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Republic HOG Trip, April 8th-14th
This year I went to Big Bend with the Republic HOG Chapter. Rob
McDonald, director of Republic HOG, made a great route and itinerary and kept everyone busy throughout the trip. My hat is off to Rob and Tanya for another great adventure.
I led a group of 15 bikes
up to Del Rio a day ahead of the big group. Glad I did go early looking back as trusty steed had a few problems in the front end steering bearing department. We got to the hotel and started tearing it down
only to find out the lower bearings are pressed in. Called Poff and asked him to bring up some replacement bearings just in case we needed them and he more then happily obliged, again my hat is off to Poff and
Republic Harley Davidson!! Come to find out by calling around town, a new motorcycle shop had just opened up about 5 weeks ago out by the base. Wouldn't you know they specialized in American iron and they were
still at the shop? I talked to the mechanic, Gene, and he said bring it on in. Well, the folks at T&T Cycles stayed until 11pm to fix my bike. The bearings were shot. After investigating they are
normal bearings you can buy at the auto parts store, they went and picked up the bearings, got them installed, and me back on the road the next day. If you are ever in the Del Rio area, look them up and stop by
the shop. They are very nice folks and give good service. You can find them out on Hwy-90 by the base 830-298-1181.
The next stop was in Marathon at the Gage Hotel…all I can remember is that
the room was awesome, the food was spectacular, and judging from my lack of memory the refreshments are amnesic…. must be awesome…OK just look at the pictures, they tell the whole story!!!! They had
a nice fire pit that was HOT and we got to meet a real Cowboy!!
Onward into Big Bend we rode with a stop at the sign for the grand picture of everyone on the trip. What a bunch of bikes and fellow
R-HOGGERS!!!! We went to the hotel to check in and then headed up to the basin for some grub…damn, I love that ride up the mountain and the scenery is absolutely the best!! After lunch we rode out to Santa
Elena Canyon and went for a short hike across the DRY riverbed and up to a ledge for some Kodak moments!! We had dinner and drinks at the famous CAVE!
The day took us from the park up one of the best
roads in America for a motorbike " River Road, 170" from Stude Butte to Presidio. As you will see from the pics, it was awesome. We stopped a few times for photo ops then on into town for some good ole
Mexican food…what great salsa they had! After lunch, we rode up to Fort Davis and checked into the hotel. Before we went into town for the supper, we all headed up the mountain to the McDonald
Observatory. WOW, what big scopes they have up there. The ride up was great, more awesome Texas Highways!! I LOVE THIS STATE.
That night we were all treated to Chicken Fried Steak and
entertainment by the Republic HOG chapter at the Dry Bean Opera House. I have to say they get my vote for the best CFS in Texas!! Of course we cannot have a get together without a bottle of Tequila Rose being
passed around!! The dinner and entertainment was great. Thanks to Rob and the Board at R-HOG and Mike and Poff at the dealership. I think I speak for everyone when I say we all enjoyed it and
THANKS!! That evening, we all gathered around the picnic table at the hotel to continue the festivities and tequila bottle killing!!
The next day took us back over to Del Rio and an adventure across the
border. We ate at Ma Crosby's, great food and margaritas. We then headed into a dance hall where Sue tried to teach me Salsa. I tried to learn line dancing from Rob and, well, just ended up sitting down and
letting the experts take over!! Mexico was a great time and good prices!!
The following two days Johnny, Thomas, Janette and I took the long way 2-day way home back to Houston. We stayed at the Inn of the
Hills in Kerrville and had an impromptu pizza parking lot party. The ride to Kerrville was great taking in 674 to Rocksprings then down 335, 337, 336, 1341 going through Camp Wood, Leaky and Hunt. We even got to
see Stonehenge!! The next morning took us back the long way using back roads through Luckenbach, Blanco, Wimberley, Lockhart then back into Houston.
I would have to say I feel very fortunate to be able to
make these types of trips with such great people. Next year is a must and Pinkie will be demanded to come along. I met a lot of new friends on this trip. let the road go on forever but the party never
end!!!
NAVIGATOR
Big Bend Photo Album 2003
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