Gator Fest & Cruzin To Cure

On Saturday I rode out to SouthWest Houston on Hwy 59 to Crabb Tree River road to Z Bar where the Gator Fest was being held this year and where I was meeting up with some other Star Riders. Steve, Mike, Sheila, Annie, & Gilbert (We met up with Gilbert at Ortega’s Place Later). We headed out to check out some stop for the up coming Miller Time Run. After riding to Ortega’s Place and West Of the Brazo, (Chelsia was closed) we went back to the Z Bar to enjoy the rest of the day at the Gator Fest.

On Sunday we started out (Well a Few of us) at Mama Cafe for breakfast on Westhemier. After breakfast we met up with more Star Riders for registration for Cruzin To Cure at Mancuso Harley Davidson.

Our first stop was at Houston Yamaha Motorsports for a lemon and panty hose contest.

The second stop was at Willie's Grill & Ice House for a T-Shirt toss and a few refreshments.

We finally end up at Texas Tumbleweed for food, beer, fun, and David (Byrdman) taking a nap.

Both events were a first for me and I had a great time!

Photos Gator Fest • Cruzin To Cure Photos

Gator Fest & Cruzin To Cure

On Saturday I rode out to SouthWest Houston on Hwy 59 to Crabb Tree River road to Z Bar where the Gator Fest was being held this year and where I was meeting up with some other Star Riders. Steve, Mike, Sheila, Annie, & Gilbert (We met up with Gilbert at Ortega’s Place Later). We headed out to check out some stop for the up coming Miller Time Run. After riding to Ortega’s Place and West Of the Brazo, (Chelsia was closed) we went back to the Z Bar to enjoy the rest of the day at the Gator Fest.

On Sunday we started out (Well a Few of us) at Mama Cafe for breakfast on Westhemier. After breakfast we met up with more Star Riders for registration for Cruzin To Cure at Mancuso Harley Davidson.

Our first stop was at Houston Yamaha Motorsports for a lemon and panty hose contest.

The second stop was at Willie's Grill & Ice House for a T-Shirt toss and a few refreshments.

We finally end up at Texas Tumbleweed for food, beer, fun, and David (Byrdman) taking a nap.

Both events were a first for me and I had a great time!

Photos Gator Fest • Cruzin To Cure Photos

ROT Rally June 1-4, 2006

My 2nd ROT Rally was was a great weekend! My sister, Randall, Mike & Sheryl were at the same hotel and a few of the Star Riders (Sherri, Bobby, Mark, Mike & his wife) were there.

Thursday:

Sherri & I arrived in Austin around 6 PM. We headed on Hwy 90A to Hwy 77 to Hwy 281. We missed most of the rain until 60 miles out of Austin. It was a nice ride (cool weather most of the way).

Got cleaned up and had dinner near the hotel for the first night.

Friday:

We had breakfast at Taco Cabana and checked in at the rally site and checked out the vendors. Got back to the hotel around 3 PM. Betty Jo & Randall had arrived at the hotel. Randall was trying to fix a flat. Randall, & Mike & Sheryl went up to the Harley dealership to get the flat fixed. They would not fix it because of all the other problems the bike had (To many to list). I bought a T-shirt, Bobby Came and met us at the Harley shop. We headed back to the hotel, then we had dinner at Taco Cabana (I know thats 2 times in one day, but that is where Randall wanted to go) with Cherri, Bobby, Betty Jo & Randall, and Mike & Sheryl.

Sherri, Bobby, & I left for downtown for the ROT party. We met up with Mark, Mike & his wife at the Blind Pig Pub on 6th street & party on the roof. Got back to the hotel around 1 PM.

Saturday:

We had breakfast at Kirby Lane (Great Food!) and headed out for a Morning ride west of Austin near Lake Travis. Nice pretty ride!

Arrived at the rally site around noon. I had lunch at the rally. Checked out the bikes and more vendors.

Back at the hotel around 5 PM for a break.

Randall and Betty Jo went back to the Harley dealership and traded in there old Harley and bought a new Road King (I guess next time I’ll trade in my bike when I get a flat! LOL).

Had dinner at Land & Cattle Steak House with Cherri, Betty Jo & Randall, and Mike & Sheryl. We headed back out to the Rally for the concert. When we got there we went in the back gate (Number 3) and got stuck in the parade which was a mistake, after and hour in the parade we got to the concert area.

After the concert we hung around for an hour for the parade party, which was just as wild as last years. It was fun to watch. Got back to the hotel around 1:30 AM.

