Saturday morning we met at the Country Store on Hwy 195, near Florence, Tx. It was shaping up to be a great day, sunny with temps in the high 70′s. The plan was to ride and get those members who signed up for the 2012 Tour of Honor Ride, a push start and knock off two of the seven sites. Located in Florence is a Veterans Memorial and in Fredericksburg, Tx, the “National Museum of the Pacific War“.

The goal of the Tour of Honor Ride is simple, visit 7 of the selected sites in your state by Nov 1st, 2012, prove you were there via photographs, email them in and receive your certificate of completion and ride pin. Armed with camera’s our ride shirts and Rider Towel’s we were ready.

We gathered at the Country Store and already lost one rider, our Chapter President, Mark Ybarra to family business. Joining us were BK Member David Smith, his Co-rider Teanna Sherouse and Friend Rob McDorman. Knight Mike Loney was going to join us briefly and peel off as we passed Burnet, Tx. We emptied out bladders, filled our tanks and headed off.

lt to rt: Rob McDorman, Teanna Sherouse, David Smith and Mike Loney.

A Tiny Town which gave it best and probably had a population of less than 500 during WW2. Current Population 1,100 and change.

Within 3 minutes we arrived at the Florence Memorial, located on Hwy 195 near the Chamber of Commerce building. A charming Memorial for such a small little town, ones eye is immediately caught by the large mural painted by local students on the side of a metal building, along the east edge of the Memorial grounds.  A poignant reminder of the ride is the “Killed in Action” panel, listing those from Florence who gave their all. Since I had already visited the site and to keep the day moving, I had David and Rob pose along with the others, as I took their picture for them.

Stu Mccurdy, Col. USAF Retired, Dina McCurdy and Moi

Next was a rendevous with Vietnam Combat Veteran, Fighter Pilot and Air Show Performer, Col. Stu McCurdy, USAF Retired. Stu was at a Trike Reunion in Fredericksburg and would meet us in Stonewall, Tx and guide us to the Alamo Springs Cafe, home of  Texas’ Best Burger, according to Texas Monthly Magazine. After our 92 mile ride to Stonewall, all went well and it was just one of them good ride days.

We succesfully linked up with Stu and wound our way down Cain City Rd past some Bicyclists who were having their own event. We arrived at the Alamo Springs Cafe by 1100 hrs and beat the usual lunch crowd, the adviseable thing to do unless you have plenty of free time.

Alamo Springs Cafe before the lunch crowd

No frozen Patties here

A Gut Bomb with explosive beefy goodness.

Warning! Portions at the Cafe are big. The Burger is a half pound of fresh ground meat about the size of a soft ball. Fies and Onion rings are huge portions and can easily be shared by two or three. The Burgers are fantastic, the atmosphere quaint and if you don’t enjoy your meal your going to be hard to please in any circumstance.
Bellies full and fighting off the after lunch nods, we headed into Fredericksburg to finish our Mission. As with any weekend in a destination town, traffic can be challenging and parking scarce. Since we were only at the Museum to take a photo, we temporarily occupied the loading zone and got our proof we were there. Next, top off the fuel and head North on Hwy 16 to take in Willow City Loop, a most excellent Motorcycling Road.

In Texas at this time of the year, the roads are filled with Motorcyclists and Cage Drivers, vying to see the “Spring Bloom” and all the pretty flowers. Cage Drivers are most annoying and dangerous as they drive totally mindless, lost within the confines of their plastic and metal shells.

Look at the pretty flowers but watch out for the Cagers.

The ride on Willow City loop was somewhat tainted by the slow moving Cagers, which allowed less time to enjoy the ride, as we fought to maintain our balance at the low speeds. With Cages parked on a road where there is “No Parking”, blocking blind curves and rises, I was actually relieved to get off the Loop.

