I had this past Monday off and decided that I was just gonna take ol' blue out and hit the road. Wife was already mad at me so what's a couple hour ride gonna do? Right? Anyway, I headed out on the 290 going west. Very light traffic, low winds and 70 degrees made me forget that it's a highway. Stretched the legs out and enjoyed the change from city to country. The clouds looked threatening but that's just Houston weather. I kept going until I hit the exit for Hwy 6 and stopped at a large outdoor statue and gardening store that the wife and I always wanted to stop at but never had the chance. Spent about 15 minutes in there then figured I'd given the legs enough of a stretch. Got back on the road and made the decision that I'd let the rain decide how far I went up the 6. Musta jinxed myself because 5 minutes later it started raining. I turned around and headed back. I then saw an exit for Tomball (that's pronounced tom-ball not tomb-all; it didn't make sense to me either). I figured that I knew where that was so I'd eventually find my way back home somehow. So I jumped on FM2920 and man, it was like coming home. The smell of farms hit me and took me back to my childhood. I past old farms, old town stores, and green country as far as the eye can see. The Texas sky never looked so big! I slowed the bike down and just took in all the sights and sounds and smells. I kept going until I ran into Hwy 249 and figured I didn't want any part of highway riding after that road so I turned back around. I found a road that I knew headed back toward my home and it was as country as could be. Passed quite a few bikers that seemed to have the same idea I did. Got close to home, stopped for gas...I swear I push it too far sometimes. I'll end up walking to the station one of these days in the near future. At the gas station I got a call from the wife to meet her at the store. Rode to meet her and rode back. Three hours and about 100 miles and it brought me closer to God to be out in that open country and see that life is so much more than 8-5 Mon-Fri. Gotta Love Texas!

 

Just another reason why it's just plain dern foolish to live any other place!

That don't necessarily apply to any y'all wantin' to move here, though! Contact me and I'll see about a passport that'll allow you to stay for at least a couple weeks.

 

Great little story 'bout nothin' but goodness, Rick.

Mac

 

Hey Rick I know this is an old subject but I wanted to invite you down to the Hill country to ride sometime.I think you would enjoy it if you have never been here.It is no dought some of the best riding in the USA so come on down and check it out.

 

Just out of curiosity, what part of Texas is "Hill country"? I used to live in Texas many years ago and my wife didn't like it, so we moved. After another 10 years, she decided she didn't like me and that was the real problem. Now I've got an ex and her new husbands job took them to San Antonio for almost a decade, I really hated her then. Now I have a new and much improved wife...about to celebrate our 7th anniversary next month. Wishin' i'd left the wife and not the state!

 

Generally, the hill country starts around Brady / Llano and runs south down towards Junction and east towards San Antonio / Austin. The spring rides are great for the Texas bluebonnets and other wild flowers (special thanks to Lady Bird Johnson). The fall rides are nice for the changing of the colors.

Ricky, next time you are over in Tomball, there used to be a store there that sold furniture and quilts made by Amish folks in Indiana. If you are into fine craftsmanship, check it out.

 

All;
The Hill Country is simply beautiful, especially in the Spring.
The only thing I would recommend is some type of Deer whistle and that expression Deer in the Headlights is right on…
How ‘bout some good old BBQ at Boerne (pronounced bur-knee) or Bandera, oh man….
Check out this little map: http://www.hillcountryhomesandland.c...s/bighcmap.htm


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harley, I'll definitely take you up on that ride one of these days. I've never been that far west in the hill country except on the 10 and that in the truck so I'm looking forward to it. Just need the time and money (and of course the permission from the ol' lady) and I'll be lookin' ya up.

 

The Bluebonnets remind me of my days in TX. BTW, Has anyone ever seen a live armadillo, or do they just come down dead from the skies and turned upside down???

 

Some of the farms we pass in PA makes us wonder is a child is in the back seat needing a change of pants!

BRUCE