Sunday:

We had breakfast at Kirby Lane again. We headed back to Houston around 10 AM. We followed the MS 150 route on FM 949 to Bastrop, then through the Bastrop state park then on to Hwy 77 to I-10 with lunch in Columbus. We arrived in Houston around 5 PM.

Photos

ROT Rally June 1-4, 2006

My second ROT Rally was was a great weekend! My sister, Randall, Mike & Sheryl were at the same hotel and a few of the Star Riders (Sherri, Bobby, Mark, Mike & his wife) were there.

Thursday:

Sherri & I arrived in Austin around 6 PM. We headed on Hwy 90A to Hwy 77 to Hwy 281. We missed most of the rain until 60 miles out of Austin. It was a nice ride (cool weather most of the way).

Got cleaned up and had dinner near the hotel for the first night.

Friday:

We had breakfast at Taco Cabana and checked in at the rally site and checked out the vendors. Got back to the hotel around 3 PM. Betty Jo & Randall had arrived at the hotel. Randall was trying to fix a flat. Randall, & Mike & Sheryl went up to the Harley dealership to get the flat fixed. They would not fix it because of all the other problems the bike had (To many to list). I bought a T-shirt, Bobby Came and met us at the Harley shop. We headed back to the hotel, then we had dinner at Taco Cabana (I know thats 2 times in one day, but that is where Randall wanted to go) with Cherri, Bobby, Betty Jo & Randall, and Mike & Sheryl.

Sherri, Bobby, & I left for downtown for the ROT party. We met up with Mark, Mike & his wife at the Blind Pig Pub on 6th street & party on the roof. Got back to the hotel around 1 PM.

Saturday:

We had breakfast at Kirby Lane (Great Food!) and headed out for a Morning ride west of Austin near Lake Travis. Nice pretty ride!

Arrived at the rally site around noon. I had lunch at the rally. Checked out the bikes and more vendors.

Back at the hotel around 5 PM for a break.

Randall and Betty Jo went back to the Harley dealership and traded in there old Harley and bought a new Road King (I guess next time I’ll trade in my bike when I get a flat! LOL).

Had dinner at Land & Cattle Steak House with Cherri, Betty Jo & Randall, and Mike & Sheryl. We headed back out to the Rally for the concert. When we got there we went in the back gate (Number 3) and got stuck in the parade which was a mistake, after and hour in the parade we got to the concert area.

After the concert we hung around for an hour for the parade party, which was just as wild as last years. It was fun to watch. Got back to the hotel around 1:30 AM.

Sunday:

We had breakfast at Kirby Lane again. We headed back to Houston around 10 AM. We followed the MS 150 route on FM 949 to Bastrop, then through the Bastrop state park then on to Hwy 77 to I-10 with lunch in Columbus. We arrived in Houston around 5 PM.

Photos

Grand Canyon Trip Day 10

Heading home today through Austin onto Hwy 71 to I-10 and back to the Waffle House where we started.

It was a great trip even though I would have like a slower pace.

I’m glad that Chuck will be OK. I’ll ride with Roy, Steve, & Bobbie any time,

Thanks Guys for a great trip.

Photos

Grand Canyon Day 10

Heading home today through Austin onto Hwy 71 to I-10 and back to the Waffle House where we started.

It was a great trip even though I would have like a slower pace. I’m glad that Chuck will be OK. I’ll ride with Roy, Steve, & Bobbie any time, Thanks Guys for a great trip.

 

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 9

Up at 7:30 AM, had breakfast at Steven (Best Western) We were on the road by 9:30 AM.

Headed to Brady Texas. We went through Eunice NM, Andrews TX and Big Springs TX on Hwy 180. We turn on to Hwy 87 Through Sterling City, San Angelo, Eden, and to Brady about 5:30 PM and checked in at the Days Inn.

We jump in to the pool and cooled off, It felt great from the Long hot straight roads we rode today.

Had dinner at the Pit BBQ and back the hotel we view the photo I loaded on my computer.

The temperature on my gauge read 109 and it felt that hot.

Total miles 334 • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 9

Up at 7:30 AM, had breakfast at Steven (Best Western) We were on the road by 9:30 AM Headed to Brady Texas. We went through Eunice NM, Andrews TX and Big Springs TX on Hwy 180. We turn on to Hwy 87 Through Sterling City, San Angelo, Eden, and to Brady about 5:30 PM and checked in at the Days Inn. We jump in to the pool and cooled off, It felt great from the Long hot straight roads we rode today. Had dinner at the Pit BBQ  and back the hotel we view the photo I loaded on my computer.

The temperature on my gauge read 109 and it felt that hot.

Total miles  334

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 8

Up at 7:30 AM, had breakfast at Happy Grill (Crystal would like it!)

