Greg: I've not ridden in Big Bend but have been to the Fort Davis Cyclefest several times. It's a 75 mile loop that begins and ends in Fort Davis. Some very daunting climbs, some long and steep, others steep and long! Great scenery, usually great weather. There are NO facilities and NO stores along the loop unless you're there during the official ride in September when it's well supported. Only about 350 riders show up for this, which is hard to understand apart from the distance to get there, because there's no other ride like it in Texas. It's worth the hours of near torture climbing all those mountains just for the thrill of the last 7 miles or so of very fast downhill. Last year a recumbent club from Houston was there with maybe 15 or so bent riders. I'd say it's not the ideal route for a bent with all the climbing, but I think some guy on a bent was second across the finish line last year. Musta been a strong dude!
Go to
www.peytonsbikes.com and click on the "Fort Davis Cyclefest and Hammerfest" link for maps, pics, profiles, etc. This years ride will be Sept. 15-16. I'm sure I'll go again.