Fall Is In the Air - A Great Texas Ride Remembered

As we start seeing cooler temperatures and the leaves begin to fall, I'm reminded of a great ride to the Lost Maples State Natural Area (SNA).  I wrote a guest post for Motorcycle House detailing the ride last November.  You can check-out my original ride report on their blog. Here's the link - Changing Seasons A Ride To the Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Big Tooth Maple in Lost Maples SNA

If you live in or around the Texas Hill Country, I'd highly recommend visiting the Lost Maples SNA this Fall.  It's one of the few places in South/Central Texas where you can actually see a magnificent show of Fall colors.  The Big Tooth Maples in the SNA are absolutely stunning and if you plan your trip right, you'll have a chance to ride some of the best motorcycle roads in Texas.  The famed Twisted Sisters are just a short ride away.

Before saddling-up and pointing your bike towards Lost Maples, check-out their Fall Foliage Report to get an idea of the of how the color changes are progressing. You can use the report to help time your visit to experience the peak color change (generally occurring sometime in late October or November depending on the weather).

Fall is probably the best time of year to ride in Texas and I know you'll enjoy riding to Lost Maples SNA.  You'll be on some great riding roads, with lots of interesting places to see along the way.  Here are a few of my favorites:

• Ever tried fresh apple ice cream? No? You don't know what you're missing.  Visit the Apple Store in Medina, TX.
• Interested in motorcycle history? Stop by the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum in Vanderpool, TX.  The museum is only a couple of miles from Lost Maples.
• Need an interesting place to take a break and fill your belly?  Try the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop in Leakey, TX.  You can get some great Twisted Sister merchandise to commemorate your ride too...and don't forget to check-out the view from the patio.

I hope my walk down memory lane gives you some great ideas for a Fall ride.  No matter where you ride, always remember to Live Free, Ride Hard, and Be Happy!

Photos from my Ride to Lost Maples SNA in November 2013

On Our Way to Lost Maples

Walking Down the Riverbed in Lost Maples

Painting the Colors of Fall in Texas

Now There's Some Color

A Peek of Orange and Red

 

A Ride to the Power Plant Texas Grill...Life is Full of Surprises

Have you ever been somewhere that completely surprised you?  Last Saturday I experienced just that. While riding with a few members of the Gruene HOG Chapter I not only discovered a great route from New Braunfels to Seguin but a nice place to eat as well. The beautiful fall day with clear skies and temperatures in the upper 70’s made the entire experience all the more memorable.

The Power Plant Texas Grill

Although the ride was short by most standards (42 miles one-way), it was just plain fun.  We rode through some nice farm/ranch land on roads with minor elevation changes and a few sweeping curves.  The air was crisp and fresh…maybe too fresh in a few spots (did I mention we rode past some livestock).  It was one of those rides where you could let the worries of the world slip away, where you could clear your mind and just be at one with the universe.  It was peaceful and very therapeutic.

We arrived at the Seguin VFW Post after a short hour’s ride.  We dropped off several donations to support a local police officer who had been injured during a traffic stop and then made our way to the Power Plant Texas Grill.  I was impressed as soon as we pulled into the parking lot.  What a picturesque setting!

The Power Plant Texas Grill sits on the Guadalupe River and is rich in history.  The building started its life in the late 1890’s as a gristmill and in 1907 was sold to the City of Seguin as a hydroelectric generation facility. Over the years the building saw numerous upgrades and continued to provide electricity to the citizens of Seguin until the mid-90s.  The facility sat idle for many years before being renovated and opening as the Power Plant Texas Grill in May of this year. Walking inside the building reveals an open bay with two seating levels. An old generator and an antique electrical panel add to the ambiance and provide historical perspective.  There’s also a covered seating area and bar outside that overlooks the river and the Saffold Dam.
 
Our party was quickly greeted and seated.  The waitress was friendly and attentive and made quick work of getting our drinks and taking our food orders.  The menu isn’t extensive but does have a nice variety.  I ordered a pulled-pork sandwich and fries.  We didn’t wait long for our food and everyone seemed pleased with their choices.  My pulled-pork sandwich and fries were excellent.  I’d definitely recommend the Power Plant Texas Grill.

