The purpose of the tour is to explore Texas on your bike and have a fun and safe time doing so. This is a Grand Tour, not a race. Make tour stops, see cool stuff, learn about some Texas and local history, meet the locals, and have fun.
Riders that make 25 or more of the tour stops are considered “Tour Finishers” and will earn a patch. If you want an opportunity to earn a prize, you can also submit receipts for purchases with designated tour sponsors (up to three receipts per sponsor), in accordance with the 2023 Rules for Participation.
Registered riders are to take a picture of their bike and their rally flag at the tour stop location. Be sure that your rally flag and the stop location are clearly identifiable in your picture. Do not send the pictures in low resolution. Check your pictures while still at the tour stop location to ensure that your flag number is clearly visible. Check for sun glare (you may need to change the angle), check that your fingers are not covering the flag number, check that your picture is not in low resolution or thumb nail mode, etc.
If you lose your tour flag, contact the Tour Director as soon as possible for a replacement flag (in accordance with the Rules for Participation).
CLICK MAP IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE MAPS
THIS LIST OF TOUR STOPS BELOW IS NOT CONSIDERED COMPLETE. ADDITIONAL TOUR STOPS MAY BE ADDED UP UNTIL FEBRUARY 16, 2020. Do not assume that the tour stops listed below are in any particular order. You will want to check the links for locations and other information as you plan your touring trips.
The pin locations on the two maps below are placed in approximate locations to the tour stops. You can find the locations by clicking the stop names that are linked to outside web pages with information about the stops. Addresses are provided below for the sponsor locations and some of the other sites. The three green pins (ALT 1, ALT 2, and ALT 3) represent the three alternative tour stops. Riders may substitute up to three regular stops with the alternative stops. No more than 50 tour stop pictures are to be submitted. While some of the regular stops are equal to more than five points, the point value of each of the alternative stops is five points.
Tour Stop 25 (any Red Roof property) and Tour Stop 50 (Lone Star Rider’s Trailer) are not reflected on the map graphics.
Click on the map to get a larger map to view.
To download a PDF document with images of the tour stops, click document below.
1. Transformer Statue or Mural = 5 points
If the ground is muddy, you may want to take the picture by the mural that is on the wall of the gas station.
2. Platinum Level Sponsor: MotorcycleGear.com = 12 points + points for purchases*
MotorcycleGear.com
2637 Summit Avenue #303
Plano, TX 75074
NOTE: MOTORCYCLEGEAR.COM has relocated to Plano, TX. Due to the interruption while they relocated, the BUDDY HOLLY CENTER was added to the tour as another option for tour stop 2. Pictures taken at either location may be submitted for tour stop 2.
3. 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum = 5 points
4. Texas Sidecar Company = 9 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical location: 106 FM 80, Donie, TX 75838.
Note: Donie Bank is in the heart of town. From Donie Bank (at the corner of FM164 and FM80), turn north onto FM80. TSC is the third building on the right from the bank.
5. Devil’s Rope Museum and Route 66 Museum = 5 points
6. Moto Liberty = 12 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical location: 15402 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001
7. Conoco Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe = 5 points
8. History of Coryell County Mural = 5 points
This mural is in Gatesville, TX. Find the intersection of E Main St and N 9th St.
Warning: Only this mural counts. There may be other murals in town.
9. Mobley Hotel (1st Hilton Hotel) = 5 points
10. Flying L Ranch Resort = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 675 Flying L Drive, Bandera, TX
11. Clint Eastwood Mural = 5 points
Warning: Only this mural counts; there may be other murals in town.
13. Alpine City Place Hotel / (formerly Big Bend Biker Hotel) = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical Address: 103 W Ave E, Alpine, TX 79830
14. West of the Pecos Museum = 5 points
15. Decatur Dice and Mural = 5 points.
16. Old Fire Truck in Gladewater = 5 points
Location: Intersection of Broadway and Pacific streets
Warning: The fire truck is a separate tour stop from the Gladewater Museum Building.
17. Oil Derrick in Gladewater, TX = 5 points
Just go to downtown Gladewater, TX and you will find it.
18. The Gladewater Museum = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 116 W Pacific Avenue, Gladewater, TX
19. Gulf Station = 5 points
20. Edna Theater = 5 points
21. C-47 Aircraft at the Gillespie County Airport = 5 points + points for donations to VA Dogs*
Location address: 217 Airport Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Note: There is a great diner at this little airport. You can watch aircraft take off and land while having lunch.
Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas (VA Dogs) is one of the non-profit organizations the tour supports by allowing riders to gain tour points for donation receipts submitted (in accordance with the rules for participation).
TO MAKE DONATIONS VA DOGS OF TEXAS, GO TO THEIR WEBSITE AT THIS LINK (VADOGS.ORG) and click the donate button. WHEN YOU FILL-OUT THE FORM, PLEASE INDICATE THAT YOU ARE RIDING WITH THE MOTORCYCLE GRAND TOUR OF TEXAS. YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECEIPT VIA EMAIL. SUBMIT A PICTURE OF THAT EMAIL RECEIPT TO THE PICTURE SUBMISSION PORTAL.
This is a great charity that trains service dogs to assist the lives of disabled Texas Veterans suffering from physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) or a combination of these disabilities.
22. Quanah, Acme, and Pacific Depot Museum = 5 points
23. Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop/Bent Rim Grill = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 657 RR 337 W, Leakey, TX 78873
24. Oil Rig at the Petroleum Museum in Midland = 5 points
As you enter the the museum grounds, go into the parking lot on your right to find this oil rig.
WARNING: Take the picture at the oil rig, not the museum building.
