First is a poker run on Oct. 30th to support veteran's causes. This is an escorted group ride more suited for cruisers, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. The ride starts at 10:00 at K.C.’s I Love This Bar and Grill, located about five miles east of Trinity off FM 356. If you get there at 9:00 there is a free breakfast. There is free music and BBQ in the afternoon, with other festivities.
http://www.easttexasnews.com/Trinity/News/Ind/October2010/story7.html

Second is a trip to the Hill Country and the Three Sisters. This is much better suited for a Versys. I figure to meet with Rick (Bear on a Bicycle) and anyone else that wants to show up on Saturday November 6th, probably around noonish, maybe at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum? http://lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/

The second trip will NOT be an organized ride and will be ride at your own pace. My wife and I and a couple of friends will be camping at Garner State Park that weekend. I'm hopeful that the fall foliage will be in full "bloom" at Lost Maples that weekend as well.

Looking forward to riding with you guys again!!

I think I'm doing the hill country thing this weekend but could possibly come out again for nov. 6

I'm not sure if anyone is interested but this weekend in Luckenbach, Tx there is the www.harvestclassic.org/rally/index.html. We are going on Saturday October 23 this is a Vintage Motorcycle Show and Rally. Ride Safe.

OK, I have just finished my first (and probably last) poker run. Met some cool folks with some cool bikes, and some not so cool folks that weren't pleasant to ride with. All in all not bad, but not our style.
Most of the riders were on cruisers of some sort (And most of them H-D), but there was a gold wing with training wheels, a sidecar rig, a trike, a Can-Am three wheeler, an FZ-1, and my lonely Versys as well. Also got my first look at the Honda Fury.

Some pics:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mobile%20Uploads/downsize-2.jpg
Triumph bob-job was the coolest bike there. The rider admits the hardtail is a bit much after about 50 or so miles. Quick scoot though.


http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mobile%20Uploads/downsize-3.jpg
I also kind of liked the Ural sidecar rig, but it was SLOW.


http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Mobile%20Uploads/downsize_1-1.jpg
Some of our group at an American Legion post. The run was a benefit for veteran's groups.

OK, this weekend is done, next weekend it's the three sisters. I expect to see at least one other V there.

Dammiittt....Not a good weekend for me. That's the weekend of the lone star rally here in galveston.

But I was thinking the Weekend after that would be a good hill country run!

Dammiittt....Not a good weekend for me. That's the weekend of the lone star rally here in galveston.
But I was thinking the Weekend after that would be a good hill country run!

Galveston is a lot closer and cheaper for us (the in-laws own one of the old Victorian houses on Post Office), but the Hill Country is a much better ride. We've never managed to get down there for the rally. (Is it worthwhile to attend?)

Wow!! I'm looking forward to it. So are you guys riding up Friday again??

Wow!! I'm looking forward to it. So are you guys riding up Friday again??

Yep, we'll leave here Friday morning and head back Monday morning. Another couple will be camping with us at Garner, they'll be trailering their bikes though.

I haven't ridden much this year, so I might be rusty and slower. We'll still most likely leave the others behind in the curves again though. What shape is the pavement in?

Yep, we'll leave here Friday morning and head back Monday morning. Another couple will be camping with us at Garner, they'll be trailering their bikes though.

I haven't ridden much this year, so I might be rusty and slower. We'll still most likely leave the others behind in the curves again though. What shape is the pavement in?

Good! They've repaved a few roads out there, but it's still your favorite chip seal stuff. Hwy 16 between Medina & Kerrville is under construction, and they've ripped one lane down to dirt for a few miles, but it's totally doable on a bike. I've been through there a few times.

One thing I noticed last weekend is an increase in car traffic. Not like San Antonio or Houston, but definitely more than normal. I figure it's the good weather...

Galveston is a lot closer and cheaper for us (the in-laws own one of the old Victorian houses on Post Office), but the Hill Country is a much better ride. We've never managed to get down there for the rally. (Is it worthwhile to attend?)


