Two weeks back we rolled into Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area in Gilmer, TX to do some wheeling with North Texas Jeep Club. We’ve been putting the Jeep through different scenarios to determine what type of driving and level of off-roading we want to do with it. At this point I have to admit my pride may have been a decisive factor in the upgrades we have the Jeep in the shop for right now. This post has moved to https://ourjeepadventures.com/barnwell-mountain-recreation-area-march-2020/
Off-Roading in Big Bend National Park
If you have a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, Big Bend’s primitive dirt roads provide many opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore the remote corners of this park. Some of these roads traverse bedrock and washes, making them extremely rough. A slow speed is mandatory for safe passage. Be prepared with plenty of water, a jack, and a good spare tire. On these isolated, infrequently patrolled backcountry roads, a disabled vehicle can become a life-threatening situation. Let’s take a closer look at Off-Roading in Big Bend National Park.
This post has moved to https://ourjeepadventures.com/off-roading-in-big-bend-national-park/
Visiting the Houston Space Center, What you Need to Know
I can finally mark visiting the Houston Space Center off my list of places to see. Houston is about a five-hour drive for us so we started out around 6:00 am. Our first stop was at Buc-ee’s for gas. While we were there we had to look around and Scott found a little stuffed Buc-ee for our granddaughter, Samantha. We decided it would be fun to take Buc-ee with us into the Space Center and let him pop up from time to time to say high to her. Tomorrow I’ll get Buc-ee in the mail to her and she can sit and watch the video with it. All of the spots you see Buc-ee pop up are places that the general public can touch. We didn’t put him anywhere off-limits or where there were signs not to touch. This post has moved to https://ourjeepadventures.com/visiting-the-houston-space-center/
Lace Grace and Gears 2018
Lace Grace and Gears is celebrating their third year!
If riding is your passion and sisterhood your home, join us for an unforgettable weekend! Meet sisters from all over the country and get to know each other on a scavenger hunt team, on one of our breathtaking rides in the Texas Hill Country, and party together at our Sisterhood Bash on Saturday night. [Read more…]
Regency Suspension Bridge San Saba, Texas
Last weekend we took a ride that we’ve wanted to take for five years! We finally made it out to ride the Regency Suspension Bridge near San Saba, Texas. This is the last suspension bridge in the state that is still open to automobile traffic. We tried to find this bridge almost exactly five years ago when I first began riding. After being given bad directions on a day that was around 100 degrees we gave up and headed home. [Read more…]
Progressive International Motorcycle Show 2018
The 2018 Progressive Motorcycle Show was February 2-4. Scott and I attended all day Saturday. We got there early because I had purchased the VIP ticket in order to get in early in hopes of snagging some photos before the crowd came in.
VIP Ticket
This year I decided to buy the VIP ticket which meant I would be able to get in with 49 other people 30 minutes early. During that time we had a tour guide that took us around the main areas of the show and gave us information about the vendors.
Is it worth the extra cost? YES! For me, it was great to be able to get photos for the blogs before the crowds gathered around. It’s always great to get shots of everyone looking around but I also enjoy getting pictures of the motorcycles and booths with any obstructions. The VIP ticket also included a gift bag of goodies including a voucher for a free IMS t-shirt. I will be buying a VIP ticket next year too.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are everywhere, old and new. J&P Cycles sponsors the Ultimate Build. The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is world’s largest motorcycle builder competition, featuring more than 350 motorcycles and $100,000 in cash and prizes across the IMS Tour. Professional and amateur builders compete at their local IMS for cash, prizes, recognition and a chance to move-on to the Championship Round in Chicago — where $70,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs!
Of Course, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, BMW, and many other manufacturers are there showing their latest bikes. As always I had to look at the new Softail Deluxe and for a few minutes I wanted to trade mine in for a new one but it will be years before I’m really willing to do that.
The Attractions
The IMS does a great job of pulling together vendors for everyone regardless of what type of motorcycle you ride or riding style. Scott and I planned our day at the show carefully to ensure we were able to get around to the shows we wanted to see and would still have time left over to meet with vendors, enjoy lunch together and we even managed to make time to sit down in between to relax and talk. You really can spend an entire day at the show and not get bored! This is a full listing of this year’s attractions.
Stunt Show
I am not one to try any type of stunt really but the stunt show is one of my favorite parts of the show. The skill these riders shows is awesome. This was the last thing we did and it was the perfect ending to the day!
All in all, it was another great show!
First Ride Of 2017: Horny Toad Bar & Grill
Our First Ride of 2017!
It’s January in Texas, that means you can never really know what to expect for weather. Scott and I have been watching Wunderground with great interest all week in hopes of getting out on the motorcycles for a ride. Then, there it was, 75 for the high! Of course, it was a Friday and normally that means he’ll be working. As the week drew to an end Scott ended up with a short day on Friday!
I spent Thursday and early Friday morning clearing my schedule and getting all my work done. I kept a close watch on my phone for the text saying he was on his way home. I made sure I was geared up and ready as soon as he got home!
Destination
We headed out around 1:00. I had no idea what he had planned but it didn’t matter. We’d be on the road together on a beautiful day! Once we got past Godly and were at a stop sign Scott gave me two options, of course, I took the longer one!
We took some back roads out To Cranfills gap to Horny Toad Bar & Grill for lunch. When we arrived there was only one other person there and he was finishing up. That meant we had the entire place to ourselves, that’s a first. The service and food was fantastic as always. If you get a chance to try the taco salad it’s my favorite!
