2009 Pie Run Schedule and Pie Location Scouting

[Gilk51]

Here is a semi-firm Pie Run schedule for 2009:

Jan 31: Pie in the Sky - Conroe
Feb 28: Koffee Kup - Hico
Mar 28: Texas Star Cafe - New Ulm
Apr 25: The Shed - Edom
May 30: The Slaton Bakery - Slaton (new - northwest Texas)
Jun 27: Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls
Jul 25: Floyd's Ranch House - Ingleside
Aug 29: The Old Store - Westphalia (closed) :-(
:tab Sam's Restaurant - Fairfield, TX (new)
Sep 26: The Texas Pie Company - Kyle
Oct 31: Ranchman's Cafe - Ponder
Nov 21: Debbie's Pies - Hutto
Dec 26?: 5th Annual End of Year Event - College Station most likely

Criteria for picking locations (no particular order):
1. Old favorites
2. New areas of Texas
3. New eateries (recommendations by folks, location, volume capability, parking) Try to limit to 2 or 3
4. Avoid the same area on subsequent months

All of these locations are open for debate until the month that they are due.

The December date may need to be discussed - the day after Christmas will be problematic for a lot of folks that travel over the holidays.

-------

Now, here is the list of the 20 locations that we have visited during the 4 years of Pie Runs - 47 total locations (11 per year plus 3 for the "simultaneous" Pie Run in '06.

1 Hotel Blessing Coffee Shop Blessing 0+0+0+1 = 1
2 Black Bear Restaurant Ft. Davis 0+0+0+1 = 1
3 Blue Bonnet Cafe Marble Falls 3+0+0+1 = 4 *
4 The Creamery Marshall 0+0+0+1 = 1
5 Debbie's Pies (Texan Cafe) Hutto 0+1+1+1 = 3
6 The Deutsch Apple Blanco 1+0+0+0 = 1
7 East Texas Burger Company Mineola 0+1+1+0 = 2
8 The Farmhouse Cafe Huntsville 1+1+1+0 = 3
9 Floyd's Ranch House Rest. Ingleside 0+0+0+1 = 1
10 Koffee Kup Hico 3+2+1+1 = 7 *
11 Love Creek Orchards Patio Cafe Medina 0+1+1+0 = 2
12 Lucy's Cafe Celina 0+0+0+1 = 1
13 Mosier's Cafe Lake Fork 0+1+1+0 = 2
14 Must Be Heaven Brenham 1+1+0+0 = 2
15 Pie in the Sky Pie Company Conroe 0+1+1+0 = 2 *
16 Ranchman's Cafe Ponder 0+1+1+1 = 3 *
17 The Shed Edom 2+2+1+1 = 6 *
18 The Texas Pie Company Kyle 0+2+1+0 = 3
19 Texas Star Cafe New Ulm 0+0+1+0 = 1 *
20 Tony's Family Restaurant Sealy 0+0+0+1 = 1
totals 11+14+11+11 = 47

* = already in the 2009 list

-------

I went looking for suggestions for pie locations in old threads. I had a few PMs and some notes. I am certain that forgot or misplaced some, so please suggest them again if you have them.

------- some Pie Scouting threads:

west Texas (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24886)

Need some pie scouts (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14545)

2008 schedule (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23693)

2007 schedule (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14580)

2006 schedule (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8713)

Fried Pies (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21350)

Waco M&G (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27447)

poll#1 (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22770)

poll#2 (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22771)

EOY thoughts (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13568)

-------

From this, here are some of the places suggested. Some of the places in the above threads were dropped from the list for being too small for our hordes or for being closed. :doh:

Edgar & Gladys' Cafe - I never saw a scouting report on this one
300 Front St
Nordheim, TX 78141
(361) 938-7074

Riverside Cafe - I never saw a scouting report on this one
1225 Carroll Lane
La Grange, TX 78945
979.968.5506

Wimberly Pie Company (Big Bandit)

Fredericksburg Pie Company (FJR Bandit)

Ranch House Resteraunt, Cool Texas (fallendown) seats ~40 inside, 50-60 using outside

Sam's Restaurant
390 Interstate 45 E
Fairfield, TX 75840
(903) 389-7267

Sweetie Pie's Ribeyes. (81Red750)
201 W. Main St.,
Decatur; 940.626.4555.

Babes Chicken Dinner House in Sanger (81Red750)

Fried Pie Restaurant in Gainesville (Packrat)
Fried Pie Company & Restaurant (RockmanTex) small (donroger1)
202 W Main St, Gainesville, TX
Tel: (940) 665-7641

Double J's in Springtown (TexasShadow)

Heritage House, Woodville, TX (ToroGuy) post#73

Sandy McGees (carreratwo)
314 Morton Street
Richmond, TX 77469

Moosehead Cafe on the square in Crockett (kp600)

Old Store in Westphalia (4x4guygonebike) thumbs up by Jbay (post #27, Waco thread)

--- a couple of additions (11/16/08):

from Pooc: "Big O's BBQ in Valera has good bbq and delicious homemade pies."
Valera is on US67, east of San Angelo. Our DFW group made a rest stop there on the way to Ft. Davis but didn't eat anything.

from DwayneInfo (lost in my Inbox): "We came to a cross road town called Moss Hill. There is a restaurant at the intersection of 146/105 called Simply Country Cafe. We stopped for breakfast and while talking to the woman waiting on us we found out that they make all of the pies and several are originals."
Humblekat: "I know that Cafe, great place!" This is in SE Texas.
kellenbenz: Simply Southern Cafe in Moss Hill, tx

StarSapphire: "Newman's Bakery in Bellville is top notch! They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, have a super delux dessert selection, probably seating for ~40 inside and 15 on the front porch outside."

RockmanTex: "Another place with good food and good selections of pie with ample parking and central location is the City Cafe in Elgin. It has about the same amount of seating as Debbie's in Hutto."

terrebandit: "There is a place at Lake Athens called the Marina. Its located next to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and on the shoreline on Lake Athens. They have great catfish and burgers. I also noticed they have some good pie choices too. Something to think about. Lots of good roads near this location. Its plenty big for us and plenty of parking too."