I don't know if it's worthwhile or not. I've never been to a rally. But a coworker told me that there will be a guy there who can rework my seat. So I may be going just for that.

Too bad though. I would have liked to ride with you in hill country. Hill country is definitely better....especially trying to keep up with bear.

I don't know if it's worthwhile or not. I've never been to a rally. But a coworker told me that there will be a guy there who can rework my seat. So I may be going just for that.

Too bad though. I would have liked to ride with you in hill country. Hill country is definitely better....especially trying to keep up with bear.


From what I remember, you weren't trying, you were doin! AND with a passenger, AND with full bags, AND even told me to go faster so you wouldn't hit me in the rear!!

But thank you for strokin an old bear's ego... HAhahaha!!

:D

Wish you guys could join us again!!

From what I remember, you weren't trying, you were doin! AND with a passenger, AND with full bags, AND even told me to go faster so you wouldn't hit me in the rear!!

But thank you for strokin an old bear's ego... HAhahaha!!

:D

Wish you guys could join us again!!

LOL....That was fun though. We'll definitely be out there again soon. Maybe the weekend of the 12th. I'm thinking of trailering the bike to san antonio just to be fresh for the weekend.

Bear, its always easier for us to go faster when we're following a competent guide that knows the roads and sets the pace. Give yourself more credit, we'd be a LOT slower trying to lead you.
Rumbo, like to meet y'all sometime. (Devil's advocate says: "Bag the rally, ride the sisters, send the seat to Spencer.")
We should be able to meet up sometime though, I'm in Cleveland so we can't be too far apart.

Sounds really tempting potus.

Although I can't guarantee that I'll be off next weekend ( I was off all this weekend)

I like the idea of sending my seat to spencer but I don't have a vehicle to fall back on for my commuting. Unless you want to lend me your seat! :yeahsmile:


Yea, we are fairly close to each other. I'm on the south side of houston so probably about an hour from cleveland.

Bear, its always easier for us to go faster when we're following a competent guide that knows the roads and sets the pace. Give yourself more credit, we'd be a LOT slower trying to lead you.
Rumbo, like to meet y'all sometime. (Devil's advocate says: "Bag the rally, ride the sisters, send the seat to Spencer.")
We should be able to meet up sometime though, I'm in Cleveland so we can't be too far apart.


Ok Mike... How much do you need... You already have my vote for President...

:D






:cheers:

Sounds really tempting potus.
I like the idea of sending my seat to spencer but I don't have a vehicle to fall back on for my commuting. Unless you want to lend me your seat! :yeahsmile:


Believe it or not, I have an extra seat I could lend you. I bought it so I could send one to Spencer, but I ran out of Farkling funds before that could happen.

Believe it or not, I have an extra seat I could lend you. I bought it so I could send one to Spencer, but I ran out of Farkling funds before that could happen.


Very generous!!

I can't help but admit I'm excited about next weekend....

:D

If I didn't have a broken right thumb and a cast up my arm I'd love to join you folds, but alas, I'm broken and won 't be fixed for about another 4 weeks. Ya'll have fun.

If I didn't have a broken right thumb and a cast up my arm I'd love to join you folds, but alas, I'm broken and won 't be fixed for about another 4 weeks. Ya'll have fun.


Well maybe in another 4 or 5 weeks we can do it again, as long as the weather holds out! Consider it an "I'm all better, so I'm going riding" ride...

:D

Believe it or not, I have an extra seat I could lend you. I bought it so I could send one to Spencer, but I ran out of Farkling funds before that could happen.

Are you serious? That would be awesome! But I gotta ask.....you bought another seat (oem seat?) just so you could send in your original to be reworked? Are you like me and rely on your bike for commuting? Or just can't stand the thought of not being able to ride it?

Are you serious? That would be awesome! But I gotta ask.....you bought another seat (oem seat?) just so you could send in your original to be reworked? Are you like me and rely on your bike for commuting? Or just can't stand the thought of not being able to ride it?

