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Xdriver
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I was contemplating doing a write up on this little ride of mine, and thought.... “Who is really going to be interested in my little ride?” No one quite possibly, but then realized that I read just about every ride report I can get my eyes on. When I'm somewhere or have something going on that keeps me from riding, I live vicariously behind the handle bars through these reports. From the epic to the mundane, I enjoy them all. So, here is my mostly mundane report of a ride I did this past Saturday with my German mistress.
I had posted this ride up earlier in the week looking for others to join, but due to a few different variables(one of which was a misread post by me), it worked out that I was on my own. I always enjoy riding on my own, and 95% of the time that's the what I do. This ride however, seemed to have an especially solitary note to it. From the empty restaurant I had breakfast at to the empty roads, and lonely structures I passed along the way.
I got all suited up and thew a leg over the bike about 7:15. Already the humidity was well into the uncomfortable zone, which was apparent by my fogged sunglasses. From the mid-cities, I ran down 287 to Mansfield and then onto 917 into Godley. I always enjoy 917. Sometimes, as was the case on this day, you can hit it at the perfect time and avoid all the traffic as I did. Then, it's really a great road.
I rolled into Godley and picked the first breakfast burrito place I could find. I had planned tentatively to meet up with some Spyder riders in Godley, but I read the post wrong and ended up at this place.
It was empty, and not where I was supposed to be, but the service, and food/coffee were great. I sat at my table for one and watched a little world cup while I enjoyed my coffee and chorizo breakfast burrito. At about 9:00 I was back on the bike and headed south. Came across a guy and his wife just outside of Godley standing by there cruiser parked on the side of road. Offered some help as it was apparent the bike had troubles. The guy said he'd overfilled the oil, and was good, so I pressed on. I rolled down park road 21 and towards Brazos Point. I crossed the river and that water below looked really inviting.
After a short run down 56 I turned south onto CR2700. As soon I was on the county road, I came across my first deer for the day. They were running in front of me and eventually jumped a fence to my left and took off. Next I came across some pretty large buffalo. I guess that's redundant as they're all large. Anyway, this guy was looking at me as I stopped to make a digital memory.
I had tall fencing on both sides of me along the road, and he was probably feeling bad for me being all fenced in.
I continued south into Walnut Springs, and then 917 down to Iredell. Each time I pass though this little town, I wonder what it once was. It appears that it was mostly agriculture and railroad at one time, but the population has dwindled over the years and left it looking deserted. It's sad really. These old buildings have a lot of character.
Guess I wont be getting gas here anytime soon. Another example a deserted business in this little town.
Now I was headed to Cranfills Gap. I followed a series of county roads beginning at my exit from Iredell. Most of these roads were paved much to my dismay. Paved county roads are usually more uncomfortable to ride on than the unpaved dirt roads. I was shooting for a second attempt to meet up with the Spyder group in Cranfills at 11:30. I was a bit early, so I followed the signs to St. Olaf Kirke, or the Rock Church. This Lutheran church, built in 1886 sat alone off the road with only a cemetery near by. It's been kept in great shape over the years. I really like seeing old structures like this maintained so well.
A close up of the steeple
Original wood floors
All good GS's attend church
Now, onto the Horny Toad, and my last attempt at meeting up with the Spyder riders. I was early and so there was plenty of parking to be had out front. Somehow, I still managed to miss seeing the Spyders parked at the end of a row of bikes.
I went in and ordered up a burger and onion rings. The food was as good as advertised. I'd definitely go back again. Maybe on a weekday though to avoid to avoid the crowds. It looked like it was really getting busy as I left to start back north.
So, there you have it... A ride report of a mundane solitary Saturday spent with my German mistress.
I had posted this ride up earlier in the week looking for others to join, but due to a few different variables(one of which was a misread post by me), it worked out that I was on my own. I always enjoy riding on my own, and 95% of the time that's the what I do. This ride however, seemed to have an especially solitary note to it. From the empty restaurant I had breakfast at to the empty roads, and lonely structures I passed along the way.
I got all suited up and thew a leg over the bike about 7:15. Already the humidity was well into the uncomfortable zone, which was apparent by my fogged sunglasses. From the mid-cities, I ran down 287 to Mansfield and then onto 917 into Godley. I always enjoy 917. Sometimes, as was the case on this day, you can hit it at the perfect time and avoid all the traffic as I did. Then, it's really a great road.
I rolled into Godley and picked the first breakfast burrito place I could find. I had planned tentatively to meet up with some Spyder riders in Godley, but I read the post wrong and ended up at this place.
It was empty, and not where I was supposed to be, but the service, and food/coffee were great. I sat at my table for one and watched a little world cup while I enjoyed my coffee and chorizo breakfast burrito. At about 9:00 I was back on the bike and headed south. Came across a guy and his wife just outside of Godley standing by there cruiser parked on the side of road. Offered some help as it was apparent the bike had troubles. The guy said he'd overfilled the oil, and was good, so I pressed on. I rolled down park road 21 and towards Brazos Point. I crossed the river and that water below looked really inviting.
After a short run down 56 I turned south onto CR2700. As soon I was on the county road, I came across my first deer for the day. They were running in front of me and eventually jumped a fence to my left and took off. Next I came across some pretty large buffalo. I guess that's redundant as they're all large. Anyway, this guy was looking at me as I stopped to make a digital memory.
I had tall fencing on both sides of me along the road, and he was probably feeling bad for me being all fenced in.
I continued south into Walnut Springs, and then 917 down to Iredell. Each time I pass though this little town, I wonder what it once was. It appears that it was mostly agriculture and railroad at one time, but the population has dwindled over the years and left it looking deserted. It's sad really. These old buildings have a lot of character.
Guess I wont be getting gas here anytime soon. Another example a deserted business in this little town.
Now I was headed to Cranfills Gap. I followed a series of county roads beginning at my exit from Iredell. Most of these roads were paved much to my dismay. Paved county roads are usually more uncomfortable to ride on than the unpaved dirt roads. I was shooting for a second attempt to meet up with the Spyder group in Cranfills at 11:30. I was a bit early, so I followed the signs to St. Olaf Kirke, or the Rock Church. This Lutheran church, built in 1886 sat alone off the road with only a cemetery near by. It's been kept in great shape over the years. I really like seeing old structures like this maintained so well.
A close up of the steeple
Original wood floors
All good GS's attend church
Now, onto the Horny Toad, and my last attempt at meeting up with the Spyder riders. I was early and so there was plenty of parking to be had out front. Somehow, I still managed to miss seeing the Spyders parked at the end of a row of bikes.
I went in and ordered up a burger and onion rings. The food was as good as advertised. I'd definitely go back again. Maybe on a weekday though to avoid to avoid the crowds. It looked like it was really getting busy as I left to start back north.
So, there you have it... A ride report of a mundane solitary Saturday spent with my German mistress.
I may be inspired to post up my weekend ride too.
