Ryker Rides: 1775 Texas Pit BBQ, College Station, Texas

by Michael Satterfield - 05/26/2021

Just off the Raymond Stotzer Parkway on the edge of Aggieland is 1775 Texas Pit BBQ, which specializes in Hill Country smoked BBQ using a Moberd Pit. Founded by Brad Doan and his mom Belinda and father Mark, 1775 is the culmination of decades of experience. Before launching 1775, Brad spent almost a decade working for a statewide BBQ restaurant chain but he wanted to return to his roots and bring authentic Texas BBQ to the Brazos Valley.

An Army veteran, the name 1775 is a nod to the founding year of the U.S. Army, but many people try to guess what happened in Texas in 1775. While everything is good, their brisket has been described as "the holy grail of brisket" so be sure to try it.

Climbing aboard the Can-Am Ryker, we will be enjoying some special roads and historic landmarks in Texas history. Starting in the historic city of Navasota, head west towards Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, home to Texas Independence Hall where in 1836, 59 representatives from across Texas voted to declare independence from Mexico and form The Republic of Texas. The site is also home to The Star of the Republic Museum, the historic Barrington Plantation, and the former townsite of the city of Washington.

From Washington, head back out on TX 105 towards Brenham, taken in all of the murals and quaint downtown shops, if you take this route back the Blue Bell Creamery is another great stop for some desert. From Brenham head north on Old Independence Road, towards the village of Independence. A beautiful ride through beautiful pastures and rolling hills. Independence was once one of the most important cities in Texas, but today the small village has just 140 residents. The original home to Baylor University and the former home of Sam Houston, the city was eventually bipassed by the railroad, but it does have a small gas station and shop where you can top up your tank and get a cold drink.

Leaving Independence on the La Bahia Trail (TX 390) heading southeast towards the town of Somerville and Somerville Lake, turn off of TX 36 and take a slight detour along the lakeshore on LBJ Drive, the road eventually connects back to the highway and continues north towards the town of Lyons where FM 60 takes you all the way back to the banks of the Brazos River and directly to 1775 Texas Pit BBQ.

The Menu at 1775 features all your classics, Turkey, Brisket, Sausage, and Pork Ribs. Sides include Red Skin Potato Salad, Cowboy Pinto Beans, Loaded Mash Potato, and more. Sandwiches and desserts are also available and also homemade. If you have a group, get the Sampler Platter, but you haven't brought an army yourself, can't go wrong with the Prime Brisket Sandwich.