Project Location/Destination: Out of town - San Antonio & the Texas Hill Country, Texas
Faculty Leaders: Deborah Linder & Kristen Richter
Dates: Monday, March 13 - Friday, March 17
Cost: $2895
Special Considerations:
See below.
Objective
We will spend our days biking through the rolling hills of central Texas, challenging ourselves and each other as together we ride anywhere from 25-40 miles each day along nicely paved roads. We will enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the land around us and learn how different groups used the land throughout history. While the days will be spent riding and learning, nights will be spent camping in different state and national parks in the region, eating regional food, reflecting, relaxing, and connecting with the land around us and with each other.
Description
We will arrive in San Antonio, TX on Monday, March 13, where we will meet our guides and head out to Hill Country to get acquainted with our bikes and set up for our first night of camping. Over the next four days we will travel along the hundredth Meridian, which separates dry land farming from irrigated farming. This area is known for being a region where you will see more longhorns than cars, so the roads will be relatively quiet. Some of the parks where we will camp include Enchanted Rock State Nature Area, which includes a massive pink domed rock that can be scaled with plenty of hiking paths. We will also camp in Pedernales State Park, which has a river running through it, more areas to hike, and even a waterfall. This will lead us into our discussions of how the land was used and adapted over centuries and how people continue to exist on an ever changing agricultural landscape. We will hear the stories of the early Comanche, who became some of the most skilled equestrians in North America. We will also learn about the influence that the land had on people like future president Lyndon B. Johnson, as he went from Texas rancher to the leader of a country in the midst of a huge transition both at home and on the world stage. In the evenings we will share stories about the day, journal about our experiences, have fun connecting around meals with fun activities, and relax our bodies from the long day.
Student Requirements and Expectations
Students should be experienced with riding a bike and willing to be outdoors and away from their devices except in case of emergency.
Bikes will be provided. Helmets, bike shorts, and bike appropriate shoes are required. (If students want to bring clip in shoes, we encourage ones that are comfortable to walk around in. For those not using bike shoes, we suggest very sturdy soles.) Students should be ready to dress for the weather, some days being quite warm and some evenings being a little cooler. (There will be no laundry during the week.) Layers are highly recommended. There will be a van to carry all luggage and gear, and kids can change and take off layers as the day warms. Students should also bring clothes to change into for after the rides and maybe a swimsuit if the weather allows for dips in the rivers.
Students are required to participate in all activities regardless of weather.
Students will need to pay careful attention to all safety precautions and listen carefully to instructions given to them by any adult.
Students should be prepared to participate in setting up and breaking down camp.
Camping equipment (tent, pad, and sleeping bag), bike rental, all meals, snacks, drinks, and mechanical support will be provided. Any special dietary restrictions must be noted ahead of time.
About the Faculty
Ms. Linder is an avid cyclist and history teacher. She has biked in this region in 2021 and is excited to share her fantastic experience with her students. There is also a lot of wonderful history down there, which, as a history teacher, will be a terrific opportunity to make connections to what we learn in school and to extend our learning outside of the classroom.
Ms. Richter is the Director of Athletics at Latin and loves to be on her bike. She rides to explore new places, as well as for part of her triathlon training.
Tentative Itinerary
Tour Length: five days cycling/four nights camping. This includes five days guide service, four nights camping, camping equipment (tent, pad and sleeping bag with two people per tent), bike rental, all meals (four breakfasts, four dinners, five lunches), entrance fees, snacks, drinks, and mechanical support.
Day Tour Starting & Ending Town: San Antonio, Texas.
Typical morning: Wake up have breakfast, talk about the plans for the day, get on our bikes, and ride an average of 25-40 road miles per day, with several stops to rest, eat, and talk about what we see around us
Typical afternoon: Set up camp, get familiar with the campsite, look for opportunities for additional hiking and adventure in the area. For those who want, they may just take a rest and take in the surroundings
Typical evening: Eat together, talk about the ride, share stories about the day, play some games, and journal before heading to sleep.
Ability Levels: While The Texas Hill Country tour can accommodate all levels of ability, students must be comfortable riding a road bike for 10 miles at a stretch. The pace will be as slow as needed for the slowest rider on the trip. There is also the potential for dividing into two groups, so that some can go at a faster pace with a few more miles of riding.
The Hill Country is good for newer riders. The roads are very quiet and safe.
Special Considerations
Ability to ride a bike - Students are expected to be able to ride a bicycle for extended distances.
Accommodation considerations - Students will be expected to sleep in a shared tent.
COVID related information - Some venues may require proof of COVID vaccination or negative test. Students are encouraged to travel with this information and provide it, if required. Please contact the project leaders or School Nurse with any questions or concerns.
Expectation for physical activity - This project will require a significant amount of physical exertion and possibly some physical discomfort. Students on this project should be willing to deal with discomfort, at times, in inclement weather. Students are expected to be able to participate fully in all these daily activities.
Food limitations and allergies - Students with food allergies and food sensitivities should understand that there may be times that food options will be limited. In addition, there may be cross contamination risk of allergens, as there will be times where outside food vendors will prepare our meals. Please contact the project leaders or school nurse with any questions or concerns.
Need of a bike and helmet - Students must provide their own bike helmet or make arrangements with project leaders.
Scheduling (Out-of-Town) - This project will have time commitment outside of the M-F (8-4) typical school week. Please note that there is an expectation that students are able to attend the whole time the project is running.
Supervision during the day - Students might be unsupervised for short periods of time during the course of the day.
Supervision while sleeping - Students might be unsupervised for extended periods of time during sleeping hours (hotel, hostels, etc.).
Transportation considerations: Not meeting at Latin: Students may meet faculty leaders or be dismissed from a location other than Latin.
Students should bring appropriate clothing for different types of weather conditions