It was too hot for me, we headed down to Galveston for an anniversary weekend on Friday. I/We will have to make a near one when it gets cooler.
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Pie Run VI: Bluebonnet Cafe 6/27
- Thread starter kurt
- Start date
jsb223
0
The would be my first Pie Run with a overnighter at Inks Lake in Friday thrown to break up the heat...
Arrival at Park Headquarters...
Sleeping arrangements...note the absence of a/c
Beemer talk...
Getting ready to cook...
This was about half the bikes...there were sleeping...i guess the flash woke them up...
At a small park along the shores of Lake LBJ...before pie...
Met some fellow ZRX riders in the lot...
Had a terrific lunch with 3 ZRX riders, a Gold Wing rider from Joshua, and a Gold Wing couple from the DFW area...all great people...
After pie I got proof I was there...
Home was a winding and hot 165 miles down 1431 over to Leander, through Salado, Belton, Moody, and back home...
The trip was over and I was cooked to say the least...
Looks like something followed me home...
Thanks to everyone at Inks Lake and to Nutt for a great Pie Run idea...
Arrival at Park Headquarters...
Sleeping arrangements...note the absence of a/c
Beemer talk...
Getting ready to cook...
This was about half the bikes...there were sleeping...i guess the flash woke them up...
At a small park along the shores of Lake LBJ...before pie...
Met some fellow ZRX riders in the lot...
Had a terrific lunch with 3 ZRX riders, a Gold Wing rider from Joshua, and a Gold Wing couple from the DFW area...all great people...
After pie I got proof I was there...
Home was a winding and hot 165 miles down 1431 over to Leander, through Salado, Belton, Moody, and back home...
The trip was over and I was cooked to say the least...
Looks like something followed me home...
Thanks to everyone at Inks Lake and to Nutt for a great Pie Run idea...
Was running late and missed the meet up with fellow San Antonio / ACMR guys (Neal and Don) so I bombed up 281 solo with a 10 mile diversion out 1320/1323 to explore the curves. After turning around on 1323, I was headed back to 281 and was passed by a guy in full leathers hauling the mail on what I think was an Aprilia. I thought, ever so BRIEFLY, about giving chase but I don't think my little SV would've enjoyed the abuse in the heat.
Also experienced the watermelon truck/fire/oil slick mess on the outskirts of MF. Traffic guys were VERY good about making sure I was aware of the conditions. Stayed in the tire tracks and had no trouble.
Shared a table with 3 of the Houston riders that camped at Inks lake, an Austin rider and another SA rider. Good pie. We didn't linger too long so others could claim the table. Said "hello" to Neal and Don on the way out and headed for home. Stopped for water in Johnson City and talked to a couple riders returning from a bar-b-q excursion in Llano. Ended up with about 250 miles for the day.
Thanks for all your work, Chuck! See ya at the next one.....
Also experienced the watermelon truck/fire/oil slick mess on the outskirts of MF. Traffic guys were VERY good about making sure I was aware of the conditions. Stayed in the tire tracks and had no trouble.
Shared a table with 3 of the Houston riders that camped at Inks lake, an Austin rider and another SA rider. Good pie. We didn't linger too long so others could claim the table. Said "hello" to Neal and Don on the way out and headed for home. Stopped for water in Johnson City and talked to a couple riders returning from a bar-b-q excursion in Llano. Ended up with about 250 miles for the day.
Thanks for all your work, Chuck! See ya at the next one.....
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Yes, the audacity of Bob to get a new account!
Now to evoke the cyber-sleuthing S/W to find out where he is & organize a rescue attempt.
Best I can tell he has 3 accounts. One Squeaky created in 2007 last time he escaped, yours and the one that ***** just created today.
Gilk51
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Ban him for spamming the board!
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Rusty, old, buddy, friend, we need to talk...
I didn't validate the account! I'm just saying I see three of them out there now.
