So the perfect scenario for me to hit the open road this weekend occured. I've had this bike for a little over three weeks and still hadn't had the chance to put in some serious saddle time. The wife and kids where heading to her mom's house which is 3 hours away... leaving me to my own devices Saturday and most of Sunday. So, of course the first thing I do is call some buddies and get a plan started to ride.


Saturday- 02/02

No hurry getting up this morning since we weren't meeting until 11am. Unfortunately, because the wife headed out that morning and the kids were up.... I was up at 6am anyway! So I burnt some time watching TV, skimmin' the Forums and EBAY. Finally I got dressed and hit the door. The weather was perfect. High in the upper 60's to low 70's and plenty of Sun! I pointed the nose toward Rosenberg with a couple quick stops for gas, gum and Tums. Heartburn sucks. I showed up at the rally point at 10:35 and snacked on some Combos to tie over until lunch. After exchanging pleasantries we departed to our first destination..."West of the Brazos" to grab a Burger. A short 30 minute jaunt and we were in the lot.



Seeing as how I am just a "little" anxious to put some miles in, I scarf down my $8.50 Cheeseburger like I'm back in boot camp. Nope.....that didn't come with anything.....just the burger. Needless to say, will not be making a point of eating there again! The Shiner Bock wasn't bad but I'm not a huge fan of drinkin' and riding so I nursed it after washing down the burger.

After my "Riding Buddies" finish thier beer(s) and make small talk for what seemed like forever, we got back in the saddle....FINALLY.



We pull out of the Parking lot and head south toward West Columbia on Hwy 36. I am so excited to just ride that I don't worry much about the route. Highway 36 isn't very engaging but it gives me time to enjoy the fresh air and the scenery.



Just about the time I'm really settling into the saddle....we stop again. This time at some run down metal building with a make-shift front awning on it.



The sign says ice house, the dirt parking lot tells me dirty bike and patrons tell me redneck. Reluctantly, I pull my helmet off and follow my fellow "Road Warriors" inside. What a s**t-hole. Trough pissers are never a good sign....especially when you got about 6 cigarette butts floatin' around the bottom of it. We sat in this dump for what seemed like an eternity. I sipped on another Shiner which was purchased for me by another rider who told me I needed to drink cheaper beer......to which I replied, "You need to stop buyin'em for me." He didn't get the hint and bought me another when I finally finished the first. A lucky call from a friend pulled me away from the bar and outside where I poured most of it out. I know....party foul. Finally, the ride leader informed us of the next destination ( at this point, in my head I'm screamin' "I DON'T WANT A F****NG DESTINATION) which is Belle's Landing off of Highway 35. We get back on the road.....this time I have passed the camera off to a passenger on another bike to see if she can get some action shots of the Heritage in motion!





I swear it couldn't have been 10 minutes later and we are at Belle's Landing. At this point it is abundantly clear that riding isn't in the cards today. But the company IS great. And knowing that I have all day Sunday to hit it (and had already set up a second ride with a different set of folks), I decided to just enjoy the time with my friends and not let the lack of miles ruin my mood. This time I buy the first round as this is a nice establishment with outdoor seating and the day is perfect.





We get our frosty beverages and some cajun meat pies which are just a bit to spicy to temp the indigestion. We enjoy the weather and the occasional rumble of bikes coming and going. Then I spot a group of nice folks chattin' and having a good time, oblivious to the destruction that is about to float thier way if they are down wind.....



Cover it up cat.....cover it up.

We hang for a good while here enjoying the breeze and brew. Finally we decide to head out. I strap all the gear on and we roll out. My friends and I split paths shortly after departing and I rumble up Highway 35 toward Angleton. I catch 288 North and head back toward Houston. At this point its around 4-5 pm so it is nice and cool. The Highway isn't crowded at all and I stick it at a cool 70 - 75 and cruise back up to Highway 6. I pull into the garage chuckling to myself, "Figures, the first open day I get to hit the road and I'm stuck with a couple of bar-hoppers." Luckily, I was itchin' to ride so bad.....I had a ride on Sunday 02/03 too!


Standby for Weekend Ride(s) part II.


PS- hope it wasn't too long!

 

Nice pics but it didn't seem like you had a lot of fun.