Hill Country Trip (.) (!) (?)

Post by **sckego** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 12:48 pm

I've got this idea in my head that it might be fun to take a weekend trip down to Hill Country and do some riding in the area southwest of Kerrville. This thread is intended as kind of a suggestion area where people who have been down there can post up any hints as to the must-see/ride/eat/whatever points of interest. It is also kind of a heads-up so that if you'd be interested in coming, I can let you know when things get nailed down. (I know only ride leaders are supposed to post rides, but this is only a rough idea at the moment... still, go ahead and delete if you like.)

First, dates. The plan is to ride down on Friday, explore the area on Saturday, ride home Sunday. As for what Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I got no idea. Its probably going to be something along the lines of me sitting around on a random Tues or Wed night, thinking that I have nothing planned for the upcoming weekend, check the weather to see if its all clear and below triple digits, call local places of lodging and see if they have any availability, and get in touch with people to see if they can make it. I don't intend to set a date a month out and when it finally rolls around its storming and we have to cancel... spur of the moment is the way to go

The weekends I'm NOT going to be doing this are June 30-July 1, July 14-15, 21-22, and any weekend when there's already a ride planned. Other then that... *shrug*

Second, people. I'd rather have at least one other person to do the trip with, up to a maximum of around 6 bikes, I would say. Any more and I think the size of the group might start to bog itself down, but we'll see. I think the uncertainty of the dates will keep the number of people down to something reasonable. I'm probably not going to be doing this trip 2-up, since a) vic hates the heat, and b) there aren't any spas to lure her this time. Still might happen though. Anyway, if you're interested in going, and can make yourself free for a 3-day weekend, post up and give me contact info, and I'll let you know when its on.

Third, places. I sketched out a route down on google maps. That's Sonic to Leakey, 320 miles, around 6.5 hours of riding time. Counting fuel stops and lunch, it should be a pretty full day of riding. I've heard there are quite a few places to stay in Leakey/Vanderpool/Medina area, as well as possibly camping at Lost Maples or Garner Parks. Dunno about camping though, I think after a full day I'd rather have a shower, bed, and AC.

Saturday will be dedicated to exploring the local roads. The 337-335-41-336 loop is around 100mi/2hrs, and there are some nice looking roads branching off of that too. Might also want to stop off in some of the towns to see what there is to see. The amount of riding here is variable and can be adjusted as necessary.

Sunday can be either the reverse of Friday's route, or, if everyone is tired and just wants to get home, find a major highway (16 or 281) and go straight up that. Looks like about a 5.5 hour straight shot up a major road.

Full disclaimer: This is something I'd like to do and have been kindasorta planning, but I'm notoriously bad at actually getting off my ass to do things and as such this might not happen at all. In this case, don't come crying to me, plan your own trip. Hell, I've already done half the work for you, and I just might come along, too.

So, yeah. That's all I got for now. Suggestions on where to go/stay/etc are welcome, and if you think you'll be able to make it, lemme know.

Blizzard_1708 · Post by **Blizzard_1708** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:55 pm

Find a hotel with a hot tub to stay at. You'll appreciate the hot water after a long hard day of riding

Lodid · Post by **Lodid** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:10 pm

I would be open to it! My aunt lives in Kerrville.

Post by **dufremle** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:34 pm

You can 'discuss' the trip here, but any actual plans, unless the ride is picked up by a ride leader, will need to be done through PMs.

Super Dave · Post by **Super Dave** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:56 pm

Kerrville.....ahhhhh, the memories................................not

U-Turn · Post by **U-Turn** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:08 pm

Lake Buchanan is a nice place to be at.

U-Turn · Post by **U-Turn** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:13 pm

Hey - where's the edit button? I used to be able to edit my post.
Anyway
I vote for Room / AC / hot Bath.
-
http://www.highlandlakes.com/lakebuchanan/

Edmond_Dantes · Post by **Edmond_Dantes** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 6:09 pm

I'm in for it! I was planning another trip through the Mena area, but that could be the next week. I just have to get back on that fabulous OK hwy 1!
No work that month, so just say when. 24 hour notice is good.

Bird · Post by **Bird** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 9:35 pm

Jim is right about the planning and posting (use PM as it starts into the I'm IN phase) . We're talking about the next Big Ride and can probably benifit from your thinking ahead. PM me as you work out the details and we may be able to put it together as an OFFICIAL club ride.

