Well, Phil has done it again.
You may recall that my buddy, Phil, is the one who inspired me to quit dreamin' and start riding again. Seems the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
This weekend, Phil's son, Sean, purchased his first bike, a 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200. At last report, the father and son team spent the weekend shining, tuning, and personalizing the bike to make it Sean's own. Congratulations, Sean, and welcome to the brotherhood.
Folks, our youth are our future. We owe it to those who came before us to share the passion for the Road!
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
This, my Thanksgiving
It's Thanksgiving in the USA and despite the many challenges facing our world, we must remind ourselves that we still have much to be thankful for on this special day. For me, this Thanksgiving is about re-connecting with what matters most.
My middle child, Emily (a.k.a. Emmers), is the non-conforming, free spirited artist in the familiy. A couple of years ago, she surprised me with a charcoal sketching of my father as a birthday present. The sketch, based on a picture taken at my oldest daughter's wedding, captures Dad in his "think before you talk" pose, with his hand reaching up to remove his beloved pipe, just before he is about to share his quick wit or years of wisdom on the topic of the moment. Needless to say, the sketch was framed and is prominantly displayed in our house. She is so gifted...and she doesn't even know it.
Emmers has had a tough go after graduating in May with a Bachelors in Art History. Eager to start a life of her own, the tough economy has prevented her from finding that perfect first real job. The search has been exhausting and, I suspect, downright depressing when one of the few interviews doesn't yield the expected outcome. Sadly, I know she is not alone in her quest. I read yesterday that 46% of American youth between the ages of 16 and 24 are unemployed today.
Being a very pragmatic, business-type myself, I tend to think in terms of reading a market trend and planning for the future, all while enjoying a little bit of the Road today. When it comes to education and work ethic, I'm admittedly hard on the kids because life doesn't cut you many breaks. So I tend to ride her pretty hard about how aggressively she is - or isn't - pursuing work on any given day.
So, as you might deduce, we haven't always seen eye-to-eye lately...
But Emmers continues the search while pursuing her real passion...writing. Seems she has used the downtime since graduation to complete her debut novel, the first of a romantic vampire themed trilogy. We've had a professional editor review the book and she advised that it is definately publishing-caliber material, so the search for the right literary agent is on. This kid definately has talent.
Similar to a cat, Emmers expresses her love on her terms. And for what ever reason, we have always been able to connect when it comes to a motorcycle cruise. She definately has a way of making her old man feel special when she nudges me and says, "Come on, Pops, let's take a ride." Then again, I need little tempting. I have no doubt that she will end up having her own bike at some point in her life. But for now, I'm going to hold our two-up ride times near and dear to the heart.
So this morning, as the outside temp approached 60 degrees and the turkey was cooking away in the oven, Emmers gives me the nudge, despite knowing that her mother had but one request of me on this Thanksgiving - no cruises while the extended family is here visiting. I told you, Emmers does things on her own terms.
After a little negotiating with Mom, we're into our riding leathers and on our way. We barely say a word for the first hour of the ride. None was needed. We were both enjoying the cool fall breeze and the sights and occasional smells along the way. As we reached the turn-around point, I stopped for gas and some beer for the crowd back at the house (one of the negotiation "gives").
That's when it happened...
As we were getting back on the bike, she caught me unprepared and when she stepped on the footboard to get on-board, I lost balance and down we went. It was the first (public) drop of the new bike. Yes, I confess, I did have a private drop while turning around on a narrow county road about a month after taking delivery of the new wheels. But in my defense, the Ultra Classic IS a little top-heavy and the road WAS extremely narrow...and uneven. And when I put my foot down, Newton's Law just took over. But it wasn't that bad, at least that time it was in dirt!
So we quickly upright the bike, get on, and off we go. Emmers was afraid to say anything or even adjust for comfort in the seat, fearing I was pissed about dropping the new bike. I wasn't pissed, just confused about how I could have dropped it...again. I've been riding for over thirty-five years and never had it happen before this bike. Must have been the 30-pack of beer that I put in the tour-pak, I surmised. About five minutes down the road, Emmers taps me on the back and says, "Damn, guess we don't look cool anymore." I about lost it laughing.