RTL: "Brietzke Station (830-914-3288) in New Berlin, Texas. They have room inside and out for a TWT sized Pie Run gathering. The food and pies are homemade style on the premises. The place is not far off of I-10 but surrounded by miles of beautiful rolling hills with winding country roads."

voyagerrider: Chisholm Restaurant, 113 S Main St, Godley, TX, 817-389-2560. They have a breakfast buffet from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. After that the lunch buffet starts, and of course you can order from the menu for both. If I remember correctly breakfast is $6.00 and lunch is $6.50. They have the capability of seating 200. They have plenty of parking on the lot next door. The kicker is they have all kinds of HOMEMADE PIE!!

AnotherAggie: Catfish Haven on US377, north of Whitesboro, TX. Good food, awesome made-from-scratch pies.

Lots of good possibilities! :thumb:

Now, I may have missed a report or some locations. If so, set me straight! :zen:

-------

Now, there is a tentative west Texas location that will hopefully be scouted soon. I need some feedback on filling in the remaining 4 locations:

Which places did you like and want to return to again?

Which places do you want to try?

Some criteria to consider:
Restaurant seating capacity
Parking lot size and quality (any shade? - Blessing was great in that regard)
Food quality
Pie quality!

------- original schedule (just for reference)

Jan 31: Pie in the Sky - Conroe
Feb 28:
Mar 28:
Apr 25: Texas Star Cafe - New Ulm
May 30: northwest Texas - Slaton
Jun 27: Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls
Jul 25: The Shed - Edom
Aug 29: Koffee Kup - Hico (switch month? March?)
Sep 26:
Oct 31:
Nov 21: Ranchman's Cafe - Ponder
Dec 26?: 5th Annual End of Year Event - College Station most likely


:help:

[kurt]

I've said it before, but I think we need to expand beyond pie. It really opens up some options that aren't available to us now and we are starting to overwelm some of our locations. Pastries, pies, cakes, ice cream, it's all good. On an even larger scale, have lunch as the main focus and it becomes more about locations and routes than the actual meal. Hutto is a good example of a great destination spoiled by way too much farm land.

[FJR Bandit]

Fredericksburg Pie Company looked to small from the outside to hold a rowdy group like the TWTexans.

I'll put in a vote for Floyd's in Sept. or Oct. Hopefully I will be home this time.

[aharbi]

Not sure how you choose who to include, not easy I'm sure. I favor several things, the ride, how we were treated/welcomed. Tire-kicking-visiting-parking. I didn't attend all the Pie Runs but did favor a few like Floyd's, Blessing. Some were too hot in the summer with no shade (Hico) nor room to visit as most visiting is done outside. West Texas should be done in the winter month(s). Just my thoughts. Thanks.

[StarSapphire]

I'm not sure if there's been a scouting report on it but Newman's Bakery in Bellville is top notch! They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, have a super delux dessert selection, probably seating for ~40 inside and 15 on the front porch outside. It's on the Bellville "main drag" so there's lots of local stuff to watch pass through. It's a popular rider stop for the area as there's usually at least a couple bikes at any time. Their prices are very reasonable and their staff is not too grumpy. The parking situation is a little eh, but they are on a corner so there's lots of space to the back.

Maybe someone else has been there and can pipe in? Personally, I like Newman's... :) It's homey. :mrgreen:

[StromDude]

What about trying to hit the Texas Monthly top BBQ places next year instead of pie? Bill

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

What about trying to hit the Texas Monthly top BBQ places next year instead of pie? Bill

that sounds good too, as long as they have pie!!

[StarSapphire]

or cake! :eat:

[RockmanTex]

Another place with good food and good selections of pie with ample parking and central location is the City Cafe in Elgin. It has about the same amount of seating as Debbie's in Hutto.

City Café
19 N Main Street
Elgin, TX 78621
281-3663

Steve

[Lyle]

Well, I hope the dates are pretty much nailed down as I'm using them to plan my ride out to Texas next summer. If I make it, it'll be my first pie run! You folks have it good, you know. There is nothing even close to TWT out here in Utah. :-(

[terrebandit]

Chuck,

There is a place at Lake Athens called the Marina. Its located next to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and on the shoreline on Lake Athens. They have great catfish and burgers. I also noticed they have some good pie choices too. Something to think about. Lots of good roads near this location. Its plenty big for us and plenty of parking too. Check out the link below. This could be an alternative to Mosiers or the Shed. Something different.

http://www.lakeathensmarina.com/default.asp?file=Home

Dave

[wczimmerman]

Wow, Chuck! You put some serious research into this!

My 2 cents (not worth even that):
1. I tried to layout the locations on many factors, one of which was the potential weather. In the Jan/Feb timeframe, I liked to hit locations farther south (or even west) to try and mitigate the sometimes rather cold temps farther north. Pie in the Sky in Conroe should be a good start for the 2009 year. Hico in August might be tough.
2. I could see the Pie Runs expanding to other items such as cobbler, cake, etc but I do think that it was the desserts that contributed to making the events successful. Everyone seems to like sweets, but not everyone likes BBQ (I know, heresy in Texas...). My opinion is that the Pie Runs remain pie runs, but of course there's no requirement to have pie once you're there.

[Gilk51]

I tried to layout the locations on many factors, one of which was the potential weather. In the Jan/Feb timeframe, I liked to hit locations farther south (or even west) to try and mitigate the sometimes rather cold temps farther north. Pie in the Sky in Conroe should be a good start for the 2009 year. Hico in August might be tough.

I am trying to do something similar. July and August and going to be hot wherever they are, so I picked something more centrally located or "popular".

I could see the Pie Runs expanding to other items such as cobbler, cake, etc but I do think that it was the desserts that contributed to making the events successful. Everyone seems to like sweets, but not everyone likes BBQ (I know, heresy in Texas...). My opinion is that the Pie Runs remain pie runs, but of course there's no requirement to have pie once you're there.

Right now we have many more locations than we have available dates per year (basically 11) plus the potential new ones that are listed. Also, I like the uniqueness that has become "TWT Pie Run". So, I am still thinking to keep the theme as "pie".