I'm serious if you're interested, as long as I get it back in good shape so I'm ready when the farkle money returns.
I did buy another oem seat gently used from someone on the forum that got a Corbin. I rarely use my bike for commuting, but I want to be able to ride it whenever I want to ride it. I also wanted another stock seat in case I didn't like Spencer's mods.

Bear: We're depending on you to be our guide again. The other couple with us, Andy and JJ, would probably like to see Stonehenge, though we could probably catch that Sunday if time is tight. We definitely want to ride all three sisters. We also plan on dinner at a place called 2 Fat Boys BBQ on 337 (campwood?). Know anything about the place? www.twofatboysbbq.com Will you be able to stay for dinner without having to head home at/past deer thirty? Do you want to meet earlier or someplace else on Saturday? We can be flexible to make things easier on you, and appreciate your guidance in advance.

DallasDon, get well soon. Hope to ride with you sometime.

I'm serious if you're interested, as long as I get it back in good shape so I'm ready when the farkle money returns.
I did buy another oem seat gently used from someone on the forum that got a Corbin. I rarely use my bike for commuting, but I want to be able to ride it whenever I want to ride it. I also wanted another stock seat in case I didn't like Spencer's mods.

Bear: We're depending on you to be our guide again. The other couple with us, Andy and JJ, would probably like to see Stonehenge, though we could probably catch that Sunday if time is tight. We definitely want to ride all three sisters. We also plan on dinner at a place called 2 Fat Boys BBQ on 337 (campwood?). Know anything about the place? www.twofatboysbbq.com (http://www.twofatboysbbq.com) Will you be able to stay for dinner without having to head home at/past deer thirty? Do you want to meet earlier or someplace else on Saturday? We can be flexible to make things easier on you, and appreciate your guidance in advance.

DallasDon, get well soon. Hope to ride with you sometime.

I've heard of it, and the owner posts on the TWTexans website. I'm not opposed to dinner, as long as it's not too late. We'll play it by ear.

Stonehenge is in the process of being moved, unfortunately. I was out there a few weeks back. They have the area taped off, and some of the blocks have been moved. We can still go by there if you guys want, it is a nice ride after all. But it will be disappointing for those guys looking to see the structure.

Have you looked at the map, and besides the sisters, do you have any roads you find attractive?

I'm serious if you're interested, as long as I get it back in good shape so I'm ready when the farkle money returns.
I did buy another oem seat gently used from someone on the forum that got a Corbin. I rarely use my bike for commuting, but I want to be able to ride it whenever I want to ride it. I also wanted another stock seat in case I didn't like Spencer's mods.



Yes I'm definitely interested. And thank you so much....that's a very nice offer.

Have good rides in the Lone Star State, Guys/Gals!

Yes I'm definitely interested. And thank you so much....that's a very nice offer.

So then, it's just a matter of logistics. We'll have to meet up somewhere/sometime. Are you planning on sending yours to Spencer soon?


Bear, see you Saturday. I am PM'ng you my cell #, though I know ours don't work very well out there.

Hope to see some other V's out there this weekend as well...

Speaking of craziness.... It is a little after 9am. I'll be leaving shortly to join POTUS & friends for our Hill Country ride. But I gotta tell ya, I'm NOT looking forward to this!! It is 37 degrees outside! There is frost on the grass! My dog refused to go pee for God's sake! Hahaha!! (all you Yankees & snow bunnies keep quiet!! Heh heh!!). It is FREEZING out there! And they camped over night!! Talk about miserable!

Speaking of craziness...It is FREEZING out there! And they camped over night!! Talk about miserable!

I bet their not miserable, probably had to get cozy. :D

I bet their not miserable, probably had to get cozy. :D


Hahaha!! Hey now!!


:D

So then, it's just a matter of logistics. We'll have to meet up somewhere/sometime. Are you planning on sending yours to Spencer soon?




Well I haven't contacted spencer yet but I'd like to do it very soon...within the next couple weeks. Perhaps if you're available next weekend I can either come up or we can meet somewhere if you're going to be out and about. Typically I'm not available during the week cause of my work schedule...

Again, thanks!