My first pie run. Will not be my last. Had a good time and met some great people. Had pie with a man from Waco, a Kawasaki crew and a nice couple on red goldwing from Forney. I left there and went to Blanco to set up camp and have a shower. I then went to Luckenbach and stayed unitil they closed. Had a big dance floor with a good band and I enjoyed both. Went back to camp and my "neighbors" were having a sing along. Stayed up till 3 a.m. and loved every minute. They had a lady with them that sang like Patsy Cline. Beautiful voice I am here to tell you. Mister sun woke me around 7 ish and it was off to find breakfast. I went to Fredericksburg and ate at the Hotel Hanger the couple on the goldwing told me about then headed out for the 200 mile ride home. Drank water by the bucket and tried to think cool thoughts. I can not remember the goldwing riders name from Forney. It has the word "Kajin" in it. If anyone knows the full name please let me know. I hope everyone made it home safely. Thanks to all for a pleasant experince.
9511234
0
Well... here's my ride story.
I left Lubbock about 6:00 pm on Friday night and headed to Abilene, with my better half in tow... sorry she wasn't there Chuck. We stayed the night in Abilene and then I woke up early on Friday and was on the road at 6:00a.m.
I got into town and met an individual that bought my XD-40 SC... now I can do some more mods to the bike. After that I headed over to the Bluebonnet Cafe. I had some iced tea and waited for the group to show up.
It was nice talking with everyone when they finally got there. I never saw the parking lot as full of bikes as with all the pictures on the forum, because I got there before most and left after most.
After a burger and some applie pie I headed to Fort Worth (somewhere) and met up with Heather again and her Aunt. We went to the Red Bull X Fighters deal and watched people do some crazy things on motorcycles and come in really fast on parachutes. It was some good fun. The next day, or yesterday, I was going to leave really early to avoid the heat.
I decided to stay and met up withe Heather's Aunt and her family and we all went to the Zoo. I haven't been there in about 10 years. We left there about 5 pm, headed towards Jacksboro, Seymour, Dickens, then Lubbock... got home just after 10 pm. It was hot the first hour, but I did get a Camelbak deal and that worked fairly well. I thought I was going to get rained on, but only got a couple drops the whole ride home.
Just another 800+ miles on the bike and nice pre-cursor to the ride to MN I have planned in August.
I left Lubbock about 6:00 pm on Friday night and headed to Abilene, with my better half in tow... sorry she wasn't there Chuck. We stayed the night in Abilene and then I woke up early on Friday and was on the road at 6:00a.m.
I got into town and met an individual that bought my XD-40 SC... now I can do some more mods to the bike. After that I headed over to the Bluebonnet Cafe. I had some iced tea and waited for the group to show up.
It was nice talking with everyone when they finally got there. I never saw the parking lot as full of bikes as with all the pictures on the forum, because I got there before most and left after most.
After a burger and some applie pie I headed to Fort Worth (somewhere) and met up with Heather again and her Aunt. We went to the Red Bull X Fighters deal and watched people do some crazy things on motorcycles and come in really fast on parachutes. It was some good fun. The next day, or yesterday, I was going to leave really early to avoid the heat.
I decided to stay and met up withe Heather's Aunt and her family and we all went to the Zoo. I haven't been there in about 10 years. We left there about 5 pm, headed towards Jacksboro, Seymour, Dickens, then Lubbock... got home just after 10 pm. It was hot the first hour, but I did get a Camelbak deal and that worked fairly well. I thought I was going to get rained on, but only got a couple drops the whole ride home.
Just another 800+ miles on the bike and nice pre-cursor to the ride to MN I have planned in August.
9511234
0
Re: Pie and Springs
I understand your frustrations of the whole company car deal. I was in the same situation for a little while until there was a change in management and now I ride my bike back and forth more frequently.
I would ride to and from work sometimes, obviously never needed a car for an emergency, but no one really understood why... lol.
Where would one find a trailer like that. Slap me on the wrist, but it would make my parents feel better if I towed my bike up to MN, rather than rode it... and I wouldn't have to call a tow truck if I ever had a break down around town.
