Ride east 10/11

[Curtis_Valk]

This will be an easy ride open to all.  We'll take a flower sniffin' pace and just enjoy the day.  Meet at the Valero at I-30 and Dalrock at 9:00 A.M.  KSU at 9:15.  We'll ride to Edom via Terrell, Rand, Prarieville, Whitton, Martins Mill and Ben wheeler (96 miles).  While in Edom we'll have lunch at "The Shed".  From there we'll go south through Brownsboro and Poyner and then turn east to visit the site of the Killough massacre (42 miles). http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasHistory/The-Killough-Massacre.htm  I haven't figured my route back yet but plan on about 150 to 175 miles and maybe a snack or dessert stop.

This is for all of you who though that my rides always started two hours before sun-up and lasted for 600 miles.

Curtis

P.S.  For anyone needing an alternate meeting place Terrell is about the best I can do.  Let me know, otherwise we won't stop there.

P.P.S.  Forgot to mention, we should be arriving in Edom around 11:30 for any who plan on meeing us there.

[Curtis_Valk]

Bumpin' this to the top again.  Ride is tomorrow.  It looks like Len, Dave and I so far.  My friend from across the street called off sick and my friend from church is working in Ok. this week.  Jim are you still planning on meeting us in Edom at 11:30?

Curtis

[Jamtndll]

Yes i will be there

[Curtis_Valk]

GREAT!!

Curtis

[Curtis_Valk]

We rode through some beautiful East Texas countryside today!  You should have been there (yes, you!  )

Curtis

[Greg Cothern]

Well my alarm went off this morning but I didnt!     Got up and got ready and checked the route and knew I could catch up by taking a quicker shortcut to join in along the route.
Alas I was foiled by one of Curtis' famous Bridge Out route sections!  But I did get to herd some Buffalo's, YEP you read correctly Buffalo that were out of their pasture just prior to the missing bridge.  Its a bit unerving to top a hill and see 30 or so Buffalo walking and around the highway!     After some emergency braking, I was able to corral them back along the closed fence section to the open point they escaped from to send them back to their home pasture...
So I back tracked and took the more straight forward route to make up some lost time.  I pulled into The Shed's parking lot just in time to see the others taking off their riding gear. 
After a good lunch and a split from a couple of us whom had other obligations Curtis led Len and  myself through some of east Texas' countryside.
I managed to make it home without finding the oil patch this time after 292 miles! 
ENJOYED IT!  Thanks Curtis for putting together this ride!

[lragan]

To quote Roger Miller "you can't roller skate in a buffalo herd!" -- But apparently you can drive them with a big Valk!! 

Some of the old timers I grew up around had some hair-raising tales of trying to herd buffalo from horseback, like cattle -- like it just doesn't work, especially if there is a bull in the crowd.  One claimed to have lost a good horse and nearly his own life in the process, so I don't think I would have signed up had I been with you!!

Apparently not as dangerous as oil slicks, in any case...

[Curtis_Valk]

Yep, three rides in a row my route managed to find a bridge under construction.  The Snook turned Mexia ride and this one turned us around, the Driftwood turned Georgetown ride made off roaders out of everyone.  We made the full ride this time though, so that's progress.

I've got to say how much I enjoyed this ride and thank everyone who went along, Len, Dave and Greg.  It was great seeing Jim T and meeting his wife Vickie (that's right isn't it? I'm terrible with names).  I hope everyone had as good a day as I did and I'm looking forward to the next one.  I'll upload some pictures tomorrow, I'm pooped right now (don't tell anyone I admitted it).

Curtis

[Jamtndll]

It sure was great to see you guys.  That was the first time Vickie has been on my bike in about a year.  Sorry had to cut out, but Jessica does not hav very many more games this close for us to be able to go and watch.  The food was good but the company was great.  Can't wait till we do it again.  Greg, I have not gotten to herd buffalo but have gotten to run a sounder of pigs off the road before.  Glad there were not oil slicks on this ride. 

[Curtis_Valk]

Dave and Len giving the ride leader dirty looks for finding a route with a bridge out (yet again).


After lunch Dave had to cut out, but Greg joined us for the last half of the ride.

Len and Greg at Lake Palestine Spillway.


A few more shots below the spillway...........very pretty down there.




We weren't the only ones enjoying the area.


Killough Massacre historic site.



Curtis

[lragan]

Nice pix.   A couple of questions:

1) What is the monument in the middle of the cemetery?  What is the significance of the cemetery, except for descendants and relatives of the deceased?

2) Are you going to try to convince me that you guys rode through the river crossing like the ATV did?

[Curtis_Valk]

1. http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasHistory/The-Killough-Massacre.htm  It's a historical marker and a family cemetary for family of the settlers slain in an 1833 raid by a band of about 30 caucasian outlaws and renegade Indians.

2.  It was discussed at length how to get around the barricades, and we found a suitable pedestrian walkway to use.  However Greg reminded us of his long held policy of not getting arrested during weekend lunch rides and we all agreed it wasn't worth the chance merely to avoid a 3 or 4 mile detour around to pick up our route on the other side.  If not for that, I think we would have tried it, your slide through the moss notwithstanding!

Curtis

[Smoked U]

Alas I was foiled by one of Curtis' famous Bridge Out route sections!  But I did get to herd some Buffalo's, YEP you read correctly Buffalo that were out of their pasture just prior to the missing bridge.  Its a bit unerving to top a hill and see 30 or so Buffalo walking and around the highway!     After some emergency braking, I was able to corral them back along the closed fence section to the open point they escaped from to send them back to their home pasture...

So anyway, Greg is shooing these buffalo back in and giving them the verbal "What for". "Yeah, you aren't so tough out here roaming on the open range, get your butt back through the gate".

Then after he leaves, one buffalo turns to another and says, " I think I just heard a discouraging word".


Another great ride. Too bad I had to cut it short.

The next's one is coming soon.

[Len Averyt]

So anyway, Greg is shooing these buffalo back in and giving them the verbal "What for". "Yeah, you aren't so tough out here roaming on the open range, get your butt back through the gate".

Then after he leaves, one buffalo turns to another and says, " I think I just heard a discouraging word".

The next's one is coming soon.

And the skys were cloudy all day!

[Jamtndll]

We have plenty of deer here to play also, but I hear alot of discouraging words.  Not on here though