Headed to Carlsbad Craven for the Special left hand craven tour (15 people once a day, very cool, Thanks Roy!) We toured the Big room afterwards and I got a lot of photos.

Got back to the hotel, Roy , Steve and I went to wash our clothes and have lunch. We washed our clothes on the Corner of Lea and 180 and had lunch at the china Buffet next door.

We got back to the hotel and Roy and I jumped in the pool. We talked too 2 women from Washington that were going to Carlsbad Craven tomorrow and we talked them to going to see the flight of the bats that night.

Later Roy, Steve and I went up to Carlsbad Craven and watched the Flight of the Bats. Then we had dinner at Danny's Pit BBQ (Very Good and Pam and Faith were great Waitress!).

Back at the hotel we met up with Jack (Jack Daniel's) and went to bed around midnight.

No traveled Miles but to Carlsbad Craven two times (About 80 Miles). • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 8

Up at 7:30 AM, had breakfast at Happy Grill (Crystal would like it!) and headed to Carlsbad Craven for the Special left hand craven tour (15 people once a day, very cool, Thanks Roy!) We toured the Big room afterwards and I got a lot of photos. Got back to the hotel, Roy , Steve and I went to wash our clothes and have lunch. We washed our clothes on the Corner of Lea and 180 and had lunch at the china Buffet next door. We got back to the hotel and Roy and I jumped in the pool. We talked too 2 women from Washington that were going to Carlsbad Craven tomorrow and we talked them to going to see the flight of the bats that night. Later Roy, Steve and I went up to Carlsbad Craven and watched the Flight of the Bats. then we had dinner at Danny's Pit BBQ (Very Good and Pam and Faith were great Waitress!). Back at the hotel we met up with Jack (Jack Daniel's) and went to  bed around midnight.

No traveled Miles but to Carlsbad Craven two times (About 80 Miles).

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 7

Got up at 8:00 AM, had breakfast at the Red Barn. Roy met us at 9 AM in Sliver City and we headed out towards Carlsbad.

Stopped in Alamogordo, NM at The White Sand National Park and a the Yamaha shop I stopped at lat year (They fixed my Front brakes last year). We went through Lincoln National Park and caught the end of a very windy and dusty storm before we headed into the park.

The first time we put on rain gear and didn't really need it.

We arrived in Carlsbad around 6:00 PM. We were a little late to see the flight of the bats. We went straight to the hotel (Carlsbad Inn next the the hotel I booked last year).

We had dinner at Lucy's Cantina (Very Good, and I stayed on my low carb diet!)

Total miles 331 • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 7

Got up at 8:00 AM, had breakfast at the Red Barn. Roy met us at 9 AM in Sliver City and we headed out towards Carlsbad. Stopped in Alamogordo, NM at a the Yamaha shop I stopped at lat year (They fixed my Front brakes last year). We went through Lincoln National Park and  caught the end of a very windy and dusty storm before we headed into the park. The first time we put on rain gear and didn't really need it. We arrived in Carlsbad around 6:00 PM. We were a little late to see the flight of the bats. We went straight to the hotel (Carlsbad Inn next the the hotel I booked last year). We had dinner at Lucy's Cantina (Very Good, and I stayed on my low carb diet!)

Total miles 331

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 6

Got up early to leave by 10:00 AM we left at 10:30 PM because of the CS Factor. I had a bad feeling about Chuck, he was sleeping at breakfast while we were eating. I should have listen to my bad feeling, because Chuck did have accident and was flown to Tucson. Roy went there and stayed the night.

We got to silver city about 6 PM, Checked in to the Super 8 Motel and had dinner at the Red Barn (Great meal!) I got to bed around 1 AM.

Chuck ended up with a Fractured foot and a lacerated leg.

He will flight home in a couple of days and I'm not sure what will happen to his bike.

Total miles ? • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 6

Got up early to leave by 10:00 AM we left at 10:30 PM because of the CS Factor. I had a bad feeling about Chuck, he was sleeping at breakfast wile we were eating. I should have listen to my bad feeling, because Chuck did have accident and was flown to Tucson. Roy went there and stayed the night.

We got to silver city about 6 PM, Checked in to the Super 8 Motel and had dinner at the Red Barn (Great meal!) I got to bed around 1 AM.

Chuck ended up with a Fractured foot and a lacerated leg. he will flight home in a couple of days and I'm not sure what will happen to his bike.

Total miles ?

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 5

Got up at 7 AM had breakfast at Jacob's Lake Inn and headed to the North Rim. The North Rim was much better than the South Rim and I wish I had more time here to explore and maybe do the 13 hour hike through the canyon. (Note to self, Spend more time at the North Rim).

