buck000
06-01-2003, 12:37 AM
Photo album at: http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290047563. Use a user name of aprilia, password of futura to view 'em.
Fun motorcycling roads covered in this trip: 12 (to Wimberley), 473, 335, 55, 187, 470, 16 (above Medina).
I don't often get the chance to take overnight moto-rides, so I'd been looking forward to this since it was proposed on a Futura forum a few months back.
OK, the term "rally" is probably a bit of a reach, since we wound up having only two bikes present, but it was still great fun, nonetheless.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/lsfrsm.jpg
Friday, May 23:
First, it was off to AF1 Racing (http://www.af1racing.com) to say hi, do a few pre-trip checks, and meet a buddy who'd be riding from Austin with me on his BMW R1100S.
We took 183 to Loop 1 to 2222 to 620 to 71, with a short hop to 3238 (aka Hamilton Pool Rd) to 12 to Wimberley, where we had lunch.
From Wimberley, we took 12 to 32 to 3424 for a short bit to 306. This got us to 281, where we turned right for a short hop to 473. When going to Hill Country, I seem to always wind up on 473; it's sort of my "Gateway to fun riding."
473 got us to Comfort, where my buddy gassed up on 27. While I was waiting, an attractive lady came over and made conversation about the Futura. She, like myself, just loved the Flame Red color. Now, this
woman wasn't exactly just out of college, and who knows, might even have a grandchild or two, but she was slim, attractive, and vivacious. I'm officially calling it: the bike is a chick magnet. :-D
From Comfort, we took 27 to 480 (Camp Verde) to 173, where we took a right to head north to catch 2771 to 16. I'd heard good things about the twisties on 16 just above Medina, and yup, those accounts were accurate. After a few miles of standard 16 highway, we got into some snaky stuff. As were just starting to do the twisties, we wound up behind a slowish sedan with handicapped plates. My buddy, who loves to lean it over, was ahead of me, behind the car. At the first chance, he whipped around the car, and disappeared around the first curve. I wound up behind the car, and since I never pass on a double-yellow, I just motored nice and slow through this section. It was okay by me, actually; I could enjoy the scenery, which is one of the reasons I like to take such trips.
I eventually pulled into Medina, where my buddy was sitting by a fence under a tree, gear off, reading the maps. Boy, did I feel SLOW at that point! After a bit of conversation, he decided to head back to Austin (via Inks Lake!) by first going back up 16. I told him he should hit 337, but he really liked 16, and wanted to head back that way.
I proceeded on to Bandera and then to the Boerne Vistro Restaurant and Inn in Boerne, where I was to meet up with the "rest of the rally," which is to say, at least one other rider. He hadn't shown up yet, so after checking in, I went off in search of KC International, a Ducati/aprilia/etc. dealer with a huge new facility just SE of Boerne on I-10. I found the dealership. I went in to shoot the breeze with an employee, and talk about the Big Little Rally we had going on, but the lone worker was almost completely indifferent to anything but complaining to someone on the phone that he was the only one there on a Friday afternoon. I asked him if I could take a few pics of some of the sweet bikes he had around. He
said, "of the room, NO, but one motorcycle is OK." Whatever.
As a new lover of Italian machinery (even if some of 'em have an Austrian engine ;) ), I was in hog (or should I say Duc) heaven. I took a few pics, and made my exit back to the inn.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/kcsm.jpg
By then, the other rider, Jack Tollett, showed up, with his wife, Paula. Jack's a long-distance rider of the first order, and an (possibly the) organizer of the Waltz Across Texas (http://www.waltzacrosstexas.org), which is a 24-hour scavenger hunt around Texas, which raises money for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in the DFW area. Jack's riding his Futura in the Iron Butt Rally (http://www.ironbutt.com) this year, which I personally think is outstanding.
He showed up on a loaner RST, as his bike was being prepped for the rally, I think (something about a fuel cell ;) ).
Anyway, we had a wonderful dinner at the Boerne Vistro restaurant. I hit the bed almost immediately, tired, maybe a bit dehydrated, but totally happy with a fantastic day of riding.
