Sunny Day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get, How to get to Hico, Texas!
View Larger Map
TO HICO from AUSTIN:
We headed out 183 N
then 281 N to Lampasas
Just outside of Lampasas take
FM 1690 N to Izoro through Pearl to Purmela
At Purmela take FM 1241 N
You end up on 281 N just outside of Hamilton
Continue on 281 N to Hico
FROM HICO to AUSTIN:
Going home we made a little mistake, but it was the best mistake I had made in a while. We ended up at a Y sitting in the middle of cow pastures and rolling hills. Because we stopped there to take pictures of the old fence and barn, and to be honest, take a leak behind a bush, we missed a summer rain storm down the road.
We headed E on Hwy 6 towards Iredell just before you get to town take FM 1238 S to Cransfill Gap
Then we headed W on Hwy 22 back to Hamilton then because it was getting dark we headed S on 281 to 183 S in Lampasas to get home quickly.
More pics of the Hico trip coming soon!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Still NOT it...
Okay, now the scooter was not spotted in the Lone Star state, and it is still not what we are looking for.
We just thought it would be a nice diversion.
The spotting took place in Oak Hill, Providence, Rhode Island, a few blocks from my niece's former apartment.
Notice the convenient "scooter hitchin' posts"!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Hico or Bust
Our second trip was northwest to Hico were we intended to eat some serious backyard steaks cooked by some serious Backyard BBQ warriors. Ok, that may be a bit of an exaggeration...for the most part they were restaurant owners competing for the prize of top steak.
We didn't get steak, even though that's what we went to Hico for; we opted to eat dinner at the local Mexican food restaurant. The steaks wouldn't be done in time for us to leave at a decent hour.
Bovine delicacies aside, this was the longest and most enjoyable ride we've had. All 306 miles of Central Texas Hill country and rural road...and the most beautiful sunset we've seen. We were tired and sore by the time we arrived home (we left at 10:30am and arrived home at 11:30pm ) but we saw some of the best scenery and experienced a quiet that only rural America can provide...I can't even put it into words! It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words...I'll let them do the speaking for us.
Along the way we took a bypass to the town of Izoro. Well I say it was a town it was only an old Texaco station surrounded by farms. The now defunct Texaco Station is now the Izoro Post office.
"S" Kisses-up to the Locals outside the Koffee Kup in Downtown Hico.
The inside of a Historic Saddle-Maker/Blacksmith shop in downtown Hico. The log cabin was set up the same way it would've been in the 1800's.
The junction of FM 219...a brief rest before we headed to the town of Cranfils Gap. With the thunderstorms blowing through the area. "The Gap" was a windy mofo!
We stopped in the town of Evant to allow the thunderstorms ahead of us to pass. When we left we were treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets I think either of us have seen!
We didn't get steak, even though that's what we went to Hico for; we opted to eat dinner at the local Mexican food restaurant. The steaks wouldn't be done in time for us to leave at a decent hour.
Bovine delicacies aside, this was the longest and most enjoyable ride we've had. All 306 miles of Central Texas Hill country and rural road...and the most beautiful sunset we've seen. We were tired and sore by the time we arrived home (we left at 10:30am and arrived home at 11:30pm ) but we saw some of the best scenery and experienced a quiet that only rural America can provide...I can't even put it into words! It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words...I'll let them do the speaking for us.
Along the way we took a bypass to the town of Izoro. Well I say it was a town it was only an old Texaco station surrounded by farms. The now defunct Texaco Station is now the Izoro Post office.
"S" Kisses-up to the Locals outside the Koffee Kup in Downtown Hico.
The inside of a Historic Saddle-Maker/Blacksmith shop in downtown Hico. The log cabin was set up the same way it would've been in the 1800's.
The junction of FM 219...a brief rest before we headed to the town of Cranfils Gap. With the thunderstorms blowing through the area. "The Gap" was a windy mofo!We stopped in the town of Evant to allow the thunderstorms ahead of us to pass. When we left we were treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets I think either of us have seen!
Our Parting Shot, "S" said we had to have a sunset photo with the bike!
This is NOT what we were thinking of...
We found our first "Truck on a Stick,"or better said, "Toy Truck on a Stick"
Although technically it is a truck on a stick; it is clearly not what we were looking for or referring to in our first blog. Still looking for the real deal!
If you would like to take a gander at this anomaly, just drive north on 183 to Cedar Park; it is on the left hand side.
Although technically it is a truck on a stick; it is clearly not what we were looking for or referring to in our first blog. Still looking for the real deal!
