2010 REGION 2 MEET - PROPOSED - TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

[Kwixtar]

Meet in Fredricksburg Texas. It is a very interesting place and Motorcycle Friendly. Good restaurants and entertainment. Fredricksburg is centrally located in the Hill Country of Texas and a good start for some awesome rides. I have scanned maps of three good rides. For those who are familiar with the area, you can suggest more.

GO TO : http://kwixdraw.multiply.com/photos/album/3

OF COURSE ALL THREE ROUTES LEAD THROUGH LUCKENBACH

1. Austin Route - for those who want to visit the most Liberal city in Texas and of course Music Capital of Texas. The ride around the Lakes nearby is fantastic.

2. Most Fun Route - This takes you down into the Heart of the Hill Country with the best twisty and scenic routes.

3. San Antonio Route - Lots of country twisty roads leading into and out of San Antonio and of course, Lunch in Old San Antonio includes authentic Tex-Mex mexican food and historical Icons like The Alamo and the Riverwalk.

[GilaMonster]

BADFAST FJR & I are in.  Looks like 833 miles of excitement from Tucson.  We'll welcome alternate routes to I-10.

[napper]

Didn't we just get home?  

Never too early to start planning the next good time.    

If I don't make this one, it won't be for lack of lead time.

[Klondike]

I'm going to be traveling through that exact area on the 20-21st of this month  I can't wait to ride hwy 1431 from Marble falls to Austin.

This is the trip that kept me from going with you guys to Silver City.

[Orson]

A nice hill country map showing the extent of the hilly terrain.

Dripping Springs is a riverside artist colony and a nice place for lunch.

Cooper's BBQ is one of the better known BBQ pits in the hill country.

The Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls has a good breakfast menu. I haven't been there for lunch but, they advertise their pies  

[Kwixtar]

Nice map.
Some of the out of state guys wanted to see Austin, some San Antonio.
I included three rides as examples to include those  who wanted to go to each city.
And the best ride for those who have already been to those places all their lives.

[Orson]

Nice map.

While Highway 55 from Rocksprings is off the edge of the map, I can personally vouch that it contains some fun twisties  

Just be careful of the Rocksprings Sheriffs Department. They have no sense of humor.

[Klondike]

Thanks Orson.  We are spending the night in Burnet (my sister-in-law got me a room for $30.  Employee discount.) so the Blue Bonet will work perfect for breakfast.   And as far a Coopers Old Time BBQ?  Thanks now i'm hungry  

[wildwestrider]

Klondike, copying you here....response to your other query about 1431

.....FM 1431 is open with no current construction.  Be sure to integrate 1174 from Burnet to 1431 into your ride and dont miss Lime Creek Road in Cedar park from 1431 to 620,...if you are looking to continue on from there,...you could turn right on 620 and ride around to meet 71....then continue North via 71/281 back to 29 then on to 29 east to Burnett.   If you have time....dont miss park road 4 from that cuts the corner from 281 to 29.....entry is south of 29 on the west side of 281.

If you have not ridden any of these roads, and dont get into this area often....dont miss any of these roads....you wont regret it.

Lunch break at the Oasis near bullick creek off Lime creek and 620....hangs off the cliffs overlooking Lake travis.

Brian

I'm going to be traveling through that exact area on the 20-21st of this month  I can't wait to ride hwy 1431 from Marble falls to Austin.

This is the trip that kept me from going with you guys to Silver City.

[staedtler]

While Highway 55 from Rocksprings is off the edge of the map, I can personally vouch that it contains some fun twisties  

Just be careful of the Rocksprings Sheriffs Department. They have no sense of humor.

true to that...

Also, look up park road 37... from 16 to Medina Lake (locals only   don't le everybody know though.... shhhh )

[yotes65]

Count me in... if I take I-10 across from Phx, it's only a lonely 951 Miles...

If I take the following route, it will be a bit more interesting route at approx 1020 Miles... Phx/Globe/Safford/Three Way/Silver City/Cabalio/Cloudcroft/Hobbs/Big Spring/ending in Fredericksburg...



The ideal plan would be to take 2 days to get to Fredricksburg's, 3 Full Days in Fredricksburg to enjoy all 3 routes that Bob has recommended, then 1 day to return to Phx via I-10. However, I may have to adjust this plan of course due to what time off I will be able to talk my employer into allowing me to be granted.

[Rabidsnipe]

So I will be all over a Region 2 M&E in Hill Country; because it's close(r) and awesome!  With an emphasis on awesome!!