Post by **sckego** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:07 am

You can 'discuss' the trip here, but any actual plans, unless the ride is picked up by a ride leader, will need to be done through PMs.

So noted...

Lake Buchanan is a nice place to be at.

It does look nice... a bit farther north then I was planning on stopping, though. Maybe another area to explore on another trip?

Jim is right about the planning and posting (use PM as it starts into the I'm IN phase) . We're talking about the next Big Ride and can probably benifit from your thinking ahead. PM me as you work out the details and we may be able to put it together as an OFFICIAL club ride.

That could be cool... we can talk about what ideas you guys have down at the lake this weekend. It would be nice to have someone who has experience in leading a group to come along. With regards to the details, you have most of them already. What remains to be figured out is which of the dozen or so places of lodging we'll be staying at, who's coming, and dates... and those probably won't be nailed down till the week of.

People who are on the PM list:
Lodid
Karl817
Edmond_Dantes

gixxerjay · Post by **gixxerjay** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:26 am

I would volunteer my truck and enclosed trailer as support vehicle as i'd be pulling my bike down there. But ya I would really like to get back down there now that the roads are all freshly paved.

Jay

Darren · Post by **Darren** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:47 am

PM me...

I have done this trip four or five times and know the area well. Recent circumstances may allow me to make a trip like this.

Jay or Terry can vouch. SuperDave wouldn't remember other than the Hill Country double-apex turn that gave him his name.

We did a bunch of video down there one time with Hawk's group.

Firewa11 · Post by **Firewa11** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 10:09 am

I'd be down for going as well

Post by **sckego** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 10:18 am

Thanks for the offer, Darren. I'm not sure if I've met you or not... have you made it out to a bike night? If you do it would be great to talk to you for a bit about your trips and get any advice you can give.

As for the trip... stuff is popping up every weekend, it seems. The earliest I'm free is the last weekend of July, so maybe that weekend, August, or even sometime in September. Like I said, it depends on when I'm free, how many other people can make it, weather, etc... but I'll let you all know when its going to happen

Bird · Post by **Bird** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:46 pm

Kegan,
Make a list of those interested and start using PM. This is starting to look a lot like a ride rather than an idea.

Firewa11 · Post by **Firewa11** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:56 pm

If we got a ride leader to lead the ride, we could then make it an official ride... I'll cover the leader's gas

Post by **sckego** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:59 pm

If we got a ride leader to lead the ride, we could then make it an official ride... I'll cover the leader's gas

Uh, according to the front page, you ARE a ride leader... so you'll cover your own gas?

I think Benny expressed interest in a trip as well. So either of you want to volunteer?

Firewa11 · Post by **Firewa11** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:23 pm

I think it says I'm in training

Darren · Post by **Darren** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:47 am

Just to wet your appetite, check out these videos done on the three sisters...

http://www.dselliott.com/JohnHwy55.wmv

http://www.dselliott.com/ScottFM337.wmv

http://www.dselliott.com/DarrenFM336.wmv

*** Disclaimer: All credit for these videos goes to Deguello, who rides with Hawk's group.

Wanna set up a trip? PM me... My ride leader status is probably in suspension due to being AWOL for the past year. Jay I am in your trailer!

Blizzard_1708 · Post by **Blizzard_1708** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 1:14 pm

Darren wrote:My ride leader status is probably in suspension due to being AWOL for the past year.

You still have the ride leader star

Aviconus · Post by **Aviconus** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:02 pm

if i wasnt afraid my wrist would fall apart before we got there, id be down to go

digi · Post by **digi** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:30 pm

Tape it up, Marine.

gixxerjay · Post by **gixxerjay** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:35 pm

Trailer spot is open for rent :P Add me to the PM list i'm down for the trip.

Jay

Bird · Post by **Bird** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:14 pm

Blizzard_1708 wrote:
Darren wrote:My ride leader status is probably in suspension due to being AWOL for the past year.
You still have the ride leader star

Darren is doing right ... we're still working on his status and trying to make sure that both Darren and the club come out in a winning situation. The last year for him has been kind of strange and we need to talk about it. In the mean time, don't count on icons!

psychosoccermom · Post by **psychosoccermom** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:17 pm

I have family that live in kerrville, I have taken the ride down several times and it is spectacular, one hint though- take gum... Even in a car I had to chew it because my ears kept popping...

TTFN,
Shannon