So, once again, one of my children has taught me a lesson about life. It doesn't matter that work is crazy, along with half the world around us, or that you might have put a scratch on one of your prized possessions...or your ego. What matters most is spending time with family and friends...laughing and doing what you love with those you love.
On this special holiday, I hope you spent some time on the Road with someone you love too. Happy Thanksgiving.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER. No bike was actually scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged on this journey. And for the record, Emmers, that's strike one!
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
My middle child, Emily (a.k.a. Emmers), is the non-conforming, free spirited artist in the familiy. A couple of years ago, she surprised me with a charcoal sketching of my father as a birthday present. The sketch, based on a picture taken at my oldest daughter's wedding, captures Dad in his "think before you talk" pose, with his hand reaching up to remove his beloved pipe, just before he is about to share his quick wit or years of wisdom on the topic of the moment. Needless to say, the sketch was framed and is prominantly displayed in our house. She is so gifted...and she doesn't even know it.
Emmers has had a tough go after graduating in May with a Bachelors in Art History. Eager to start a life of her own, the tough economy has prevented her from finding that perfect first real job. The search has been exhausting and, I suspect, downright depressing when one of the few interviews doesn't yield the expected outcome. Sadly, I know she is not alone in her quest. I read yesterday that 46% of American youth between the ages of 16 and 24 are unemployed today.
Being a very pragmatic, business-type myself, I tend to think in terms of reading a market trend and planning for the future, all while enjoying a little bit of the Road today. When it comes to education and work ethic, I'm admittedly hard on the kids because life doesn't cut you many breaks. So I tend to ride her pretty hard about how aggressively she is - or isn't - pursuing work on any given day.
So, as you might deduce, we haven't always seen eye-to-eye lately...
But Emmers continues the search while pursuing her real passion...writing. Seems she has used the downtime since graduation to complete her debut novel, the first of a romantic vampire themed trilogy. We've had a professional editor review the book and she advised that it is definately publishing-caliber material, so the search for the right literary agent is on. This kid definately has talent.
Similar to a cat, Emmers expresses her love on her terms. And for what ever reason, we have always been able to connect when it comes to a motorcycle cruise. She definately has a way of making her old man feel special when she nudges me and says, "Come on, Pops, let's take a ride." Then again, I need little tempting. I have no doubt that she will end up having her own bike at some point in her life. But for now, I'm going to hold our two-up ride times near and dear to the heart.
So this morning, as the outside temp approached 60 degrees and the turkey was cooking away in the oven, Emmers gives me the nudge, despite knowing that her mother had but one request of me on this Thanksgiving - no cruises while the extended family is here visiting. I told you, Emmers does things on her own terms.
After a little negotiating with Mom, we're into our riding leathers and on our way. We barely say a word for the first hour of the ride. None was needed. We were both enjoying the cool fall breeze and the sights and occasional smells along the way. As we reached the turn-around point, I stopped for gas and some beer for the crowd back at the house (one of the negotiation "gives").
That's when it happened...
As we were getting back on the bike, she caught me unprepared and when she stepped on the footboard to get on-board, I lost balance and down we went. It was the first (public) drop of the new bike. Yes, I confess, I did have a private drop while turning around on a narrow county road about a month after taking delivery of the new wheels. But in my defense, the Ultra Classic IS a little top-heavy and the road WAS extremely narrow...and uneven. And when I put my foot down, Newton's Law just took over. But it wasn't that bad, at least that time it was in dirt!
So we quickly upright the bike, get on, and off we go. Emmers was afraid to say anything or even adjust for comfort in the seat, fearing I was pissed about dropping the new bike. I wasn't pissed, just confused about how I could have dropped it...again. I've been riding for over thirty-five years and never had it happen before this bike. Must have been the 30-pack of beer that I put in the tour-pak, I surmised. About five minutes down the road, Emmers taps me on the back and says, "Damn, guess we don't look cool anymore." I about lost it laughing.