At the time this all started (2005), there was also a 2nd Saturday BBQ Ride that was going on (see page 3 of this forum, TWT Sponsored Events). Unfortunatley, those died out after a while.

-------

OK, we need more of a concensus on some of the "open" dates - which locations did ya'll like the best (and want to go back to) in the last 4 years?

[pacman]

Chuck, I passed through Godley yesterday and noticed, in the window of the Godley City Cafe, a sign that said "Homemade Desserts". I plan on swinging by there again to see exactly what they have on the menu.

It's located in the white-roofed building just to the left of the "917" on this map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=godley,+tx&sll=32.446162,-97.527968&sspn=0.002571,0.004399&ie=UTF8&ll=32.446456,-97.528344&spn=0.001286,0.002199&t=h&z=19&iwloc=addr).

[Gilk51]

Some were too hot in the summer with no shade (Hico) nor room to visit as most visiting is done outside. West Texas should be done in the winter month(s). Just my thoughts. Thanks.

Good point about Hico - I'll probably switch it to a spring/fall date. Best parking lot fraternizing was Blessing with the lawn and trees. :thumb:

I'm split on doing west Texas in winter - they can have some serious weather out there! So, unless persuaded, I think we will try Slaton in May... :shrug:

Anyway, I added some new destinations and am thinking about scrambling Hico to another month (maybe March?). What are the best locations for the really hot months?

So, I'm still undecided on the missing months and not too many folks have suggested anything. I figure they'll wait to complain once the locations and dates are decided! :doh:

I am considering:

Jan - Conroe (no change)
Feb - Lake Athens (new)
Mar - Hico (moved)
Apr - New Ulm - (maybe Brenham?)
May - Slaton (new)
Jun - Marble Falls (no change)
July - Edom (no change)
Aug - Westphalia (new) - (maybe Kyle?)
Sept - Elgin (new)
Oct - Floyd's (Ingleside)
Nov - Ponder (no change)
Dec - open due to date (12/26) - discuss

Anyway, :help: with feedback, please!

[kurt]

Ingleside should be a summer or spring venue. October is probably OK, but the girls found the beach a little cold in March.

[Gilk51]

Ingleside should be a summer or spring venue. October is probably OK, but the girls found the beach a little cold in March.

Yeah, another good point. I only put it in October because FJR Bandit would be home then. I guess we could make him ride a little farther.

Well another reason is it is usually good weather for a long ride & Ingleside will be fairly long (overnighter) for most of us.

:ponder:

[RTL]

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp535%3C7%3Evq%3D3384%3E%3B%3A7%3E%3B8 %3B%3EWSNRCG%3D323959%3C486827vq0mrjI have eaten here. Food and pie was good. Lots of parking and shade. Pies made to order and they would like to know how many to expect. New Berlin is here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=new+berlin+texas&sll=37.09024,-86.748047&sspn=30.544155,56.25&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=29.475769,-98.101387&spn=0.130911,0.219727&z=12&g=new+berlin+texas&iwloc=addr
Chuck you may not have been able to read the postage stamp size attached menu from Brietzke Station (830-914-3288) in New Berlin, Texas. They have room inside and out for a TWT sized Pie Run gathering. The food and pies are homemade style on the premises. The place is not far off of I-10 but surrounded by miles of beautiful rolling hills with winding country roads.

[StarSapphire]

December 26th is not a very good date, due to it's proximity da the man. But, I know there will be some looking to get away... I think it'd be a toss-up between those still in "Family Mode" and "get me the hello outa here." :lol2:

[Lyle]

December 26th is not a very good date, due to it's proximity da the man. But, I know there will be some looking to get away... I think it'd be a toss-up between those still in "Family Mode" and "get me the hello outa here." :lol2:

You could make the Pie Run a week earlier. Folks will either be finished with their shopping, or not yet ready to get started. ;-)

[pub610]

Chuck,
There's not a lot of shade but Mosier's on Lake Fork has lots of parking space, a good-sized dining room and a remarkable selection pies.
And there are some fine FM roads between Lake Fork and anywhere. (Okay, maybe not from Emory or Greenville, but almost anywhere else.)

[kellenbenz]

Simply Southern Cafe in Moss Hill, tx

[voyagerrider]

Chuck,
Kathy and I did a bit of scouting for a possible place for a Pie Run.

Chisholm Restaurant
113 S Main St
Godley, TX
817-389-2560

They have a breakfast buffet from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. After that the lunch buffet starts, and of course you can order from the menu for both. If I remember correctly breakfast is $6.00 and lunch is $6.50. They have the capability of seating 200. They have plenty of parking on the lot next door. The kicker is they have all kinds of HOMEMADE PIE!!
I spoke with the owner Jeff Bachhofer and he is very open to having one of our events there.
Kathy and I didn't have pie today, we have had pie in the past. It is definitely up to TWT standards. We had the breakfast buffet today. We have had the dinner buffet on Friday when they feature catfish and shrimp, and it is great.

Marty

[pacman]

Marty, I think that might be the place I was referring to as Godley City Cafe. I've been meaning to stop in there for some time now. Glad to hear it's worth the time. :thumb:

[aharbi]

Chuck, Thanks for all the hard work you have done this past year in coordinating the Pie Runs. I have enjoyed everyone I've attended. I appreciate the efforts again this year in coordinating places with seasons/weather. Great job. Thanks again.

[voyagerrider]

Marty, I think that might be the place I was referring to as Godley City Cafe. I've been meaning to stop in there for some time now. Glad to hear it's worth the time. :thumb:

That place is across the street. Kathy and I ate there once years ago, we were not impressed. We haven't been back. We have been to Chisholms lots of times.
Marty

[Texas T]

You folks have it good, you know. There is nothing even close to TWT out here in Utah. :-( Build it and they will come.

[M2]

So this is the schedule so far?