The Boerne Vistro Inn is a quaint little place. If the signage is honest, then this used to be a set of Sunday houses, where ranchers would stay on the weekend after making the trip into town for church and supplies. Though nondescript on the outside, the interior was actually quite nice.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/boernesm.jpg The bathroom was clean (always a nice bonus), though they didn't have any of those little shampoo bottles, just the tiny soap cakes. Bummer, I was counting on them providing shampoo. The cheap alarm clock proved to be most annoying, though; all night, the clack clack clack that I thought was the overhead fan turned out to be what I now feel is the noisiest little clock I've ever heard!
Saturday, May 24:
I got up, and did a little tai chi in the Veteran's Park right next to the Vistro. There's nothing I enjoy better than working up a nice slow-motion sweat to the tune of birds in the trees, on a nice little patch of grass, with cruisers roaring by on their way to breakfast. :-D
The three of us had agreed to eat breakfast in Bandera, so off we went to the OST restuarant. Highway 46 connects Boerne to the portion of 16 that gets us to Bandera, and I must say that that's a fun little set of sweepers that I kept finding myself taking during the weekend. Upon pulling in to our spot on Main St. in front of the restaurant, I noticed that folks were lining up on each side of the street, and my uncanny sixth sense told me there was a parade a-brewing.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/banderasm.jpg
We had a fine bit of standard breakfast fare from the OST buffet, and half-heartedly attempted to get out of town before the parade started. We were too late, however, and wound up enjoying a real slice of Americana (Texana? ) as horses, children, horses, Shriners in varous tiny cars, children on horses, bikers, and assorted other folks (and, um, horses) participated in the holiday festivities. It was quite fun.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/oreosm.jpg
We finally made it out of Bandera, and on our way to Medina for a little apple-cinnamon ice cream and/or apple slushies at the Cider Mill Bakery, we almost immediately came up on a line of traffic.
We filtered our way to the front of the traffic line, where two Hayabusa riders told us that apparently a father and son were riding their bikes, and the son, in the lead, suddenly slowed to take 470. His dad had locked up his brakes, and slid his evidently gearless self across the pavement. While we were talking, some cruiser riders joined us in the wait. I found myself first admiring the quite attractive pillion on the Harley next to me, with her halter top and (chaps-clad) jean shorts, then switching my gaze to the helicopter that is whisking another rider away to a place of salves and grimaces. The Hayabusa riders' only safety gear were helmets, and one of them even said, "If I go down on the road, they'll need a helicopter for me, too." It should be noted that all three of us on the Futuras were Aerostich-clad, and quite the sweatier for it. However, I'd much rather trade a bit of perspiration for a thicker layer of Cordura between my skin and the pavement.
We eventually made our way to Medina, and got our apple ice cream and slushies. We then proceeded onto 337 to our next fun stop, which is the Lone Star Motorcycle
Museum (http://www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/), in Vanderpool. This place, like the Cider Mill Bakery, has become a "must-stop" spot when in Hill Country. Allan and Debbie Johncock are two of the nicest people I've ever met, and the collection of bikes is really starting to fuel a love of old bikes in me.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/bsa57a10sm.jpg
While I was there, I ponied up $20, and got my bike up on Allan's Dynojet dyno vroom, vroom (http://www.apriliaforum.com/03forumpics/051203/dyno0523403.WMV)). That was a bit of fun, which was bracketed by some tense moments as my newbie self worked at getting the Futura up and down the short, steep, dirt/rock hill that one has to take to get to the dyno area in the back of the museum. I managed to keep intact Allan's claim that no one has ever dropped their bike on that hill, but I hated the idea of scratching up my nice paint finish...
While we were there, the two Hayabusa riders showed up, and it turns out one of them had gone down on 337 (the reasons are mentioned below). He had managed to low-side in the grass, so he only had a tiny scrape
on one arm, and his bike was none the worse for wear.