So, once again, one of my children has taught me a lesson about life. It doesn't matter that work is crazy, along with half the world around us, or that you might have put a scratch on one of your prized possessions...or your ego. What matters most is spending time with family and friends...laughing and doing what you love with those you love.
On this special holiday, I hope you spent some time on the Road with someone you love too. Happy Thanksgiving.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER. No bike was actually scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged on this journey. And for the record, Emmers, that's strike one!
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Visiting a Founding Father
While most of the fall colors are nearing an end, Mother Nature held out for one more show this weekend. We made a run from Tyler to Nacogdoches, home of Stephen F. Austin University, via the backroads and the scenery was outstanding.
Any road heading east out of Tyler is a good road, but FM-850 has the most character. Formerly part of the main highway between Tyler and Henderson, FM-850 cuts its way through the countryside like a kiddie roller coaster - nothing too sharp or steep to make a 50-year-old kid scream, but enough to make you anxious for what's around the next corner. Along the way, you pass an occaisional hay farm and the colorful homes of the hard working folk that make East Texas so friendly.
You'll also drive through Overton, which was founded in 1873. On the "I didn't know that!" front, Overton was the official seat of government for the Republic of Texas independence movement from 2003-05. The Republic of Texas group is/was a separatist group that claims the annexation of Texas by the United States was illegal and that Texas remains an independent nation under occupation. The Republic of Texas headquarters burned down in August of 2005. I guess the debate is over...or is it?
From Overton, take FM-323 southeast towards Henderson. On the way, you'll pass through New London, the site of a tragic school explosion on March 18, 1937, killing almost 300 children, teachers, and parents. You may not realize it, but this tragedy led to the injection of the distinct, scented odor in natural gas, as the cause of the explosion was a natural gas leak. Unscented in its natural form, the undetected gas had accumulated in the building's classrooms and hallways, and was ignited when the shop teacher turned on a sander that created a spark. The buildings were completely leveled. A testament to East Texas' compassion and determination, the school was rebuilt and a memorial erected that stands proud today.
Continuing on FM-323, you will weave your way through the pine tree forests and farmlands to Henderson, the county seat of Rusk County.
FM 225 out of south side of Henderson is a treasure trove of twists, curves, and gentle rolling hills through the Piney Woods. As you head south, you will go through Laneville, Cushing, and my personal favorite, Looneyville. Expecting a scene from the cartoons or a Jack Nicholson movie, I almost missed the lone sign and dilapidated, empty general store that makes up the unofficial town center.
Taking FM 343 out of Looneyville puts you on your final leg of the journey to Nacogdoches, the Oldest Town in Texas. A cross between a regional commercial center, college town, and logging town, Nacogdoches is rich with historical architecture, great southern cooking, and an occaisional watering hole or two. No doubt, "Nac" is in deep East Texas where the pace is slower and most everyone willing to strike-up conversation. Make the time to see the Millard's Crossing Historic Village, the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, the Statue Trail, and the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site while you're in the area.
But most of all, enjoy the tour. It's definately Thunder Roadworthy!
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Any road heading east out of Tyler is a good road, but FM-850 has the most character. Formerly part of the main highway between Tyler and Henderson, FM-850 cuts its way through the countryside like a kiddie roller coaster - nothing too sharp or steep to make a 50-year-old kid scream, but enough to make you anxious for what's around the next corner. Along the way, you pass an occaisional hay farm and the colorful homes of the hard working folk that make East Texas so friendly.
You'll also drive through Overton, which was founded in 1873. On the "I didn't know that!" front, Overton was the official seat of government for the Republic of Texas independence movement from 2003-05. The Republic of Texas group is/was a separatist group that claims the annexation of Texas by the United States was illegal and that Texas remains an independent nation under occupation. The Republic of Texas headquarters burned down in August of 2005. I guess the debate is over...or is it?
