10 Nov Ride to Salado

Thanks Charlie Brown & Guy Custer for the pictures!

Yes, member's suggestions do show up on the chapter ride schedule though sometimes they are rescheduled due to inclement weather!  That is how 16 Chapter U members and 8 bikes made their way north to Salado on Saturday, November 6!  As we stood under the Exxon's overhang at our pick up point at 281 and 46 looking at the drizzle, we wondered how rain could have shown up seemingly out of nowhere when the forecast had said it would be a beautiful motorcycling day!  None-the-less, the 8 bikes and 16 intrepid riders and co-riders headed north over hill and dale, and yes, it did clear up and was gorgeous upper 70's and low 80's weather. 

Still a bit cloudy at our first break!

Arriving in a timely manner for lunch, we found ourselves sitting in our own private dining room at the Stage Coach Inn in Salado.  The restaurant was an actual stage coach stop at one time and it was very nice to sit in the original part of the inn with its fireplace, wood flooring and staircase up to the originals rooms.  At the Stage Coach Inn, the menu is recited and I would have to say, it didn't have to be recited much even with a large group. 

              Joan & Guy Custer, 1st time with us!!                                  Connie, Ken, Mike & Ako

Dave & Brad waiting for seats!                                               Nice room set up just for us!!

Everyone settled in to eating yummy hushpuppies, drinking little tea cups of chicken broth and hearty entrees of chicken fried steak, beef stroganoff, grilled chicken and large salads.  To top off the all inclusive meals, dessert is available meaning some of our chapter members had ice cream twice on this ride!

           Waiting for the shoppers to return!                  Reflection on Candy & Charlie in the window!

After adjourning, the chapter hit the streets of Salado to browse and shop through the many galleries.  The riders were relieved that room was limited on the bikes (somehow no trailers came on this ride!) and the high-end galleries encouraged browsing and gazing without too much of a price tag!  Most co-riders agreed that some of the galleries presented items that could be fairly easily recreated at home, for example, gluing a "crystal" candlestick to the bottom of an "antique" plate to create a cake stand!  One thing about Salado is that there are lots of clever ideas and beautiful items.  Many motorcycle friendly purchases did get snagged...some were even for Christmas gifts!

After an hour of shopping (plenty for the riders!), we mounted up and wound our way south back to San Antonio, stopping at a DQ for sustenance due to the long day! 

Great DQ stop. Check out the sign in the upper right corner!!!

Poster picture for Texas GWRRA chapters!!!

Wet parking lot! It had poured about 5 minutes before we arrived at the DQ!!

Even with some wet roads on the way back, and some turns and twists (and at least one U-turn!), Chapter U dispersed as we headed into San Antonio.  Thanks to Brad Severe, Charlie Brown, Kenny Jordan and Mike Mills for pulling Lead and Drag of our 2 groups.  Everyone worked hard to have a safe ride for a fairly long-distance day trip.  Welcome to new participants Guy and Joan Custer who rode with Chapter U for the first time, and to San Antonio visitors Pepe and Susan from Washington State.  The long day was enhanced by the friendly, safe riding of our chapter and we hope to have more new participants and out-of-town visitors join our growing Chapter in the future!

Ready to head for home!

Pepe & Sue performing at Coyote Ranch