After a short visit we headed out to Eager, AZ. We stopped for lunch at the Cliff Dwellers Restaurant (Great Lunch). Stopped at Lee's Ferry National Park (A great View of the Vermilion Cliffs).

Rode on, which seem to go on for ever and we got to Eager at 11:30 PM very late because of the CS Factor. We missed dinner, but thanks to Bobby for the stuff he got at the store for us to eat.

A lot of great roads, but a very long day to be on the road.

Total miles ? • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 5

Got up at 7 AM had breakfast at Jacob's Lake Inn and headed to the North Rim. The North Rim was much better than the South Rim and I wish I had more time here to explore and maybe do the 13 hour hike through the canyon. (Note to self, Spend more time at the North Rim). After a short visit we headed out to Eager, AZ. We stopped for lunch at the Cliff Dwellers Restaurant (Great Lunch). Stopped at Lee's Ferry National Park (A great View of the Vermilion Cliffs). Rode on, which seem to go on for ever and we got to Eager at 11:30 PM very late because of the CS Factor. We missed dinner, but thanks to Bobby for the stuff he got at the store for us to eat. A lot of great roads, but a very long day to be on the road.

Total miles ?

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 4

Started late this morning, Chuck had to fix his rail on the saddle bag. It seem we been doing a lot of waiting on Chuck.

Anyway we had breakfast at the Village Inn (It was OK) After breakfast we left Flagstaff and headed out to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The route was the same one I took two years ago. The Grand Canyon was still breath taking with no rain this time. We went too three points to see the Grand Canyon, The first was Grand Canyon Village and we had lunch at Angel Point and the at Desert view.

Before we had lunch we lost Bobby and finally found him.

Afterwards we head towards the North Rim to our cabin at Jacob's Lake Inn. Bobby reserver the cabin (Looks like as large out house), it has three beds 2 rooms and is smaller than my one bed room Apartment. I won the toss for the bed by myself. Lot of great roads for riding!

Total miles 258 • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 4

Started late this morning, Chuck had to fix his rail on the saddle bag. It seem we been doing a lot of waiting on Chuck. Anyway we had breakfast at the Village Inn (It was OK) After breakfast we left Flagstaff and headed out to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The route was the same one I took two years ago. The Grand Canyon was still breath taking with no rain this time. We went too three points to see the Grand Canon, The first was Grand Canyon Village and we had lunch at Angel Point and the at Desert view. Before we had lunch we lost Bobby and finally found him. Afterwards we head towards the North Rim to our cabin at Jacob's Lake Inn. Bobby reserver the cabin (Looks like as large out house), it has three beds 2 rooms and is smaller than my one bed room Apartment. I won the toss for the bed by myself. Lot of great roads for riding!

Total miles 258

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 3

Wow, Great Ride today, Out of Phenix through Prescott then on Hwy 89A to Jerome, Sedona and arrive for the night in Flagstaff.

Wolfman dropped his bike off at the Honda delearship to get his bike fixed and rented a car to come along.

We finished the day off with dinner at this Bar & grill (Avalanche). Got back at the hotel at 10:30 did laundry and went to bed at 1 AM.

Total miles ? • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 3

Wow, Great Ride today, Out of Phenix through Prescott then on Hwy 89A to Jerome, Sedona and arrive for the night in Flagstaff. Wolfman dropped his bike off at the Honda delearship to get his bike fixed and rented a car to come along. We finished the day off with dinner at this Bar & grill (Avalanche). Got back at the hotel at 10:30 did laundry and went to bed at 1 AM.

Total miles ?

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip Day 2

We started late at 10 AM. Everybody still tired from the long ride yesterday.

Cut through New Mexico on I-10 and the wind was blowing hard until we got to globe. Wolfman's bike was not running right. We will figurer out what to do tomorrow.

The other guys did not like the Apache Trail to much (To Much dust). Got in at the hotel around 8 PM.

Total miles 223 • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 2

We started late at 10 AM. Everybody still tired from the long ride yesterday.

Cut through New Mexico on I-10 and the wind was blowing hard until we got to globe. Wolfman's bike was not running right. we will figurer out what to do tomorrow. The other guys did not like the Apache Trail to much (To Much dust). Got in at the hotel around 8 PM.

Total miles 223

Photos

Grand Canyon Trip Day 1

Started early 6:00 AM at the Waffle House on I-10 & Hwy 6

Waited on Chuck (Red Eye) Just before San Antonio, then we head out to El Paso through Del Rio.

We stop for lunch at some Family Dinner in Del Rio.