If you would like to take a gander at this anomaly, just drive north on 183 to Cedar Park; it is on the left hand side.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Equipment, Equipment, Equipment!
I didn't realize that there was going to be continual research of... search for... and addition of equipment to the bike. First it was the sissy bar. I agree it will be a great comfort, when I decide that I trust it and actually use it. It's a good solid piece that "K" purchased from Cruiserbackrest.com (They were quick to ship and respond; overall a pleasant experience dealing with them.) It adds a little safety and stability for me, plus the luggage rack will come in handy for some of our longer hauls.
Then "K" had to show me the new deer whistles. These will hopefully alert deer of our approach. He purchased them at WalMart, but here is a quick explanation from "Save a Life" website.
Another WalMart find was a backpack that could be strapped to that new sissy bar that will hold the essentials for the day. This included the purchase of a cargo net and bungee cords to secure it to the bike. This is a temporary solution for hauling goods while "K" is still researching the saddle bags situation.
The next important purchase will be peg extensions for me. This will allow me to stretch out my legs, so that I can ride a little longer.
While there are still the auxiliary lights, windshield, and possible floorboards to consider... research... and compare... on the many motorcycle forums and chat rooms for motorcycle enthusiasts. We have the basics and are ready to ride.
Then "K" had to show me the new deer whistles. These will hopefully alert deer of our approach. He purchased them at WalMart, but here is a quick explanation from "Save a Life" website.
Another WalMart find was a backpack that could be strapped to that new sissy bar that will hold the essentials for the day. This included the purchase of a cargo net and bungee cords to secure it to the bike. This is a temporary solution for hauling goods while "K" is still researching the saddle bags situation.
The next important purchase will be peg extensions for me. This will allow me to stretch out my legs, so that I can ride a little longer.
While there are still the auxiliary lights, windshield, and possible floorboards to consider... research... and compare... on the many motorcycle forums and chat rooms for motorcycle enthusiasts. We have the basics and are ready to ride.
Where should we go?
Where do you go when you have a cruiser, beautiful Texas spring weather, and a free afternoon? Llano for BBQ at Coopers? (If you haven't been it is a carnivores delight! A little on the expensive side, but well worth the almost neanderthal experience. I actually forgot to use my fork. Look for details of our next visit coming soon.), Bastrop for the piney woods smell?, Luling to see the old mill?, there are so many options.
How about Wimberley? Since this was our first out of the city of Austin ride, it was a perfect distance, curvy, 2 lane road headed to "A Little Bit of Heaven" according to the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce.
Route:
Mopac-S to 290-W to R-12-S
Return via:
R-12-N to FM-3237- N to FM-150-N to 290-N to Mopac-N
(Those that are not from Texas or have not traveled in Texas: R= Ranch Road- usually a two lane road, but on occasion it will have 4; FM= Farm to Market Road- usually a two lane road, connects the small towns and is usually considered the backroad to somewhere)
View Larger Map
New Rider Tip: You want to stop and stretch those legs and backs out after about 30 minutes. There is a rest stop on the right after the 71-W and 290-W split.
Ranch Road 12 is one of my favorite roads. When I attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State) in San Marcos we use to ride out to Wimberley. You could find a nice secluded spot to stop and neck if your roommate was commandeering your room that weekend. From Austin to Wimberley, the Ranch Road 12 winds and curves to the hills above and the creeks and rivers below. At this time of year, it is still green and sprinkled with pink, blue, and yellow wildflowers.
Just as you enter town on the left is the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce. We sauntered in, me with my fringed black leather jacket and black boots, looking like a one percenter wannabe to find a dignified Southern lady behind the volunteer desk dressed in a light blue-jean jumpsuit with a white mock-turtleneck shirt with a red, white, and blue scarf tied around her waist. When she addressed us, it was like molasses, a Southern drawl from way back. She hooked us up with a restaurant, Juan Henry's Restaurant, locally owned of course; a great, colorful map of the Hill Country, and a few pamphlets on the bed and breakfasts for our future visits. She was truly delightful!
Another reason to stop is the really cool- 3-D model of the Hill Country!
The short ride over to Juan Henry's was lovely, especially because we missed it the first time and ended up cruising down River Road. Here are some photos that I stole from the Internet. (We will have our own as soon as one of us purchases a nice digital camera or remembers his.)
We had enchiladas and tacos and discussed the route back. Originally we were just going to go back the way we came, but after looking at the Hill Country 3-D model at the Chamber of Commerce and the new map, we decided that FM 3237 looked like an interesting ride. It curved up through the hills and had a higher elevation than RR12, which we thought would give us a better vantage point.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Equipment or Commitment?
