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Spring 2005 Hill Country Tour |
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The TripA total of 8 bikes carrying 13 people signed up for the trip this year. Seven of the eight bikes left Sherman from the designated point of departure nearly on schedule Friday with only a small ‘glitch’ over a ‘missing’ cat. A slight modification of the route to drop a key off at Mac’s home solved the problem. (Mac later informed us by cell phone that the cat was indeed not in the house and all was well.)
The weather was overcast and a slight mist that was destroying the otherwise perfect cleanliness of all the departing bikes. Back on route on Highway 901 we wound our way across the dam at Lake Ray Roberts, through ‘millionaire’s ranch country’ and on to our first scheduled stop – the Denton Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Terry and Cindy were waiting for us there. After a rather leisurely breakfast all eight bikes ‘headed for the hills’, so to speak.
For the record, we were [in no particular order for the most part]:
The temperature was a chilly 59 degrees but steadily climbed as the trip progressed to a maximum of around 90 degrees just before we got to Cooper’s BBQ in Llano. – some 300 miles from our point of departure point at the Shell station at the intersection of US 75 and FM 1417 in Sherman.
We originally planned to be at Cooper’s BBQ around 4:00 PM and meet Wiley & Deb and Danny & Melba for a combined BBQ dinner. We actually arrived around 3:00 PM, and not being able to stave off 13 hungry people after they had gotten the ‘scent’ we headed for the pits. BBQ, that is. It turned out that the other two bikes, who had left Thursday, were also off their schedule, running about an hour late. We had to give up the planned rendezvous and look forward to hooking up on a future trip.
Needles to say, Cooper’s BBQ was great. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the treat. Of course, if there was one or more in the group who did not enjoy it, I was not aware of it – being elbow deep in BBQ myself.
From there we went on to the Best Western in Kerrville. We did not do any loops or excursions that day – except for a short run to the local HEB to pick up some supplies for the evening’s festivities. We sat around snacking and telling stories for the most part.
Later on that same evening, while all of us – or most of us – were safely bedded down for the night, the skies opened up and gave us a taste of a good Hill Country downpour, complete with hail. Fortunately the hail was small and rather soft and no noticeable damage was sustained by any of the bikes. The southerly-pushing cold front we rode out of on the way down had caught back up with us during the night. Conditions in Kerrville were different than in Sherman, which resulted in the heavy rain and hail we encountered. The 90 degrees we had seen on the way down was not to be realized again on this trip. In fact, as we would learn later, the temperature would never rise above 80 for the rest of the trip.
The next morning presented us with a dilemma. As the planned departure time approached, it was still drizzling and the temperatures were in the chilly 50’s. Very chilly. One suggestion was to rent a van and drive to San Antonio and explore the River Walk. Looking at the drizzle and the cold temperatures, that idea sounded pretty good. Weather or not, Terry was planning to ‘ride’ – so we took another look at the forecast. It appeared that we were in the very tail end of the storms. So we waited – opting to leave later than scheduled – banking on the idea that the weather man can indeed be correct sometimes.
The wait was worth it. We rolled out of Kerrville in chilly, overcast conditions. But things rapidly improved. As the temperature got higher and the sky got bluer, we all knew we had made the right decision. As the day progressed, we came to realize that the decision was even more excellent than most could have foreseen.
To sum it up in a word – it was fantastic. We rode the ‘Three-thirties’ loop – 335, 336 and 337. And many have tee shirts to prove it. It was one of the most outstanding Texas rides I have ever taken - if not THE most. The roads were fantastic and the weather was excellent. We enjoyed balmy 70 degree weather with curvy, twisty, roller-coaster like roads winding through the very heart of the Hill Country. In short, it was an exhilarating experience for seasoned riders and newcomers, alike. The weather could not have been better. The scenery and roads were the best there are.
Flowers
The flowers were beautiful. The Blue Bonnets were somewhat past in most areas, there were nonetheless many examples along the way. Because of the later time this year, this is to be expected. This also gave a different ‘look’ as we noted a lot of Primrose (the white and pink variety often referred to as ‘Butter Cups’), Indian Blanket (Fire Wheel / Gaillardia) blooming along with the many Indian Paintbrush. In fact, this is one of the best years for the Paintbrush in recent times. Some areas had displays of all these flowers blooming at the same time and it was stunning.
The Loop
On Day 2, we followed 16 south out of Kerrville, then headed west on 27 to 39. We followed 39 as is repeatedly alternated from west to south all the way to US 83. The last time we had taken US 83 was the previous year and in the opposite direction when we were suddenly assaulted by a Hill Country cold front and downpour while enjoying Garner State Park. We rode all the way back to Llano – about as far as any leg of the trip had been – in the miserable conditions. This made it all better. What was just a rain soaked highway along a miserable experience the previous year took on new dimension and new wonder in the balmy 60 – 70 degree weather. We stopped at the scenic overlook – something we had not even seen while riding past in the rain the previous year. We stopped, walked around, enjoyed the view and took many pictures. Little did we know the best was still to come.
Back on US 83, we headed south to Leakey, enjoying beautiful vistas and great weather then entire way. From Leakey, we picked up Ranch Road 336 and headed in a general northerly direction. We followed the turns, twists, roller coaster rides and sweeps up and down along some of the most beautiful country in Texas – we were all transfixed.
