This route is some of the prettiest (and hilliest) in the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex. While it is basically a 26.5 mile loop, that loop takes you from the town of Glen Rose, in Summerville county, across the Paluxy and Brazos rivers, into Johnson and Bosque counties, and back into Glen Rose. There are a few punchy climbs on the route, and the roads are mostly rual, with some chip-seal sections. Start at 1600 Big Bed Trail (Hwy 67) and park in the city park parking lot (right beside Sonic) There are public restrooms here too, but they close and lock them at sundown. The best times of year for this route are in the spring and in the fall. And it is a fully self supported route, as there are no stores until you come back into town on the far side of the loop.

Heading Out

As you leave the parking lot, you'll head east on FM312 (Old Hwy 67). After you go around the first curve to the left, be looking on your left for the petrified wood and stone building Petrifed stone building. It's pretty cool, and I think it was a gas station in a former life. You'll follow FM312 out of town until it Y's and you'll take FM401 to the right (south-ish). This takes you across your first river crossing of the Brazos River. A decent little climb out on the other side, (FM401 turns into FM200) followed by rolling hills, until you start the climb into the tiny "town" of Nemo. There is a post office on the left, and a town name sign if you want to get a photo.

A quick downhill takes you to the stop sign at FM199, and both FM199 and FM200 go right here. So do you! Just about a mile, and you'll be following FM200 as it turns off to the left, and you'll be in for some gorgeous scenery and lots of rolling hills. You'll see it coming, but right at about the 9 mile mark into the route, you get the experience of climbing the hill, "Big Ben." At the top, you'll want to turn right on 1118, where you will be going mostly down hill through some windy and shaded roads. Be mindful on this stretch of road as there are sometimes trucks on it.

You'll soon cross the Brazos River again, and the road turns into 1175 on the other side of the bridge, as you enter Bosque County for just a bit. 1175 will come to a "T" at FM 56. Follow 56 to the right. There are a couple of longer climbs here going into Eulogy. On the far side you get to enjoy some mostly downhill sections, and this part of teh route tends to be the fastest. While on this section of road, keep an eye out for the XXX ranch, which will at times be on both sides of the road. If you're lucky, you might see elk, or buffalo, or other exotic game in their fields.

56 comes to a "T" but continues to the right, and you should too. Stay on it until you get to highway 144, and you will be on the edge of town. Take a right on 144, and follow it as it comes into town, and you will cross teh Paluxy River, pass by the historic Paluxy Heritage Park, and windup on the square in downtown Glen Rose, in front of the courthouse.

This is Barnard street, and you'll turn right. (It's also 144). You'll follow along side the Paluxy River and pass by several cool places, including Big Rocks Park. Follow Barnard around until you get to Old Hwy 67 (FM312). This will take you nack to where you are parked.

There are some great places to visit while you're in Glen Rose. Here are a few of them:

• Hollywood and Vine (restaurant)
• Texas Treasures (coffee shop)
• Big Rocks Park
• Pie Peddlers (Yummy pie!)
• Sonic Drive-In

Important Reminders

There is not a bike shop in Glen Rose any more, and the closest one is about 35 miles in Burleson, so be sure your bike is tuned up and in good working order. Be sure to bring a soare tube and/or patches. Bring water with you, and bring some nutrition, as the heat can sneak up on you, and you don't want to bonk or run out of water in the middle of nowhere. The good news is that if you do, most of the people on the route are friendly, and will let you use their hose (if you ask nicely!) Be aware, though, it is probably well water and may taste "different" than what you are used too. It really is a self-supported ride, and there really are no stores once you get outside of about 3 miles either side of town.