This post is for those who are considering a step into a different category for this year’s ride. First, we’ll take a look at the 100K route from the perspective of a rider who’s considering it for the first time. Then we’ll look at the 50K ride.
The 100K route
Are you wanting to push yourself this year and try for your first 100K Route? This is the one for you to do so! This 100K course is rewarding but not relentless. The 100K route takes you on some of the county roads the local cyclists use on their group Saturday rides out of Bike Town.
The route takes you north out of Buffalo Gap and within 3 miles you find yourself climbing up a short but steep climb on Belle Plains Rd. After that you make your way south on CR127 – the “main street of cycling” for those that ride it from the Abilene area. After that you make your way down to Tuscola and then continue south to Bradshaw then on west to CR196. Once you make your way back to our beloved Lemons Gap Rd, you make a short 10-mile loop back around to Lemons Gap and then around the back side of Abilene State Park, and on into Buffalo Gap. Oh yes…. You have a nice smooth road on FM89 all the way back!
Since we started this new route in 2024, we have had positive comments about how nice this route is with just enough elevation gain at the beginning with some great county roads to ride on.
The 100K route has 5 rest stops for you to refuel and refresh. Please note that riders are expected to pass the 40-mile checkpoint (after reaching the rest stop at Lemons Gap Rd/CR207 intersection) by 10:45 am. After that riders will be instructed to turn left and continue the 100K route.
Highlights: Belle Plains Hill, Tuscola, Bradshaw, Lemons Gap Rd, FM89 back to Buffalo Gap
Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced cyclists, ambitious first-time 100K riders, and those that want to push hard
Challenge: * * *
Estimated Ride Time: 3 hrs. 30 minutes based on avg finish times (over the past 2 years)
Check out the 100K Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3232680125282404484
The 50K Route
Want a route for the 2026 Tour de Gap on July 25 that hits the sweet spot—rewarding, not relentless? The 50K delivers everything you love about the ride without the extra mileage of the 100K. It proves you don’t have to go big to go bold.
The 50K shares the 100K course for the first 17.5 miles, starting with the iconic, short climb up Belle Plains Rd., then rolling south on CR127— the “main street of cycling” for Abilene-area riders. Continue past Tuscola before the route splits from the 100K. You’ll tackle two short climbs over CR175, head back south on scenic Lemons Gap Rd., loop around the back side of Abilene State Park, and roll into Buffalo Gap. And yes—FM89 is a smooth ride all the way back.
Since debuting this route in 2024, riders have praised it for just enough early elevation and miles of great county roads.
If you’re building toward the 100K—or simply want a shorter day in the saddle—the 50K is the perfect fit. It’s one of our most popular routes for a reason: challenging enough to feel earned, yet comfortable enough to enjoy every mile. Ready to step up from the 11-mile ride? Make it the 50K.
Highlights: Belle Plains Hill, Tuscola, Lemons Gap Rd, FM89 back to Buffalo Gap Ideal for: Intermediate Riders, weekend warriors, and ambitious casual cyclists
Challenge: * *
Estimated Ride Time: 2 hrs. 20 minutes based on avg finish times (based on the 2 previous years)
Check out the 50K Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3211091239782341416
Tour de Gap 