Jan 31: Pie in the Sky - Conroe
Feb 28: Lake Athens
Mar 28: Hico
Apr 25: Texas Star Cafe - New Ulm
May 30: northwest Texas - Slaton
Jun 27: Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls
Jul 25: The Shed - Edom
Aug 29: Koffee Kup - Westphalia - (maybe Kyle?)
Sep 26: Elgin
Oct 31: Floyd's (Ingleside)
Nov 21: Ranchman's Cafe - Ponder
Dec 26?: 5th Annual End of Year Event - College Station most likely

Cheers! M2

[aharbi]

You folks have it good, you know. There is nothing even close to TWT out here in Utah. :-(

Been to Utah... ain't nothin close to anything :rofl:

[Lyle]

Build it and they will come.

I have been giving that some thought. Pie is still legal in Utah. "TWU"? I will have to come up with something. There are clubs here but they all seem specialized. I like the way TWT spans the two-wheeled community as it does.

Say, did you ever fly in B-29s? Your pic made me wonder.

Thanks,

[Hemibee]

Chuck, I think you need to check the schedule real close as there appears to be a problem with it. It actually looks like I may be off for a couple of the dates selected. Now if I don't have any ball games scheduled on those dates.

[Gilk51]

Chuck, I think you need to check the schedule real close as there appears to be a problem with it. It actually looks like I may be off for a couple of the dates selected. Now if I don't have any ball games scheduled on those dates.

Send me your contact information and the dates in question & I will see if we can't schedule you for something to conflict with them. I hate to see a perfect record in jeopardy! :-P

Now about a street legal dual sport bike to show up on... :ponder:

[ToroGuy]

Chuck, Thanks for all the hard work you have done this past year in coordinating the Pie Runs. I have enjoyed everyone I've attended. I appreciate the efforts again this year in coordinating places with seasons/weather. Great job. Thanks again.

+1...Chuck, your many hours of hard work organizing this bunch of lazys has really made the Pie Runs fun.

[Hemibee]

Send me your contact information and the dates in question & I will see if we can't schedule you for something to conflict with them. I hate to see a perfect record in jeopardy! :-P



BR4-59 and ask for Junior.... he does all of our scheduling around these here parts.


Now about a street legal dual sport bike to show up on... :ponder:

Working on it but I'm leaning more toward something like a Ulysses instead of a straight D/S bike........... Now how many games do I have to umpire to make that purchase?

[Gilk51]

BR4-59 and ask for Junior.... he does all of our scheduling around these here parts.

:ponder: I thought it was BR549... ;-)


Working on it but I'm leaning more toward something like a Ulysses instead of a straight D/S bike........... Now how many games do I have to umpire to make that purchase?

1024! Better get going! :-P

[Hemibee]

:ponder: I thought it was BR549... ;-)


BR549 is the car lot........... :lol2: The scheduling office is BR4-59.

[AnotherAggie]

Looks like the line up is pretty much in place, so just FYI for future reference:

Catfish Haven on US377, north of Whitesboro, TX.

Good food, awesome made-from-scratch pies.

http://www.catfishhavenrestaurant.com/

[Gilk51]

Well, it is not cast in concrete - we have a lot of single suggestions but not anything where 4 or 5 people say "yeah, we gotta go there".

If anyone has suggestions for swapping ones in or out - new ones or old ones - let's get a concensus and we can change it. For example, nobody has asked why Celina is not on the 2009 list (since it made the Texas magazine restaurant list) - it could be slipped back in if there is enough interest.

I just filled in a list to start some discussions going. I just haven't gotten any "squeaky wheels" to make any changes yet...

[aharbi]

I just filled in a list to start some discussions going. I just haven't gotten any "squeaky wheels" to make any changes yet...

squeak squeak :trust: someone suggested moving Oct so they could enjoy a long weekend :sun: on the beach. I'd be in favor :thumb: of swapping Jun, July or Aug, with Oct so they could do so. Just a suggestion.

[Gilk51]

I'll put in a vote for Floyd's in Sept. or Oct. Hopefully I will be home this time.

squeak squeak :trust: someone suggested moving Oct so they could enjoy a long weekend :sun: on the beach. I'd be in favor :thumb: of swapping Jun, July or Aug, with Oct so they could do so. Just a suggestion.

FJRB's request was the reason it was moved to October, but we may need to reconsider. I'll see if there is any chance Davis can do it in August...

Thanks for bumping, Art - I was going to try for more feedback on the schedule...

[dukey33]

I am considering:

Jan - Conroe (no change)
Feb - Lake Athens (new)
Mar - Hico (moved)
Apr - New Ulm - (maybe Brenham?)
May - Slaton (new)
Jun - Marble Falls (no change)
July - Edom (no change)
Aug - Westphalia (new) - (maybe Kyle?)
Sept - Elgin (new)
Oct - Floyd's (Ingleside)
Nov - Ponder (no change)
Dec - open due to date (12/26) - discuss

Anyway, :help: with feedback, please!

Chuck,
I agree with your idea to try to keep the extreme temperature months out of the extreme temperature areas. To me, that means Jan/Feb and Jul/Aug down to the south towards the coast. I realize you're also juggling other factors like alternating regions each month so that makes it tricky.

Maybe something like this?
Jan - Conroe
Feb - New Ulm
Mar - Hico
Apr - Westphalia
May - Slaton
Jun - Marble Falls
Jul - Ingleside
Aug - Elgin (I realize it's actually Central, but it's most southern of what's left, otherwise, trade Blessing/Brenham back on the sched)
Sep - Lake Athens
Oct - Edom
Nov - Ponder
Dec - EOY

:giveup: I don't envy you.

[Hemibee]

Send me your contact information and the dates in question & I will see if we can't schedule you for something to conflict with them. I hate to see a perfect record in jeopardy! :-P




Ok who did you talk to? I now have an umpire clinic scheduled for the morning of the Conroe Pie Run. :rant:

[jhansen]

Ok who did you talk to? I now have an umpire clinic scheduled for the morning of the Conroe Pie Run. :rant:


a clinic? umpires need shots? :trust: :rofl:

[Hemibee]

a clinic? umpires need shots? :trust: :rofl:

And free eye exams. :rofl:

[Gilk51]

Ok who did you talk to? I now have an umpire clinic scheduled for the morning of the Conroe Pie Run. :rant:

Nobody - I just tried to make a joke... :-(

But you are getting new glasses, right? ;-)

[FJR Bandit]

Chuck,
I agree with your idea to try to keep the extreme temperature months out of the extreme temperature areas. To me, that means Jan/Feb and Jul/Aug down to the south towards the coast. I realize you're also juggling other factors like alternating regions each month so that makes it tricky.