National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, Tx

I led the the Riders to “Harry’s on the Loop” a favorite Icon, break spot and watering hole for Riders coming off the Loop but it was closed. A surreal sight greeted us as we pulled into Willow City, for a large 5 ft tall Rabbit was in a field to the West hiding colored eggs. A peek inside Harry’s revealed the spot was closed for good, as it appeard that most of the wall art had been taken down.

Zeke (Moi) & Rob

With the day almost done we headed back towards home but stopped at one of the most scene Starbucks in Texas, located in Marble Falls. This spot overlooks the Colorado River and the Bridge which takes you into Marble Falls from the South. Here we got a late afternoon pick me up before making the final 50 miles home. Surprisingly, I ran into two other Riders I know at the Coffee Shop, Glen French, former Chapter member and Dave McAfee, a Goldwing Rider and another Vietnam Veteran.

Our ride, 240 miles and change or 3 tanks of gas for David.

It was a good day and a good ride. We got a leg up on the Tour of Honor Ride, had some good food and were Honored by meeting up with some Combat Veterans. Where to next?

Note: There will be more on the featured Veterans on the TOH Riders Forum along with other stories of Veterans from the TOH participants.

Here’s the link to the TWT thread and check out the other rides that are scheduled.
http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67879

Zeke at the Texas Panhandle Memorial in Amarillo, Tx, 2011 Tour of Honor

This ride is now sanctioned by the AMA American Motorcyclist Association and the IBA Iron Butt Association.

To learn more and register, click on the image.

You can also join the BK International Facebook Group

IHOP 750 South Interstate 35, Georgetown, Tx

Time to start thinking registering for this great event. Just click on the logo to get the website. The first 500 who register get Jack.

First off I must start this report with the fact that I accidentally deleted all the photographs I took today. Note to self: Do not delete individual photos from your camera, until you upload them.

I started off the day by going to the Ride Captains Meeting at the Host Hotel at 0900 hrs. At the Meeting they stressed getting everyone on the same page regarding “Group Riding” Rules or Techniques. This way you could ride with any Blue Knight Chapter and or event and everyone would be on the same page. I will follow up later with applicable links and materials for this site.

After the Meeting, I met the rest of our Chapter included Glenn Copeland from Chapter 13 for a tweaked version of a suggested ride to Dublin Tx, the home of Dr Pepper! It was fixin to be plenty hot so I cut the ride route from the suggested 155 miles to 88 miles. This would put us back in time to get ready for the Banquet at 1800 hrs.

The ride was uneventful but very scenic as we made our way N/W from Granbury, to Lipan Tx where we stopped off to fuel up and hit CR 1189. We popped out north of Stephenville and made the last few miles to Dublin in time for lunch and beat the score of other Blue Knights, who arrived shortly after we did. The Knights quickly overwhelmed the Soda Fountain at the Dr Pepper Factory. With that, we decided to park our machines and walk to Grandma Clark’s Diner, two blocks north for our lunch.

You can’t miss this place, its smack dab in the middle of Town.

Unofficially, Dublin is Dr Pepper Texas. The only bottling plant which still uses Cane Sugar to sweetened their soda, instead of Corn Syrup.

Grandma Clark’s was a great little find and the Burgers are excellent. They also sport a Buffet but it is stocked with typical Texas Diner Grub, fried this and that.

The Burger at Grandma Clark’s. A half pound hand made patty of juicy goodness. I used 8 napkins before it disappeared. The fries are seasoned and battered for extra crispy goodness.

After lunch, we made our way back to the Dr Pepper Factory and the crowd was subsiding from the lunch rush. Everyone got some kind of treat and the French’s and GCope bought a bunch of Dr Pepper paraphernalia for family and friends. I opted for the Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float, which never disappoints.

The Soda Fountain. There is limited seating and you can get Burgers and Sandwiches too!

After our dessert trip, we made the 44 mile ride back to Granbury, just in time to beat an hour long downpour, which subsided just before the Banquet.

Our ride route, relatively free of traffic, except for the last leg home.

