Me on the flat part of the 75 mile Fort Davis loop west of Fort Davis.

That's the one!  75 miles, 5280' of climbing.  Not "bent-friendly" but what the heck, I still think it's the best ride in Texas, though I've never finished it on my bent.  Cramps get me every time around the 50 mile mark.  And the steepest hills are after the 50 mile mark!  Only time I've actually finished it was 4 years ago on my upright, but even then had to walk up several hills after the 52 mile cramps set in.  The last time out on my old Actionbent I made it up the first big pass, about a 10 mile climb, with the last couple of miles in my lowest gear, 4.5 mph and maxed out at 163 heart rate.  But didn't have to get off and walk.  That climb was followed by a long, FUN, downhill, but sitting coasting for several miles was probably not the thing to do as I stiffened up a lot after the descent.  If you can make it all the way around, the descent from McDonald observatory to Ft. Davis is incredible, but there is one turn that's a little tricky -pay attention to the signs telling cars to slow to 20 mph.  My best friend in Midland crashed there this year and broke an elbow, but that was better than going off the side of the mountain.  I'll likely go next year.  It's usually the next to the last weekend of September.  The website that used to have the map and profile no longer has those things.  You might contact Peyton's Bikes in Midland, who sponsors the ride, and see if they've got that data and could send it your way.  I've also done the Ft. Davis to Alpine and back route (50 miles).  Much more tame than the loop, but still scenic with a couple of significant climbs.  I'm sure I've driven the Alpine - Study Butte route, but don't remember it well.  Maybe 100 miles, probably no killer climbs like the loop.
One last thing to be aware of: there is no support anywhere along the route if you're out there by yourself.  No gas stations, houses, no cell phone coverage, nothing.  The Cyclefest in September is well supported however.  And, the last time I was there, 2 years ago, there were a lot of bents from Houston, maybe 15 or more.  I passed them all going up the first pass and talked with several of them.  Nice folks all!
http://www.peytonsbikes.com/

Bud,
 
Rose is from Midland? I grew up in Odessa. Went to many football games there. Rose are you a Rebel?  That part of the west is the land of sun, wind, sand and crystal blue skies. I wasn't into bents then but it is flat, flat, flat. Perfect for a bent.  
 
Richard

Quote from Richard on Nov 28^th, 2007, 9:49am:

 
Yes, she's from Midland. But as I recall, she's a Midland High grad, not a Rebel. I lived in Midland from 1983 to 1990.

Quote from Richard on Nov 27^th, 2007, 4:12pm:

 
Study Butte & Terlinqua RULE(the Longhorn Ranch Motel-)!!  I(we) love the big bend area. Actually,Mrs Strada & I have thought about getting a group of 'bents together to ride around the Big Bend area(Alpine,Ft.Davis,etc..). I know we have maps of bike routes in the area.  
 
Robert,awesome picture!! I(we) miss the Big Bend area. Man,I'm jealous that you rode that area! Speaking of the area,the movie "No country for old men"(which is a VERY EXCELLENT movie) was shot in/around the Marfa area.

Quote from Strada177 on Nov 28^th, 2007, 6:36pm:

 
That sounds like a super trip.

Quote from Bud_Bent on Nov 28^th, 2007, 7:46pm:

 
 
Oh yeah. That would be so much fun. It's on the Stradas "to do" list.

Robert,
 
When did you live in Midland? Big Bend was my play area for many years. It is the most beautiful part of Texas. I back packed in the mountains ( froze my buns off one winter) many times. I camped right on the river at the southern tip of the park one time also. Talk about remote. Soaked my tired bones in hot springs a couple of times too.  Funny how so many of us came from the Permian Basin. I moved to the metromess looking for a job like many others after the bust in the 80s. I do still miss the place a bit.

Quote from Richard on Nov 30^th, 2007, 9:26am:

 
Whew!  44 mph downhill on Goatneck Hill(during the time trials)was fast enough for me.

Quote from Richard on Nov 30^th, 2007, 9:26am:

 
 
I've hit 55 before my butt puckered and I hit the brakes.  At that speed, a bug hit my hand and hurt enogh that I almost took a hand off the tiller of the baron.  It was a nice long mountain run in Kerrville with no side roads to send a car into me.  It'd take a special hill for me to attempt over 45 though.
 
The 80 tooth is coming soon as I get a carbon fiber boom for the tica, though!

I'm with Steve - 43 on the TTTT downhill was good enough for me, although in the heat of the moment, if I could have gone faster I would have!!!!