I am probably the only person in my department who laments such a situation but I do. Don't get me wrong, I love my department and I am grateful and all but I love riding motorcycles even more and I almost never get to ride since I took this on-call, take home car gig about 15 months ago.
I understand your frustrations of the whole company car deal. I was in the same situation for a little while until there was a change in management and now I ride my bike back and forth more frequently.
I would ride to and from work sometimes, obviously never needed a car for an emergency, but no one really understood why... lol.
Where would one find a trailer like that. Slap me on the wrist, but it would make my parents feel better if I towed my bike up to MN, rather than rode it... and I wouldn't have to call a tow truck if I ever had a break down around town.
Gilk51
2
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kirbykajin_Sr
I believe his name is Lawson and her name is Sherry. (all my notes are at home)
They have a son who also rides with his wife. Met both couples at The Shed in the past.
.......Chuck (temporarily in Aberdeen, MD)
Gilk51
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Re: Pie and Springs
Well, I found mine here on TWT from Kurt. It's a Kendon Single Trailer I love mine. It tucks away against the wall in my garage. I can roll it into and out of the garage easily by myself. I've rescued friends with it, picked up wet, cold friends stranded out of town and towed my DR650 to Colorado behind my wife's Passat TDI. They have them at a pretty good discount at Barnett Harley in El Paso but I'm sure other folks sell them cheaper than MSRP.
Well, I found mine here on TWT from Kurt. It's a Kendon Single Trailer I love mine. It tucks away against the wall in my garage. I can roll it into and out of the garage easily by myself. I've rescued friends with it, picked up wet, cold friends stranded out of town and towed my DR650 to Colorado behind my wife's Passat TDI. They have them at a pretty good discount at Barnett Harley in El Paso but I'm sure other folks sell them cheaper than MSRP.
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Well, as everyone has already pointed out, it was hot!!! Not too bad on the ride down but after lunch.......... Whew!!!
Left the house at 6:00a and picked up Rich (simmons1) at the Boston's parking lot at I-35W and Western Center Blvd. We looped around Fort Worth on 820 to 377 and down to Granbury. While taking a hydration break, Paul ($hooter) wheeled up and asked if we were headed to Marble Falls. We couldn't lie. Paul headed out and we fell in behind really looking forward to 51 and the only "fun road" on our route. The farther we progressed we began to spy a pack of "other riders" ahead.
Now I don't want to take anything away from Paul, but when a Goldwing climbs up your tailpipe in the twisties, you're not pushin' it very hard..................
At the "end" of 51 the other riders broke left toward 67. We rolled right to hit 67 above the hill just before Chalk Mountain. Paul slowly but surely pulled away and the last sighting was in Hico. Rich and I were so focused on traffic that we completely missed Chuck's party hollering and screaming at the fuel stop opposite the Koffee Kup.
I pulled over in Hamilton for a rest stop just in case Rich needed a break.
Who knew??? Rich can ride as long as I can.................
We headed out again and rolled into Marble Falls right at 10:00a.
There was already a line at the door so we decided to head in for nourishment. CaroleAnn joined us as she had been wandering the lot looking for companionship...................
I guess I am really falling down on the job. I didn't even take my camera in for shots of the food.
We headed back out to the lot and low and behold, the bike I had recently been drooling over at Eurosport Cycles in Fort Worth.......
Who would have guessed that Kurt had a new bike?????
Rich pointed out the way to Chuck's nametag station.........
After wandering the parking lot and dreaming of a 200 bike stable, I ran back up to Walmart for fuel then back tracked to try a "back way" to my Daughter's place on 290, east of Fredericksburg.
Now if I was a diehard ride reporter, I would have circled back and posed the bike with the sign that said "Pavement Ends"............
I was rolling down 3347 really enjoying the curves and views when this is what I found..........
and
and
then
Soon, (not soon enough) I found pavement again...........