[DaJudge]

Hopefully, I'll have my FJR by then.

[Jetboy]

Just got back from a week over there.  I am in if the timing works out.  under 14 hours door to door.

[milkman]

Im in.  if anyone is coming through El Paso, you have got free room and board

[FJRmgm]

sounds OK but I would like to suggest Kerrville as the base town instead of Fredericksburg.

you can get into better riding sooner out of Kerrville - anything SW, west, or NW of K'ville is the best riding in Texas.   The hills are much better in this area also. Lots of good day trips from Kerrville. The motorcycle museum at Leakey is very good and the Three Sisters  FM 335,336,337 loop is a great day trip.

You can, and should go up to Fredericksburg from K'ville to see Enchanted Rock but north and east of Fredericksburg in not that interesting compared to south of there.

Because of the many deer in the area you don't want to be riding much in the evening in this entire area so you want to be back to "home base" by late afternoon.

Comments?

[Jetboy]

Kerrville equals Big Earls BBQ.  Hard to say no to that.

[soonerstan56]

Since we are getting ideas so early this time ,I thought I would throw out a place I've been wanting to visit since I learned of it.

http://www.hilltopcafe.com/

I thought of this when I realized how close we would be.
Badfast FJR and MSBadfast had expessed possibly seeing some blues music while in the area and if the owner happens to be there while we are, this would do that without having to ride to Austin.

The owner Johnny Nicholas is a great musician.I saw him at the Tulsa Blues Fest several years back and he was amazing.He was solo and played piano,guitar,mandolin and harmonica.After his set I asked him to sign the cd I had purchased and he was a great guy.
The cd was recorded at the cafe and since then I've wanted to visit.
I know it's early for such details as where to eat but WTH.

Stan

[Rabidsnipe]

Seeing some blues would be awesome!  I like the way this is shaping up.  What about the time frame?  I imagine we have a broader window of time where the weather would be agreeable.  How's about some locals chime in with the preferred times to go, weather/event wise.

[FJRmgm]

Seeing some blues would be awesome!  I like the way this is shaping up.  What about the time frame?  I imagine we have a broader window of time where the weather would be agreeable.  How's about some locals chime in with the preferred times to go, weather/event wise.

March, April or first couple of weeks in May are good times or the mid to end of October or November.

the summer is really hot and dry in the Hill country so you don't want to be there in Jun, Jul, Aug or Sep.

[Kwixtar]

YES YES YES............... The Hilltop Cafe is a MUST http://www.hilltopcafe.com/
We will definitely have to go there.

By The Way, I said I was shopping for a Sport Touring Bike to replace the BMW.
I wanted something that handled better than that 30 year old goldwing I rode to Silver City.

I found it.  I put a Progressive suspension on the old GoldWing and It Rides Like a BMW now.
I am taking it on a 3000 mile trip in August.
Going to Deadwood, Yellowstone, and Montana. The old wing will do it.

[BigHoss]

Blanco state park ......good camping on the Blanco river, hot showers, free wireless.....good fishing.

Fredricksburg Brewing Company....delicious beer and good food, The Auslander Biergarten ....great rouladen and spatzle, the Pacific War Museum and one of my favorite rides.........Johnson City to Fredricksburg.......wine tasting all along the 290.

Thunderstorms are like all things Texan....damn big!

I-10 out of El paso seems to have a lot of Texas finest writing citations, speed limit is 80 and it's all good slab but it's slab....out of NM there are a number of two laners to ride.....deer were pretty heavy when I was there in May.....turkey were plentiful but I saw not one armadillo.

We rode over to the Saltlick BBQ, I was underwhelmed, it was good but I quess I expected more with all the hype the place has gotten, remember that they do not serve alcohol, it's BYOB and people bring coolers full of beer and wine to drink with dinner.

I would recommend a trip to Gruene and a meal at Gruene River Grill, the food was great and the patio overlooks the Guadalupe River, catch some great country music at Gruene Hall.

Overall the Hill Country can't be beat. I can't wait to go back.

[soonerstan56]

Bumpity Bump, to keep this thread on the first page for planning.This little Spring meet up seems to be  the best region 2 event!

Stan  

[Kwixtar]

Thanks Stan................

I gotta coupla rides coming up and we will start the Official Planning late in October.

If anybody lives near Fredricksburg we could use some help selecting a Hotel. I would be afraid I would pick a Fleabag by mistake.

Also we could use some help planning three routes. I put some together in the beginning of the thread,,,, But some expert help would be nice.

