It is a large, masterplanned community north of Houston on 45:
http://www.thewoodlands.com/

Just north of there, you get into the Sam Houston national forest, and I'd consider The Woodlands pretty clean, and pretty different from Houston proper.

I do think it would be a great place for an event like this - spectators certainly wouldn't be bored during the day, and there are plenty of activities for everyone before/during/after the race.

There is a huge outdoor concert venue - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion, a mall, the newer Market Street shopping/eating area, many hotels, and some great multi-use pathways.

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Kathleen
http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/