Since it was still warm we took a semi-long way home. We did opt to take the Chisolm Trail Toll road once we got into Cleburne to avoid the congestion. Although we spent a couple buck each bike it was worth it. We had very little traffic and no stop signs or red lights. Not to mention irritated cagers on their way home from work ;).
Round trip we road 186.4 miles.
Harley Davidson- Celebrating 100 Years in Fort Worth, Texas
This year Harley Davidson and Fort Worth Harley are celebrating 100 years in Fort Worth, Texas.
The celebration kicked off at 9:00 am with free pancakes on the patio. Maps were available for a self guided tour through Fort Worth to see the various places the dealerships had previously been located. Maps were also available to go directly to the first location which was in downtown Fort Worth. At the original location a tent was set up with a photo op area and special 100th anniversary poker chips were given out for free.
The grand finale was when Fort Worth Harley unveiled this 1915 Harley Davidson. Mark Smith, the owner of Fort Worth Harley, then rode the motorcycle into downtown Fort Worth to the original location of the first dealership on Monroe Street. can you imagine riding a 1915 Harley on the freeway?! [Read more…]
The Long Way Home: New York Hill
After weeks of rain and flooding we are drying out here in Texas and it is warming up! You know what that means don’t you, riding and lots of it!
This past weekend we rode with Fort Worth HOG. The ride was on the calendar as The Long Way Home. The ride started at Fort Worth Harley and took lots of winding back roads out to New York Hill restaurant. Along the way we stopped once to get gas, stretch and do a little talking.
After about 10 minutes we were back on the road. With all the rain we have had the landscape was beautiful; bright green grass, lots of wildflowers blooming and the rivers and creeks were flowing at a pretty pace. There was lots of wildlife and livestock out too. Often times as it warms up your lucky to see anything more than road kill.
Once we got to New Your Hill everyone dismounted and made a pretty quick dash inside, I guess they were as hungry as I was! What is it about riding that makes you feel like you are starving after a few hours? Anyways, the staff was very attentive, the food tasted great and is very reasonably priced. We got to know a couple of newer members while we ate which is always fun.
Photos from The Long Way Home.
After eating Scott and I walked around and took a few photos of the smokestacks and area before hoping back on the bikes to take The Long Way Home. The ride back home was longer, curvier and we went just a bit faster! By the time we got back to the dealership we had ridden about 190 miles. As always it was great day out on the bikes filled with beautiful scenery, yummy food, laughter and good company.
Wise County Toy Run: 2014
Engines revving are you listening? In the street bikers gather, A beautiful sight, We’re happy this morning, riding in a Christmas Toy Run! Okay, so maybe they aren’t the best lyrics but you get the point! It’s time for a toy run and not just any toy run but the annual Wise County Toy Run!
This year was my second year to attend the event and despite the colder weather the crowd seemed to be larger than last year. The ride began in Decatur, TX at the middle school parking lot. As soon as we arrived we quickly began capturing video and photos. A quick note: We just added a video camera and two GoPros to our collection. This event was the first time I ever used the video camera so it is a bit jumpy; I promise to get better!
I wish I could adequately describe the feelings you have at an event like this. There is such a sense of brotherhood and togetherness. This year I set out to try and capture that. I want people to see something besides the stereotypical idea that seems to permeate society in regards to bikers. While capturing the images I tried to be respectful and ask before taking photos when it was a facial close up. At first I was nervous about approaching anyone but that quickly wore off when I saw how excited everyone was to have their picture taken!
The Bikes started assembling at 10:30 and Bike Show begins at 11. Scott and I walked around, said hello to friends and tried to meet as many people as we could. While we walked around the parking lot something was going on all around us! This is where the bike show was judged, a band was playing and donuts and coffee and other drinks were for sale. You could also buy a raffle ticket in hopes of winning a trailer!
As I walked around looking at all the different people and listening to them talk one thing was for sure, everyone there had a heart for the event and helping the kids. If you watch tv or listen to the news you wouldn’t expect to see this many different MC’s, groups, and clubs working together but they were. Hugs, pat on the backs and hand shakes were being given out like candy.
At 12:30 the ride to Bridgeport began. As the bikes started up we got in position to record the bikes rolling out for the parade style ride. As you view to the video you’ll hear the engines being revved, see smiling faces and lots of people waving! As the parking lot cleared out Scott and I raced across the parking lot to hop on our bikes and catch up.
The ride is about 10 miles long but because of the large amount of bikes it goes fairly slow. We had a police escort which helps ensure safety for the bikes, spectators and other vehicles. Intersections are blocked by the police and DPS officers. Once we reached Bridgeport City Park we found a spot to park and again pulled out the cameras and started mingling. I even got my picture taken with Santa, I don’t think I’ve done that since I was VERY little. The park has a big shelter house with a stage and tables and chairs. This is where all the gifts were deposited. In order to get in you have to either donate a gift or $10 per rider.
The event organizers did a great job! There was plenty of parking, restrooms, free chili, vendors, CMA motorcycle drill team, free door prizes, V NOSE trailer raffle ($10 a ticket), music and more. As we got ready to leave I was already thinking about next year, that’s when you know you have had fun!
Since Scott and I were both taking pictures and we had so much media we decided we would combine our photos and link to the one location from both of our sites. Video however will be independent of each other so you’ll have to visit each site for that, and our write-ups too! Visit Rumbling Rider for Scott’s write-up and video.
We uploaded the pictures at a very high resolution so you can download them if you see something you like and want to make a print from it. The pictures are free but we do ask if you use them that you give us credit by including the link to our sites as a courtesy.