At this point, Jack/Paula and I decided to split up, and pursue our own little riding jollies. They were going to go up to 39 and Kerrville, then back down to Boerne, and my goal for the weekend was to hit 335
and 55 (between Rocksprings and Camp Wood). The fact that I would have to take 337 to get to those roads was just a nice bonus. Since I'm currently in a "document moto-roads" mood, I mounted my video camera on the Futura's tank, and set off.
The more I ride the middle section of 337 (between Vanderpool and Leakey), the more I enjoy it. Of course, molasses dripping in winter probably moves faster than I do on some of the twisties, but I believe the average mph is increasing a bit each time I take that road. I can see why it's one of the (if not the) top-rated moto-road in Texas.
The western third of 337, between Leakey (I believe the proper pronunciation is "Lakey") and Camp Wood, is equally enthralling, but currently much less fun. I believe Scott described the chip-sealing work
being done on this road in another post on this forum, and it's still kind of loose. Not being overly experienced with such a road surface, and mindful of the Hayabusa rider's account of going down on just this stretch, I wasn't sure how much to push it. So, I basically idled my way up the hill at about 25-30 mph, with no problems.
Turning north onto 55 in Camp Wood, I wound up on 335, and switched the camera on. Again, I understand why this road is part of the "Holy Trinity" of Texas roads. What a fun roller-coaster of bends and dips.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/335sm.jpg
At the northern terminus of 335 (at 41), I got off the bike, pulled off the vidcam, and did a slow 360-degree filming of the windy, desolate landscape. During the time I did this, not one soul passed by. I affixed the camera back on the bike, mounted, looked both ways on 41 (twice), and eased out onto the road, heading west. As I nonchalantly accelerated, a Mustang blew past me, reminding me that folks really like to move along out here in the boonies.
The combination of straight roads, a nice lead car, and the desire to get back to Boerne for a 7:30 dinner with Jack and Paula, wound up putting me in Rocksprings, er, quickly, via 41 to 377. One note about that area: WINDY. That part of Texas is on top of a ridge or mesa, and the wind really howls through there.
I stopped for gas at THE Texaco in Rocksprings. The owner asked me if I was sight-seeing. I said, yes, and he proceeded to give some advice on the best sight-seeing, which was basically the route I was planning to take anyway. I thanked him, and he told me to tell any of my friends that if they're in Rocksprings, he opens at 5:00 a.m. and has great breakfast tacos. So, consider yourselves informed, friends. :)
South of Rocksprings, on 55, I encountered a truly heavenly moto-experience. Being neither particularly adept nor, therefore, comfortable with tight turns on a bike, I've found myself enjoying high-speed sweepers. They allow me to go the speed limit, yet lean the bike a bit, and convince myself I'm a far more Colin Edwards-like rider than I'll probably ever be in actual fact. Anyway, the curves that I encountered on 55 were absolute heaven for me: a series of downhill sweepers, with nice sight lines. I truly enjoyed these bends, and can't wait to hit 'em again, from both directions. Someone on this forum recently mentioned the oddity of having such a nice 4-lane road in the Middle of Nowhere, but I took advantage of such a boondoggle. Since no other vehicles were going in my direction, I could just lazily cross both southbound lanes at will on my way down the hill.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/55sm.jpg
Coming back into Camp Wood, I made my way back onto 337, and enjoyed the twisties (save the chip-sealed part) back to Vanderpool, where I took 187 down to 470. Worrying a bit about making my 7:30 dinner, I was happy for 470's 70 mph speed limit. 470 is really a nice road, with a couple of hill passes and pleasant scenery.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/470sm.jpg
Now, the one thing that I wanted to do was eat at Mac & Ernie's
Roadside Eatery (http://www.macandernies.com/), having heard nothing but raves about their food. In fact, the Johncocks (of the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum) were planning on eating there that evening. Since I had dinner plans, I regretfully wound up blowing past that little shack, but the aroma that I experienced while passing that place told me I must come back and enjoy their stuff some day.