Speaking of craziness.... It is 37 degrees outside! There is frost on the grass! My dog refused to go pee for God's

Dogs only refuse to pee here at minis -6 C or 21 F

Ok come on! Pics? Stories? The suspense is killing me!

I was waiting for Mike & Ceci to post up. I have a few pics. We had a blast!! If Mike don't step up later tonight, I'll post a few pics & tell a tale or two...

I'm hoping Mike is putting together a nice ride report. In the meantime, here are a few pictures. The ride was fun, the company was great. Mike (POTUS2012 (http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/member.php?u=2931)), his wife Ceci, their friends Andy & JJ, and one of our own, Randy (speedcarne (http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/member.php?u=7017)) even showed up for a spin around the sisters!! That makes it a total of 3 Versyses (did we ever sort that out??) on one ride! Texans representin', yo!

I snapped a few pics...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/c9719e32-1.jpg



The hawgs...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/ab62d5fe.jpg



JJ creating a tear in the space-time continuum...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/111d2dfa.jpg



Badass gang of hoodlums...
(JJ, Ceci, Mike & Randy)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/d19dd6cc.jpg



Randy's ride....

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/acc142b6.jpg



Oh I shoulda bought a Versys!!!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/fe702a9a.jpg



Now who's too sexy!!??

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/96321c04.jpg



Proof the Versys CAN go offroad. Take that all you purists!!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/af4cfa27.jpg



Time for dinner. If you're ever in Camp Wood, stop by & visit these guys...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/ded71d03.jpg



Hawgs at the trough...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/75f53a4d.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/42e7c0aa.jpg


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/77916f7d.jpg



Mike, Andy, Ceci & JJ.... (Randy peeled off a little before dinner. I ate his slice of pie... Thanks Randy!!)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g304/Bear_on_a_bicycle/Mike%20Ceci%20Andy%20JJ%20and%20Randy/d26f810c.jpg









:type:

Had a GREAT time on the ride, although Rick you may be a bad influence. Only two times I've ridden with you I've got pulled over for speeding. This time on 337 on the way home! Only times I've been pulled over in the last 10 years! I did luck out again with only a warning. 79 in a 65, after running my plate and verifying insurance, office said he was OK with 10-12 over, needed to stretch his legs anyway! About the time he was telling me to watch out for deer on the way home a Suzuki G'zer screamed by while passing a truck on a double yellow no passing zone. The officer waved his arms, looked at me and said "no warning for him!", jumped in his truck and threw gravel 60 feet and was gone! First picture Rick maybe wondering, wow maybe should have bought a Harley?

We were discussing the police presence as well. I've been riding out there for as long as I've owned the Versys, and the last few trips I've seen more cops, than the rest of the time put together. Maybe that sign has something to do with it. But I don't like it. Makes me nervous.

I'm glad you got off with a warning. Sorry you got pulled over, though! Maybe it's about time to buy a lottery ticket, you know, balance in the universe & all.

Wait wait wait. YOU were doin 79!? Lordy be! Hahaha!! Just kidding Randy!! I knew you had it in ya!

Yes indeed, 79, but it was a straight away! Just had enough ups and downs to make it no passing. I'm sure you would have been at least 14 miles in front of me running 90 though! Heck, you probably would of already been home! Maybe you were?

Yes indeed, 79, but it was a straight away! Just had enough ups and downs to make it no passing. I'm sure you would have been at least 14 miles in front of me running 90 though! Heck, you probably would of already been home! Maybe you were?


Funny thing, I slow down in the straight stretches. And I've noticed a certain constable likes to hide about half way in those sections. I've seen him out there a number of times.

Thanks for letting me know now! In all seriousness, had a GREAT time and thought the kangaroo and buffaloe herds (if there is such a thing as kangaroo herd) was pretty cool to see. Will look forward to riding the three sisters loop again in the near future.

I say this all the time, but I'd love to do a photo centered ride. I'd love to ride with someone who's really good with a camera & get some pics out there. My feeble attempt at photography just doesn't do it justice...

