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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Lone Star Rally 2013 (Day 5)


Is that Doreen back there??!!)


Waking up to a little cooler weather this morning than what we had while on the island.  The crisp air makes me decide to put on most of the warm clothes I brought.  The sun is shining so that is a plus for us.  Our route today is to continue down the back roads, and eventually get to Hwy. 81 and ride it the rest of the way.  We went off Daylight Savings time last night.  Fall back you know!




It was really enjoyable riding the roads towards Decatur, TX.  Chris had noticed his tires on his trailer were almost bald, and this was a concern as we make our way to Catfish O'Harley's Restaurant.  I for one was really cold by the time we got there.  The food warmed us up.  As we sat and ate, Chris and Diana said they saw a Tractor Supply back in town, and thought they needed to go and see about getting tires for their trailer.  We finish our food and bundle up and go towards the store they had seen earlier.

Bikers invade Tractor Supply.  You think a person doesn't get a lot of looks, when you walk in with your bike garb on!!!!  This is a country town, and probably just used to seeing cowboys....LOL

Believe it or not, they actually had tires for their trailer.  They purchase them and Chris starts taking the old tires off.  The new ones are already mounted on rims, so it worked out great.  I really don't think we were even there for 30 minutes, and the trailer was ready to go again.  Good thing their trailer wasn't packed very much, as they threw the old tires and rims in it and we took off.

The new tires brought a sense of security back to all of us.  Sure didn't  want to have a flat or heaven forbid one blow out.  Better to be safe!



Our final stop of the trip was in Duncan.  It was time for Chris to check the lugs on the trailer, and time to warm up again.  The sun we had earlier has now become a grey sky.  The fried pie place was calling me, so I suggested we stop there.  We get to enjoy a nice warm fried pie.

Time to say our goodbyes as Doreen & Allen will leave us at Chickasha.  It is so nice to have such a wonderful trip and know that we all make it home safely.  This one goes down in the books as a great ride with great friends.  Mileage: 1476 wonderful miles




Saturday, November 2, 2013

Lone Star Rally 2013 (Day 4)





This morning we are packing up to head back north.  We have plans to ride to Lockhart, TX. to eat some Barbecue.  As I understand it, Lockhart is known to be the BBQ Capital of Texas.  We have been there a few times, and love Black's.  Our first time there, we ate at Smitty's, and I suggest we go there this time.














Diana, Chris, Doreen & Allen had not been to Smitty's before, and it is just a must!!!  Our ride is uneventful and we make it to Lockhart around 1:30.  We walked right in to the area to get our meat.  The eating area on the other hand was pretty packed.  I suggest if anyone is ever in the area, it is a must see.  The town has a typical Texas town square.  It is worthy of a picture.
































We get our stomach's full, and we are back on the road, heading to our destination for the evening of Glen Rose, TX.  Diana has been in contact with our friend Glenda, and she is going to meet us there and have dinner with us.




 About the only exciting thing that happened along the way to Glen Rose was we got on a new stretch of turnpike, and the speed limit was 80mps.  There weren't a lot of cars, and we just sat back and put the bike on cruise and enjoyed the ride.  There was not a lot to look at along the road, but I have to say, those 50 some odd miles went by very quickly.  :)

The sun that we started out with this morning, has continued to stay with us today, but as the day drags on, it seem a lot cooler.  I for one am a bit cold.  The cold front had finally caught up with us.  I was glad when we made it to our stop for the night.

We get to the little No Tell Motel, and the guy can't find our reservations.  We work it out and get our rooms.  They are the old style, park in front of your door ones.  It was no frills, but very clean.  Not long after we get unpacked for the last time of this trip, Glenda shows up.  She had scoped out a few restaurants as she drove through the town.

Mexican food is going to be our food this evening.  Have to say the plates and food were really hot, and they helped warm me up.  We enjoy our visit with Glenda, and head back to the motel.  Cold ride back, but thank goodness it was close!!!

We say our goodbyes to Glenda, and decide it is time to get some rest.  Tomorrow is our final day on the road home.  :(

Friday, November 1, 2013

Lone Star Rally 2013 (Day 3)

We wake to blue skies today. The weather is perfect!  Looks like today is going to be picture perfect here on the island.



Our first stop is right across the street from the hotel.  We have to get our pictures on the bikes with the ocean behind us.  Seems like this is what we always do, but hey, we have to keep the tradition going, right! 

































We walk out on one of the rock area and Doreen starts finding little shells from the sea.  I have to get one picture of Allen with his butt in the air, as I guess he has found the big one or something.  Not exactly sure what he found, but it was picture worthy! 
















I took a picture of Diana & Chris bracelets that their grandson Ryland had made for them.  He wanted to see that his creations (bracelets) had made it to the ocean.















We walk back towards the bikes and head down to the area on the seawall where they have vendors set up.  The bikes are filling the place up rather quickly.  They have people directing traffic and showing you the areas to park.  Seems like they are well equipped for the influx of people this weekend. 








They weren't kidding about the weather today.  The sea breeze was great.  The sun was shining, and I started looking for some sun screen.  We ate lunch in an area they had set up to listen to the local bands.  Enjoyed the lazy slow pace for a change.


























Walking back to the bikes,  you could see that this was really going to be a very big day for the rally.  The parking area was swelling with all the bikes that were coming in...and this was Friday!!!!  As we make our way back, Doreen gets her picture by a very strange passenger on someones bike.  Or is that Allen!!??











We head towards the Strand, and I seem to always use this tall white building as my landmark for parking etc.  As we turn towards the building, they have closed off some roads leading in and out, and we are able to get a parking space in the close area.  Great spot!!!  Looks like the police won't be hauling bikes off from this area.















We revisit some of the vendors that we walked by yesterday.  There is a whole lot of people milling around, and we just follow the flow of people.  Some shirts were purchases, and then some more shirts were purchased.  We did a fair amount of shopping, but can't say that Chuck and I came home with anything big this year.






Believe it or not, it is getting close to 5pm, and I suggest we find a place to sit and eat some food.  The restaurant Yaga's has always been a good place to eat, so we make our way down the crowded streets to Yaga.  Can't believe it, but we didn't even have to wait for a table.  We sit back at the back of the restaurant, and it is a bit more quiet, and enjoyed the time off our feet.  The food was good as usual, and the waitress tells us to take our time, so we sit and chill for a little longer.

As we exit the restaurant we decide to find a spot and watch some of the bikes and people that are going down the Strand on their bikes.  It is getting dark, and the temperature is beginning to drop.  Diana and I walk back to the bikes and get our jackets.

We spend the rest of the evening watching the bikes go by.  They are actually letting the bikes park on the Strand two deep this year.  In years past, you couldn't have your tires touching the first rail of the trolley, but this year, they are parking them out to the second one.  Makes for more bike parking that's for sure.

We make our way back to the bikes, and head back to our hotel.  Great day!  Great weather!  Great Friends!