From 470, it was back on to 16 to Bandera, then on to 46 (did I mention I was starting to enjoy that little set of sweepers?) and back into Boerne. I pulled in front my room at 7:24.
I finished off another awesome day of riding with a filet mignon and some shrimp, and a Heineken, again from the Boerne Vistro resturant (hey, if you have a good thing, steps away, why go anywhere else). I really enjoyed chatting about most everything with Jack and Paula during dinner.
After dinner, it was back to the room, ostensibly to read a book I'd brought with me (Fastest Man Around the World), but in truth, I only got into a few pages before I was sound asleep.
Mmmmmmmmm...zzzzzzzzz...
Sunday, May 25:
Looks cloudy. I was feeling a bit guilty about being away from my wife and daughter for two nights, so I was eager to head home, via a scenic route, of course.
I said my goodbye's to Jack and Paula, and headed out 46 from Boerne, NE to 3159. 3159 had some really nice views as I made my way toward Canyon Lake. I turned right, onto 2673 in Startzville, and enjoyed a bit more scenery as I rounded the SE end of Canyon Lake and arrived in Sattler, and my final riding destination, River Rd. I mounted the camera again, and headed off down the road, which runs along and over (and over) the Guadalupe river.
Being the Memorial Day weekend, there were hordes of campers enjoying a nice Sunday morning all along the route.
The speed limit was 20 mph, and between patrolling police and one particularly idiotic SUV driver driving about 15 mph and weaving all about, I was content to just putt along and enjoy the sleepy, but festive atmosphere. The Guadalupe is really beautiful, and there are quite scenic places all along this pasage.
It's amazing that the road here was about 20 feet underwater during the big flood of a year or so ago; on another ride of this same road a few months ago, I saw float tubes in the branches of trees way above my head...!
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/rrsm.jpg
At the end of River Rd., I stowed my camera, hopped over to New Braunfels, and blasted up I-35 to the Austin area.
After 2.5 days of riding and 660 miles or so, I was grinning big time, and can't wait to do it again (as soon as I replace my rear tire ;) ).
Fun motorcycling roads covered in this trip: 12 (to Wimberley), 473, 335, 55, 187, 470, 16 (above Medina).
I don't often get the chance to take overnight moto-rides, so I'd been looking forward to this since it was proposed on a Futura forum a few months back.
OK, the term "rally" is probably a bit of a reach, since we wound up having only two bikes present, but it was still great fun, nonetheless.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/lsfrsm.jpg
Friday, May 23:
First, it was off to AF1 Racing (http://www.af1racing.com) to say hi, do a few pre-trip checks, and meet a buddy who'd be riding from Austin with me on his BMW R1100S.
We took 183 to Loop 1 to 2222 to 620 to 71, with a short hop to 3238 (aka Hamilton Pool Rd) to 12 to Wimberley, where we had lunch.
From Wimberley, we took 12 to 32 to 3424 for a short bit to 306. This got us to 281, where we turned right for a short hop to 473. When going to Hill Country, I seem to always wind up on 473; it's sort of my "Gateway to fun riding."
473 got us to Comfort, where my buddy gassed up on 27. While I was waiting, an attractive lady came over and made conversation about the Futura. She, like myself, just loved the Flame Red color. Now, this
woman wasn't exactly just out of college, and who knows, might even have a grandchild or two, but she was slim, attractive, and vivacious. I'm officially calling it: the bike is a chick magnet. :-D
From Comfort, we took 27 to 480 (Camp Verde) to 173, where we took a right to head north to catch 2771 to 16. I'd heard good things about the twisties on 16 just above Medina, and yup, those accounts were accurate. After a few miles of standard 16 highway, we got into some snaky stuff. As were just starting to do the twisties, we wound up behind a slowish sedan with handicapped plates. My buddy, who loves to lean it over, was ahead of me, behind the car. At the first chance, he whipped around the car, and disappeared around the first curve. I wound up behind the car, and since I never pass on a double-yellow, I just motored nice and slow through this section. It was okay by me, actually; I could enjoy the scenery, which is one of the reasons I like to take such trips.
