From Leakey, the route follows RM 337 east. The road stays in the Hill Country and runs via Vanderpool toward Medina: short ramps, tight bends, crests, limestone, ranch entrances and repeated views across the hills. Over just under 97 kilometres, the stage adds up to more than 1,000 metres of climbing, without one single long pass. The effort comes from the repeated rollers. After Medina, the route turns north on SH 16. The road becomes faster and more direct, but it stays hilly. Before Kerrville, buildings become more frequent, the road widens and traffic increases. After several small-town finishes, Kerrville brings more infrastructure again: supermarkets, motels, bike and auto services, and a practical base for the next Hill Country stage.
