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6 September 08 Ride to Longhorn Caverns Pictures by Wes Lewis, Write-up by Mike Mills What a glorious Saturday morning!! Temperatures were in the low seventies, clear skies, and dry roads. What more could a biker ask for? As we made our way to YOSA, our first pick up point, low and behold no one had arrived yet. After a couple of minutes, Steve and Susan Ochs rolled in, but had to pass on the ride as they had some work that had to be done immediately. We chatted for a few minutes, until the eight o’clock hour and we headed in different directions. Steve and Susan to take care of business and Ako and I to our second pick up point at 281 and 46. We were not disappointed. When we arrived, we were greeted by Bill and Jane Johnson, Wes Lewis, and Court Van Sickler. We kicked around for a few minutes to see if any more riders would show. None did, so we saddled up our little group of hungry bikers and made tracks for the Silver K in Johnson City.
Bikes in the parking lot. On the way in to the Silver K! Traffic cleared our pretty well after the 32 Junction and it was smooth sailing to the breakfast table. No problem at all getting a seat; in fact, we got Chapter U’s round table. Lots of elbow room and plenty of lively chatter kept us interested. (Note: Silver K is now offering a breakfast buffet only in the morning until 10:30 for $7.99, no menu orders.) Come hungry because the buffet has migas, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, blueberry pancake, and French toast. Delicious!!
Arrived at the cave! Cave dwellers Bill & Jane Johnson! After our nourishing meal, we continued up 281 to Park Road 4 and the Longhorn Caverns. As luck would have it, good luck that is, we were led on our cavern tour by Brad, the park Biologist. He is a very knowledgeable young fellow and also the senior guide. Since he was our leader, we were able to into a couple areas of the caverns that are not normally shown. Very cool! Speaking of cool, it is a very pleasant sixty eight degrees year round. The caverns have been used by many different people during its existence for many different things. It was used by the Comanche, the Confederacy, and Tom Bass, the outlaw. It has been used a speakeasy during Prohibition and as a church for Sunday services. Now days, beside walking and spelunking tours, you can be married one hundred and thirty-five feet below the surface. All in all, Brad did a bang up job showing us around and keeping us interested with the history of the Longhorn Caverns. As we exited, we expressed our thanks for a very entertaining tour.
Chapter underground! Into the abyss!
Lumbago Alley. More calcite!
Down the cave! Rockweiler!!! We took a few minutes, okay, maybe half an hour or so to recoup in the air conditioned souvenir shop and shack bar before we decided it was time to find a DQ and make our way home. As the day was warming up quit nicely, we chose to stop at the Johnson City DQ. A little more cooling down and off we trekked for our humble abodes. A small group, but one more outstanding day for Chapter U. Stay tuned for more rides and more f U n. Mike Mills
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