25. Red Roof = 12 points + points for purchases*
Any Red Roof branded property can be used for your tour stop picture (anywhere in the US). You can find their locations at https://redroof.com. Tour riders can get a 20% discount on rooms by doing the following: On Red Roof website, go to the “special rate” box and select “VP+.” Then enter “628641” in the “Input VP+ code” box.
26. Mural in Eden, TX = 5 points
Location: Intersection of Highway 83 and Highway 87
WARNING: Make sure you get the correct mural, as there may be multiple murals in town.
27. Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 129 E. Washington Avenue, Navasota, TX 77868
28. Frank Bash Visitor Center at McDonald Observatory = 5 points
29. Texas Vintage Motorcycle Museum = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 100 N Nugent Ave, Johnson City, TX 78636
30. Vintage Car Museum in Weatherford, TX = 5 points
Picture may be taken at this sign (side of building) or in front of the building.
31. Railway Museum of San Angelo = 5 points
32. BMW Motorcycles of San Antonio = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 9929 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78217
33. Former Post Office in Kingsbury, TX = 5 points
34. Marfa Lights Viewing Site = 5 points
35. Antelope Creek Leather = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 227 N Harvey St., Borger, TX 79007
36. Old Vault in Knox County = 5 points
This old vault is next to the Sheriff’s Office and near the county courthouse in Benjamin, TX.
37. Riders Biker Supply = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 2305 S. State Hwy 121, Suite 200, Lewisville, TX 75067
38. Chisholm Trail Museum (Cuero, TX) = 5 points
39. Fort Phantom Hill Sign = 5 points
Location: 10818 FM 600, Abilene, TX 79601
40. Hill Country Motorheads Motorcycle Museum = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 2001 W Highway 29, Burnet, TX 78611
Check their webpage for current operating hours.
41. Comanche Depot = 5 points
42. Humble Gas Station = 5 points
Location: 402 E 2nd St., Lampasas, TX USA
43. Hotel Blessing = 5 points
The restaurant in this hotel has outstanding food. It’s country cooking served buffet style. Bring cash, as they don’t take credit or debit cards. I’m looking forward to my next lunch stop there!
44. Sinclair Gas Station in Albany, TX = 5 points
45. Hotel Texan/Main Street Pizza = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical location: 302 Main St, Seagraves, TX 79359
To get a discount at the hotel, call the hotel owner (Gareth – pictured above) at 806-752-9090 and ask for the Grand Tour Rider Discount. I highly recommend the pizza and milk shakes at Main Street Pizza!
46. Jay Gould Railroad Car = 5 points
This railroad car is across the street from the Excelsior House Hotel. The address of the hotel is 211 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX.
Warning: Submit a picture of the railroad car, NOT the hotel.
47. Submarine at the Galveston Naval Museum = 5 points
Location: 100 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX
There is a small fee to enter the parking lot. So, you can take the picture from just outside of the parking lot (like the picture on left) if you want to save a few bucks. However, I highly recommend parking and buying a ticket to explore the submarine (USS Cavalla) and the destroyer (USS Stewart).
48. Harbord Kourt = 5 points + points for purchases*
Sponsor’s physical address: 2710 S. Commercial Ave., Coleman, TX 76834
49. Old Fort Parker = 5 points
The actual fort must be in the picture, not just signage.
50. Lone Star Rider’s Trailer (Riding for a Cure) = 5 points + points for monetary donations*
GET A PICTURE OF YOUR BIKE AND RALLY FLAG WITH LONE STAR RIDER’S (Rex Covington) TRAILER. HE CARRIES A GPS LOCATOR. WHERE IS LONE STAR RIDER? CLICK HERE TO SEE HIS CURRENT LOCATION.
TO MAKE DONATIONS TO THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION VIA LONE STAR RIDER’S “RIDING FOR A CURE” MISSION, GO TO THE WEBSITE AT THIS LINK. SUBMIT A PICTURE OF THE EMAIL RECEIPT TO THE PICTURE SUBMISSION PORTAL. When you fill-out the on-line donation form, put your name in the “name recognition box and tell him that you are participating in the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas in the “personal note” box.
Rex Covington’s road name is Lone Star Rider. His son was a diabetic that died as a result of a diabetic blackout that caused him to crash his car. Rex is traveling with a very small trailer that he pulls behind his motorcycle to increase awareness about diabetes and raise funds for the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Below is a video that does a good job of describing Rex’s mission.
BONUS POINTS – For five (5) bonus points, take one picture of your bike at a tour stop with your tour flag and a copy of Ride Texas magazine. You pick the tour stop location, but only submit one picture. Submitting multiple pictures with the magazine in the picture will not increase the bonus points – just send one. For subscription information to Ride Texas magazine, click this link.
*NOTES: In accordance with the Rules for Participation, points for purchases or donations may be obtained for up to three receipts submitted. Except for sponsors in the lodging business, the purchase of multiple items on one receipt shall be deemed one purchase and the points calculated shall be based upon the total amount paid (as reflected on the receipt). Receipts submitted for overnight stays with Sponsors in the lodging business will be given credit for multiple purchases for multiple day stays, up to a maximum of three days. See the Rules for Participation for additional details.
ALTERNATE STOPS – For the 2023 tour, three alternative stops have been added. Riders have the option to submit up to a total of three alternative picture in lieu of a regular stops (as indicated above). While some of the regular stops equal more than five points, the point value of each of the three alternative stops is five points. A maximum of 50 stops may be submitted per rider.
Alternative Stop 1- Old Pete Mule Statue = 5 points
Location: 198 E American Blvd, Muleshoe, TX
Alternative 2 – Henrietta the Hippo in Hutto, TX
Warning – There are many hippo statues in Hutto. Only this one (Henrietta) counts.
Hint: It’s next to Hutto Autoplex.
Alternative 3 – Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce Bldg
Location: 302 S. Main St, Jacksboro, TX