Maybe something like this?
Jan - Conroe
Feb - New Ulm
Mar - Hico
Apr - Westphalia
May - Slaton
Jun - Marble Falls
Jul - Ingleside
Aug - Elgin (I realize it's actually Central, but it's most southern of what's left, otherwise, trade Blessing/Brenham back on the sched)
Sep - Lake Athens
Oct - Edom
Nov - Ponder
Dec - EOY

:giveup: I don't envy you.


I kind of like this one, only because Ingleside is in July and not Oct. So, I might still be home in TX. :shrug:

[TombstoneRider]

If Elgin is a problem, why not Burton, they have great pie, and is better than Brenham. plus a great route there on 390 thru Independence and Old Baylor

[Gilk51]

I kind of like this one, only because Ingleside is in July and not Oct. So, I might still be home in TX. :shrug:

Are you OK with Ingleside in July? I think that would be a good change.

I need to look again at Elgin and Burton - those may be a toss up.
I could go with dukey's changes.

I'd like to nail this down, so if anyone has any more suggestions, now is the time!

[RTL]

How about here http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=37.09024,-95.712891&spn=47.167389,92.8125&z=4&om=1&layer=c&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-svn&utm_medium=ha

I submitted this info a while back. The place is called Brietzke Station (830-914-3288) in New Berlin, Texas.

[DaveC]

Is there a stick pin map of the runs? I have seen a version on ADVrider for the States.

[Lyle]

How about here http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=37.09024,-95.712891&spn=47.167389,92.8125&z=4&om=1&layer=c&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-svn&utm_medium=ha

I submitted this info a while back. The place is called Brietzke Station (830-914-3288) in New Berlin, Texas.

Dunno about anybody else's browser, but your original link to New Berlin (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=new+berlin+texas&sll=37.09024,-86.748047&sspn=30.544155,56.25&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=29.475769,-98.101387&spn=0.130911,0.219727&z=12&g=new+berlin+texas&iwloc=addr) works better for me than the one you just posted.

[Lyle]

Is there a stick pin map of the runs? I have seen a version on ADVrider for the States.
Here's a Google map of the pie run venues (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&geocode=&ie=UTF8&g=new+berlin+texas&msa=0&msid=110787512476642331049.00045fec6d23c463bd7d7&ll=30.921076,-98.371582&spn=9.041878,14.0625&z=6&source=embed) proposed so far. Maybe not as cool as what you are thinking of, but at least you can get an idea of where they all are.

[Hemibee]

Nobody - I just tried to make a joke... :-(

But you are getting new glasses, right? ;-)

New glasses? Why would I want new glasses? If I had new glasses then I might be alarmed by what I actually see on the field. :lol2:

I looked at the clinic schedule again and saw something I didn't notice before. I actually read it with my glasses this time, the clinic is scheduled to end around 1300 so I just might be able to make it back to Conroe before everyone leaves. :eat:

[FJR Bandit]

Are you OK with Ingleside in July? I think that would be a good change.

I'm great with it. :clap: I go back in June and normally stay atleast a month and a half before they send me back to NM or someplace else :doh: . Besides the heat affects me less then the cold. :mrgreen:

[Simmons1]

Chuck, just post your best thoughts of a schedule and go with it.

Remember:

"You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time".

[voyagerrider]

Chuck, just post your best thoughts of a schedule and go with it.

Remember:

"You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time".

+1 :clap:
Marty

[Hemibee]

+1 :clap:
Marty


+10000000000

[db]

If Elgin is a problem, why not Burton, they have great pie, and is better than Brenham. plus a great route there on 390 thru Independence and Old Baylor

I've noticed the cafe being closed everytime I have been through there lately. Looks like it's for sale too:

http://www.businessnation.com/Businesses_for_Sale/Ads/burton-cafe-for-sale-2274.html

:doh:

[Lyle]

I've noticed the cafe being closed everytime I have been through there lately. Looks like it's for sale too:

http://www.businessnation.com/Businesses_for_Sale/Ads/burton-cafe-for-sale-2274.html

:doh:
There's a phone number on the linked page. Why not call and find out if they are still in business? When the listing was submitted, they still had 6 employees and were doing 275k in business, and the seller was going to help with the transition.

[P-Ratt]

Well, I hope the dates are pretty much nailed down as I'm using them to plan my ride out to Texas next summer. If I make it, it'll be my first pie run! You folks have it good, you know. There is nothing even close to TWT out here in Utah. :-(Well, I'm hoping to make it out to some of these this year. Heck, I get to Utah more often! :doh:

[Sleepy Weasel]

Pastries, pies, cakes, ice cream, it's all good. On an even larger scale...

Yeah, we're all gonna be on an even larger scale.
:rofl:



... have lunch as the main focus and it becomes more about locations and routes than the actual meal. Hutto is a good example of a great destination spoiled by way too much farm land.

Yeah, I usually try to discipline myself more towards lunch, and less towards the pie. Well, maybe not "usually" but sometimes. God knows I don't need it. I'd be open to places that are about the food, not the dessert, though "Pie Run" always raises eyebrows when people hear me say it.
:mrgreen:

[Sleepy Weasel]

Chuck, I think you need to check the schedule real close as there appears to be a problem with it. It actually looks like I may be off for a couple of the dates selected. Now if I don't have any ball games scheduled on those dates.

You sure about that? We all know you can't see, Tony.

[Hemibee]

You sure about that? We all know WE can't see, Tony.

There fixed it for you.................. if I ain't there you can't see me. :mrgreen:

[Gilk51]

OK, Pie Fans, I updated post #1 with my suggested schedule for 2009. I tried to limit the new locations to 2 or 3 and also tried not to go to the same general area 2 months in a row, so that is why some have been shuffled.