From Overton, take FM-323 southeast towards Henderson. On the way, you'll pass through New London, the site of a tragic school explosion on March 18, 1937, killing almost 300 children, teachers, and parents. You may not realize it, but this tragedy led to the injection of the distinct, scented odor in natural gas, as the cause of the explosion was a natural gas leak. Unscented in its natural form, the undetected gas had accumulated in the building's classrooms and hallways, and was ignited when the shop teacher turned on a sander that created a spark. The buildings were completely leveled. A testament to East Texas' compassion and determination, the school was rebuilt and a memorial erected that stands proud today.
Continuing on FM-323, you will weave your way through the pine tree forests and farmlands to Henderson, the county seat of Rusk County.
FM 225 out of south side of Henderson is a treasure trove of twists, curves, and gentle rolling hills through the Piney Woods. As you head south, you will go through Laneville, Cushing, and my personal favorite, Looneyville. Expecting a scene from the cartoons or a Jack Nicholson movie, I almost missed the lone sign and dilapidated, empty general store that makes up the unofficial town center.
Taking FM 343 out of Looneyville puts you on your final leg of the journey to Nacogdoches, the Oldest Town in Texas. A cross between a regional commercial center, college town, and logging town, Nacogdoches is rich with historical architecture, great southern cooking, and an occaisional watering hole or two. No doubt, "Nac" is in deep East Texas where the pace is slower and most everyone willing to strike-up conversation. Make the time to see the Millard's Crossing Historic Village, the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, the Statue Trail, and the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site while you're in the area.
But most of all, enjoy the tour. It's definately Thunder Roadworthy!
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Musings About the Village Idiot
Can't help but comment on the Honerable Nancy Pelosi's comment at the conclusion of the House of Representatives' health care vote last night, "We had Democrats and a Republican vote for this bill. That makes it bi-partisan."
Come on, California, how many more reasons do you need to finally elect someone with a brain to send to Washington? And to the rest of us, please say a prayer for Mr. Pelosi.
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Come on, California, how many more reasons do you need to finally elect someone with a brain to send to Washington? And to the rest of us, please say a prayer for Mr. Pelosi.
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Time to Break Out the Leathers
With Fall riding season just around the corner, I thought it might be a good idea to get out the leathers to see if I will be able to ride in cooler weather. You see, it's been a hectic summer and with stress comes eating and little extra beer...and the inevitable rider's cushion that comes along with it. Luckily, I usually drink Michelob Ultra, so it looks like we'll be seeing the colors again this year.
Just as Spring means touring to see the wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country, the Fall is all about seeing the colors in the Piney Woods of East Texas or a brisk ride into the mountains of northwest Arkansas. This year, we hope to spend many weekends touring the winding Farm-to-Market roads and rolling hills of East Texas.
This part of Texas is my secret motorcycle touring treasure. I took a friend, Patrik, on an all-day trip there a couple of years ago and, to this day, every time I see him he begs to make the trip again. Coming from a guy who grew-up riding in the Swiss Alps, I think he knows beautiful scenery when he sees it.
One of my favs is FM-16 between Canton and US-271, just south of Gladewater. A Texas Forest Trails road, FM-16 is a great alternative to I-20 / US-80, running through the thriving metropolises of Lindale, Red Springs, and Winona along the way. All three communities are have vestiges of the big oilfield days of the 1930's, but have been reduced to primarily rural bedroom communities of Tyler, the Rose Capital of Texas.
If you are a burger connoisseur, the East Texas Burger Company in Mineola is a must stop. Set in a 100 year-old building on Main Street (US-80), this little burger joint is world renown for its hand-packed patties and fresh-cut french fries. They also offer another of my favorites, chicken fried steak, but I've never been able to eat both in one setting.
Once you're fed and watered, go north about a half-mile on US-69, then hang a right on FM-49. This road is my #2 in East Texas. You see a little of everything on FM-49, hay fields, pine tree forests, rolling hills, expansive creek bed views, and pristine two lane roads with huge tree canopies. In the fall, the trees really put on a show, usually at their peak between late-September and Halloween. If you have the time, take FM-49 all the way into Gilmer, the horse farms in the last five miles will remove any remaining stress you might have in your body.
