Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend Chris Ruggia

Chris talks with three experts on all things cycling in Alpine and the Big Bend! What's the easiest way to get started? Reagan Stone can help! What's the best mountain bike trail in the region? Kevin Urbanczyk will tell you! And if you want to find a fun and welcoming group to join for a road biking adventure through the Big Bend landscape, Jim Hector has the skinny!

Find out more about Alpine cycling at https://stateofmindtexas.com/

Chris talks with guitarist and instructor Nicolas Hurt about a series of classical guitar events happening April 12-14 in Alpine and Marfa: "Guitar in the Big Bend". Nick has big plans for this new annual event, and the first installment features performances, a masterclass and workshop with Romanian guitar virtuoso Dragos Ilie – along with Jeremy Waldrip and Nick himself.

April 19-20 is the 2024 Spirits of the West Wine & Beef Festival (https://www.spiritsfestwtx.com/), so Chris is talking with Director Lance Johnson and Event Coordinator Krista Kirkland, as well as James Smith of the Chateau Wright Winery in Fort Davis!

Spirits of the West brings to Alpine two days of superlative food, drink, and live music!

April 2-8 is International Dark Sky Week, and Alpine is celebrating with events on April 5 & 6, just prior to the Main Celestial Event: April 8's total eclipse.

Chris and Heather talk with McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel about the eclipse, the Dark Skies Celebration events, and the latest on the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve!

What's that? You don't actually need a saddle? Well, don't think for even a second that this means Big Bend Saddlery is not for you. Watch master craftspeople at work! Browse hats, clothing, jewelry, ranch gear and – of course – incredible house-created leather and silver work in all kinds of unexpected forms.

Chris talks to Gary Dunshee and Mattie Sargent about the past and present of this historic Alpine business.

Heather and Chris talk about the year to come in Alpine – fun and varied events and festivals happen here almost every month through the year! From Cowboy Poetry to Dark Skies to Wine, Fine Food, Art and Live Music, pull out your calendar for this one because there will definitely be some dates you want to remember.

We'll see you when you get to Alpine for the next big event!