Jan 31: Pie in the Sky - Conroe
Feb 28: Koffee Kup - Hico
Mar 28: Texas Star Cafe - New Ulm
Apr 25: The Shed - Edom
May 30: The Slaton Bakery - Slaton (new - northwest Texas)
Jun 27: Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls
Jul 25: Floyd's (Ingleside)
Aug 29: The Old Store - Westphalia (new)
Sep 26: The Texas Pie Company - Kyle
Oct 31: Ranchman's Cafe - Ponder
Nov 21: Debbie's Pies - Hutto
Dec 26?: 5th Annual End of Year Event - College Station most likely

There are a LOT of good suggestions, but only room for 11 in the schedule, so maybe a few extra Ride-to-Eats (RTEs) would be in order (when the weather gets nice) to check out some of the suggested locations (Hear that, JacknTexas? ;-) ).

I'll have a Garmin map up shortly with all the locations.

Some possible changes as the year goes on:

Might switch in Elgin (new) for Hutto or Kyle.
Might switch in Lake Athens (new) for Westphalia.

With the economy like it is, some of these places might be closed by the time we schedule them. Let's hope that a visit by TWT keeps them all alive thru 2009! :rider: :eat: :rider:

[Lyle]

With the economy like it is, some of these places might be closed by the time we schedule them. Let's hope that a visit by TWT keeps them all alive thru 2009! :rider: :eat: :rider:
So I guess an extra slice of pie would be, like, our civic duty... :patriot:

[wczimmerman]

So I guess an extra slice of pie would be, like, our civic duty... :patriot:

It's your own "slice" of the economic stimulus! :rofl: :doh:

[Lyle]

Just to keep things in perspective:

http://www.dogsbreakfast.net/images/ApplePieAlaMode.jpg
:-)

[FJR Bandit]

Just to keep things in perspective:

http://www.dogsbreakfast.net/images/ApplePieAlaMode.jpg
:-)

:eat3: :eat3:

[taminator]

My husband (10-95) and I want to make some of the pie runs this year. What time do the festivities begin?

Thanks!

[Red Brown]

Anyway, I added some new destinations and am thinking about scrambling Hico to another month (maybe March?). What are the best locations for the really hot months?
Anyway, :help: with feedback, please!

Medina - with it's "higher" elevations, low humidity levels and access to the Three Sisters, it might be an excellent choice.

There is the extra option of dipping into the local, clear, cool rivers in the area making it an added bonus....Speedo swimsuits are optional.

Arby

[MissMez]

I'm lazy, didn't read the whole thread, but for next year a possible suggestion in the Huntsville/Conroe area is the Waverly House in New Waverly. They have plenty of parking, specialize in pies, (and mean looking Chocolate Sin and Italian Cream Cakes) and offer a home style lunch and other basic menu items. We had breakfast there yesterday, and asked if they are interested in crowds. If we would like to give them a shot--maybe a Saturday ride from some in the area--they would save tables for us with an estimated number needed. And it is central to some nice roads.

[TexasShadow]

If y'all ever have a Pie Run in Pie Town, NM, I just might go to that one. Might even eat a slice of pie :eek2:

BTW, the best piece of pie I ever had (disclaimer: I don't like pie) was/is at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua: Pecan/Chocolate/Bourbon Pie. Now, *THAT* sah piece a pie.

[Kevin Graulty]

Further details on Waverly House Restaurant for future Pie Run, or general ride destination ... 9337 State HWY 75 South, New Waverly, TX 77358 (I-45 Exit 102, although I-45 is not the most attractive or exciting route to take here). 936-344-6552. Pies made in their dedicated pie kitchen. Area roads include FM1375, FM1374, State HWY 150, FM149, etc.

[Gilk51]

What I am looking for is locations that have been visited by more than one person and all give a good report. Sounds like New Waverly spot will get serious consideration for next year.

Not sure about Terlingua, maybe if the Slaton Run does well this year. :ponder:

We now have a pretty substantial list of places to visit. I am trying to pick 2-3 new ones for this year as well as rotate thru all the old favorites.

Maybe we need to go to 2 Pie Runs a month... :scratch:

:eek2: No! Acccck!


;-)

[Hemibee]

What I am looking for is locations that have been visited by more than one person and all give a good report. Sounds like New Waverly spot will get serious consideration for next year.




I'll add to the list of Waverly House fans. The pie is.......... :eat:

[Lyle]

BTW, the best piece of pie I ever had (disclaimer: I don't like pie) was/is at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua: Pecan/Chocolate/Bourbon Pie. Now, *THAT* sah piece a pie.
It sounds like a large, wedge-shaped candy bar... :eat:

[hikingcoach]

Have you ever eaten at The Center in Muenster? Great German food and terrific pies (and of course German Chocolate Cake)! Plenty of seats and paved parking.

[Lyle]

Have you ever eaten at The Center in Muenster? Great German food and terrific pies (and of course German Chocolate Cake)! Plenty of seats and paved parking.
I just had bratwurst, sauerkraut, and warm German potato salad for lunch today! Wunderbar!

I love coincidences...

[10-95]

Well, I'm hoping to make it out to some of these this year. Heck, I get to Utah more often! :doh:


I think Tam and I are going on Jan 31st???????? Come on and ride with us.

[Gilk51]

I think Tam and I are going on Jan 31st????????

:eek2:

*** GASP *** What just froze over?



:lol2:

[RockmanTex]

[QUOTE=Gilk51;545813]

Maybe we need to go to 2 Pie Runs a month... :scratch:

I think that would be a great idea because some people that can't make one date could possibly make the other. We would also be helping the economy by keeping more cafes in business. It also gives some of us another reason to ride like we need one.

Steve
06 Wee
07 Tiger
08 FeeJer

[P-Ratt]

I think Tam and I are going on Jan 31st???????? Come on and ride with us.

I'd love to, but I need 6 months notice for vacations. :doh:

Actually, we were supposed to head out there for another brother's wedding at the end of May. We were there last May for my youngest brother's wedding. The one getting married in '09 was going to get me SBK tickets and passes through his office. :bigokay:

Well, they've just called it off (the wedding.) Now no Utah trip and no SBK tickets. :tears:

I'm glad they figured it out beforehand.