At 1800 hrs, we made our way to the Banquet, in our BK Uniforms, Ie: White button up shirt, vests and black pants. It was the first time I had worn BK colors and vest. After some business, that announced the International Conference would be in Eureka Springs Arkansas and the Regional Conference would be in Waco for next year, some awards were handed out. These included the Longest distance traveled to the conference, oldest attendee, youngest attendee etc.After all the business, we were told to line up for dinner.

A Fly on the Walls view of the Conference Banquet

The Bored, I mean Board of Directors

We ended up standing and waiting in the dinner line, as the caterer had forgotten the gravy. After 30 minutes of hurry up and wait, dinner was served Buffet Style. Sorry no pics. I had the Fried Chicken and most of the others had Chicken Fried Steak. There was salad, mashed taters, corn, green beans chips and of course, gravy. Dessert was provided as was water and ice tea but no coffee. I must say all of the food was good and it was one of the better banquet meals I have had, in regards to flavor.

After stuffing our faces, the real excitement began…the Raffle!

Glen French won a Tom Tom GPS unit. The rest of the Chapter was non productive in acquiring raffle goodies.

After the Raffle most headed back to the Host Hotel for free Margaritas, so the Host Chapter wouldn’t have to haul back the extra mixers. Several of the vendors were still hard at work in the parking lot, finishing modifications, pin striping and sewing on patches, while the rest mingled in the parking lot to relax and swap lies.

It was a good Conference and Granbury proved to be a good destination and location for it. I can’t wait for another opportunity to visit Granbury once again. We all made it home by lunch the next morning and are all looking forward to the 2012 International Conference in Eureka Springs. Now that’s an even better destination and the riding is on a whole nutha level.

With threats of Severe Thunderstorms threatening the Dallas Ft. Worth area, we opted to remain close to town. It was pretty muggy and we managed to avoid the only downpour which occurred in the later afternoon. Here is a photo report for the day. I will add additional photos later on the photo album page.

In the morning, Glenn Copeland and I headed to local breakfast spot, the Firehouse Cafe for our first meal of the day. They have Corned Beef Hash on the Menu.

The dining area of the Firehouse Cafe, located on Hwy 377 in Granbury.

Glenn and I enjoy an after breakfast coffee break and time to post pictures on the internet at the Coffee Grinder Coffee Shop, in the Historic Downtown District/Square.

There are a ton of shops, eateries and specialty stores in the Granbury Historic District. This is a great destination town for a weekend and you can burn up half a day in the Historic District.

Dougie dips into his wallet as Diane buys out the store of dry mixes, relishes and jams.

The Historic Square is reminiscent of downtown Georgetown Tx.

The Pearl Street Station was recommended by a local for good food and being Motorcycle friendly. Located just off the Square, as well as many other shops and eateries.

Sandwiches, BBQ and Cajun goodies. You will definitely leave this place full.

I opted for something you can’t just get anywhere. I had the Smoked Bologna Sandwich. Glenn had the Pulled Pork Sandwich. All the makings for a good nap.

After lunch we all went out separate ways. Glenn and I then visited the local Veterans Memorial Museum. The U.S. Veterans Museum is a must see for anyone, with artifacts from the War of 1812 to present. It’s free and they rely on donations to keep our History alive. Visit their website HERE

The Comfort Inn Suites, the Host Hotel for the Conference

The Largest Frying Pan in Hood Country is moved into place for the evenings inclusive meal of Fajitas.

They Frying Pan in action.

Shopping in the parking lot which was filled with Motorcycle related vendors and merchandise.

Soups on! While in line, we got word that next years Conference will be held in Eureka Springs Arkansas. Now that’s great riding country.

Beef and Chicken Fajitas, Beans, Corn and Chips.

Tomorrow morning I will attend the Ride Captains and Safety Meeting, after which we plan to do a local ride. The weather has cleared so we should be good to go.

After kicking tires in the parking lot with Chapter 13 out of Austin, we all called it an early evening and are looking forward to the last full day of the Conference and tomorrow’s Banquet and Raffle Drawings.

Downtown Granbury, Tx