Trip to Lawton Oklahoma September 19, 2009

Trip to Lawton Oklahoma September 19, 2009

Jim (Scooter Express) had mentioned he wanted to take an overnight ride early in the week for this weekend and I thought heck why not. I have wanted to ride to Lawton Oklahoma for some time so I suggested we head that way. He was game for it so we started commencing on the planning. I tidied up some work loose ends so I could get out a little early on Friday as he had the whole day off. Good thing I did not take a vacation day as upon is awakening Friday morning he found a flat tire. I was watching the weather and was half tempted to cal it a no go, but thought what the heck.

We left at about 2PM and it was cloudy but looked mostly harmless. As we got up to Hwy 287 headed north things looked a little bit like rain but we just kept on going. As we got further north it looked more and more like rain and sure enough we started getting some drops so we pulled over to a gas station. I shot this just so I remember one of the stops to hide from rain.



We took off once again and it just seemed that we were destined to get wet but yet some how not, it just seemed we kept missing the heavy spots. Again as we were riding the rain started only this time a bit harder but we were near another gas stop so we pulled off once again. The funny thing is that as the rain started to subside a car pulled in with wipers going so I asked what direction they came from and as it turns out they came from the south and said they got hammered. So we got lucky once again, again it was just meant for us to get a bit wet but not soaked. Here is a shot of Jim shooting me.



Because of the weather we did not take side trips or stop too often so we made fantastic time to Wichita Falls. The weather was starting to get nice now so we stopped where we saw a bunch of hotels and on looking around the area we decided to start asking questions. Jim struck up a conversation with a fellow biker and he recommended we head back south to 287 and follow it west to the Days Inn. It was a brand new hotel in fact the hot tub was not yet ready but the room was fantastic with two separate rooms and three beds. We had dinner a few drinks and started thinking about the ride to Lawton tomorrow.

Saturday September 19th.

We got up and started looking at the web for weather reports and sure enough it looked like a bad plan to go on to Lawton. There was a big line of heavy rain straight up 44. One site showed it headed north as a forecast while another showed the animated version headed south. We had our coffee and kept watching. We talked about heading first west then back towards Lawton as the weather called for clearing at about 1 PM. The all of sudden out of no place we start seeing storms to the west popping up on the radar. So we then decide to head east, but you got it, the stuff that was supposed to head north or south started tracking east. So we hung around watching stuff and Jim decided to go get some breakfast while I continued to watch. Then bingo while he was gone, the stuff to the west disappeared and the stuff to the north headed east by north east. We had a path so once Jim got back decided to just shag on up to Lawton on 44.

We stopped at the visitor center about 20 miles into Oklahoma and they were extremely friendly, informative, and helpful. We grabbed a whole bunch of maps and other stuff and walked out the door. As I was headed for the door they offered some coffee and I was cold as the temps were low and at 70+ mph it gets chilly so I grabbed some coffee and headed outside to put my wind breaker on. That was when this guy pulls up on a bike just as a cager (term used for cars) was backing out and almost ran the biker over. We all started talking and he was headed up to Lawton to meet some friends for a small group rally among friends. He had a 160 HP Triumph that he said he had made some adjustments to get it to turn 200 hp. He invited us to join him and his group but we were unsure of our plans and place to stay so we declined.

Here is a shot of the visitor center and Jim.


We then headed up to Lawton and found a Best Western next to a casino. They had a restaurant and lounge so we thought we would check it out. The women at the front desk allowed us to make a reservation but we could not check in at that time as it was not even 11AM yet. She was very accommodating so we made the reservation and decided to head out to explore the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma. We road up 44 to 49 and then headed towards the Wild Life preservation area. We found a Subway and decided to grab a sandwich and ride to the next rest stop. Here is where we stopped.






We then head further west on 49 and found this lake area and took some shots.





At the Visitor center the ladies told us to ride to Meers which has a little restaurant that was worth stopping at. We were not hungry but thought we would do a fly by and after all I was looking for some trinket to bring home to Val and it sounded like a small town that might have a gift shop. So we headed up 115 to Meers. It was a great road for a ride, and we came upon the restaurant and lots of bikers and other visitors. We did not see any other structures so we did not think we were actually in Meers so we kept riding. It was not long before I realized that we must missed Meers back at the restaurant. So when we stopped to discuss it, I took a couple of shots.




We decided we would not stop at the restaurant and leave that for when we bring the wives. We came across a little pull off that was supposed to have leaflets stating the rules of the Game Preserve. So I took some shots of Hwy 115.






We decided to check out the “Holy City” which claims to be the longest longest running outdoor passion play in America.

Here are some shots of the grounds.








This is a hot biker spot, a lot came and gone while we were there.



I decided to take one of my walk abouts and ended up behind the main play area and took a few shots there.





I went in side one of the buildings and found this cool scene.



It was time to go and sure enough the gent we met this morning at the Travel Visitor Center showed up with all his friends. We talked to a few of them for awhile before we saddled up and rode on. Once again we were invited to ride with them, but we had been here long enough and decided to go on.