I wish everyday could be like last Saturday…beautiful weather, nice company, a sweet ride, and a good meal in a scenic location.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  Sometimes the simple things in life offer the most joy.  Days like last Saturday are really what living free, riding hard, and being happy are all about.  :-)

A Great Route from New Braunfels to Segin

View from the Power Plant

The Generator and Electric Panel add to the Atmosphere

Saddlesore 2000 Ride Report: The Long Ride Home – Kentucky to Texas (1086 miles)

The alarm on my phone went off at 4:45 a.m. EDT Sunday morning.  I didn’t want to get up but I could hear the clock in my head ticking away.  I needed to get moving and back on the bike…I had a lot of miles to cover in order to complete my ride within the allotted time. My dad knocked on the door to ensure I was awake; he was my back-up plan just in case the phone alarm wasn’t able to wake me.  I told him I was up and slowly rolled out of bed.  Tick-tock, tick-tock.  By 5:15, I was showered and dressed.

I felt good but my backside and the bottoms of my feet were slightly tender. I knew it was going to be a long ride home.  I drank a big glass of orange juice before heading to the garage to re-pack the bike.  It was chilly outside.  Dad said it was 54 degrees. I knew I needed to start the trip with my heated jacket liner. I didn’t want to repeat yesterday’s mistake.    I gave the bike a quick once over, put on my gear, and gave my dad a hug goodbye.  I was glad I had the opportunity to see him, even if it was for such a short period of time.  My dad opened the garage door and at 5:45, I rolled out of the driveway.

Shortly after sunrise in Kentucky

I made a quick stop for gas at the Five Star station by the Interstate.  I got my gas, completed my log entry, and got back on the bike.  It was an excellent time to be on the road. The Interstate was almost empty except for the occasional big rig.  I rolled back on the throttle, mindful not to out run my headlight…I didn’t want an unforeseen animal encounter to ruin my day.   Within minutes, the sky began to lighten as the sun made its way above the horizon.  I could feel my spirits lifting with the dawn of a new day.  The 118 miles between Louisville and Franklin passed quickly.  I enjoyed the ride while soaking in the scenery and chasing the shadows. I thought to myself, “Life is good.”

I pulled into the Pilot station in Franklin at 6:42 CDT just under two hours from when I started my journey home.  I was making good time but started thinking about the number of miles I had left to go.  It was overwhelming. I went inside to pick-up my gas receipt and noticed some pre-made breakfast sandwiches. I grabbed one and stepped to the counter.  I paid for my bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, got my gas receipt and hustled out the door.  As I woofed down my food and a bottle of Gatorade, I told myself to focus only on the next stop and not the entire trip.  I don’t know if was the food or the positive self-talk, but I felt better and got on the bike with a renewed sense of energy.

Farming is big business in Tennessee

Sunday was turning out to be a great day to travel.  I made my way down I-65 through Nashville and picked-up I-40 without hitting any traffic.  I kept my mind occupied on the stretch between Nashville and Jackson by jamming to the “Taylor Swift” and “ZZ Top” channels on Pandora.  I was thankful for the great cell reception because it might have gotten ugly had I been left alone in silence with only my thoughts.  Bluetooth headsets rule!  As I made my way off the Interstate and to the Love’s station in Jackson, I realized my backside was getting very tender.  I was happy to get off the bike for a few minutes.  I thought about the movie “Groundhog Day’’ with Bill Murray as I gassed-up, completed my log, ate some jerky, and got back on the bike.  The routine was getting old.

