Texas Rides & Gatherings 2017

[paws]

Thanks for posting that video. I didn't listen to the audio. There was so much switching of roads. I guess things have changed a good deal..none of this looked like that high, thin ridge Daddy drove us across where the terrain dropped sharply down from the road on both sides. This was a nice ride however. Oh well, as they say, you can never truly go back....

[Gone2Three]

Thanks for posting that video. I didn't listen to the audio. There was so much switching of roads. I guess things have changed a good deal..none of this looked like that high, thin ridge Daddy drove us across where the terrain dropped sharply down from the road on both sides. This was a nice ride however. Oh well, as they say, you can never truly go back....

Thinking there's a day trip-planning in the works to check it out. We'll have to see in person since video never really lives up to our memories

[LadyonaMission]

I rode Devil's Backbone a few months ago. It is still fun, but lots more traffic just like everyplace else. There are some drop offs and a cool road side park where you can see for miles. I didn't watch the video so you may have seen it.

Since you mentioned Taylor and riding east maybe you are familiar with some places that would be fun.

About twice a year, prior to the passing of my S/O, we rode to east Texas which was always fun. He lived in Mineola at one time so he knew all of the back roads but not thinking ahead I didn't commit the roads to memory. I know we rode to Mineola, ate at the East Texas Burger Company, we stayed in Tyler a few times so we could visit the Rose Garden, rode around some lakes and areas with lots trees, went to the Blue Bell creamery, a few old forts and lots of quaint little towns. We didn't go the same route each time so we did pass through Taylor on occasion.

[MikeyTX]

Ive never been to the Big Bend region Carla...why do you not recommend it?

Unless it's changed, gas can be an issue for some. Also, at certain times of the summer, the region can be extremely inhospitable to the unwary.

[MikeyTX]

Going to hook a brother up!

Omg ......... A pusher in our midst

[MikeyTX]

Boerne, TX ! Many excellent hotels and restaurants to choose from. It would make a great destination for a gtg, situated as it is to the Twisted Sisters, and a number of other great riding roads such as the Willow City Loop, Devil's Backbone, etc. Just mho. Just don't pick the same weekend as the big classic car meet. I made that mistake once several years ago.

[Gone2Three]

I rode Devil's Backbone a few months ago. It is still fun, but lots more traffic just like everyplace else. There are some drop offs and a cool road side park where you can see for miles. I didn't watch the video so you may have seen it.

Since you mentioned Taylor and riding east maybe you are familiar with some places that would be fun.

About twice a year, prior to the passing of my S/O, we rode to east Texas which was always fun. He lived in Mineola at one time so he knew all of the back roads but not thinking ahead I didn't commit the roads to memory. I know we rode to Mineola, ate at the East Texas Burger Company, we stayed in Tyler a few times so we could visit the Rose Garden, rode around some lakes and areas with lots trees, went to the Blue Bell creamery, a few old forts and lots of quaint little towns. We didn't go the same route each time so we did pass through Taylor on occasion.

Already working on it Lola having to put on backburner for now being back to work. Only 2 days now and it's been crazy.

[consitter]

Beaver nuggets are addictive. You'll see.

Holy crap were you ever right!!

[LadyonaMission]

Unless it's changed, gas can be an issue for some. Also, at certain times of the summer, the region can be extremely inhospitable to the unwary.

I have been to Big Bend several times in the early spring and in late fall, summer never and don't intend to punish myself by trying that. Each trip I had a wonderful time, enjoyed the ride, never had a gas issue or any problems but I did travel with a group and a plan.

Like Carla stated, the terrain is not for everyone but is an adventure for sure.

[MikeyTX]

This is true. Middle of summer would be a no no. A 6 gl tank mileage range should not be an issue in most cases for a solo rider. My concern would be for those riding two up. I got to Panther Jct one time and they were still waiting on their fuel truck delivery.

[Trail Blazer]

Randy, Darlene and I will always have a soft spot in our hart for Kerrville, that is were we made our first meet & greet with Trike Talk.
We love the area and never get tired of it. our last gathering was grate. I liked the fact we had 3 rides to chose from. ( grate ).
as for new locations, we are open to any place. I guess if the group wanted to have it in Down town Houston we would come. ( god I hope not houston ) Big Bend is different and has some good riding along the river,and other places. we like it but all folks don't ( my brother-in-law from south Carolina said it was not the end of the world but he could see it from there.)
so as usual what ever you come up with I will complain

[Big Juice]

Big Bend, I go there every year (40yrs) with just a 4 gal. tank and 30mpg, 100 mile gas ups (but that works for me as I have bad knees/hips so I need to get off and move every couple hours). But it is worth it to me, I am one of those weird people who love the total openness of this area, like it was in the beginning.........but not a good place for a rally (I crashed my bike in 2002, took 14hrs to get me to an trauma emergency room).
How about around the Corpus Christi/Padre Island area? There also is South Padre Island (a long drive but worth it).
Brenham, Tx area is beautiful, especially during the Bluebonnet time of the year (April/May)! Nice roads and good people in East Texas.
Caddo Lake area is kinda cool to see also.