Thanks Guys

Here are some runs I have been on lately and am going on soon:

http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10355
http://www.nakedgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19967

[wbrisett]

if anybody lives near Fredricksburg we could use some help selecting a Hotel. I would be afraid I would pick a Fleabag by mistake.

Your best bet is not Fredricksburg, but Kerrville. Inn of the Hills hosts lots of motorcycle events, they even have a section of their site setup for MC group reservations. http://www.innofthehills.com/

Wayne

[Grove Rat]

Your best bet is not Fredricksburg, but Kerrville. Inn of the Hills hosts lots of motorcycle events, they even have a section of their site setup for MC group reservations. http://www.innofthehills.com/

Wayne

+1 on Kerrville. Fredricksburg is only 20 minutes away for the shoppers. Kerrville is so much closer to the really best roads in Texas including the three sisters (335,336,337) and more. I've stayed at the Inn of the Hills several times and as wbrisett says its excellent for motorcycle events. Just my .02 worth.

[timsoonerdad]

 

[Jetboy]

 

[napper]

 

Never ridden east of Socorro, NM, myself.  If they plan it, I will come.

[Kwixtar]

I guess I have been notified that we should have it at Kerrville instead of Fredricksburg.
Kerrville will be 20 farther down the road from Austin and a little closer to San Antonio.

I will get on the site today and look for available dates,,, Probably last weekend in March.
The bluebonnets will still be good then and not too hot yet.

[Kwixtar]

They have March 25 - March 27 open at Inn of the Hills Resort in Kerrville, TX

How many rooms to reserve.

How many did we reserve in Silver City?

Should I set aside 15 rooms or more?

I can increase that but as the time grows closer, they will dissapear.

[Kwixtar]

I forgot to mention, the Standard Double Double room is   $94 plus tax.  So you guys might want to find someone to share.

How many will want to arrive Thursday night?

Ride Friday and Saturday

Check-out Sunday morning.

[Jetboy]

I forgot to mention, the Standard Double Double room is   $94 plus tax.  So you guys might want to find someone to share.

How many will want to arrive Thursday night?

Ride Friday and Saturday

Check-out Sunday morning.

I would plan on arriving Thursday evening.

[Grove Rat]

I will arrive thurs and leave sun (3 nights)

[GilaMonster]

They have March 25 - March 27 open at Inn of the Hills Resort in Kerrville, TX

How many rooms to reserve.

How many did we reserve in Silver City?

Should I set aside 15 rooms or more?

I can increase that but as the time grows closer, they will dissapear.

Bob, BADFAST FJR & I are in.  But, he has the itch to get a new bike, so he might have a name change before then.  

I reserved 15 rooms for Silver City, of which 11 were used by the guarantee date cutoff of a week before the meet.  I am guessing that you may get more of the Texas folks this year, but I'd go with the 15 rooms to start with, and modify later as others respond.

[yotes65]

I will have to wait a bit before I can commit... The "Boss" has informed me that I will be going to Europe at the end of March for a 2 week vacation... w/o a motorbike...  

[FJRmgm]

the end of March or anytime in April will be great weather in the Hill Country.

There is still a good possibility of a "blue North'er" cold front blowing through in March so mid-April is much better in that respect.  All of April is GREAT weather as it doesn't really get hot until early May.

Temps can drop from the 70-80 degree range down into the 40-50 degree range with strong winds in mere minutes when a North'er comes through.

Count me in.

[PhxMan]

I'll be there ! Already got it penciled into my calendar. Not sure if I would roll in on Thursday or Friday.

[lobo10s]

I am in... Missed the meets last year, want to make a couple this upcoming year

[Kwixtar]

Glad to have you coming this year.

[BigHoss]

I will have to wait a bit before I can commit... The "Boss" has informed me that I will be going to Europe at the end of March for a 2 week vacation... w/o a motorbike...  

They rent motorcycles over there

We were supposed to be going to Munich and Prague......then teh wife decided the kitchen needed an overhaul....the 15K I had ratholed away is now dedicated to the remodel....so far 30k and counting......somehow I think the trip to Europe would have been more fun.

[Kwixtar]

We were supposed to be going to Munich and Prague......then teh wife decided the kitchen needed an overhaul....the 15K I had ratholed away is now dedicated to the remodel....so far 30k and counting......somehow I think the trip to Europe would have been more fun.

Does that mean you are not going to Prague and other european distinations and will ride down to Texas???????