I snapped a few photos as I crossed the Mississippi River into Arkansas and prepared myself for another round of road construction slowdowns.  I was pleasantly surprised.  With fewer cars and trucks on the road, traffic didn’t slow to a crawl as it did the day before.  I made good time to the MAPCO in Wheatly beating my 12:04 planned arrival time by almost 20 minutes.  I decided to give my butt a break and make an extended stop.  After going through my normal fuel ritual, I went inside for a repeat of yesterday’s lunch…two chicken strips, two biscuits, and a bottle of Gatorade.  Lunch was good and I enjoyed the air conditioning.  I was glad to have the opportunity to shed my heated liner and sit in a position that didn’t make my backside feel like it was on fire.  Sadly my leisurely lunch was cut short by that damn clock inside my head…tick-tock, tick-tock.  Next stop Prescott, Arkansas.

Over the Mississippi River into Arkansas

The ride to Prescott was enjoyable with blue skies and warm (almost hot) temperatures.  The only downside was I couldn’t find a seating position that would stay comfortable.  I felt like I was squirming all the time…and there’s not much real estate on a Sportster to squirm.  At one point I discovered I could put my feet on the passenger pegs and achieve a whole new riding position.  I’m sure as I passed through Little Rock several drivers thought I was crazy, “Hey, look at that guy, he must think his Harley is a sport bike.” I didn’t care what people thought, it felt good.  I enjoyed being able to lift slightly off the seat and let the air cool my burning nether region.

When I arrived at the Paramount Travel Center in Prescott at 2:37 I couldn’t wait to get off the bike.  I’d ridden 602 miles in 9 hours and 53 minutes and I was feeling it.  I let myself think for a moment about the 484 miles I had left to cover and I felt defeated.  I was ahead of my ride plan by about 26 minutes so I decided to take another extended break.  I grabbed a bottle of Gatorade from the cooler and went inside.  They had an Arby’s so I got a Beef-n-Cheddar and sat down.  I tried not to rush but that clock inside my head kept pushing me.  I told myself only two more stops before I reached home and then I’d be done…and it was only 148 miles to Sulphur Springs.   As soon as I sat on the bike my backside started burning again but with a renewed outlook I fired-up my trusty steed and pointed her west.

Arkansas Road Construction

The ride along I-30 in Arkansas is pretty scenic when you’re not hassled by road construction.  There are a nice variety of trees lining the highway with a couple of bridges and water crossings.  I tried to get comfortable and soak it all in.  For as much discomfort as I was in, I still felt an overwhelming connection with all that was around me.  It was a good day to ride.  I crossed the Texas State line at approximately 3:40 and felt like I was almost home.  There’s something mentally refreshing about knowing you won’t be riding across more state lines before completing your ride.  The 75 mph speed limit just east of Texarkana was a welcomed sight. I rolled back on the throttle and pushed towards Sulphur Springs.

 It was 5:04 when I got to the Pilot station.   I dismounted slowly as any movement in the saddle had become very uncomfortable.  I followed my routine – gas, log, and hydrate then took an extra minute or two to stretch my legs and back.  I plugged my headset into the power on my bike so it wouldn’t run out of juice and made my way back to the Interstate.  Daylight was burning and I had one more stop before my final push home. 

The leg between Sulphur Springs and Waco was the longest leg of the trip at 171 miles.  I tried not to think of the total distance to Waco but rather the landmarks in between…Greenville, Lake Ray Hubbard, and Dallas.  The thought of completing the challenge with the 48 hours motivated me despite the burning sensation I felt in my backside.  I adjusted my riding position frequently and performed the stretches fellow moto-blogger Tina Walker had recommended every few miles just as I had throughout the trip.  I was surprised at how the traffic picked-up as I got closer to Lake Ray Hubbard and then got even heavier in Dallas.  I didn’t experience any slowdowns but the number of cars and trucks on the road at 6:30 p.m. on a Sunday was a little unnerving.

Somewhere between Waxahachie and Waco

Luckily traffic thinned-out south of Dallas and I could relax a little.  I never gave too much thought about the lack of civilization between Waxahachie and Waco…there’s just not much there to see.  Fortunately as the sun got lower in the sky the shadows came out to play.  Anything to take my mind of the continual discomfort I felt in the parts of my anatomy that never see the sun.  I took several photos of the Shadow Rider and thought it might be cool to put together a collection of photographs revolving around riding and shadows.  The mind works in mysterious ways after being on a bike for over 14 hours and 851 miles.

