L’Étape San Antonio by Tour de France is as much about the communities we’re riding through as the cycling itself! Discover the communities along the route—starting with Helotes.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, located just northwest of San Antonio, Helotes is part of the truly-Texan scenery L’Étape San Antonio racers and riders get to take in. Ripping through Old Town Helotes, passing the legendary John T. Floore’s Country Store, you’ll be riding through history!
L'Étape San Antonio mile #:
Mile 90 in the 100-miler
Mile 50 in the 60-miler
About it: Helotes is located northwest of San Antonio. It’s a unique community with a small town historical feel and a great quality of life for its residents. Learn more about the community of Helotes.
See it: Floore’s Country Store
Opened in 1942, John T. Floore’s Country Store is a Texas and national landmark located in Old Town Helotes. The dance hall has hosted Texas and American music legends, from Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams to Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Little Richard and more. Often called the musical “birthplace” of Willie Nelson, Willie immortalized John T. Floore in his hit recording “Shotgun Willie and John T. And, it's still going strong today. Check out upcoming events at Floore's and add it to your L'Étape San Antonio weekend itinerary!
Try it: Wine 101
For the spectators and fans, Wine 101 is going to be one of your favourite ‘viewing points’. For the cyclists, you’re going to want to make a mental note of this place when you fly past. Wine 101 is a rustic wine and tapas bar, and retail wine store, located in Old Town Helotes, right along the course! In the area, you’ll also find a coffee spot, quaint seating, and more! Check out Wine 101 here.
Train it: Training the route?
If you’re training the route and heading through Helotes, one thing to note: the local farmer's market takes place the first Saturday of each month from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so Helotes closes Old Bandera road to traffic—both motorists and cyclists. But, cyclists are welcomed and encouraged to park and enjoy the vendors, grab a coffee, and take in the atmosphere if you're out for a Saturday morning ride.
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