Thanks for trying Bear, nice pics,thanks for sharing all!
Noticed the Hawgs, red, yellow, green..."should I stay or should I go?"
Glad you all went!:thumb:

Great report guys and looked like you had fun, what with that sign, do they replace it ever time there's a death? Cops here to like to sit on some dip in long straights to get the speeders.

Nice write up bear! Always enjoy reading your reports.

Although you guys were definitely missing the blue versys....next time!

Nice write up bear! Always enjoy reading your reports.

Although you guys were definitely missing the blue versys....next time!

That's what we were missing!

:thumb:

OK, sorry it took so long. I got busy working, which sucks for a guy that has been "retired" for the last two years.

The ride out on Friday was great. A little chilly in the morning (38 degrees), but we unlayered as the day went on and got to camp with plenty of daylight left. A little 350 mile jaunt. Our friends Andy and JJ borrowed our trailer to tow their bikes, so we had a support vehicle. Made the camping a lot more comfortable as we had plenty of food, firewood, and blankets.
It was cold in the morning but warmed up quickly when the sun came out. Ceci's Harley won't start without a jump when it's under 45 degrees, but there were no issues by 10:00 AM.

Our bikes almost ready to go on Saturday morning:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0053.jpg

Last minute maintenance:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0046.jpg

The shelter we stayed in. A tent would probably have been a lot warmer, but it rained on us last year and I like having a roof over my head when the water starts falling:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0055.jpg

A view from our site with "Old Baldy" in the background:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0037.jpg
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0068.jpg

In the lot at the Ace Cafe/Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. Good lunch. Seeing Randy's mean greenie when we got ready to saddle up was a welcome surprise:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0049.jpg

We rode 337 on our way in on Friday, and I took it at a moderate pace until slowed by someone from Detroit driving what I guess will be the new 2012 Impala SS. This is my favorite sister. The wild child with the tightest curves. Pavement is probably the best of the three. Unfortunately, when we took it to meet Bear and Randy on Saturday morning we were all stuck behind some selfish bastard in an SUV that refused to pull out to let us by nor would he increase his speed over 10mph. I got mad and started following at about 3 feet off his bumper. At that speed I don't really think it was that unsafe. My wife disagrees and figures I was closer to about 1 foot. She was as mad at me as I was at the cager. In my defense, the professional photographer took my picture and the SUV isn't even in it. I must have been further back than I thought. Ceci says he photoshopped the SUV out:
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010264_16_35_2
Fortunately we had a cleaner ride when Bear led us the other way through:
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010582_16_35_2
Bear (Rick leading the way):
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010587_16_35_2
Me (Chasing Bear):
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010588_16_35_2
JJ (Keeping up with the men):
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010596_16_35_2
My beloved (About as fast as she can safely lug the hog around):
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010cruiser__tourer/11-6-2010599_16_35_1
Andy (finishing a pass):
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010610_16_35_2
Randy (Enjoying the ride at a more legal pace):
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/p/11-6-2010sport_bikes__sport_touring/11-6-2010614_16_35_2

We then rode my wife's favorite sister: 335. Not very twisty but lots of ups and downs with some curves. It's a lot like riding a roller coaster where you control the speed.
We then took 336, which is kind of like the forgotten middle sister, back to 337 and parted company with Randy. Dinner was good, the owners are bikers too. Then we bid Rick farewell and went back to camp.
Sunday's weather was more of the same, and we decided to hike Lost Maples. We rode 337 again on our way there, only to be stuck behind slow movers again. This time it was three cruisers driven apparently by unskilled noobs that had no lane discipline and were crossing the yellow even at speeds that had me in first gear.
I was also disappointed by Lost Maples, as there was almost no color this year. It was a good hike though and still somewhat scenic:
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss23/ctoons/Sisters%202010/DSC_0095.jpg

The ride home on Monday was much better than last year as it wasn't raining this time. The weather all weekend was perfect!

Awesome pics!! 'bout time!

And the texasmotofoto pics are great!! Twin Versyses!!

Great pics and great write up potus!

Super pictures, fun time, we'll have to it again!