The timestamp on my Valero Corner Store fuel receipt read 8:00 p.m.  I had made it to Waco and hour and nine minutes ahead of my ride plan.  I was excited.  I could officially end my Saddlesore 2000 ride in Waco because I had already crossed the 2000 mile point.  I’d ridden 2008 miles in approximately 43 hours.  I decided to wait and end my ride at home as planned.  I knew barring any unforeseen circumstances I could complete the entire 2172 miles within the required 48 hours…I only had 164 miles to go.

   

Shadow Rider as sun sets in Texas

The sun dipped below the horizon as I rode out of Waco and the sky was completely black by the time I made it to Temple.  Strangely I was nervous about riding the rest of the way in the dark.  I think the mental and physical fatigue from riding so hard over the past two days had caught-up to me.  I watched the sides of the road closely for any movement.  I didn’t want to be surprised by a deer or other animal darting across the road.  As I neared Georgetown, traffic started to pick-up and I was actually happy to see other vehicles on the road.  I decided there was a modicum of safety riding in the midst of the swarm.  I could at least use their headlights to “see” farther down the road and for a reason I can’t explain felt less threatened by a potential animal encounter.

I must I lead a pretty sheltered life because the traffic through Austin seemed heavy for a Sunday night at 9:45 p.m.  I’d normally be getting ready for bed, so I wondered what all these people were out and about doing.  I ticked-off the miles after Austin getting more excited the closer I got to home. Buda, San Marcos, New Braunfels…I was almost finished. My bubble burst when I came to three full lanes of stopped traffic less than 5 miles from my exit.  Apparently TexDoT in their infinite wisdom had shut down several lanes for construction.  I struggled to keep from dropping the bike in the stop and go traffic for almost a mile.  I was physically exhausted.  I didn’t know how I would finish the ride if I stayed on the Interstate.  I watched for an opening and made my way to the shoulder and then through some roughage to the access road.

Traffic on the access road moved smoothly and it didn’t take long to make it to the EZ-Mart for my ending gas receipt.  I gingerly got back on the bike and rode the last few miles home.  When I reached my subdivision, I called my wife to open our garage door.  I pulled into the garage and turned off the bike.  It was 11:03 p.m. and my Saddlesore 2000 was complete…2072 miles in 46 hours and 13 minutes.

PROLOGUE

This ride gave me a new found respect for riders who do multiple1000 mile days.  I don’t know if I had another 1000 mile day in me.  My backside was tender for a couple of days after the ride but I felt good about my accomplishment.  I love my Sportster but may have to re-think its suitability for longer Iron Butt rides. I have no doubt that I could easily tour on it as long as I kept the mileage down to under 500 miles a day.

 

What’s next, I’m not sure.  I do know I enjoy Iron Butt rides and will do more. Hey, when’s summer solstice and the longest day of the year?  Now that could be an interesting Iron Butt ride…do 1000 miles before it gets dark.  Hmmnn, something to think about.

St Judes Chlidrens Hospital in Memphis

No this isn't one of the Great Pyramids...this is in Memphis

It's a Great Day to Ride!

On Bike Selfie

I look like hell - 2008 miles in 43 hours

Texas Tour of Honor - 1545 Miles in 35 Hours

My Texas Tour of Honor (ToH) ride is now history. I'm happy to say that I met my goal of completing the 1500+ mile ride in under 36 hours. I e-mailed the ToH administrator the required photos to verify that I visited the correct locations on Sunday and heard back from her on Monday that my photos had been accepted/verified and that I had been identified on their website as having visited 7 ToH sites. I mailed my documentation package to the Iron Butt Association (IBA) yesterday and am hopeful that they will certify my ride as a Tour of Honor Extreme Bun Burner. Unfortunately, I may have to wait up to 3 months to hear back from them...I'll let you know when I get my certification :-)

I left my house at about 3:30 Friday morning and cautiously made my way to Palacios, TX. Riding at night can be little nerve-wrecking. The reduced viability makes it even more important to watch your speed and your surroundings. Not too far from Palacios some kind of animal ran across the road in front of me making the ol'sphincter really pucker-up. I'm almost certain it was a chupacabra...whatever it was it wouldn't have been a pretty sight if I had actually hit it. The adrenaline rush from the near-miss experience kept me pumped-up for hours. The miles from Palacios to Galveston and then to Tyler were uneventful but watching the sunrise over the coast was magical.