I finally hit 290 at Vogel's fruit market and headed west a few miles to my Daughter's home. I stopped in for a hydration/comfort break and headed on into Fredericksburg. They were spending the day taking care of a few projects at their family business. I spent the remainder of the day playing with Grandchildren.......
That evening after showering, we ran out to Alamo Springs Cafe. Location Seems they had heard good things about it as well. The food is incredible and the live music was pretty good as well.
I had planned to head out early Sunday morning but the Grandkids wanted me to go to Church with them. How could I refuse???
Big mistake. St. Mary's Catholic Church is pretty old and marginally air-conditioned. It was cooler outside than inside the Church building. After the Services we headed back over to the "Family Business" to finish up the projects. I decided to wait until 3:00p to head back.
It was a good plan. Soaked a T-shirt in water and pulled it on over my Underarmor. It actually made the heat very bearable. That soaking lasted to Marble Falls. Stopped to drink a 20oz Gatorade and pour another bottle of water on the shirt. Made it to Hamilton to refuel. Drank a 20oz Gatorade and poured another bottle of water on the shirt. North of Hico on 220 near 67 it began to rain.
Turned off on 51 and covered my tankbag. The rain was great while it lasted. By Granbury, the oven was cooking again. On the north side of Granbury, I stopped one last time for another 20oz Gatorade and water on the shirt. Got home at 7:30 and really felt pretty good.
I think the secret is to drink before you get thirsty. Once you are thirsty in this heat, it is too late to catch up..............
Had a Great Time!!!
Left the house at 6:00a and picked up Rich (simmons1) at the Boston's parking lot at I-35W and Western Center Blvd. We looped around Fort Worth on 820 to 377 and down to Granbury. While taking a hydration break, Paul ($hooter) wheeled up and asked if we were headed to Marble Falls. We couldn't lie. Paul headed out and we fell in behind really looking forward to 51 and the only "fun road" on our route. The farther we progressed we began to spy a pack of "other riders" ahead.
Now I don't want to take anything away from Paul, but when a Goldwing climbs up your tailpipe in the twisties, you're not pushin' it very hard..................
At the "end" of 51 the other riders broke left toward 67. We rolled right to hit 67 above the hill just before Chalk Mountain. Paul slowly but surely pulled away and the last sighting was in Hico. Rich and I were so focused on traffic that we completely missed Chuck's party hollering and screaming at the fuel stop opposite the Koffee Kup.
I pulled over in Hamilton for a rest stop just in case Rich needed a break.
Who knew??? Rich can ride as long as I can.................
We headed out again and rolled into Marble Falls right at 10:00a.
There was already a line at the door so we decided to head in for nourishment. CaroleAnn joined us as she had been wandering the lot looking for companionship...................
I guess I am really falling down on the job. I didn't even take my camera in for shots of the food.
We headed back out to the lot and low and behold, the bike I had recently been drooling over at Eurosport Cycles in Fort Worth.......
Who would have guessed that Kurt had a new bike?????
Rich pointed out the way to Chuck's nametag station.........
After wandering the parking lot and dreaming of a 200 bike stable, I ran back up to Walmart for fuel then back tracked to try a "back way" to my Daughter's place on 290, east of Fredericksburg.
Now if I was a diehard ride reporter, I would have circled back and posed the bike with the sign that said "Pavement Ends"............
I was rolling down 3347 really enjoying the curves and views when this is what I found..........
and
and
then
Soon, (not soon enough) I found pavement again...........
I finally hit 290 at Vogel's fruit market and headed west a few miles to my Daughter's home. I stopped in for a hydration/comfort break and headed on into Fredericksburg. They were spending the day taking care of a few projects at their family business. I spent the remainder of the day playing with Grandchildren.......
That evening after showering, we ran out to Alamo Springs Cafe. Location Seems they had heard good things about it as well. The food is incredible and the live music was pretty good as well.
I had planned to head out early Sunday morning but the Grandkids wanted me to go to Church with them. How could I refuse???