Next we picked up 41 and headed west to Ranch Road 335, turning back south for more of the same. Following RR 335 we wound along the Nueces south to our final crossing of the Nueces where we picked up Highway 55 and continued south to Camp Wood. In Camp Wood we picked up Ranch Road 337 and headed east and north back to Leakey. We continued on RR 337 east out of Leakey to Vanderpool and on to Medina. We were again treated to the turns, twists, sweeps and roller coaster ride conditions of the previous legs. We stopped for lunch at the Frio Canyon Store where most had a BBQ sandwich and purchased a 'Ranch Road' tee shirt to commemorate the ride.
From Medina, we picked up 16 and headed east to 2828, then followed 2828 in an easterly direction to 173, then picked up 173 to Bandera. We stopped in Bandera for some shopping and sight seeing. The ‘General Store’ is a great place to get pins, hats, ice cream, tee shirts and just have fun looking around. It was at the General Store where the ‘Silver Buzzard’ hat was assembled – and presented to yours truly. And it is truly a one of a kind item – one that I know I will treasure.
From Bandera we picked up 16 and headed back to Kerrville to get dinner and ‘land’ for the night. We all decided on Mexican faire, as there was a restaurant nearby. They said it was only 0.8 miles – so we all walked. Now, I’m not saying it was not 0.8 miles, and not having my GPS with me for the walk, I can not really say – but it SEEMED longer than that. But was a good thing. The food was good – all thirteen seated at the same table telling war stories and reminiscing the days’ ride.
We then headed back to the docking station for our final evening in the Hill Country – for this trip. Breaking out previously purchased snacks and refreshments, we all visited and enjoyed the festivities. We did not think that Rich’s $55 bottle of Crown Royal would be decimated by the three ‘single’ riders to the extent that it was – but it was. (I think there was less than ½” left in that bottle when the smoke cleared.) All we can say additionally about said festivities – or all that the group will allow me to say - is that “What happens in Kerrville STAYS in Kerrville”.
Attached is a GIF of the map for this route. I can supply anyone who wants with the actual .gdb (Garmin MapSource) files for this loop or the entire trip or other trips.
Buzzard Update(See Related Article - Buzzard Alert)
We encountered a great deal of the ‘reluctant-to-move’ buzzards on this trip. We did not encounter them on previous trips – and, as cited in earlier reports, do not think they have been a problem in previous years. This observation was supported by the woman who sewed the ‘Silver Buzzard’ hat presented to me by Art and Jeff. Also supporting further the statement that Danny made – she said they are a recent migration of a species from Mexico and have become quite a nuisance even to farmers. They don’t move out of the way early or quickly like other species and will actually just move over a few feet when confronted with a tractor. This of course does not present a serious problem to the farmer per se, but their takeoff delay behavior is definitely a problem to bikers – and automobile drivers – but especially to bikers.
Keep this in mind when biking. They do NOT behave
the same as we are used to. They will linger in or along the road, then
they will take off at the last second, which is a dangerous situation
that can lead to a collision with bike and or the bike rider. We had quite
a few ‘near misses’ on this trip – had we not been aware
of the unfamiliar habits of this newly migrated species, a serious accident
may have occurred. Slow down, honk, and be prepared to almost stop. We
even observed them diving toward a bike on several occasions – but
they did seem to pull out before things go too dangerous. Just another
reminder to beware! SummaryThe trip was one of the best – if not the best – motorcycle adventure this rider/writer has experienced. Certainly must be about the best, if not THE best circuit there is in the Lone Star State! Willie took 418 pictures – a new record. That 1 Gig SD-RAM was a great investment. CD’s will be available to everyone – even to Rick this time. (Plus Rick will receive previously withheld CD’s already promised!) Art certainly did an excellent job of selecting the routes, planning the trip and leading the entire excursion. Except for the hail and rain on the first night’s stay, there was nothing – no other scenario - that could have been better. And even the bad weather was only a manifestation of the cool front that actually ended up making the trip even more enjoyable by moderating the temperature. Cool riding is great – especially in the otherwise and generally rather ‘hot’ Hill Country. Could it have been better? I vote ‘no’ – it was a ‘perfect’ trip. Thanks Art, and thanks for all the great riders that went along – it was fantastic! See you all next trip! Other Testimonials(Taken from emails sent to Art – I was copied on these – there may be others – but this gives a good idea.)
We had a great time! You guys are the best and I really appreciate the way you have invited us to be part of your group. Thanks Art for your organizational leadership and thanks go out to the SILVER BUZZARD for his navigational skills. We are looking forward to the next time already. God Bless,
Since this was my first long trip with a group
of great people it will be the bench mark for all trips.
Thanks, Art, for organizing/leading the trip. I
also had a great time.
Wow, wicked good trip this year. Had a really good
time. The CB added to the enjoyment. First time for a CB on a scooter
and it was good! Thanks again, I am looking forward to the next ride.
I've been a lot of places and on a lot of trips,
I'm telling you if you like and enjoy motorcycle riding that was one of
the best rides I can remember. Great people and excellent roads. We got
to go back and do that one backwards. I can't get the smile off my face. Routes and Trip Stats (GPs - Cumulative)(Maps from Garmin MapSource with GPS routes shown in violet.) |
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