We stop for dinner inn Alpine. After Dinner we hop on I-10 from Hwy 90 I was really tired but I hung in there. We arrived in El Paso around 10 PM

Total Miles 805 mile • Photos

Grand Canyon Day 1

05-12-2006

Started early 6:00 AM at the Waffle House on I-10 & Hwy 6

Waited on Chuck (Red Eye)Just before San Antonio, then we head out to El Paso through Del Rio

We stop for lunch at some Family Dinner in Del Rio.

We stop for dinner inn Alpine. After Dinner we hop on I-10 from Hwy 90 I was really tired but I hung in there. We arrived in El Paso around 10 PM

Total Miles 805 mile

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip May 12th -21st 2006

I was offered to go on a trip to the Grand Canyon with four other guys (Roy Smith, Bob Hedrick, Steve Lou, & Chuck) from the Star Riders group. I could not pass up the opportunity to see more of the Grand Canyon again.

We start out at the Waffle House on I-10 and Hwy 6 at 6:00 AM. The hardest part of the trip will be the first day, 656 miles to El Paso. Once that is under our belts the rest should be easer.

I post here as often as I can with links to photos. I’ll see you down the road!

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Grand Canyon Trip May 12th -21st 2006

I was offered to go on a trip to the Grand Canyon with four other guys (Roy Smith, Bob Hedrick, Steve Lou, & Chuck) from the Star Riders group. I could not pass up the opportunity to see more of the Grand Canyon again.

We start out at the Waffle House on I-10 and Hwy 6 at 6:00 AM. The hardest part of the trip will be the first day, 656 miles to El Paso. Once that is under our belts the rest should be easer.

I post here as often as I can with links to photos. I’ll see you down the road!

Photos • Maps • Turn Sheet

Star Riders

Ripley gave us another great ride. We started out in Tomball at the Harris County Smokehouse at 9:30 AM. We road around Northwest of Houston and ended up in College Station for Lunch at Free birds.

After Lunch we went to Yankee’s Tavern & Carlos.

To end the ride we headed down to where Curtis had his accident and place flowers at the site and everyone headed home afterwards.

The weather was great! Thanks again Ripley!

Photos • Map • Turn Sheet

Star Riders Chapter Ride

Ripley gave us another great ride. We started out in Tomball at the Harris County Smokehouse at 9:30 AM. We road around Northwest of Houston and ended up in College Station for Lunch at Free birds. 

After Lunch we went to Yankee’s Tavern & Carlos. 

To end the ride we headed down to where Curtis had his accident and place flowers at the site and everyone headed home afterwards. 

The weather was great! Thanks again Ripley!

Photos • Map • Turn Sheet

David & Kathy Byrds Wedding

know this is not a trip or a rally, but it was a biker wedding and one of the most fun and unusual weddings I have shot. The Wedding and reception was held at Vito’s Deck House and started at 4:00 PM and ended at 8:00 PM. Plenty of food, beer and friends and the weather was great.

David and Kathy, I wish you both a long and happy life.

Photos

David & Kathy Byrds Wedding

I know this is not a trip or a rally, but it was a biker wedding and one of the most fun and unusual weddings I have shot. The Wedding and reception was held at Vito’s Deck House and started at 4:00 PM and ended at 8:00 PM. Plenty of food, beer and friends and the weather was great.

David and Kathy, I wish you both a long and happy life.

Photos

Curtis Miller

I found out today that Curtis died yesterday in a motorcycle accident. Most of the Star Riders have known Curtis longer than I have. But for the short time I have known him, (About a Year) I have considered him as a friend.

The last time I rode with him was in Bandera, Texas on the weekend of March 24, 2006.

The first time I met Curtis, I thought he was kinda of cocky and rude. I found that His cockiness was a real gusto for life, I was not wrong about the rudeness.

I will always remember him as a fun loving caring guy. He was always great to be around. My rides will not be the same without him.

I’m deeply saddened and I will miss him.

My heart, my love and my prayers are with him and his family.

Rex

Curtis Miller

I found out today that Curtis died yesterday in a motorcycle accident. Most of the Star Riders have known Curtis longer than I have. But for the short time I have known him, (About a Year) I have considered him as a friend.

 

The last time I rode with him was in Bandera, Texas on the weekend of March 24, 2006. 

The first time I met Curtis, I thought he was kinda of cocky and rude. I found that His cockiness was a real gusto for life, I was wrong about the rudeness. 

I will always remember him as a fun loving caring guy. He was always great to be around. My rides will not be the same without him.

I’m deeply saddened and I will miss him. 

My heart, my love and my prayers are with him and his family.

Rex