Continuing east out of Gilmer, you have two great options to run the perimiter of Lake 'O the Pines. Option #1, go northwest on TX-155 to Avinger, then right on FM-729 to Jefferson. FM-729 is a twisty two-lane cruise through the pine forests on the east side of the lake. It is 23 miles of sensory overload all the way into Jefferson.
Option #2 is TX-154 east for about two miles, then left on FM-726. FM-726 takes many turns as you journey through the small villages that make this part of rural Americana. Simply follow the signs for Jefferson. You'll have several options along the way and every one of them worth take multiple times.
Jefferson is the Fredericksburg of East Texas. Chocked full of quaint antique shops, B&B's, and small inns, many of the establishments in Jefferson boast of being haunted by ghosts. My friend, Phil, will testify to that fact, but that is a completely different blog entry to be told at a later time. The biker bar of record is Auntie Skinners. Go there, enjoy the delicious food and cold beer, and tip your waitress well -- they do a great job there.
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Just as Spring means touring to see the wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country, the Fall is all about seeing the colors in the Piney Woods of East Texas or a brisk ride into the mountains of northwest Arkansas. This year, we hope to spend many weekends touring the winding Farm-to-Market roads and rolling hills of East Texas.
This part of Texas is my secret motorcycle touring treasure. I took a friend, Patrik, on an all-day trip there a couple of years ago and, to this day, every time I see him he begs to make the trip again. Coming from a guy who grew-up riding in the Swiss Alps, I think he knows beautiful scenery when he sees it.
One of my favs is FM-16 between Canton and US-271, just south of Gladewater. A Texas Forest Trails road, FM-16 is a great alternative to I-20 / US-80, running through the thriving metropolises of Lindale, Red Springs, and Winona along the way. All three communities are have vestiges of the big oilfield days of the 1930's, but have been reduced to primarily rural bedroom communities of Tyler, the Rose Capital of Texas.
If you are a burger connoisseur, the East Texas Burger Company in Mineola is a must stop. Set in a 100 year-old building on Main Street (US-80), this little burger joint is world renown for its hand-packed patties and fresh-cut french fries. They also offer another of my favorites, chicken fried steak, but I've never been able to eat both in one setting.
Once you're fed and watered, go north about a half-mile on US-69, then hang a right on FM-49. This road is my #2 in East Texas. You see a little of everything on FM-49, hay fields, pine tree forests, rolling hills, expansive creek bed views, and pristine two lane roads with huge tree canopies. In the fall, the trees really put on a show, usually at their peak between late-September and Halloween. If you have the time, take FM-49 all the way into Gilmer, the horse farms in the last five miles will remove any remaining stress you might have in your body.
Continuing east out of Gilmer, you have two great options to run the perimiter of Lake 'O the Pines. Option #1, go northwest on TX-155 to Avinger, then right on FM-729 to Jefferson. FM-729 is a twisty two-lane cruise through the pine forests on the east side of the lake. It is 23 miles of sensory overload all the way into Jefferson.
Option #2 is TX-154 east for about two miles, then left on FM-726. FM-726 takes many turns as you journey through the small villages that make this part of rural Americana. Simply follow the signs for Jefferson. You'll have several options along the way and every one of them worth take multiple times.
Jefferson is the Fredericksburg of East Texas. Chocked full of quaint antique shops, B&B's, and small inns, many of the establishments in Jefferson boast of being haunted by ghosts. My friend, Phil, will testify to that fact, but that is a completely different blog entry to be told at a later time. The biker bar of record is Auntie Skinners. Go there, enjoy the delicious food and cold beer, and tip your waitress well -- they do a great job there.
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Mercy Riders to the Rescue - Vol 2
We settled on staying at Baron's Creekside in Fredericksburg. We wanted to stay in the romantic log cabins crafted from 200-year-old timber from a Swiss barn, but they didn't have two available or one that could hold two couples, so we settled for the Victorian, a quaint little house that had been relocated from its original Main Street location. The Baron's Creekside B&B is owned by a Swiss national who stumbled upon the Texas Hill Country and now splits his time between his homes in Switzerland and Texas.