Overall, I really enjoyed the ride but there were times during those many miles that I questioned my sanity. One of those times was riding through Dallas, TX during rush hour. There's not much I dislike more than crawling through traffic on a motorcycle...and after having been on the bike for over 13 hours, operating the clutch and throttle became extremely painful. This was my lowest point in the ride. I really felt defeated and the delay made me question whether or not I was really going to be able to finish in under 36 hours. I made an unplanned stop at a McDonald's as soon as I exited I-20. The short time I spent there did wonders for my attitude. I got back on the bike more determined than ever to complete the ride and meet my goal.

I pulled into San Angelo, TX at about 2:30 in the morning, a little more than an hour after my planned arrival time. In order to make-up some time, I decided to cut my rest period short. I slept for about 3 hours, showered, and hit the road around 6:30. I felt good and the cool morning air was refreshing. As I made my way to Andrews, TX I witnessed another beautiful sunrise. I couldn't help but feel cheerful and blessed. I enjoyed the solitude and beauty of West Texas. There's a quiet stillness there that rejuvenates the soul.

As I clicked off the miles from Andrews to Pecos to Van Horn my excitement and confidence grew. I had maintained a good speed (without speeding) and was on-track to make it to the last ToH site in El Paso, TX before my 36 hour window closed. The last 120 miles to El Paso seemed to drag on forever...I just wanted to get there. The only saving grace in those last hundred miles was the magnificent landscape. Mountains rose up all around me and they were breathtaking. This in one of the most beautiful parts of Texas.

I made my way through El Paso to the US Border Patrol Museum at about 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturday. I quickly took the required photograph and went inside to request a signature on my IBA witness form to document the end of the ride. A museum employee was happy to help me. After getting my witness form signed I went to the gift shop and purchased a US Border Patrol pin for my vest. The date/time stamp on the receipt providing the official end time to my Iron Butt ride...13:39 MDT. I did a little Happy Dance to celebrate riding 1545 miles in 35 hours and 1 minute.

My Happy Dance was cut short when it hit me that I needed to ride another 600+ miles to get home. I spent a few minutes taking in the sights of the museum before saddling-up for the ride home. I decided after 35+ hours with only 3 hours sleep I would stop for the night in Van Horn, TX but not before stopping at Barnett Harley-Davidson, billed as having the world's largest selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I spent about 30 minutes in Barnett's. I'll have to say I've never seen a larger selection of Harley motorcycles and t-shirts anywhere. The place was huge.

Realizing I hadn't had anything except a couple of granola bars and some Gatorade in the last 22 hours, I stopped at McDonald's as I left El Paso. I don't think a grilled chicken sandwich, fries, and a diet coke ever tasted so good. Refreshed and refueled I pushed on to Van Horn and checked into a Motel 6. The only thing I can say about my Motel 6 experience is that it was cheap and I got a good 9 hours of sleep. I was back on the bike just after sunrise on Sunday. A short four and a half hour later I pulled into my daughter's driveway in San Angelo. I spent the rest of Sunday and half of Monday playing with my granddaughters and grandson. I look forward to the day when they're big enough ride with me. I think they'll enjoy it. I know I will.

My wife had driven to San Angelo on Thursday so we left together at about 1:30 Monday afternoon. The sky looked like it would open-up at any moment but it never rained. As we got closer to home, the clouds broke to reveal a beautiful blue sky. When I pulled into my garage at 6:30 my trip odometer read 2181 miles. That's the most miles I've ridden in such a short period of time. I know to some hard core long distance riders that isn't a lot but it is to me. It was an adventure I'm sure to remember for a long time to come. I'm excited to see where my next adventure will take me. Now more than ever I want to Live free and Ride Hard!

