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The Independence Preservation Trust is developing a network of suggested bike routes in and around the Independence area. Below is "Independence to Washington-on-the-Brazos," our first route that takes you to two of Texas' most historic towns.
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"Independence to Washington-on-the-Brazos"
Description: For historic interests, long views of the Brazos River Valley and visits to country churches and general stores, this loop between Independence and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park is a perfect way to experience the countryside of Washington County. Most of this ride is on paved, rural, back roads that will allow you to really see and appreciate the idyllic, country landscape around Independence.
Start: You can begin your ride either at the columns of
Old Baylor in Independence
or
in the larger parking areas of Washington-on-the-Brazos
State Park.
Terrain: Gently rolling hills.
Distance: 30.1 miles. |
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Roads: Rural roads are one lane. Please be alert because, while these rural roads are peaceful and do not have a great deal of traffic, most drivers are not accustomed to seeing bikers. These roads are paved but they are a little rough so, just in case, come prepared with a standard flat tire repair kit. FM roads are two lanes, no shoulders, light traffic except during spring wildflower season. Texas 105 has higher-speed traffic but does have a wide shoulder.
Season: While this route’s rolling terrain and historic sites make it beautiful all year round, it is great for Texas wildflower viewing in the spring.
Special points of interest:
Texas historic sites
Country churches and cemeteries
General stores
Long views of the Brazos River Valley
Directions
Independence to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park
• From Old Baylor Park in Independence, TX go East on FM 390
• Continue on FM 390 until it makes a sharp right, at which time you will jog Left onto
William Penn Road (be careful of blind turn)
• Continue on William Penn Road until you hit Hwy 105
• Turn Right onto Hwy 105 for a short distance until you hit FM 912
• Turn Left onto FM 912
• Follow FM 912 as it turns into FM 1155
• The entrance to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park will be on the right of FM 1155
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park to Independence
• Follow FM 1155 Northwest until it hits Hwy 105
• Jog across Hwy 105 to Pickens Road
• Follow Pickens Road as it winds up to St. Matthews Lane
• Turn Right onto St. Matthews Lane for a short distance
• Turn Left onto Bluff Road
• Follow Bluff Road until it turns into FM 1935
• Follow FM 1935 until it hits FM 390
• Turn Right at FM 390 and continue back towards Independence
Download  PDF of this map for printing.
Two books and two websites provide excellent information on other bike tours through Washington County and Central Texas.
Books
White, Andy. Best Bike Rides in Texas.
Old Saybrook, CT: The Globe Pequot Press, 1995.
Suggested Bike Route:
Ride 39: "Blue Bell Ramble"
Loop: Brenham - Prairie View - Independence
Distance: 29.6 miles
Terrain: Gently rolling pastureland
Pellerin, Bill and Ralph Neidhardt. Bicycling the Houston Area.
Houston, TX: Texas Bicycle Map Company, 1987.
Suggested Bike Route:
Page 18: "Brenham"
Loop: Brenham - Greenvine – Burton - Gay Hill - Independence
Distance: Short route, 35 miles; long route, 52 miles
Terrain: Gently rolling pastureland
See historic sites in Independence on our detailed Independence Map.
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