Well I got the mascot to Skip yesterday. I started out leaving the house by around 8am. I got on 190 headed west and then headed north on 116 through Ft Hoods range roads. These are some of my favorite roads to ride on, They are not very strait, flat or congested. The views on some of the riges here are pretty scenic. Once i get to Gatesville I headed east on 84. The route is pretty boring west of Mexia. When I got to Mexia I pulled off the road for some gas and to stretch my legs. It then occured to me that Anna Nichole Smith was originaly from here so I hauled *** out of there pronto(so as to not become any dumber than I already am).

A little ways after Mexia the hills and pines become more abundant. I really enjoyed this part of Texas. A part that I really never make it out to. Like I said the trees and other scenery was very nice. When I got to Palestine I stopped off for some good ol Texas BBQ. I dont recall the name of the place but Ill know it when I see it again. Excellent brisket, sausage and sweet tea. Before i left the place an older gentleman noticed my DOD sticker on the bike and chated for a few minutes about Iraq and what not. He was a retired first sargeant and he did a few tours in Nam. He excused himself and went on his way. When I decided to leave I asked the waitress for my check and she told me that the older man had taken care of it. Pretty cool of him.

In Palestine I headed north on 79. The area just kept getting nicer and nicer the more north and east I went. I went through a few old towns that were pretty cool, Jacksonville, Henderson and Tatum, were all pretty cool. In Henderson I took 43 north for a little while until I got to Marshal. In Marshal I got on 59 And headed on in to Jefferson to meet Skip and his wife.

Before actually meeting Skip, I was a little nervous. I didnt realy know what to expect. Upon meeting him I realized he was pretty damn cool. I wish he lived a little closer, cause I know he would be awsome to ride with. We chit chated for almost two hours before I had to take off back south to Killeen. In those couple of hours I felt that I met two of the coolest most ginuine people in all of Texas.

As you can tell I liked the area up there. When I get back from Iraq next year I plan on purchasing some acreage. So who knows maybe Skip and I will be neighbors in the next year or two. Skip if you and I could find the time Id love to hook up again for a longer stay and ride together. Also your wife mentioned that she wanted to come down and watch the 1st Cav horse team do their thing sometime. If ya'll should come down I have an additional room and bed you could use.

I took the route down but didnt make any stops other than for gas and water. I had a race with the sun to get home. My headlight is out and the dealership wont have one till this week. I won the race Barely. Also once I hit Waco I found some of that Sting-ing rain. I spent about 12 hrs on the bike over I dont know how many miles but I had a blast although my *** took a beating.

Skip has the pic, so Im sure he will post it soon. Also I just want to say that getting this mascot from here to there was pretty cool. It has giving me an oppertunity to meet some cool folks and put some miles on the bike I may not have otherwise. If anyone has an inkling to pick the mascot up I would recommend it.

 

Jason, Sounds like you had a great ride and a great visit with Mr. & Mrs. Skip. Thanks for getting the mascot on its way. Pat

 

Yea Im happy I was able to get it to him. I know that when I got it in houston it was supposed to go to him. It was an awsome ride, and he is an awsome guy. It was a great oppertunity

 

Glad you had a good trip and visit with skip. Great directions, I was able to do the map in no time and sent it on its way to Mac, but I think he is out of town for a while.

 

Jason,

Thanks for getting thing s moving again. Sounds like a good ride, and a fun meeting.

My travels with the Mascot let me meet some really great people that I probably would have never known otherwise.

Regards,

Bill

 

I was trying to get it moving for a while. No takers. Then out of the blue it seemed that 5 people wanted it. Buy then I had already decided I was gonna haul it out to Skip. Very glad I did.

 

Thanks for participating...sounds like a cool job. I look forward to meeting Skip someday...where's the pics?

Mac

 

Yeah, it was great getting to meet a couple people. I wish I'd have been able to spend more time but it seemed like I was just having to fit it in. When it comes back around I'd like to be a part of it again and maybe not be so rushed during the day that we can have some beers.

 

Hey Ricky you were not the only one in a rush that weekend. With preparing my buddys graduation party and whatnot. Im down in houston pretty regularly. One of these times Ill take you up on them brews. Mac Skip has the pics. Hopefully he will post them soon.

 

I've still got the pics. Have 'em right here on my computer. But the program I need to access them is playin' wonk with me. Have a new CD on its way and should get them up soon. Sorry for the delay.