Big mistake. St. Mary's Catholic Church is pretty old and marginally air-conditioned. It was cooler outside than inside the Church building. After the Services we headed back over to the "Family Business" to finish up the projects. I decided to wait until 3:00p to head back.
It was a good plan. Soaked a T-shirt in water and pulled it on over my Underarmor. It actually made the heat very bearable. That soaking lasted to Marble Falls. Stopped to drink a 20oz Gatorade and pour another bottle of water on the shirt. Made it to Hamilton to refuel. Drank a 20oz Gatorade and poured another bottle of water on the shirt. North of Hico on 220 near 67 it began to rain.
Turned off on 51 and covered my tankbag. The rain was great while it lasted. By Granbury, the oven was cooking again. On the north side of Granbury, I stopped one last time for another 20oz Gatorade and water on the shirt. Got home at 7:30 and really felt pretty good.
I think the secret is to drink before you get thirsty. Once you are thirsty in this heat, it is too late to catch up..............
Had a Great Time!!!
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We are Lawson and Sherry Kirby, son and daughter in law are Richard and Jennifer.
Sorry we missed you over by the Hangar Hotel. We had a great evening there. Even took in a fabulous show at the Rockbox in Fredericksburg.
Gilk51
2
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Just a week late but my perspective... 
Susan (tortuga), Bob (Pie Run mascot), and I started out from the abandoned Minyards parking lot about 6:30 AM. I had gotten a call from Slowpoke that said she was running late and would be heading down US67 and would hope to meet us after Keene and before Glen Rose.
We headed down US287 for Mansfield. About a mile from our exit, I noticed another rider coming up from behind. As I got ready to pull in the exit lane, he pulled up alonside and yelled something at me. I didn't recognize him but waved that we were going to exit and he followed us.
Now is the time you want some of our LEOs riding with us (Janet, STScott, sharkey, etc.) but we were alone, so I did the next best thing and pulled into the Law Enforcement Center parking lot.
Well, it was nothing to worry about - it was Rendon Tech Day Mike (mbrew) on his old Yamaha. He hadn't said he was coming on the Pie Run, so he explained that he would get out for a ride, and, if he saw us, he would join up.
I was looking for Steve (Beemer Steve) and Wendy (wendy and steve) in this strip of road but didn't see them. So, the three of us took off on FM917 toward Cleburne.
No sign of Slowpoke waiting for us on the way to Glen Rose - there aren't many good places to stop and wait. Didn't see her in Glen Rose either, so we pressed on to Hico where we had a planned stop anyway.
Riding down SH220, we passed a V-Strom rider headed the other direction. I made a mental note since StromTrooper has a sighting thread and I thought this would be a good contact. We stopped at the Exxon station across from the Koffee Kup and gassed up.
I called Slowpoke and she was stopped in Glen Rose, waiting for us. She said she would head to Hico right away. Just after that, James (one Wolf) rolled into the station - he was the bike we saw on 220 and had turned around to catch up with us. He was from Mineral Wells and decided to ride down and ride with us for a bit but had to be back home before lunch.
We pulled the bikes over into the shade by the building to wait on Slowpoke and get stuff to drink. It had been a very pleasant ride up to that point - cool air with nice cold spots where creek beds crossed the roads. Now we watched as two sport touring riders passed by, turning from SH6 onto US281. Nary a glance in our direction, they just pointed their noses in the air and ignored us.
Turns out that was Denton Don (donroger1) and Rich (Simmons1). Apparently Paul ($hooter) was ahead of them but we didn't see them. The three of them arrived about an hour early at the Bluebonnet Cafe.
Meanwhile, I got a shot of Mike and his mosheen:
Then Steve and Wendy roared in on their Whee-Strom. They said that they had passed Slowpoke and she was a short ways behind them.
And she was:
After a bit, we were underway again and headed down US281. It was still pleasant while moving but we stopped for gas and water in Lampasas and it was hot waiting in the sun. However, we were still on schedule and rolled into the BBC parking lot about 10:35 or so.
