Experience the most Texas “thang” happening in Texas right now.

Join us this fall in one of the most rugged and soulful corners of the Hill Country — Real County. Otherwise known as the Hill Country River Region, this landscape is defined by the flowing Nueces, Frio, and Sabinal rivers. It’s raw, wild, and largely undiscovered — the perfect backdrop for building a once-in-a-generation cross-state trail.

The Sweaty Taste of the xTx: Hill Country Challenge (November 2–7, 2025) is a working event where cyclists, equestrians, and hikers will:

• Crowdsource solutions to create an unforgettable 100-mile section of the trail

• Contribute ground proofing skills and steward leadership know-how

• Celebrate the burgeoning outdoor scene in Leakey — nestled next door to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World

This is a magical moment for the creation of the xTx. We’re still in the ground proofing phase, and we’re inviting people with skills, resources, and passion to the table to help us make fundamental decisions - and those who want to learn trail building stewardship skills at our evening gatherings.

Texas has a soul. The xTx Trail is an expression of that soul — a reflection of who we are, and a chance to leave a legacy that will outlive us all.

Dates: November 2-7, 2025

Location: Leakey, TX

There are two ways you can participate!

1) As a “hands on” ground proofer who will bike, hike or ride the trail and give essential feedback (and any of their support team driving vehicles, caring for horses etc.)

2) As a supporter of the trail who doesn’t yet have ground proofing skills at the level we need but who is eager to check out the region and attend our evening gatherings to learn more about trail stewardship.

Fill out the Interest Form below to be notified when registration opens!

Still on the fence about joining The Sweaty Taste?

We get it. Some of us need more details, and that why we created the Sweaty Taste Participant Guide.

⚠️ Important: Every participant must read this guide before registering. It outlines essential details you need to know: lodging, skill requirements, and safety protocols.

Shown above: Images from The Springs Leakey and the Hill Country region of the trail by Jake Irvin.

Basecamp

Our basecamp for the week will be the beautiful “The Springs” retreat in Leakey, TX. A limited number of cabins are available (1–6 guests each), alongside nearby campgrounds, motels, and hotels.

From here, will head out every day to ground proof 100 miles of trail surrounding this quaint Texas town.

⚠️ Again, please don’t book your rooms for this event before you’ve read our Participation Guide and registered for the event (registration link coming very soon!).

This is a working event! You’ll help us identify hazards, evaluate user experience, and crowdsource solutions that will shape the future of this long-distance trail.

Limited to 100 participants. The registration deadline is Saturday, October 26th at 11:59 pm PT.

Meet Your Hosts

You’ll spend the week ground proofing and learning alongside the xTx Founder and Board Chair Charlie Gandy + Executive Director in Training Beckie Irvin.

Purpose

• Test ~100 miles of the proposed trail alignment.

• Crowdsource solutions to hazards and safety issues.

• Collect rider and hiker feedback to inform trail design, amenities, and partnerships and share this information digitally (each evening Charlie and Beckie will host an informal gathering at The Springs community fire pit to discuss the day’s discoveries).

• Build trail community buy-in across multiple user groups.

Expenses

• Registration Fee: $100

• Lodging & Meals: Participants are responsible for their own accommodations, meals, and horse care (if applicable).

• There are several campgrounds, cabin sites, motels, and hotels in the region. The Springs has a limited number of cabins available, each can host 1-6 guests.

For Ground Proofers: Skill Level Required

This is a working event. Participants must prepared obtain:

• Reliable transportation to and from the event.

• Ability to cycle, hike or ride 20 or more miles per day for 4 days in a row.

• Ability to carry your own food, water, navigation tools, and basic supplies each day.

• Ability to read and follow maps.

• Cell service is unreliable. Ability to download the maps offline before heading out each day. Paper maps will also be provided as a backup.

• This is a mixed-use route; there may be car traffic on parts of it (we’ll be using the road shoulders for these sections). You must be respectful of all road users. Your horse must be calm around cyclists. Cyclists and hikers must move carefully and predictably around horses.

• You will be required to sign an insurance waiver in advance of the event.

The above skills do not apply to any support teams you may bring along, however, they will need to sign our insurance waiver.

⚠️ Note: xTexas staff cannot provide pickups for fatigue, water shortages, or non-emergency issues.

Pets

Dogs are welcome on The Springs property, but they are not allowed inside the cabins. If you plan to bring a dog:

• Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.

• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

• Your dog must be comfortable and friendly around horses, cyclists, and hikers.

• Dogs may NOT be taken on the trail during this event. The route follows road shoulders and public back roads that are not safe or conducive for pets.

Horses

We love our equestrian community, and horses are a vital part of shaping the xTx Trail.

Everything you need to know about bringing your horse - from lodging and feeding options, to safety requirements, to trail etiquette - is fully outlined in the Participant Guide.

⚠️ Important: If you plan to bring a horse, you must read the guide in full before registering.