Well it’s been several years since we have done this ride. Always a great trip. OK lets get started, Who is in on this trip? “Easy G”, Sherry Aka “Dorm Lady”, a new name just applied on this trip, “Roadrunner” always ready to roll! “Happy Hour”, “Rainmaker”, “Blanco Bryan”, Zack, Tim, Bud and Julie, John Aka “Old Spice”, a new name from this trip. A couple more were going but backed out because they were not sure!
Departure date was to be on Wednesday morning, meet at Issacs in Junction. Meet at 9 and depart at 10. Everybody was on time! Great! Quick breakfast and roll west.
We exit at Sonora head south to Comstock by way of Juno. Scenic road with very little traffic. Got to watch those cattle guards, man almost threw me off the saddle a few times! We stop at the Pecos bridge overlook. Beautiful site! The river is super low, but an incredible view. After a few snacks and a few thirst quenchers time to travel west.
Nice to have a chase vehicle with Bud and Julie. For breakdowns or to carry extra supplies. We travel Hwy 90 to Sanderson. Let me back up! We stop at Langtry at Judge Roy Beans , law west of the Pecos. Nice visitor center, and rest area. Onward we go to Marathon. Got to stop at the White Buffalo. Rain shower up ahead, time to let it pass. Had a few refreshments on the back patio.
We make it to Alpine just before dark. Quarter circle 7 hotel is our home away from home for the next 3 days. Accommodations are always good, A restaurant is conveniently placed next door. We check in and make our way next door. Walking distance, always good after a long day in the saddle.
Next day off south to Terlingua, The ghost town that is pretty much alive. We like the general store with the big porch, always can meet people from all over the world here. Butch Hancock, famous from the “Flatlanders” son was playing on the porch. I asked him “You know Butch Handcock” he said yes, “Thats my dad” How about that. He was playing music with another kid, Its a small world!.
We make our way west up river road, probably one of the most beautiful roads in Texas. We stop at the teepee rest area and many others enroute to Presidio. The only reason to stop in Presidio is for gas! Having said that, that’s exactly what we did. Northward to Marfa. We stop at a Cantina in Marfa, it’s about a block off the main hwy. Circular bar with picnic tables everywhere. Lots of people having a large time! But of course we fell right into line! Only can have so much fun! Back to Alpine we go.
We go to one of our favorite cafes in Alpine just across the railroad tracks toward the Big Bend Park. Great food, drinks and service, always a pleasure.
Back to the hotel for a few nightcaps.
Next morning, “What’s that smell” John putting on after shave. “Is that Old Spice” Well sure enough it was! He’s got a new name!
Today is Park day. We run Hwy 118 to the Park. Glad I have a senior pass. The price is $25 for a bike now. Hit the Park traveling back to the east, Cut off and go to Santa Elena Canyon. Always a great stop, where the Rio Grande splits right through a giant mountain. Pretty incredible sight. The river is flowing pretty strong. Maybe 2 ft deep. Much more than previous years. After a few snacks and photos, time to roll out. We ride to Panther Junction cut off to the Chisos Mts. Winding and turning road to the visitor center. Sharp hairpin turns, got to be on your toes. Back to Panther Junction for gas. We stop at a dinosaur exhibit on the way out. We get north of the park, a few decide they want to run fast, at about 120 they decided to slow down. Not me, 70 is enough for me.
We make it back to Alpine in time to stop at the Railroad Blues Bar right on the main drag. A lot of signs and pictures from days gone by. After a group photo time to hit the hotel. The restaurant next door is convenient again. After some good food and good fellowship, time to make a move to the hotel. Time for a night cap and review this trip.
The weather was good, come in right after some rain in the area. At least we stayed dry, that’s always a plus. Everybody got along well for as I know!
Next morning, It’s departure time, some left for home, I opted for Ft Davis. We reach Ft Davis and travel west to the McDonald observatory. We make a stop close by for a refreshment. We continue on the loop that travels by Valentine. There’s a nice roadside stop by some big rocks just before you reach Hwy 17. Nice stop for another refreshment! We run Hwy 17 to Balmorhea. We catch I-10 to Ft Stockton.
We stop to eat and take a little break. Get some good Mexican food and we are good to go. We gas up and head east. I split from the rest to roll
on, food is awaiting at the house, just what I need more of. I let it rip, running the speed limit plus getting back home.
Another great trip in the books, No accidents or fall downs! Although narrowly avoided a pickup in Alpine that pulled right out in front of me! Close call maybe 2 ft. thanks to those guardian angels that watch over me.
Like I always say live life to the hilt never know when it’s your last trip!
RIDE FREE AND RIDE OFTEN!!!
DAD
0 Comments