[Tank2Tank]

Chuck,
When the schedule is finalized if you need any place scouted I'd be happy to do it. I'm good to go anywhere, anytime after Feb. 12. (layoff).
I scouted The Creamery in Marshall last year and enjoyed it, so if that first effort was acceptable please don't hesitate to holler.
And being unemployed I might even get to make some Pie Runs until I get a new gig.

[aharbi]

Maybe we need to go to 2 Pie Runs a month... :scratch:

+1 now I'd go for that

[Jbay]

[QUOTE=Gilk51;545813]

Maybe we need to go to 2 Pie Runs a month... :scratch:

I think that would be a great idea because some people that can't make one date could possibly make the other. We would also be helping the economy by keeping more cafes in business. It also gives some of us another reason to ride like we need one.

Steve
06 Wee
07 Tiger
08 FeeJer

2 pie runs a month = economic stimulus plan :lol2:

[crawl]

Jeez, maybe just go for every weekend, that way no one has to look at the calender to tell if one is scheduled... :rofl:

[Gilk51]

Jeez, maybe just go for every weekend, that way no one has to look at the calender to tell if one is scheduled... :rofl:

:thpt:

You, sir, are causing trouble! :lol2:

[Gilk51]

Well, I know that it is not perfect, but if nobody has any major heartburn with the rest of the schedule, I am going to send out the schedule to the destinations so that they have fair warning.

There are quite a few suggestions for new locations, so we will seriously look at those for 2010...

-------

Now, about the End-of-Year (EOY) Pie Run. The last Saturday of the month is 12/26 - the day after Christmas. I am reluctant to move it back to 12/19 because December is usually very busy for most folks, but it is a possibility.

Would anyone come if it was on the 26th? (or would we get a larger group that was trying to get out of the house and away from the in-laws? ;-) )

One other option - we could do it on New Year's Eve (12/31 - a Thursday) and stay up to watch the new year in. I am one of those that are blessed to have the week off between Christmas and New Years, but I'm sure that some folks will have to work.

The last poll didn't work for everyone, so just leave your preferences here...

[Simmons1]

I would attend on the 26th.

[Maverick]

I could probably do the day after christmas, but here again, I don't know what I'm doing next week, much less 11 months from now. :lol2:

and I don't get away from the In-laws, I have to get away from MY Family. :rofl:

[StarSapphire]

The day after Christmas would work better for J and I. New Year's we'll need to stick close to home since our dog is afraid fireworks. It gets ugly... :doh:

[voyagerrider]

Kathy and I would attend on 26th.
Marty

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Well, I know that it is not perfect, but if nobody has any major heartburn with the rest of the schedule, I am going to send out the schedule to the destinations so that they have fair warning.

There are quite a few suggestions for new locations, so we will seriously look at those for 2010...

-------

Now, about the End-of-Year (EOY) Pie Run. The last Saturday of the month is 12/26 - the day after Christmas. I am reluctant to move it back to 12/19 because December is usually very busy for most folks, but it is a possibility.

Would anyone come if it was on the 26th? (or would we get a larger group that was trying to get out of the house and away from the in-laws? ;-) )

One other option - we could do it on New Year's Eve (12/31 - a Thursday) and stay up to watch the new year in. I am one of those that are blessed to have the week off between Christmas and New Years, but I'm sure that some folks will have to work.

The last poll didn't work for everyone, so just leave your preferences here...

i would be on board for the 19th. December is just a busy month to begin with, but many people are with their families for both Christmas and New Years. sometimes for the whole week. at least i am. :doh: i think it would be easier to ditch a day of shopping as opposed to ditching the family, but it wouldn't be the first time I'm wrong!!!:lol2: just my .002

[P-Ratt]

I have about the same chance of showing for either date.

[Beemer Steve]

the 26 would be better for us .

[FJR Bandit]

I'm good for the 19th, 26th or 31st. I have alot of leave saved up thanks to New Mexico. :mrgreen:

[Gilk51]

Bad news - some local riders reported that our August PR location has closed:

Aug 29: The Old Store - Westphalia (closed) :-(

So, we need to find a replacement. I was thinking about something in that general area, so I was thinking about this one since I have heard a couple of people mention it:

Sam's Restaurant
390 Interstate 45 E
Fairfield, TX 75840
(903) 389-7267

So, what do you think?

[voyagerrider]

Sam's gets my vote. It has a great buffet, with lots of desserts. Pie, cake, and cobbler.
Marty

[Andrew T]

2010 idea is the Deutschburg Community Center Fish Fry near Blessing and Palacios; it's the last Saturday in January always. . .

[Rangerscott]

I can definitely do

May 30: The Slaton Bakery - Slaton (new - northwest Texas)

[Texas T]

Here is a semi-firm Pie Run schedule for 2009:

Oct 31: Ranchman's Cafe - Ponder

Will this also be the International Pie Run date?

[Gilk51]

Will this also be the International Pie Run date?

It was in October last (the first) year, so it could be. I hadn't really thought about it since I was a little disappointed last year - there was an initial surge of interest when the idea was announced but not near as many participants when the date rolled around.

I guess whe need some feedback as to whether it should happen again.
I'm all for giving it another try...

[Texas T]

I guess whe need some feedback as to whether it should happen again.
I'm all for giving it another try... +1
I'll support the AZ contingent and Chris is already moving on the PNW chapter.

I would also consider a ride to El Paso if there were TWT members there that would participate.

[Lyle]

It was in October last (the first) year, so it could be. I hadn't really thought about it since I was a little disappointed last year - there was an initial surge of interest when the idea was announced but not near as many participants when the date rolled around.

I guess whe need some feedback as to whether it should happen again.
I'm all for giving it another try...
I missed the discussion last year (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28063) or we might have organized something out here in Utah. We have pie in some of the more sophisticated dining venues. I know I could get my son to ride with me, at least, and I'm sure I could recruit others. We've got months to proliferate the idea...

BTW, an Australian friend says they also have pie Downunda, and offers this proof:

http://www.dogsbreakfast.net/Images/ApplePieAlaModeOz.jpg

[db]

Ahh yes, the pie and ice cream are upside down too ;-):rofl:

[Texas T]

Chuck, it may be worthwhile to start a 2009 IPR thread at this point.

