club

Gravel roads that seemingly have no end and off the beaten path exploration of the Houston Region

30 mi.

399 ft.

The closest gravel to Houston includes deep sand, a water crossing, and excellent post ride food.

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Route Details

Sealy has the closest destination gravel to Houston, only 50 miles from downtown. This 30 mile route is mostly gravel, with some paved roads that look like they are being left to deteriorate into gravel, and a few short sections of Farm to Market roads. The gravel consists of deep sand or rough chunky rock. The route described is an alternative to a similar route, currently inaccessible due to a highway overpass closed for construction.

Start at Sealy High School. Alternatively, you may start from @poi[Prasek's Hillje Smokehouse](11207862) if they will allow you to park. Issues on this route may include @photo[deep sand](5487327), @poi[dogs around mile 5.0](11207860), and a @poi[water crossing](11207861) of Little Bernard Creek at mile 28 that is traversable in most conditions.

The ride starts south of Sealy, a region that has rice fields and is flat; therefore the region is prone to flooding during high rain events. Road conditions can change due to flood deposited sediment and the county depositing rock. Be sure to stop at mile 4.6 on the bridge across @photo[Little Bernard Creek](5487328). It's a gorgeous view and will inform you whether the crossing upstream (without a bridge) near the end of the ride is passable.

Elevation slightly increases on the North side of I10, which you will cross around mile 10.5 via an overpass. The entire route is exposed with few trees for shade and is often windy. There is no water or facilities on the route until a @poi[truck stop](11207863) at mile 26.3. At mile 28, you will return to cross Little Bernard Creek. There is no bridge, but the creek has a concrete lining and is rideable unless there was a recent heavy rain event.

Given the sandy terrain, wind, and sun, riders should take plenty of water in summer months as despite the lack of elevation, this route produces a lower average speed than other gravel rides in the Houston region.

A blend of Anglo-Saxon, German, and Czech immigrant culture, Sealy was created due to the sale of part of San Felipe, Texas, to the Gulf, Colorado and Sante Fe Railroad in 1879, and named after George Sealy, the majority investor from Galveston. Soon after, a local cotton gin builder began filling requests for cotton filled mattresses, and thus the Sealy Mattress Company was born. Due to the railroad and access to agriculture and ranchland, Sealy has long been the industrial center of Austin County.

# Dining
There are some good eateries before and after your ride.

* [Kathy's Korner](http://www.KathysKornerTX.com), on the return to Houston, has amazing fried chicken, catfish, crab cakes, and other mouth watering comfort food, with large servings for a cheap price.
* [Prasek's Hillje Smokehouse](https://www.praseks.com/) taps into the region's German and Czech Heritage, and features jerky, sausauge, and smokehouse products along with a bbq restaurant and a Czech bakery with delicious kolaches, pies, and other goods.
* [Cast Iron Winery](https://castironwinery.com/) is located on the route and has a small tasting room, a casual outdoor patio, and the occasional special event.

# More resources

[The Sealy Convention and Visitors Bureau](http://www.visitsealy.com/) lists many area attractions.

# Important Reminders

* Bring plenty of water
* Watch for dogs
* Don't ride during high rain events

Sealy Texas 30 Mile (Gravel)

Route Overview

Route Details

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