We are still off on a side road off of Hwy 49 and decided to take it to its end. Believe it or not however we thought we were on 49, this will come into play later. As we ride we find a little left turn that is not named on the map and I forgot the name the sign called the place. At any rate we came to a dead end turn around area but as we pulled in I noticed a sign meant for Anglers. So I knew there was water some place. So we dismounted and did a bit of a walk about. Here is what we found down one of the paths we took.









We then started talking about our distance and how much more we wanted to ride today. I mentioned earlier in one of our stops that we should think about calling it a day at about 230PM to start a slow trek back to the hotel so we can get checked it. But as we pulled down this street I saw a dead end sign and thought heck lets go that way and see what we find. I am glad we did, remember we wanted to save some points of interest for our wives.

It was on the map as Lake Rush. We went to the top of this hill and sure enough there was this dam so Jim starts trek’ing along a narrow walkway. After watching him and thinking I heard the word chicken in one of his sentences I decided what the heck and joined him. Ok, so I am not too old to get jaded into an action. There was this fence to hold on to. Here are shots of the area on from on top of the dam.









We took off to head back but stopped when we saw some wild Buffalo. There are signs all over the place that say do not mess with the Buffalo or the Long Horns, so when I shot the next couple of shots the bike was running just in case. Oh and on our way back we ran across a stop sign that quickly reminded us that we were not on 49 and forgot we took the turn on the road we are on. So as it turns out we now know we need to come back to further explore 49. Based on how long we messed around just in a short area this is going to be a two day explore trip.




We road on further looking for a place to stop on 49 for a cold libation. We found this picnic area and pulled on over. It was really nice. Here are a few shots.






We then headed back to check in and get some grub at the hotel, but first a little pool time. Jim went on down to the pool and decided the water was too cold so I found him sitting at a table having a cold beer. It was then that I realized my supply was low so I was contemplating going to the store when as I was headed out I noticed the bar was open and they had two for one. So hey no store run needed now. After a few beers a bunch of food it was time to chitchat in the bar for awhile then we decided bed time. This place is great, and I will be back.

Sunday 9/20/09

The weather was perfect when we got up, sunny, brisk, and the forecast predicted no showers. Yea ha!!!
As we were getting ready we noticed a motorized parasailer.




It was time to go and we decided with the great weather to take the back roads back. We decided 81 south would be the route to take. So we headed out on Hwy 7 and turned south on Hwy 81. After getting out of Duncan we found a little road side park and took a break.





We head down the road and I stop on the side of 81 in a town called Ryan. Jim looks at me like “what is something wrong” I look over at him and say “photo opp” he says “of what?” I reminded him about the story of Philip and I several years ago taking a ride north on 81 with no food or water and heading down hwy 32 East on a very hot summer day. We thought we were going to die. Anyway that story is in one of my earlier ride reports somewhere on the web. I think it is on Totalmotorcycle.com under the Wacky Adventures of Patrick. Anyway this picture is more or Philip then any one else as when I told him I shot it he busted a gut. Well here you go Philip the infamous Hwy 32 where we turned on to it.



We then got onto Hwy 82 headed East to Muenster so Jim could buy some sausage. We found this great little rest stop however before Muenster that was moved from the original site depicted on the map Jim had.






After shooting the above pictures I start walking around and notice this rod in the ground behind the fence. I wonder what the meaning of it is. There was no sign or plaque that I could find.



For our last libation break we decided to stop at a park in Justin Texas our normal head south stop.




It was a great ride and we decided to stop at Boomer Jacks for a beer and let folks know we were in town. Philip, Becky, and Paul showed up and Philip and Jim wanted a sit out tonight so we all met again at my house to watch the foot ball game. Quite a few folks showed up that in fact I had to shut down and go to bed before everyone left as I had to work the next day. It was a great finish to a great ride. Ride safe everyone!!!

Pj

Trip to Westfest September 6, 2009

After a bunch of discussion at our nightly staff meeting in my back yard it was decided that the destination for today would be West, Texas for their Czech Festival. I would rate the festival a solid A. They had lots of food, drink, and tents for shade. The folks were all very friendly and the lines where short during the time of day we went. I expect that at night it gets rather busy as they have two huge tents for dancing and bands. One had Elvis and another a polka band. On the way down there we only stopped once, Val as a true trooper. Here are the shots of the festival, I will talk about parking later. But beer was US$3 and the food was very reasonable. I think I spent less here then at the Bedford Bluesfest yesterday.

Val and Brett in one of the vendor tents.



Some general shots.





Brett is really getting into heavy photography so he could not resist talking to the dude with an expensive looking camera. They talked for quite some time, birds of a feather…




Here is 3 more general shots.





When the polka band started playing folks got dancing but this one little girl really caught my eye. The picture does not do justice to her dance style. I think she has real potential, as she knew the moves to solo dancing that was captivating as well as having the audience watching her very intently. She used her arms, legs, smile, and body to really put forth a cool presentation.



Val shot a picture of Brett and me.