There was a nice line of bikes but no places for 5 bikes, so we rolled to the back of the lot and started our own group. It didn't take long and we were joined by a mix of other bikes and three Rexers!
I enjoy meeting all of the riders and passing out nametags, even if I forget the names 10 seconds afterwards.
The nametags are a good crutch though, and it helps my feeble memory. My wife and group riders went on in - they know better than to wait on me. I eventually went in prior to boiling over and ate with David (FJR Bandit) and Joel who is not registered but promised to do so. Saw quite a few folks but still missed some. Finally got to talk with Kurt (kurt) and Jeff (jhansen) near the end and out in the parking lot.
Considering the normal busy day, I think that the BB staff did a great job taking care of our group. There were a couple of glitches but they were taken care of quickly as far as I know. They get a
from me.
Afterwards, I walked out with Jeff and found that my group had moved the bikes under the shade of a big tree (good plan!) and were visiting with other riders. Mike had already left to do stuff he should have been doing when he decided to ride down with us.
It was good talking with everyone and there would have been more parking lot interaction except for the heat. I even missed seeing Kurt's new Guzzi!
There were 4 bikes on the return - Steve and Wensy, Slowpoke, Susan, and me. The route was to pick up 580 in Lampasas and enjoy some (hopefully cooler) FM roads thru Gatesville, Valley Mills, and Whitney on the way home.
About halfway between Lampasas and Gatesville, I was enjoying 580 and looked in the mirror and gulped when I didn't see anyone. I quick U-turn and Susan came puttering over the hill. I encountered Slowpoke a bit farther and took off to look for Steve and Wendy. I spotted Wendy's bright orange jacket a couple of miles down. Her face was very flushed and she was suffering from the heat. Yes, it was quite hot, my stick-on thermometer was reading 105 and Susan's bike reading had been as high as 110 or more.
We got her cooled enough to ride and stopped again in Gatesville for an extended cool-down time in their A/C. She finally felt well enough to go on. We took 215 and 217 to Valley Mills and then 56 to Laguna Park. Wendy apparently was feeling bad again so they stopped and motioned us to go on. They were planning to stop in Whitney with family and it was only 10 more miles down SH22.
The three of us stopped in Whitney for gas and water - it was still sweltering. Then we pushed on for home. Slowpoke kept going on US67 when we turned off for Keene on 2280.
Too bad the afternoon ride wasn't like the morning one. But still a fun day for a ride and to eat some pie!
Our routes - 390 miles total - to (western side) and from were only about 1 mile different in difference:
Susan (tortuga), Bob (Pie Run mascot), and I started out from the abandoned Minyards parking lot about 6:30 AM. I had gotten a call from Slowpoke that said she was running late and would be heading down US67 and would hope to meet us after Keene and before Glen Rose.
We headed down US287 for Mansfield. About a mile from our exit, I noticed another rider coming up from behind. As I got ready to pull in the exit lane, he pulled up alonside and yelled something at me. I didn't recognize him but waved that we were going to exit and he followed us.
Now is the time you want some of our LEOs riding with us (Janet, STScott, sharkey, etc.) but we were alone, so I did the next best thing and pulled into the Law Enforcement Center parking lot.
Well, it was nothing to worry about - it was Rendon Tech Day Mike (mbrew) on his old Yamaha. He hadn't said he was coming on the Pie Run, so he explained that he would get out for a ride, and, if he saw us, he would join up.
I was looking for Steve (Beemer Steve) and Wendy (wendy and steve) in this strip of road but didn't see them. So, the three of us took off on FM917 toward Cleburne.
No sign of Slowpoke waiting for us on the way to Glen Rose - there aren't many good places to stop and wait. Didn't see her in Glen Rose either, so we pressed on to Hico where we had a planned stop anyway.
