CMA HeartBeat December 2024 | Page 22

is one of my favorite rides to relax , unwind , and enjoy God ' s creation . It is a very curvy and hilly route . During the 153 miles I traveled , I counted around 360 curves , and the Rever app claims 11,200 feet of elevation change . It does a figure " 8 " with its nexus in the town of Gilmer . So here we go ! I am from Holly Lake Ranch — yes , this ride is right outside my front door !

Head north on FM 2869 . Take a right on FM 49 , then a left to stay on FM 2869 . FM 2869 ends at FM 852 , just outside Winnsboro . Turn right onto FM 852 . This road is part of the Texas Forest Trail and is considered one of Texas ' ten most scenic roads , especially in autumn . It has lots of curves through rolling dairy farmland . Turn left on FM 2088 , then right back onto FM 852 . After a bit , turn right onto FM 1002 . This road starts with sweepers through forests ; then the bottom half tightens up into 30-35 mph curves .

FM 1002 ends at TX 155 , so turn left ( North ) on that . Go 6 miles to the town of Pritchett . Turn right onto FM 1404 , another excellent twisty road . Enjoy them . Next , turn left on FM 2685 , which has a few sweepers , before straightening out as it approaches Gilmer . Turn right on TX 155 North into Gilmer . As you get into town , turn right onto TX 154 East . After about 2 miles , turn left onto the Triple Nickel , FM 555 . I love this road .

One thing about many roads in

Texas is that they often change direction at a junction , as is the case here . After three miles , you must turn left to stay on FM 555 . If you go straight ahead , you will be on a different road !

At the stop , turn left at TX 155 ; after 1 / 2 mile , turn right on FM 2796 . At the stop , turn right to stay on FM 2796 . You ' ll be riding through lots of beautiful forestlands . Turn left on FM 557 at the stop — more forest and curves with no traffic .

After six miles , turn left on FM 1975 . At the stop , make a right on FM 993 , through some tight turns , then a left back onto FM 1975 . This is a fun road with many tight curves , some 15-20 mph . At the stop , turn left on FM 593 . Then turn right on FM 2263 .

At the stop , turn right on TX 155 into Gilmer . At the light , turn left on US 271 South . After crossing TX 154 , turn left into the parking lot for Doc ' s Hot Links . This is our lunch stop .

East Texas Hot Links are a unique experience . They are NOT your typical red hot links . There are only a couple of places that serve them . They are made in-house and served with onions , chili , cheese , crackers , and hot sauce . They are made of beef spiced with chili , paprika , and coriander . Add some fat and stuff in a sausage casing . They are considered an East Texas delicacy , and outsiders often do not care for them . So , you might get stared at as you enter !

Gilmer is a neat little town . It is the