We agreed to meet at the B&B around noon, then would spend Thursday making the Willow City Loop and spending the evening in Luckenbach. Friday was reserved for running the Three Twisted Sisters, and on Saturday, we were headed to the San Marcos area to take in some of the festivities at the Texas State HOG Rally. Scott reserved his bike rental and everything things was set.
Or so we thought...
As the week of the trip approached, so did the clouds. Seems even the threat of the Mercy Riders coming to town causes the weather gods to bring their game. In the past five days, several inches of rain had fallen and more was on the way. The 10-day outlook indicated thunderstorms on three of the four days of the trip. Not bad odds when you're riding with Scott and Karen, but a concern nonetheless. By Monday evening, the threat of rain was only building, we now had a 20% chance of rain on the remaining "dry" day. Considering the cost of the bike rental and the additional air fare to bring Karen down, plus the already sunk deposit for the B&B, Scott began to question the trip. A few showers along the way were tolerable, but four days of riding in the rain was a little much. We agreed to make the final call on Tuesday evening.
While the locals claimed the weather was "goin' round Fredericksburg", weather.com continued to indicate rain most of the weekend. So the Mercy Riders decided to back-out. Within 24-hours, the weather gods acknowledged their decision and parted the clouds. The revised forecast showed rain on Thursday only. Liz and I decided to make the trip anyway and began looking for someone to fill the open bedroom.
Enter my buddy Bill, aka "Iron Butt". Bill decided he'd join us for the night, riding down from the Dallas/Fort Worth area on Thursday, only to return Friday evening. That's over 1,200 miles in less than 48 hours!! We were honored to have him there.
True to forecast, we had a few showers on Thursday, but that didn't stop us from holding a beer summit at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera and taking a run over to Luckenbach, Texas. The Luckenbach visit was a hoot. As best I can recall, Kent Finlay was leading the picker's circle that evening and the music was great. We spent most of our time sitting under the rooster tree talking - rather laughing - with Walt Perryman, who is also known as The Cowboy Poet.
Walt has an interesting way of telling his life's stories and every single one of them is true - he swears! If you ever get the chance to hear him, do so. But please, PLEASE...don't ask him about the little puppy he had as a kid unless you have some tissue nearby cuz you'll laugh till you cry!
Now, you may have caught my reference to the rooster tree earlier. Seems Luckenbach has more fowl than folk. So many that the hens and roosters run free-range style. These birds of feather are quite colorful and apparantly, have learned to mimic the lonely cowboys that come in off the local ranches. Put bluntly, it seems the roosters are eager to screw anything that walks around on two (chicken) legs and don't mind doing so right there in the middle of the crowd. Anyway, the bar sits under a HUGE oak tree that provides shade for the temporary residents of Luckenbach and the fowl like to jump on the picnic tables, then up to the tree to watch the crowds. A word of warning to the wise, if you're lookin' up at the chickens, do so with your mouth shut. Likewise, it's a good idea to keep your beer covered as well.
Just ask Walt, he has a story 'bout that too...
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
We agreed to meet at the B&B around noon, then would spend Thursday making the Willow City Loop and spending the evening in Luckenbach. Friday was reserved for running the Three Twisted Sisters, and on Saturday, we were headed to the San Marcos area to take in some of the festivities at the Texas State HOG Rally. Scott reserved his bike rental and everything things was set.
Or so we thought...
As the week of the trip approached, so did the clouds. Seems even the threat of the Mercy Riders coming to town causes the weather gods to bring their game. In the past five days, several inches of rain had fallen and more was on the way. The 10-day outlook indicated thunderstorms on three of the four days of the trip. Not bad odds when you're riding with Scott and Karen, but a concern nonetheless. By Monday evening, the threat of rain was only building, we now had a 20% chance of rain on the remaining "dry" day. Considering the cost of the bike rental and the additional air fare to bring Karen down, plus the already sunk deposit for the B&B, Scott began to question the trip. A few showers along the way were tolerable, but four days of riding in the rain was a little much. We agreed to make the final call on Tuesday evening.