SpotWalla Tracking Map of My 2181 Mile Adventure

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To view more photographs of my adventure across Texas, please visit my Facebook Page.

To learn more about the Iron Butt Certification rides, visit the Iron Butt Association website.

To learn more about the 2013 Tour of Honor, visit the Tour of Honor website.

Riding River Road...Life Lessons

Have you ever noticed that sometimes things become so familiar that you fail to appreciate them?  It occurred to me on Sunday while riding River Road in New Braunfels, Texas that maybe I had begun to take this stretch of asphalt for granted.

River Road starts about a mile from the Gruene Harley-Davidson dealership off State Loop 337 and winds its way along the Guadalupe River, crossing it four times before reaching FM 2673 in Sattler. With tree-lined banks of cypress, maple, sycamore, and sumac, it’s one of the most scenic routes in the area.  Depending on the time of the year, you can ride in almost complete solitude or be stuck in traffic as tubers and tourists flood the area.

I remember how I felt the first time I made the 12.9 mile journey.  I was excited and nervous at the same time.  It was quite the experience slowly making my way around the many twists and turns as part of a Gruene Chapter HOG ride.  The views of the river and the bluffs overlooking it were absolutely spectacular…that is, when I actually felt comfortable enough to take my eyes off the road and the rider in front of me. The way the air smelled and the light danced through the trees was almost magical. It was an adventure, maybe not a grand-adventure, but an adventure still.

I’ve ridden River Road many times since then. On Sunday, I realized that sometime between then and now the road felt different…it’s magic and allure had faded with familiarity.  I no longer anticipated its curves or river crossings; I knew where they were and what to expect. The sense of surprise and wonder of that first ride were gone. I felt a sense of sadness at this revelation and wondered what had changed.  Was it the road or was it me?

After a little reflection, I knew the road hadn't changed but that my outlook and attitude had. Since that first ride I had stopped looking for the extraordinary along the route. The road was just as exciting as it ever was, I had just stopped seeing it. In a way, River Road is a metaphor for life. No matter how many curves our lives throw us and how exciting things are we have a tendency to want more...so much so that we become blind to what is right under our noses.

On the way home, I decided to resist letting things become too familiar. I decided to look for the extraordinary in all things...and to stop every now and then to appreciate what I have and what I have done. River Road helped me to better understand what it means to Live Free and Ride Hard.

To view my River Road route click on the Where Did He Go? link.

Ride Report...Back In Time

(Continued from Twisted Sisters or Curvy Cousins…)

After having a wonderful Father’s Day meal at the Bonsai Japanese Restaurant in San Angelo and helping my three-year-old granddaughter learn how to use cheater chopsticks, I packed up the bike and helped my wife pack her car. With temps in the mid-to-upper 90’s I knew it would be a warm ride so I used a little secret I learned during my Iron Butt ride in May. I soaked the top half of my shirt in cold water and opened all the vents on my textile jacket to generate some nice evaporative cooling. We pulled out of my daughter’s driveway at 3:15 pm.

We made a quick gas stop about 20 minutes out at Alsup’s on US HWY 87. The sun was shining and the sky was dotted with clouds. It was an absolutely beautiful day to be riding a motorcycle. I didn’t waste much time before pulling the camera out of my jacket to take some photographs…views from the saddle if you will. I have to snap quite a few photos to ensure I get something usable because it’s difficult to frame a photograph while riding at 70 mph and holding a camera upside-down in your left hand (especially when you’re right-handed). I’m sure it looks crazy, but that’s what I have to do to capture the moment.