I eventually pulled into Medina, where my buddy was sitting by a fence under a tree, gear off, reading the maps. Boy, did I feel SLOW at that point! After a bit of conversation, he decided to head back to Austin (via Inks Lake!) by first going back up 16. I told him he should hit 337, but he really liked 16, and wanted to head back that way.
I proceeded on to Bandera and then to the Boerne Vistro Restaurant and Inn in Boerne, where I was to meet up with the "rest of the rally," which is to say, at least one other rider. He hadn't shown up yet, so after checking in, I went off in search of KC International, a Ducati/aprilia/etc. dealer with a huge new facility just SE of Boerne on I-10. I found the dealership. I went in to shoot the breeze with an employee, and talk about the Big Little Rally we had going on, but the lone worker was almost completely indifferent to anything but complaining to someone on the phone that he was the only one there on a Friday afternoon. I asked him if I could take a few pics of some of the sweet bikes he had around. He
said, "of the room, NO, but one motorcycle is OK." Whatever.
As a new lover of Italian machinery (even if some of 'em have an Austrian engine ;) ), I was in hog (or should I say Duc) heaven. I took a few pics, and made my exit back to the inn.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/kcsm.jpg
By then, the other rider, Jack Tollett, showed up, with his wife, Paula. Jack's a long-distance rider of the first order, and an (possibly the) organizer of the Waltz Across Texas (http://www.waltzacrosstexas.org), which is a 24-hour scavenger hunt around Texas, which raises money for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in the DFW area. Jack's riding his Futura in the Iron Butt Rally (http://www.ironbutt.com) this year, which I personally think is outstanding.
He showed up on a loaner RST, as his bike was being prepped for the rally, I think (something about a fuel cell ;) ).
Anyway, we had a wonderful dinner at the Boerne Vistro restaurant. I hit the bed almost immediately, tired, maybe a bit dehydrated, but totally happy with a fantastic day of riding.
The Boerne Vistro Inn is a quaint little place. If the signage is honest, then this used to be a set of Sunday houses, where ranchers would stay on the weekend after making the trip into town for church and supplies. Though nondescript on the outside, the interior was actually quite nice.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/boernesm.jpg The bathroom was clean (always a nice bonus), though they didn't have any of those little shampoo bottles, just the tiny soap cakes. Bummer, I was counting on them providing shampoo. The cheap alarm clock proved to be most annoying, though; all night, the clack clack clack that I thought was the overhead fan turned out to be what I now feel is the noisiest little clock I've ever heard!
Saturday, May 24:
I got up, and did a little tai chi in the Veteran's Park right next to the Vistro. There's nothing I enjoy better than working up a nice slow-motion sweat to the tune of birds in the trees, on a nice little patch of grass, with cruisers roaring by on their way to breakfast. :-D
The three of us had agreed to eat breakfast in Bandera, so off we went to the OST restuarant. Highway 46 connects Boerne to the portion of 16 that gets us to Bandera, and I must say that that's a fun little set of sweepers that I kept finding myself taking during the weekend. Upon pulling in to our spot on Main St. in front of the restaurant, I noticed that folks were lining up on each side of the street, and my uncanny sixth sense told me there was a parade a-brewing.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/banderasm.jpg
We had a fine bit of standard breakfast fare from the OST buffet, and half-heartedly attempted to get out of town before the parade started. We were too late, however, and wound up enjoying a real slice of Americana (Texana? ) as horses, children, horses, Shriners in varous tiny cars, children on horses, bikers, and assorted other folks (and, um, horses) participated in the holiday festivities. It was quite fun.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/oreosm.jpg
We finally made it out of Bandera, and on our way to Medina for a little apple-cinnamon ice cream and/or apple slushies at the Cider Mill Bakery, we almost immediately came up on a line of traffic.