On the way back to where we parked a train came by so Brett and I shot some pictures. Why do not ask me but at the time it was the thing to do.




Now the next shot has some story behind it. We were driving along what is called Main Street we found signs for parking at $2 or $3. We went pass the signs and saw a bike parked next to some round bails of hay. So we made a U turn to see what that was all about. Well as we went down Main I say a shady spot in front of this house and some folks were headed for the front door. So I shouted, hey can we park here and they said sure go ahead. We backed into the Shade on the gravel and then I proceeded to the front door to ask the owner. I was going to even offer a couple of bucks but she was so friendly she just said go right ahead. We ended up being closer to the main gate then that had we parked in the pay for parking. I later learned that even in the pay for parking areas it was free or they had free motorcycle parking spots. Man these folks are great.

I got a shot of their mail box as Val plans to send them a thank you note. When we got back we did notice another biker parked next to us, I hope he too asked permission.



On the way back we decided to take the 916 back road to the city of Maypearl. It was a bit warm so time to stop for a cold one. I say this church called Chambers Creek Baptist Church and pulled under the front entrance. We left one can and one plastic bottle of water in the 50-gallon grill drum they left in front. I hope they do not mind but I did not want to litter. I figure God will not mind if a few road weary travelers stopped by his house to take on some beverage.




We then left and as we traversed the 916 we ran across this airplane, well had to stop for a photo opt. Anyone know what it is, we do not.



I shot one of the bikes and Val from across the street.



We stopped again in Venus and in Arlington getting back home at about 415 PM or so. It was a great trip and I enjoyed Brett’s company. Another great ride with good folks.

Pj

Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival 9/05/09

Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival 9/05/09

We went to the Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival today at about 3PM. My over all take of it was about a B minus to a C plus.

The following are some ratings:

1. Need more shaded areas such as tents or what ever. I know this is really more of a night time event since they have the really big good bands scheduled for the evening. However Chris Watson was playing and he was good and drew a fairly good crowd for a mid/late afternoon show with out any shade for the general public. I had seen on the web were the reserved seats had been sold out, but over half were empty for his show. I think it was due more to the heat as his music was pleasing, keep in mind that we are 50+.
2. It was fairly costly for the normal folk, $10 USD for parking and $5 PP to get in. We parked for free having a handicap-parking sticker. Beer was $5 and they only had Coors Light versus Coors and Coors Light. For the two of us we had two small pork sliders, one large peach cobbler, a pile of string onions, one margarita, one beer the and the price tag was 25 bucks.
3. The food we had except for the peach cobbler was good. If you order the onion rings ask for extra crispy if you like them the way the demo pile looks. The demo pile was medium brown while ours was light brown. My fault for not saying anything up front. The peach cobbler was very warm which is good, but few peaches and it tasted more like Bisquik.
4. It was really too warm for me to spend much time with the vendors so it is hard to say what goods were available but there was some cool looking stuff. We might go back tonight when it is cooler.
5. I think they will need more ticket selling places as the day goes on as I expect the participation will be much greater. The tickets I refer to are to get food and drink. They had enough food types and beer/drink tents that unless they get overwhelmed by patrons they should keep up. Unless there were more ticket sales areas I think that will be their greatest bottleneck.

Here are some shots. Looks like they plan two stages, this one is in the parking lot. You will certainly want to bring lawn chairs for this area.



Here is a shot from the East side of the field just past some of the vendors of the stage Chris Watson.



Here is a shot from in the general public area, this is where you see all the empty seats. Again I liked his music so I think the heat and the threat of rain may have had something to do with it.



We chose to try the pork sliders at Smokin Rednecks. They were good but they could have put a bit more meat on the sliders to cover the whole bun. Each slider was 3 bucks and it was worth it. They had three choices of sauces, not sure if I got the names correct but they ranged from Sissy, Almost a man, and You are the Man. We had the Almost a man and while it had some heat, it was very tasty and I would have it again. I did not try the other two but often the real hot ones let the heat over power the flavor and I do enjoy some heat. I did notice after eating I was sweating so not sure if the sauce or the sun caused it.



The next shot is where we got the blooming onion straws and they were tasty but could have been browned up just a bit more. There is a lot of them.



This was one shady place where you could eat. The crowd was polite in that after folks were done eating they vacated the tables but the over all crowd was light so I am sure it will be different when more folks show up tonight. Again I stress bring some chairs with you.



I am very glad that Bedford has decided to start the Blues Festival back up again and I hope they keep it small and profitable so they do not end up canceling it again. I am not a resident of Bedford but the old city council members I think made a bunch of bad decisions and it seems the city is getting back on track so something has changed over the last few years. I think I had heard that the residents turned down a tax hike of some type and as punishment the library either did or was going to close (is is open now) and I think the stopping the festival may have been part of that. I think Bedford is a fine neighboring city to Euless and I do support Bedford and its future. I had heard that the reason the festival stopped in the past was it became unprofitable due to weather. I think as Euless did, we let the festival (Arbor Day's) get too big and weather can kill you when you spend a bunch to support such an event.

Pj