[miles]

They rent motorcycles over there

We were supposed to be going to Munich and Prague......then teh wife decided the kitchen needed an overhaul....the 15K I had ratholed away is now dedicated to the remodel....so far 30k and counting......somehow I think the trip to Europe would have been more fun.

Read the first post:
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,568.msg996021.html#msg996021

[FJRmgm]

oh yeah, another good thing about Kerrville - the local motorcycle dealer rents FJRs.

[yotes65]

They rent motorcycles over there

Yea... tried that route... she said "No Way"... then I suggested that maybe I rent a Bike and ride while she takes the Train between the Towns... hmmmm, that didn't fly so well either...  

[bikerider]

 

[GilaMonster]

 

Those of us from Tucson can't wait for another of your *fashion* statements!

[bikerider]

Those of us from Tucson can't wait for another of your *fashion* statements!

Still sporting the same basic outfit you guys saw me in last time.

This one is close enough to home that I may ride something other than my ST.

[satxbonneville]

This is close enough to "commute" in from San Antonio...and the ride up 16 is a fun one once you get past Bandera and the schools of pirates meandering up the road. Fredricksberg is good for the shopping inclined and they also have a pretty good brew pub...no I never drink and ride...not even one...but they sell growlers to take back for the evening festivities. Best, closest BBQ is in LLano at Cooper's (IMO) but the best BBQ (IMO) is over south and east of Austin from Elgin down to Luling...which would make a nice day ride.

[Kwixtar]

Bump

[soonerstan56]

So is the date and location set?
Inquiring morans want to know!

Stan

[Kwixtar]

There has been some suggestions that we have it the first weekend in April instead of the last weekend in March.
Seems the later you have it, the less chance of a "Blue norther" will upset the meet.

I always celebrate Easter with my family. It is a tradition. For all of you that don't celebrate the date set aside to
honor or risen Christ, Easter Sunday is Apr 4th.

I have been thinking it over and procrastinating making the reservations until I get another "Poll", but now is as good
a time as any.

DATE #1: March 26th - 28th - It won't be so hot, chances of it being cool is better. Bluebonnets will be in bloom.
DATE #2: April 9th - 10th     - Less chances of being cold, more chances of it being hot, and by then the Bluebonnets are mostly gone.

[yotes65]

DATE #1: March 26th - 28th - It won't be so hot, chances of it being cool is better. Bluebonnets will be in bloom.
DATE #2: April 9th - 10th     - Less chances of being cold, more chances of it being hot, and by then the Bluebonnets are mostly gone.

I vote for Date #1: March 26th - 28th... although I won't be able to make this date, for those that have not seen the Fields & Fields of the Texas Bluebonnets, they are simply Beautiful...  I would love to have a picture of my Beautiful Stead next to these flowers...

go ahead with the Pansy Jokes... however, there are moments when Mother Nature is at work that are simply a work of Art... for instance the Sunset that I watched this past Saturday while sitting at the Cape Royal Point at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The boss & I were talking last night about our upcoming vacation... maybe I can work it where we are back in time for me to make this Meet... my fingers are Crossed.

[soonerstan56]

Both options are fine with me.

Stan

P.S. Marty's a pansy!

[wbrisett]

I vote for Date #1: March 26th - 28th... although I won't be able to make this date, for those that have not seen the Fields & Fields of the Texas Bluebonnets, they are simply Beautiful...  I would love to have a picture of my Beautiful Stead next to these flowers...

You better hope we get some rain this fall and spring first! Last year the crop of flowers was absolutely the worst I have seen. Small patches here and there throughout the hill country. There was more near the Houston area, but they got rain in the fall and spring.

Wayne

[FJRmgm]

Blue bonnets are not likely to be out by the last weekend in March.

The second or third weekends in April are much better times (weather) to be in the Hill Country.

[bikerider]

Blue bonnets are not likely to be out by the last weekend in March.

The second or third weekends in April are much better times (weather) to be in the Hill Country.

+1

[traveler]

Are you folks getting together to ride those great Central Texas roads or pick flowers?

I've seen plenty of fields of bluebonnets, none of which made me forget about the hill country twisties.

[Kwixtar]

you are right, we are there to ride, drink our expresso, and adult beverages, not withstanding the great company.

I am not a member of the Texas Chamber of Commerce but a beautiful bluebonnet background will be unforgettable for those who are coming that are not privilaged to have the experience.

SEcond weekend in April is my new vote.

[Jetboy]

Second week of April would be my vote as well.

[Kwixtar]

See New link
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,45300.0.html