28 June Watermelon Thump Ride
The day began pleasant enough with a few clouds in the sky and the sun promising a warmer than normal day for this time of the year. I knew we would not be disappointed. As I pulled into YOSA, two bikes were already there, Charlie and Candy Brown and Wes Lewis. We kicked around a little bit before Olin Gover arrived on his beautiful yellow trike. A bit more greeting and chatting, and it was time to head to Luling for the Thump Parade and some of that delicious City Market bar-b-que. Not a very large group, but a group non the less. Just as we were ready to pull out of YOSA, an unfamiliar blue 1200 made it’s appearance. I was wandering if these folks may be joining us and sure enough they did. Jim and Shannon have recently returned from Reno, Nevada; where they had been transferred for work reasons. They now live in Bulverde and Jim had been following Chapter U activities on the web site and they decided to give a try. As we were ready to go, I had them fall in behind me and we took off for Luling. As we headed down 1518 to pick up 78, Dave Weaver and Lana Goralewicz joined the fun and fell in front of Olin, who was riding drag. So we completed our group with six bikes and nine folks. After a couple of wrong turns and a couple of “U” turns (I owe you a couple of bucks, Martha), I finally got us on 90 headed in the right direction. The ride out was very quiet and peaceful with very few cars on the rode. Perfect.
As we rolled into town, the streets were already busy with car, bike, and pedestrian traffic. We lucked out and found parking on the street not a block from the City Market. We strolled down the street and found a spot where the parade would be making a corner turn and stayed there to watch the activities. Before the parade finished, we gathered everyone together to walk over to City Market for some eats before it got crowded. This was an excellent decision because before we were through with our meal, the line was almost out the door and seating was at a premium. Good call. We sat, enjoying the excellent food, catching up on news with each other, and getting acquainted with our new friends, Jim and Shannon. We all left quit full and I thought a DQ stop was out of the question. By now, it was only 11:30, and the “Thump” grounds would not be open till noon, so we just checked out the vendors and small stores for a good buy. I went down to an antique store with Wes. He was on the hunt for old 78 speed records for a Victrola he purchased during our Chapter U Picture Ride and breakfast at the Red Rooster in New Braunfels. Wes is quit the collector. Charlie and Candy joined us there to browse the old stuff and I was surprised I was sooo familiar with sooo many items. Dang, I’m getting old.
Charlie and Candy, Wes, and Olin headed for home early. I couldn’t blame them, it was really beginning to get warm, no hot. Jim and Shannon headed out as well to visit relatives living near by, I believe. So I went looking for Dave and Lana, who were shopping at the vendor set up. Lana made a couple of purchases and Dave covered as it was Lana’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Lana!!!
Mike Mills
Your Ride Coordinator
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