[Papa Zook]

The purpose of this thread is to get input from everyone, so keep the feedback coming. Even if we don't choose an area that you mention, like Big Bend, for our main gathering, its good to have you all share your experiences with the board as many have never ridden some of the areas that you have. It might be that some will want to make a separate trip there with a smaller group, I know at some point I will definitely be making a trip out there.

The other consideration is that we really need to have a number of us involved in the planning and organization of our gatherings as there needs to be backup in case one or two persons cannot for whatever reason make it due to any number of things, like health or the health of a family member, work or business responsibilities, accident, illness, mechanical breakdown, etc.

Marge and I had a small accident on the way to Maggie Valley last year and were a day late getting there...Not to be outdone, Jr had two accidents.

[paws]

Meandering east and west on a swath anywhere between Fredericksburg and Goldthwaite is good riding...nothing as profound as the 3 Sisters but nice hills and dales and gentle curves on back country roads.

Mason is limited on motels but has a great community park and pavilion to gather. This was our all-time favorite place to go with the motor home, dogs and pulling the bikes on a trailer. It has an adjacent 9-hole golf course that we would plunk at, and ride the Nighthawk 250's everywhere.
Geez. Those bikes were fun...felt like toys compared to the Voyager VII's we had.

We used to belong to a Midland club in the 1980's who held its annual rally at Brady Lake in August...hotter than a son-of-gun....but the poker runs rode through neat little lanes around the area. Several motel and restaurant choices, then there was camping and a pavilion at the lake to gather.
Brady also has a community park in town called Richards Park, I think, that has room to gather and also has camping facilities.

Brady to Llano on Hwy 71 is a good run but can also be traffic-challenged.

...anyhoo, some more food for thought...

[MikeyTX]

Waffle House or Denny's .............

[thomastrike]

I rode Devil's Backbone a few months ago. It is still fun, but lots more traffic just like everyplace else. There are some drop offs and a cool road side park where you can see for miles. I didn't watch the video so you may have seen it.

Since you mentioned Taylor and riding east maybe you are familiar with some places that would be fun.

About twice a year, prior to the passing of my S/O, we rode to east Texas which was always fun. He lived in Mineola at one time so he knew all of the back roads but not thinking ahead I didn't commit the roads to memory. I know we rode to Mineola, ate at the East Texas Burger Company, we stayed in Tyler a few times so we could visit the Rose Garden, rode around some lakes and areas with lots trees, went to the Blue Bell creamery, a few old forts and lots of quaint little towns. We didn't go the same route each time so we did pass through Taylor on occasion.

Daughter lives in Temple, so we could ride east . You could stay with us in Longview too.

[thomastrike]

The purpose of this thread is to get input from everyone, so keep the feedback coming. Even if we don't choose an area that you mention, like Big Bend, for our main gathering, its good to have you all share your experiences with the board as many have never ridden some of the areas that you have. It might be that some will want to make a separate trip there with a smaller group, I know at some point I will definitely be making a trip out there.

The other consideration is that we really need to have a number of us involved in the planning and organization of our gatherings as there needs to be backup in case one or two persons cannot for whatever reason make it due to any number of things, like health or the health of a family member, work or business responsibilities, accident, illness, mechanical breakdown, etc.

Marge and I had a small accident on the way to Maggie Valley last year and were a day late getting there...Not to be outdone, Jr had two accidents.

Caddy lake area is pretty , as was already mentioned. Scenic areas and good roads , mostly, in northeast Texas and an hour away from Shreveport LA. Several good fish restaurants as well as BBQ, etc. Just a FYI.

[keepinon]

We could ride to Iraan, Tx and look for the underground city that's rumored to be in the area. The only other attraction there now is Alley Oop park and museum.

There used to be a rather large annual sportbike rally in the city, but I've not heard anything about it in a few years. Probably no longer sponsored because of the riding distances.

I love poking around the old small towns of west Texas, seeing the lost history.

[Gone2Three]

Here's yet another reason/excuse to visit the Fredericksburg-Blanco area enjoy!

http://texashillcountry.com/lavender...-hill-country/

[paws]

We could ride to Iraan, Tx

There used to be a rather large annual sportbike rally in the city, but I've not heard anything about it in a few years. Probably no longer sponsored because of the riding distancesI love poking around the old small towns of west Texas, seeing the lost history.

Spoke yesterday with one of the riders of that sport bike rally. He told me it just kind-of fell apart due to the guy who owned the BBQ joint and sponsored the event said the riders began to disrespect the park they were given free camping in with litter. The guy took pics of all the trash barrels he set around and they barely had anything in them while other pics showed trash was all over the park. Sad... people can't even put trash in the can...just walk off and leave it and let someone else clean up after them...