[Photojojo]

I'm usually getting away from my in laws by going to college Station for Christmas so would probably go on the 26th.

[TerriBaker]

What about trying to hit the Texas Monthly top BBQ places next year instead of pie? Bill

Or...someone could start another monthly "run" and call it the BBQ run! :eat: A monthly pie run and a monthly BBQ Run...sounds like a good plan to me! I know many of the places will be too far away for me to attend until my hubby is back up and riding - It would be too mean to leave him at home while I'm out riding the entire weekend....I would miss him waaayy too much! Perhaps with two separate runs - I might have a better chance to hit the closer places....sounds selfish...well, yes, it is selfish...

[Tracker]

May Pie Run still on???

[Gilk51]

May Pie Run still on???

:eek2:

and 3 weeks away...

will work on that today...
:oops:

[Gilk51]

List in post #1 modified to show Sam's Restaurant for August.

[Lyle]

Or...someone could start another monthly "run" and call it the BBQ run! :eat: A monthly pie run and a monthly BBQ Run...sounds like a good plan to me! I know many of the places will be too far away for me to attend until my hubby is back up and riding - It would be too mean to leave him at home while I'm out riding the entire weekend....I would miss him waaayy too much! Perhaps with two separate runs - I might have a better chance to hit the closer places....sounds selfish...well, yes, it is selfish...
Do you folks have BBQ back there in Texas?

[Gilk51]

Do you folks have BBQ back there in Texas?

:eek2:

Blasphemy! ;-)

Best BBQ in North America! :lol2:

[RASZ]

Someone told me Clarks BBQ in Tioga is pretty good and the meringue on the pie is a site to behold!

[Snoopster]

Hey Chuck,

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned this ..... but the cafe for the RTE in Thorndale was really good:

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41056&page=4&highlight=thorndale

The owner said that he could even open the room up next door if we had a big group. The food was really good & he had desserts. I didn't ask about the pies though.:doh:

[james.cain]

Hey is this still on? I am ready to ride and eat!:eat:

[Gilk51]

Hey is this still on? I am ready to ride and eat!:eat:

This month's info is here (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41999).

[Hemibee]

James... Are you going to meet up with the Conroe crowd at the Exxon on the corner of 45 and 3083?

[james.cain]

James... Are you going to meet up with the Conroe crowd at the Exxon on the corner of 45 and 3083?

That would be cool. What time and what route are you all planning.

[jpwdesigns]

I'm a Pie Run Newbie. Can someone explain how this would work for the Oct 31 pie run in Ponder? Do you meet there or meet somewhere else and ride there? Ride together from there to somewhere else? What time would the meet up be?

Thanks! :eat:

[kurt]

This might help:

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36546

[Shaggy]

Hi guys, I have been away from the forums for way too long, so long I can't remember. Work has been crazy and I haven't had time for much else. But it beats the alternative that I have been all too familiar with the last few years as well.

Anyway, I have some exciting news and had to get on to share.

Lucy's in Celina is under new ownership as of about three weeks ago and because of that, my wife is back there running the bakery again! She has never been happier.

Not to drag out a long story, but the previous owners who had it last year when we had the run there pretty much got involved in some bad practices, both financially and customer wise. Because of what was going on, my wife chose to leave last March and not be a part of it.

The new owner, Mike, lives in Celina and also owns the Italian restaurant at the end of the square. He has dedicated himself to reestablishing Lucy's good name in the community and so far the town has welcomed the reopening of Lucy's with open arms.

I talked to Mike about the last Pie Run and to see if he would be interested in hosting one again if you guys wanted to add it to the schedule. He was very excited and gave me a resounding yes without any hesitation.

I was looking around to see if anyone was doing some scouting for next years list yet or not, so when you guys open the topic, I would like to suggest Lucy's for next year :eat:

[Gilk51]

Hi Jeff, I am still in the dart throwing selection process for next year but the feedback from last year was good for Celina. Since we missed it this year, it is a high probability for next year. Any preference for month?

Glad to see you pop up again.

Should start up a 2010 schedule thread pretty soon...

[Shaggy]

Hi Chuck, it's good to come up for air every once in a while :) I feel so guilty though, my FZ6 turned three back in July and its still under 6k miles. Other than a few times that I rode to work on days that I didnt need to take a bunch of work gear with me, I haven't really ridden much this year at all.

Prea talked to Mike today and he said he would prefer March if that is an option.

[Pappa]

Hiya fellow riders!
Has anyone ever tried "The Bowling Alley Resturaunt" in Blanco Texas?
Good food ( AND PIE) at good prices. I have seen as many as 40 bikes parked there on any sat or sun.

If not there then right next door is a good BBQ place Riley's BBQ.

I am hoping to make the Marble Falls run in 2010 and maybe some more.
Depends on if Honda ever sends me the right chain and sprocket set for my bike.. 3 tries and 3 times the wrong set.

Anyways just food for thought......also The new owner of Albert Tx is biker friendly. Not much as far as eats go ( unless the new owner fixes that) but a nice place to sit and BS and have a drink.

Pappa

[lonestarrider]

I would like to nominate the MidPoint Cafe in Adrain, Tx located on Route 66 here in the TX Panhandle. The cafe is known for the worlds ugliest pie crust. MidPoint Cafe/ (http://www.uglycrustpies.com/) Besides pie they serve a great burger. Late Spring, Summer and Fall would be a better time to attend.

[On-Off]

I would like to nominate the MidPoint Cafe in Adrain, Tx located on Route 66 here in the TX Panhandle. The cafe is known for the worlds ugliest pie crust. MidPoint Cafe/ (http://www.uglycrustpies.com/) Besides pie they serve a great burger. Late Spring, Summer and Fall would be a better time to attend.

I second that, they were on the American Road Trip

[Shaggy]

Lucy's got a mention in Frisco Style magazine last month. They just showed up unannounced and ate. Then, from what I hear, they asked to take pictures. http://myweb.cebridge.net/jeffh/LucyMag.pdf

[Red Brown]

I think we will break attendance records or darn close to it!

http://www.twtex.com/forums/images/smilies/jammin.gif

Git-R-done