Happy October!
Shown above: Photos from my first scouting trip to Texas last month 1) A sample xTx brand that I’m making as souvenirs! 2) The Hotel Paisano in Marfa famous for Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor staying there during the making of the movie Giant 3) The beautiful Marfa Line studio of my friends Darlene and David Marwitz 4) My friend David Marwitz smiling for the came
I’m back in Texas and back on the trail, making connections and finding opportunities!
Many of you have signed up to participate in this adventure thanks to my friend Pam LeBlanc's wonderful overview in Texas Monthly. If you haven’t read it yet, please do.
That story sparked another story in The Trek as well! Momentum is growing, and more media stories are coming soon!
There are three key reasons why I believe this cross-country trail is crucial. Whether you’re native, now live in, or just love Texas, it’s time to create this one-of-a-kind trail project for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren:
1) Long-distance trails save lives
As someone who’s grappled with depression and ADHD, I know personally the life-affirming power of long-distance hiking and biking in the great outdoors.
2) Long-distance trails support small towns and rural communities
Over the past decade or so, I’ve ridden my bike down the Pacific Coast, section-hiked the entire coast of California, the Arizona Trail, and biked across Washington. I’ve also hiked much of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail.
On each of these hikes, I’ve had the privilege of discovering the colorful small towns and communities that thrive in significant part because of the trails they’re adjacent to. I meet and converse with gregarious and proud locals, dine on hearty cuisine and fantastic baked goods, and make long-lasting friendships with fellow travelers from around the world.
Doesn’t Texas deserve to show off some of its best in a similar way?
3) xTexas captures the unique flavors of Texas
I designed this trail to be target-rich with some of the most unique, captivating, and breathtaking sights and remarkable outdoor adventures in Texas. From bayous to hot springs to the highest peak in the state, there’s something for everyone.
So How Do We Make xTexas a Reality?
I learned years ago at the University of Texas, then as a 20-something member of the Texas House of Representatives, and while founding BikeTexas and beyond— when you advocate, organize.
We’re halfway to our goal of raising $40,000 to cover basic organizing and promotional expenses to launch the first phase of this xTexas project.
>> Click here to donate to xTexas now!
xTexas.org is a project of BikeTexas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You can donate securely at the amount that works for you via the link below. If you’d like to set up a donation by bank transfer via Zelle or another online app, please email: xTx@biketexas.org.
More opportunities to lend your talent and skills will be coming soon!