Meet Rhea Wallace

As a fifth-generation Texan and avid endurance cyclist, I’m preparing to take on the inaugural ride of the Cross Texas Trail (xTx), a 1,500-mile route that spans the Lone Star State from east to west. Inspired by my experiences riding Washington’s rugged off-road trails, this journey represents a new way to rediscover Texas—a state I haven’t explored in depth since visiting Big Bend National Park 40 years ago. Unlike Washington’s public lands, Texas’ predominantly private terrain means the xTx will initially follow roads, but it holds the promise of evolving into a more off-road adventure with future collaboration from landowners.

This ride is deeply personal. At 65, it’s not just a physical challenge requiring some 100-mile days over 19 days but also a mental journey. These long-distance rides provide solitude, a chance to reflect on life, and an opportunity to connect with the basics of survival—food, water, and resilience. They’ve become therapeutic for me, offering both intense challenges and immense rewards. The xTx will be a way to reconnect with my roots, meet fellow Texans along the way, and see my home state in a profoundly different light.