We filtered our way to the front of the traffic line, where two Hayabusa riders told us that apparently a father and son were riding their bikes, and the son, in the lead, suddenly slowed to take 470. His dad had locked up his brakes, and slid his evidently gearless self across the pavement. While we were talking, some cruiser riders joined us in the wait. I found myself first admiring the quite attractive pillion on the Harley next to me, with her halter top and (chaps-clad) jean shorts, then switching my gaze to the helicopter that is whisking another rider away to a place of salves and grimaces. The Hayabusa riders' only safety gear were helmets, and one of them even said, "If I go down on the road, they'll need a helicopter for me, too." It should be noted that all three of us on the Futuras were Aerostich-clad, and quite the sweatier for it. However, I'd much rather trade a bit of perspiration for a thicker layer of Cordura between my skin and the pavement.
We eventually made our way to Medina, and got our apple ice cream and slushies. We then proceeded onto 337 to our next fun stop, which is the Lone Star Motorcycle
Museum (http://www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/), in Vanderpool. This place, like the Cider Mill Bakery, has become a "must-stop" spot when in Hill Country. Allan and Debbie Johncock are two of the nicest people I've ever met, and the collection of bikes is really starting to fuel a love of old bikes in me.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/bsa57a10sm.jpg
While I was there, I ponied up $20, and got my bike up on Allan's Dynojet dyno vroom, vroom (http://www.apriliaforum.com/03forumpics/051203/dyno0523403.WMV)). That was a bit of fun, which was bracketed by some tense moments as my newbie self worked at getting the Futura up and down the short, steep, dirt/rock hill that one has to take to get to the dyno area in the back of the museum. I managed to keep intact Allan's claim that no one has ever dropped their bike on that hill, but I hated the idea of scratching up my nice paint finish...
While we were there, the two Hayabusa riders showed up, and it turns out one of them had gone down on 337 (the reasons are mentioned below). He had managed to low-side in the grass, so he only had a tiny scrape
on one arm, and his bike was none the worse for wear.
At this point, Jack/Paula and I decided to split up, and pursue our own little riding jollies. They were going to go up to 39 and Kerrville, then back down to Boerne, and my goal for the weekend was to hit 335
and 55 (between Rocksprings and Camp Wood). The fact that I would have to take 337 to get to those roads was just a nice bonus. Since I'm currently in a "document moto-roads" mood, I mounted my video camera on the Futura's tank, and set off.
The more I ride the middle section of 337 (between Vanderpool and Leakey), the more I enjoy it. Of course, molasses dripping in winter probably moves faster than I do on some of the twisties, but I believe the average mph is increasing a bit each time I take that road. I can see why it's one of the (if not the) top-rated moto-road in Texas.
The western third of 337, between Leakey (I believe the proper pronunciation is "Lakey") and Camp Wood, is equally enthralling, but currently much less fun. I believe Scott described the chip-sealing work
being done on this road in another post on this forum, and it's still kind of loose. Not being overly experienced with such a road surface, and mindful of the Hayabusa rider's account of going down on just this stretch, I wasn't sure how much to push it. So, I basically idled my way up the hill at about 25-30 mph, with no problems.
Turning north onto 55 in Camp Wood, I wound up on 335, and switched the camera on. Again, I understand why this road is part of the "Holy Trinity" of Texas roads. What a fun roller-coaster of bends and dips.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/335sm.jpg
At the northern terminus of 335 (at 41), I got off the bike, pulled off the vidcam, and did a slow 360-degree filming of the windy, desolate landscape. During the time I did this, not one soul passed by. I affixed the camera back on the bike, mounted, looked both ways on 41 (twice), and eased out onto the road, heading west. As I nonchalantly accelerated, a Mustang blew past me, reminding me that folks really like to move along out here in the boonies.
The combination of straight roads, a nice lead car, and the desire to get back to Boerne for a 7:30 dinner with Jack and Paula, wound up putting me in Rocksprings, er, quickly, via 41 to 377. One note about that area: WINDY. That part of Texas is on top of a ridge or mesa, and the wind really howls through there.
