I just felt like riding...

After almost a week of being in the garage, it was time to get the Spyder out again and ride. I really had no plans of where to go today, other than Castroville for dinner at Cora's 471 Grill. After dinner, I decided to head out west, found a quiet country road just outside of Castroville(FM 4516) and then headed back towards home through Quihi and Rio Medina. It was a nice quiet ride that I really needed.

 Total Miles: 66

Bluebonnets, Buzzards and Llamas, Oh My!

One of the things about Texas that I find truly amazing is the wide variety of scenery and wildlife.

Today I ventured through the Texas Hill Country with 20 other riders from The Comal River Riders Club.

Our ride started as usual, from Buc-ee's in New Braunfels.

Once we got out of town, the great flower of the State of Texas(The Bluebonnet) could be found just about everywhere.

As we continued on our journey, we came across a few flocks of buzzards, feasting on a fresh skunk carcass, Yuck!
Further on, we even saw a few llamas grazing in a pasture. As always, plenty of other farm animals roaming about, mostly cattle and even a herd or two of goats.

Our destination today was Hillbillyz of Texas, a small little BBQ place in the Hill Country town of Kendalia, TX

The weather was perfect for riding, a bit chilly first thing in the morning, however by the time we made our first stop in Boerne(remember, pronounced 'Bernie' for all you non-Texans), it warmed up to the mid-70's.

Video Links:
Canyon Lake Dam
Bluebonnets along River Road
Buzzards(@ 0:33)

Total Miles: 204
 

   

        

      

Searching for Bluebonnets and Longhorns

My quest for today was to see if I could come face-to-face with any Texas Longhorns, and also to snap some pictures of any Texas Bluebonnets I could find.

Well, there were plenty of Bluebonnets to be found, however could not find any longhorns out today.
I did manage to come face-to-face with a lonely cow while cruising along Blanco County Road 101, and a few low water crossings too, one that forced me to turn around and go back the other way.

Stopped for a bite to eat in Johnson City, before heading for home via River Rd.

Total Miles:202





(Click on image to zoom)

 









This is the one I was able to ride through...

(Click on image to zoom) This one? Not quite, so I turned around and took an alternate route to get to Johnson City

China Grove & Bike Night @ Texas Pride BBQ

A "Sleepy little town down around San Antone", made famous by The Doobie Brothers.

China Grove just happened to be along my route today, on my way to Texas Pride BBQ for some good food and "Bike Night".

Texas Pride hosts a Bike Night every Thursday night. The crowd was pretty thin tonight though, probably because most people were at the Irish Pubs for St Patty's day.

Total Miles: 66

 

South Texas Sunset (I-10 W)

Today's episode of the The Road Spyder Helmet Cam

We may have lost an hour due to the recent time change, however that gives us more daylight for more riding. :-)

After some minor adjustments with the camera, I set out on another adventure.
Today I ventured North on TX Hwy 211, then East on Hwy 46. Made a quick stop on Boerne for a snack, then continued on, "Cruisin down US-281".

Today's ride finished along Stone Oak Parkway and on to TX Loop 1604 to get back home.
Also saw a friend of mine cruising in his Polaris SlingShot.

Total Miles: 101

Introducing The Road Spyder Helmet Cam

Today I bought a new Bluetooth headset with a built-in camera. The Sena 10C.


Here is my first (edited) video, taken on one of my favorite routes just west of San Antonio.
Head west on FM 1957(Potranco Rd).
Turn Right onto FM 471
Continue on FM 471 through Rio Medina and back into San Antonio.

Lots more to come...

Total Miles: 39

Gene "Blackbeard" Wheeler Memorial Ride

Well, after a week of ugly weather it was time to get back on the bike. I would have much rather gone on a ride with other things on my mind, however this time it was to honor Gene "Blackbeard" Wheeler. Gene was one of the founding members of the Texas Road Rats Scooter Club. I had the honor of meeting him almost 2 years ago, at the time I was still riding my Honda Forza Scooter. Gene was a great guy, and unfortunately, he suffered a sudden heart attack on March 5th, and as a result, passed away.

Steve Brown, one of the other co-founders of the Texas Road Rats has been in communication with Gene's family and mentioned that he had written in his will that he wanted his scooter riding friends to celebrate his life by having a meal at his favorite restaurant, The Olive Garden. I met with several of my scooter riding friends on the North Side of San Antonio, we then rode as a group to one of the places that Gene would often meet our group, near New Braunfels. Steve led us on a beautiful ride on River Road(along the banks of the Guadalupe River), and we had lunch at Gene's favorite restaurant in New Braunfels.

After lunch, I decided to make a stop at Woods Cycle Country, and purchased a new Bluetooth Camera headset. I'll post some video soon. I wish I had the camera for todays ride.
It was a beautiful day, honoring one of our good friends.

Rest in Peace Gene, you will be missed by many.

Total Miles:

Gene Wheeler on his Honda 'Big' Ruckus

Past Videos

I have had several people ask if I would be posting more videos. I have located some video that I recorded over the past few years while riding my scooter out and about in the Texas Hill Country. Here are a two of my favorites from 2014...

The ride before the storm

With the upcoming weather forecast calling for rain for most of the week, today was the best day to ride. The weather was perfect!

Today i connected with to guys from the Hill Country Motorcycle Riders(HCMR) for a ride north to the Willow City Loop. It was a pleasure to meet and ride with Bob Dixon And Jeffery Urias. Looking forward to riding again with you soon.

We met in North San Antonio and then headed north towards Boerne on my favorite route, Scenic Loop Road. Continued north and made a stop in the famous little town known as Luckenbach. We just happened to stop there on the day of The Texas Independence Day Celebration, hosted by the former Texas Rangers 

We then continued on through Fredricksburg and on to the Willow City Loop.The road was a bit rough in some spots, but the views were amazing. Several low water crossings(one with just a bit of water), open ranges with cattle grazing in the distance and even a few bluebonnets too.

Then we returned to Fredericksburg for lunch at Wheelers Restaurant, where we met up with Frank Jensen and his awesome Polaris Slingshot. We then parted and went our separate ways to get back home.

The ride home was uneventful (a nice ride "cruising down US-281", lyrics courtesy of Gary P Nunn), until I got to IH-410 & Bandera, freeway was closed further ahead(at Ingram Rd), due to an accident.
I ditched the highway and took backroads to get home.

Overall, another great day, with great people and great food!

Total Miles: 216

The backup on Loop 410 @ Bandera Rd

 
 

Euro Bike Night at Pizza Italia, San Antonio

On the first Wednesday of each month, motorcycles and scooters of all shapes and sizes meet at Pizza Italia in North San Antonio for what is known as 'Euro Bike Night'.

Tonight was one of the best turnouts ever. 24+ bikes converged on Pizza Italia.
Even though it may be called 'Euro Bike Night' any brand is welcome. We all share a common bond, we love our bikes and we love to ride.

Moto Guzzis, Triumphs,  Honda Groms, Harley's, a few Vespas and even a Can-Am Spyder and more. ;-).

Good Food, and great conversation.
Hope to see you all next month!

Total miles: 38