Riding through this part of Texas is like being in a time machine. In the late 1700’s and early 1800’s before the establishment of cities like San Angelo, Eden, Menard, and Mason, this area was well within the southeastern boundary of Comancheria…home of the Comanche Indians. The Comanche’s were known for their superior horsemanship skills and fierce warrior spirit. Given the landscape and the area’s history, you could almost feel their presence. If you looked really hard, you could see them sitting silently on their horses waiting to attack from the top of one of the many bluffs found throughout the area.

As we turned south on US HWY 83 in Eden, TX I thought to myself, “Damn this is fun!” You just don’t feel the same connection to your surroundings when you’re in a cage. I enjoyed cutting through the air on my “iron” horse and feeling that same sense of freedom that the Comanche warriors must have felt when they first rode into the area on horseback. This is what motorcycling and the open road are all about. But wait, the Comanche Indians never experienced traffic jams.

The speed limit on most of US HWY 83 is 70 mph so you can make your way from point A to point B much faster than riding a spirited Comanche pony. Unless of course you are stuck behind your great-grandfather out for a Sunday drive doing 48 mph. It’s frustrating being stuck in a traffic line on a hilly two-lane road in the middle of literally nowhere. I don’t know how long I waited before I could safely pass, but it seemed like an eternity. As I blew past gramps doing 90 mph, I gave him the international salute of friendship. Okay, I didn’t really give gramps the finger (I’m not that kind of biker) but I might have shot his tire if I’d had a bow and arrow J. I waited another million years for my wife to safely pass before resuming the speed limit. Cruising at 70+ mph is nice.

I waved bye to my wife as I made my way onto TX HWY 29 just south of Menard, TX. She stayed on US HWY 83 making a beeline for Interstate 10 and a “faster” route home. I guess she doesn’t appreciate small towns, history, or back roads as much as I do  J.

Alone and unafraid (well maybe a little afraid) I continued my adventure down TX HWY 29 expecting to see a band of Comanche warriors around every turn. I felt a little safer as I neared Fort Mason in Mason, TX. Established in the mid-1800s as a Calvary outpost on the edge of the frontier, Fort Mason helped protect area settlers from the Indians. It served its purpose well and the area flourished as settlers begin to feel comfortable moving farther and farther from the post. My ride from Menard to Mason went quickly with lots of scenery and nice smooth blacktop.

As I turned onto US HWY 87 in Mason, I saw it…Dairy Queen. I could hear it calling my name. I stopped and ordered a Heath Blizzard (my second favorite DQ treat). They say small towns are generally more laid back than their big city counterparts are. That’s definitely true at the Mason DQ. Based on my wait time, I

figure they had to milk a cow and make the ice cream from scratch. I will say though, the Blizzard was fantastic. Before getting back in the saddle for the next leg of the trip I re-soaked my shirt. I knew in the hot dry Texas air it wouldn’t stay wet long but it would sure make part of the ride a lot cooler…and it did.

US HWY 87 between Mason and Fredericksburg, TX is a nice stretch of road with a few gentle curves and some rolling hills. I made good time and was in Fredericksburg before I knew it. They must roll-up the sidewalks early on Sunday because the normally bustling main street was a ghost town at 6:30 pm. I stopped for gas just south of town on US HWY 290 before making my turn onto Ranch Road 1376 for the short ride to Luckenbach, TX. I was planning to stop in for a cold libation and take a few photographs but I suppose fate had something else in mind. It turns out Shooter Jennings was performing a concert and the place was packed. The road into Luckenbach was blocked and the gentleman watching the entrance told me there would be a $20 cover to enter. Since I didn’t intend to stay for the entire show and I didn’t want to be riding around after dark with hundreds of intoxicated country fans on the deer infested back roads of Texas…I decided to turn around and head for home.


Although I was disappointed, I made the best of it. Farm-to-Market 1888 and 1623 were outstanding roads. I was very impressed with the short stretch of FM 1623 as it followed the winding Blanco River into Blanco, TX. Absolutely beautiful. Once in Blanco, I headed south on US HWY 281 with the intention of heading straight home. Again, fate had other plans. Somewhere along the way, I decided to stop at the Shade Tree Saloon for something to eat. It wasn’t exactly crowded but I waited forever for a burger…guess they had to slaughter the cow. The only consolation was the burger was delicious and I watched part of the Spurs game on TV. After filling my belly, I was back on the bike and ready to get home as it was quickly getting dark.

