15 Nov 08 Ride to Goliad
Pictures from Gary Skorman, Skip Surre & Mike Mills
Write-up by Mike Mills
Wow!! What a beautiful day; brisk and sunny with some wind and a promise from the weather guys that it would warm up. Perfect riding conditions for leathers and warmies.
We started gathering at YOSA about 7:45. Skip Surre arrive first and greeted everyone as they rolled in. And what a turnout, we ended up with eight bikes for our trip to the birth place of the Texas Revolution. As it turned out, our good luck began early on as the Service Manager, Ron was in and prepared coffee to warm our innards before we headed out. Our group consisted of our Road Captain, Mike Edmonds, Skip Surre, Court and Diane Van Sickler (great to see you, Diane), Steve and Susan Ochs (Susan met us in Goliad, as she was already out that way and provided Super Drag for the remainder of the ride. Thanks, Susan), Ron and Maria DeLaughter (Great to see you guys for a Saturday ride), Gary( the new guy) Skorman ( Welcome to the group, Gary!), Gary Lewis (my New Braunfels neighbor), and me. Brad Severe stopped by to give us a send off and enjoy the coffee and small talk (ya you missed a nice ride!).
Lousy pictures from Brad's cell phone cam! Meeting area at YOSA.
Mike Edmonds gave us a ride and safety brief and got us on the road shortly after 8:00. We headed down 1518 and were soon passing through La Vernia and making for points east. Our first stop was in Stockdale to stretch our legs and a comfort stop. That hot chocolate sure tasted good. From there, we picked up 119, for a beautiful ride all the way to Goliad. We had our group split into two four bike groups to give us and our four-wheeled counter parts a little more flexibility. Steve Ochs was drag for group one and Court and Diane led group two with me bringing up the rear. It is soooo nice to have extra road captains to fill those needed spots when we have a large number of bikes. Thanks to all of you. When we arrived in Goliad, about 10:50, we took a tour of the town square and decided to have lunch at the Hanging Tree Restaurant before going to the Presidio. You may think this a strange name for a restaurant, until you realize that directly across the street from the restaurant is a very large oak tree next to the court house. Justice was dispensed forthwith and if the tree was needed, so be it. No lingering on tax payer money and appeals. The food and service was wonderful at the restaurant and I would recommend it if you are in town. After our filling meals, we strolled back to the bikes and road off toward the Presidio. We were there in five minutes.
New Participant, Gary Skorman! Welcome Gary!!!
Gary at the Presidio. Ride Captain Mike Edmonds.
Taking a break.
Meeting of the minds! Court, Mike & Mike! Co-riders Diane VanSickler & Maria Delaughter!
Diane & Court VanSickler. Maria & Ron Delaughter.
The Presidio La Bahia is considered the finest example of a Spanish frontier fort. This was the most fought over fort in Texas history, having seen participation in six National Revolutions/Wars for independence. Spanish, Mexican and Texas soldiers all garrisoned its fortified walls. Here, at this Crossroads of the Revolution, was felt almost every attempt to forcibly change the governmental order of Texas. The Presidio is care for by the Church and receives no tax dollars for upkeep, only donations and volunteer help. There are tons of artifacts, numerous documents, and too many things to see in one visit.
We will have to do this ride again, so be sure you come along. They have a reenactment of the Massacre the last weekend in March. That would bring history to life. We spent a good hour to an hour and a half walking the grounds, checking things out and taking pictures.
Bikes outside the Presidio. Canon at the Presidio.
Inside the church at the Presisio.
Historic Presidio marker. WWII memorial at the courthouse
Another pic of the bikes. Presidio Bell.
Another view of the Presidio.
Lunch in Goliad.
Great group braving the cool weather!
On our return trip heading for home, Mike took us down 59 through Berclair and Beeville, then onto 181 and into Kenedy. We stopped for gas and low and behold what was next to the station, but a DQ. We were planning on a DQ stop in Floresville, but we were already here. Love them Blizzards. As it turned out, this was a much needed stop as shortly after we were back on the road, Court and Diane, Ron and Maria, and myself peeled off of 181 and took 123 to Seguin, much more direct for us to get home. Gary Lewis had opted to skip DQ and headed for home solo. The remainder of the group continued up 181 to 1604 and home.
Bikes by the courthouse. And of course the mandatory DQ stop!
What a great day to ride and a super group to do it with. Mike Edmonds did a bang up job putting the ride together and leading. Thank, Mike. Hope y’all get out with us on the next ride. Weather permitting, going to LBJ Ranch next Saturday and Cindy Edmonds is leading.
Mike Mills
© Copyright 2007 Chapter U, Texas District, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Inc.