While the locals claimed the weather was "goin' round Fredericksburg", weather.com continued to indicate rain most of the weekend. So the Mercy Riders decided to back-out. Within 24-hours, the weather gods acknowledged their decision and parted the clouds. The revised forecast showed rain on Thursday only. Liz and I decided to make the trip anyway and began looking for someone to fill the open bedroom.
Enter my buddy Bill, aka "Iron Butt". Bill decided he'd join us for the night, riding down from the Dallas/Fort Worth area on Thursday, only to return Friday evening. That's over 1,200 miles in less than 48 hours!! We were honored to have him there.
True to forecast, we had a few showers on Thursday, but that didn't stop us from holding a beer summit at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera and taking a run over to Luckenbach, Texas. The Luckenbach visit was a hoot. As best I can recall, Kent Finlay was leading the picker's circle that evening and the music was great. We spent most of our time sitting under the rooster tree talking - rather laughing - with Walt Perryman, who is also known as The Cowboy Poet.
Walt has an interesting way of telling his life's stories and every single one of them is true - he swears! If you ever get the chance to hear him, do so. But please, PLEASE...don't ask him about the little puppy he had as a kid unless you have some tissue nearby cuz you'll laugh till you cry!
The Rooster Tree - Luckenbach, Texas
Photo by Ralph Wranker
Just ask Walt, he has a story 'bout that too...
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Mercy Riders to the Rescue - Vol 1
A couple friend of ours, Scott and Karen, are transplanted Texans living in the Washington DC area. Looks like they are headed to Texas on business the week of September 21 and considering staying over the weekend of September 24-27, which just so happens to coincide with two large motorcycle rallies that are being held in the Hill Country - the Texas State HOG Rally in San Marcos and the Thunder on the River Rally in Bandera. And so begins the planning of another trip to the Hill Country in search of property!
Normally, planning a trip is a non-event, the normal querying for what do you want to do / see, how long and where, etc. But planning a trip with Scott and Karen gets complicated. It seems that no matter where they plan to ride or the season, they bring rain. They did it when we went to Hot Springs, when we met them for the Blue Ridge Parkway cruise, even when they take a dinner run in DC. We're not talking about a few little showers here and there...we're talking frog-choking downpours. On the Blue Ridge Parkway trip, we couldn't see twenty yards ahead and were forced to take cover for the entire day!
We call them the "Mercy Riders" and now, they're coming to Texas to save the Hill Country from the two-year drought.
So it's not enough to plan some really cool rides, but I also have to plan for alternative activities in the event Noah is being summoned, if even for the day. I also have to find B&B accomodations that are motorcycle friendly - no gravel / dirt roads, convenient to shopping and restaurants, and all of the other things that barely come to mind when you're planning a caged adventure. We decide on Fredericksburg as the base camp for this trip and build a short-list of alternatives for all to consider and comment upon.
Let the planning begin...
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
Normally, planning a trip is a non-event, the normal querying for what do you want to do / see, how long and where, etc. But planning a trip with Scott and Karen gets complicated. It seems that no matter where they plan to ride or the season, they bring rain. They did it when we went to Hot Springs, when we met them for the Blue Ridge Parkway cruise, even when they take a dinner run in DC. We're not talking about a few little showers here and there...we're talking frog-choking downpours. On the Blue Ridge Parkway trip, we couldn't see twenty yards ahead and were forced to take cover for the entire day!
We call them the "Mercy Riders" and now, they're coming to Texas to save the Hill Country from the two-year drought.
So it's not enough to plan some really cool rides, but I also have to plan for alternative activities in the event Noah is being summoned, if even for the day. I also have to find B&B accomodations that are motorcycle friendly - no gravel / dirt roads, convenient to shopping and restaurants, and all of the other things that barely come to mind when you're planning a caged adventure. We decide on Fredericksburg as the base camp for this trip and build a short-list of alternatives for all to consider and comment upon.
Let the planning begin...
© 2009 TRHG Holdings LLC
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