I don’t mind riding at night but my route would take me through an area known for its abundant deer population. Fortunately, I didn’t see many deer and the ones I did see weren’t too close to the road. I pulled into my driveway at 8:50 pm just as the last bit of light evaporated into the night. It had been a great ride.

Till next time…Live Free and Ride Hard!

More Views From The Saddle...To San Antonio

You can check-out my route as well as see the photos I captured with BubblerGPS Pro by clicking here.

Twisted Sisters or Curvy Cousins…They’re Both Fun To Ride

I rode 450 miles this past weekend across the Texas Hill Country and into the Panhandle Plains.  I was traveling from San Antonio to San Angelo to spend Father’s Day weekend with my wife, daughter, and two grand-daughters.  My main goal was to make the trip as quickly as possible while soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells along the way.  A secondary goal was to test the photo function in BubblerGPS Pro. I’m happy to report I met both goals and had a wonderful Father’s Day in the process.

I left work a little early on Friday to try and beat some of the traffic out of San Antonio.  I got home, checked the weather forecast, loaded the bike, and checked the forecast again.  It had looked like rain all day and the weather radar showed what seemed to be a large front with rain moving slowly to the northwest.  I was a little concerned about running into a downpour but decided to make a run for it…I packed my rain gear just in case.

The skies started to spit rain just before I made it to Llano. I stopped for gas and wondered if I should put my rain gear on but decided against it.  It was “raining” enough to get my bike dirty but not enough for me to feel wet…moving through the warm Texas air at 70+ mph kept me dry.  I was enjoying the ride, just listening to tunes

and eating-up the miles.  Ranch Road 962 and State HWY 71 proved to be great motorcycle roads. Granted, they’re not the Twisted Sisters but they have some elevation changes and sweeping curves and you can definitely roll back on the throttle.  They were fun. I guess most roads in the Hill Country are related to the Sisters—curvy cousins maybe.

The one drawback to riding the back roads of Texas or maybe any back road is…bugs.  I don’t know how folks ride without a full-face helmet or at least a full-face shield.  Who knows how many bugs I would've eaten if not for my helmet? Just before I reached Texas Highway 87 I felt and heard a large “POP” on the right side of my head.  I thought to myself, “that didn't sound good” and at that exact moment I noticed the most terrible stench I think I’ve ever smelled.  I know why they call them “stink” bugs.  That awful smell (imagine 100 rotting corpses) lingered for several miles until it started to sprinkle again.  I’m not sure I know of a time I was more thankful for a little rain.

Having successfully ridden through the stink, I decided to reward myself with a stop at Dairy Queen in Brady, Texas.  I ordered and quickly ate a large ice cream cone.  DQ soft serve is one of my favorites and on a warm day it’s hard to beat. I rarely say “no” to a DQ cone…just ask my wife.   After finishing my ice cream and ensuring there were no lingering parts of “stinky” on my helmet, I mounted-up and made my final push for San Angelo. 

The last 80 or so miles were uneventful…just nice riding.  US HWY 87 from Brady to San Angelo is relatively flat and straight.  Lots of farm and ranch land.  I looked to the heavens as I rode and was impressed by the way the late afternoon sun was dancing through the clouds.  It was overcast and a bit gloomy but I could see bright rays of light shining through to the ground.  It was almost as if God were saying “you’re almost there…I’ll show you the way”.  It was peaceful.  As I turned off HWY 87 onto Loop 306 I stopped to capture a photo knowing full well it would never do justice to the splendor before me. I arrived at my daughter’s house just a little before 8:00 p.m. knowing I was truly a blessed man.

More to come on my return ride...

Views From The Saddle...Going To San Angelo, TX

You can check-out my route as well as see the photos I captured with BubblerGPS Pro by clicking here.