Choosing a helmet for someone is no small task. When I first started riding back in the 80's, equipment was easy gas, wallet, jeans, jacket (blue jean or thin leather, if cold enough), and an open face skid-lid. Now that I'm older and wiser I choose an armored jacket, over the ankle boots, and a full face helmet. Pretty well geared up.
I'm covered, but it is amazing, how much more time you will spend contemplating gear when it is someone you care about on the pillion. Full face helmet is a must! Armored Jacket? Absolutely! Then we'll need pants with armored shins and knees. Oh! I know...A Bubble Wrap suit. That's it! I'll encase my pillion in a large Bubble Wrap cocoon! She'll be protected in case of a spill, but will probably die of heat-stroke.
Maybe this isn't the route to go.
So I got a little carried away. It's easy to do with the amount of gear that is available today. "S" returned from a trip to her home town with her sister's leather Harley jacket and boots (thanks Chris). The next day we went shopping at Cycle Gear. Now Cycle Gear closes around 8:00pm and we arrived at about 7:00pm and proceeded to try on every helmet in the place. I explained to "S" the importance of a comfortable properly fitted helmet. Their was another couple shopping so we ducked into the glove section to find some gloves. She ended up with a kid's size 7.
I kept prairie dogging the sales person helping the couple to see if we were still good to go. Peek over the racks st
ill working with the couple? Yes! we're good...sneak peak...yep still good. However, the staff at Cycle Gear were super helpful and they let us shop and we ended up purchasing a Metallic Silver full face helmet by Seven Zero Seven. (Photo from Cycle Gear Website)
So she's set and I'm comfortable that she'll feel safe and comfortable. However, we still need to get her a mesh jacket, summer will be on us and triple digit heat is going to suck in that fringed leather jacket.
Just remember All the Gear All the Time (ATGATT) it's not a fashion show it is a commitment to being safe.
(RANT) So this kind of gives me a case of the Red A$$. Often I'll see a guy and a girl on the newest whizz-bang 2000 zipping by, she's in a mini-skirt and he's in flip flops and shorts, sometimes with a helmet and sometimes not. I know the argument goes- gear is a personal choice but I think that is only part of the reason. Why would you allow your passenger to be at risk? Often they're not thinking about the same things you are and don't have enough info to make a valid decision. So educate them then let them make the choice. Personally, I would make them wear gear because I wouldn't like to think that I permanently scarred someone because I didn't look out for their safety. Get your passenger the right gear!(RANT OVER)
I'm covered, but it is amazing, how much more time you will spend contemplating gear when it is someone you care about on the pillion. Full face helmet is a must! Armored Jacket? Absolutely! Then we'll need pants with armored shins and knees. Oh! I know...A Bubble Wrap suit. That's it! I'll encase my pillion in a large Bubble Wrap cocoon! She'll be protected in case of a spill, but will probably die of heat-stroke.
Maybe this isn't the route to go.
So I got a little carried away. It's easy to do with the amount of gear that is available today. "S" returned from a trip to her home town with her sister's leather Harley jacket and boots (thanks Chris). The next day we went shopping at Cycle Gear. Now Cycle Gear closes around 8:00pm and we arrived at about 7:00pm and proceeded to try on every helmet in the place. I explained to "S" the importance of a comfortable properly fitted helmet. Their was another couple shopping so we ducked into the glove section to find some gloves. She ended up with a kid's size 7.
I kept prairie dogging the sales person helping the couple to see if we were still good to go. Peek over the racks st
ill working with the couple? Yes! we're good...sneak peak...yep still good. However, the staff at Cycle Gear were super helpful and they let us shop and we ended up purchasing a Metallic Silver full face helmet by Seven Zero Seven. (Photo from Cycle Gear Website)So she's set and I'm comfortable that she'll feel safe and comfortable. However, we still need to get her a mesh jacket, summer will be on us and triple digit heat is going to suck in that fringed leather jacket.
Just remember All the Gear All the Time (ATGATT) it's not a fashion show it is a commitment to being safe.
(RANT) So this kind of gives me a case of the Red A$$. Often I'll see a guy and a girl on the newest whizz-bang 2000 zipping by, she's in a mini-skirt and he's in flip flops and shorts, sometimes with a helmet and sometimes not. I know the argument goes- gear is a personal choice but I think that is only part of the reason. Why would you allow your passenger to be at risk? Often they're not thinking about the same things you are and don't have enough info to make a valid decision. So educate them then let them make the choice. Personally, I would make them wear gear because I wouldn't like to think that I permanently scarred someone because I didn't look out for their safety. Get your passenger the right gear!(RANT OVER)
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