Riding down SH220, we passed a V-Strom rider headed the other direction. I made a mental note since StromTrooper has a sighting thread and I thought this would be a good contact. We stopped at the Exxon station across from the Koffee Kup and gassed up.
I called Slowpoke and she was stopped in Glen Rose, waiting for us. She said she would head to Hico right away. Just after that, James (one Wolf) rolled into the station - he was the bike we saw on 220 and had turned around to catch up with us. He was from Mineral Wells and decided to ride down and ride with us for a bit but had to be back home before lunch.
We pulled the bikes over into the shade by the building to wait on Slowpoke and get stuff to drink. It had been a very pleasant ride up to that point - cool air with nice cold spots where creek beds crossed the roads. Now we watched as two sport touring riders passed by, turning from SH6 onto US281. Nary a glance in our direction, they just pointed their noses in the air and ignored us.
Turns out that was Denton Don (donroger1) and Rich (Simmons1). Apparently Paul ($hooter) was ahead of them but we didn't see them. The three of them arrived about an hour early at the Bluebonnet Cafe.
Meanwhile, I got a shot of Mike and his mosheen:
Then Steve and Wendy roared in on their Whee-Strom. They said that they had passed Slowpoke and she was a short ways behind them.
And she was:
After a bit, we were underway again and headed down US281. It was still pleasant while moving but we stopped for gas and water in Lampasas and it was hot waiting in the sun. However, we were still on schedule and rolled into the BBC parking lot about 10:35 or so.
There was a nice line of bikes but no places for 5 bikes, so we rolled to the back of the lot and started our own group. It didn't take long and we were joined by a mix of other bikes and
three Rexers!I enjoy meeting all of the riders and passing out nametags, even if I forget the names 10 seconds afterwards.
The nametags are a good crutch though, and it helps my feeble memory. My wife and group riders went on in - they know better than to wait on me. I eventually went in prior to boiling over and ate with David (FJR Bandit) and Joel who is not registered but promised to do so. Saw quite a few folks but still missed some. Finally got to talk with Kurt (kurt) and Jeff (jhansen) near the end and out in the parking lot.Considering the normal busy day, I think that the BB staff did a great job taking care of our group. There were a couple of glitches but they were taken care of quickly as far as I know. They get a
from me.Afterwards, I walked out with Jeff and found that my group had moved the bikes under the shade of a big tree (good plan!) and were visiting with other riders. Mike had already left to do stuff he should have been doing when he decided to ride down with us.
It was good talking with everyone and there would have been more parking lot interaction except for the heat. I even missed seeing Kurt's new Guzzi!
There were 4 bikes on the return - Steve and Wensy, Slowpoke, Susan, and me. The route was to pick up 580 in Lampasas and enjoy some (hopefully cooler) FM roads thru Gatesville, Valley Mills, and Whitney on the way home.
About halfway between Lampasas and Gatesville, I was enjoying 580 and looked in the mirror and gulped when I didn't see anyone. I quick U-turn and Susan came puttering over the hill. I encountered Slowpoke a bit farther and took off to look for Steve and Wendy. I spotted Wendy's bright orange jacket a couple of miles down. Her face was very flushed and she was suffering from the heat. Yes, it was quite hot, my stick-on thermometer was reading 105 and Susan's bike reading had been as high as 110 or more.
We got her cooled enough to ride and stopped again in Gatesville for an extended cool-down time in their A/C. She finally felt well enough to go on. We took 215 and 217 to Valley Mills and then 56 to Laguna Park. Wendy apparently was feeling bad again so they stopped and motioned us to go on. They were planning to stop in Whitney with family and it was only 10 more miles down SH22.
The three of us stopped in Whitney for gas and water - it was still sweltering. Then we pushed on for home. Slowpoke kept going on US67 when we turned off for Keene on 2280.
Too bad the afternoon ride wasn't like the morning one. But still a fun day for a ride and to eat some pie!
Our routes - 390 miles total - to (western side) and from were only about 1 mile different in difference:
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