I stopped for gas at THE Texaco in Rocksprings. The owner asked me if I was sight-seeing. I said, yes, and he proceeded to give some advice on the best sight-seeing, which was basically the route I was planning to take anyway. I thanked him, and he told me to tell any of my friends that if they're in Rocksprings, he opens at 5:00 a.m. and has great breakfast tacos. So, consider yourselves informed, friends. :)
South of Rocksprings, on 55, I encountered a truly heavenly moto-experience. Being neither particularly adept nor, therefore, comfortable with tight turns on a bike, I've found myself enjoying high-speed sweepers. They allow me to go the speed limit, yet lean the bike a bit, and convince myself I'm a far more Colin Edwards-like rider than I'll probably ever be in actual fact. Anyway, the curves that I encountered on 55 were absolute heaven for me: a series of downhill sweepers, with nice sight lines. I truly enjoyed these bends, and can't wait to hit 'em again, from both directions. Someone on this forum recently mentioned the oddity of having such a nice 4-lane road in the Middle of Nowhere, but I took advantage of such a boondoggle. Since no other vehicles were going in my direction, I could just lazily cross both southbound lanes at will on my way down the hill.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/55sm.jpg
Coming back into Camp Wood, I made my way back onto 337, and enjoyed the twisties (save the chip-sealed part) back to Vanderpool, where I took 187 down to 470. Worrying a bit about making my 7:30 dinner, I was happy for 470's 70 mph speed limit. 470 is really a nice road, with a couple of hill passes and pleasant scenery.
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/470sm.jpg
Now, the one thing that I wanted to do was eat at Mac & Ernie's
Roadside Eatery (http://www.macandernies.com/), having heard nothing but raves about their food. In fact, the Johncocks (of the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum) were planning on eating there that evening. Since I had dinner plans, I regretfully wound up blowing past that little shack, but the aroma that I experienced while passing that place told me I must come back and enjoy their stuff some day.
From 470, it was back on to 16 to Bandera, then on to 46 (did I mention I was starting to enjoy that little set of sweepers?) and back into Boerne. I pulled in front my room at 7:24.
I finished off another awesome day of riding with a filet mignon and some shrimp, and a Heineken, again from the Boerne Vistro resturant (hey, if you have a good thing, steps away, why go anywhere else). I really enjoyed chatting about most everything with Jack and Paula during dinner.
After dinner, it was back to the room, ostensibly to read a book I'd brought with me (Fastest Man Around the World), but in truth, I only got into a few pages before I was sound asleep.
Mmmmmmmmm...zzzzzzzzz...
Sunday, May 25:
Looks cloudy. I was feeling a bit guilty about being away from my wife and daughter for two nights, so I was eager to head home, via a scenic route, of course.
I said my goodbye's to Jack and Paula, and headed out 46 from Boerne, NE to 3159. 3159 had some really nice views as I made my way toward Canyon Lake. I turned right, onto 2673 in Startzville, and enjoyed a bit more scenery as I rounded the SE end of Canyon Lake and arrived in Sattler, and my final riding destination, River Rd. I mounted the camera again, and headed off down the road, which runs along and over (and over) the Guadalupe river.
Being the Memorial Day weekend, there were hordes of campers enjoying a nice Sunday morning all along the route.
The speed limit was 20 mph, and between patrolling police and one particularly idiotic SUV driver driving about 15 mph and weaving all about, I was content to just putt along and enjoy the sleepy, but festive atmosphere. The Guadalupe is really beautiful, and there are quite scenic places all along this pasage.
It's amazing that the road here was about 20 feet underwater during the big flood of a year or so ago; on another ride of this same road a few months ago, I saw float tubes in the branches of trees way above my head...!
http://home.austin.rr.com/rhome/images/rrsm.jpg
At the end of River Rd., I stowed my camera, hopped over to New Braunfels, and blasted up I-35 to the Austin area.
After 2.5 days of riding and 660 miles or so, I was grinning big time, and can't wait to do it again (as soon as I replace my rear tire ;) ).