WashingtonBrazos Ride

4 May Washington-on-the-Brazos Ride

I didn't know exactly what to expect from the Chapter ride schedule to go to Washington-on-the-Brazos but the state historic site is a great one to both ride to and visit! Four bikes and 8 people set out early Saturday morning with delightful temperatures and some wind, winding our way up to our destination. As we motored through Luling, it almost killed Dale Goree to not stop for barbecue at the City Market, but we all pushed on to Brenham, passing an ice cream-oriented street fair (Maria DeLaughter's mouth was watering over this possible food treat!) for some lunch and conversation at a local Applebee's. The food was great, the restaurant was fairly empty and the service prompt. What turned out to be the local mayor came up and commented on the pretty bikes outside and who owned the orange one? "Pumpkin" always gets a lot of attention when she is out and about! We determinedly headed out (I guess that is a word) to the state historic site. The ride was through gorgeous scenery that reminded Brad and I of southern New England or Wisconsin (we hadn't been in that part of East Texas before). Rolling hills, open vistas (watch out for the cyclists and cars passing them on the 2 lane road!), a variety of trees (maples and pines), and lots and lots of wildflowers! I think we passed the "world's smallest chapel," the Monastery of St. Clare miniature horse farm, and lots of interesting looking antique and gift shops sprinkled throughout the Round Top area!

Pulling into the state historic site, we visited the welcome center. The rest of the group decided on what to see and I browsed the gift shop (a very nice one too I am may say!). We set off to visit the Barrington Living History Farm, the home of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. Connie Jordan read us the highlights of the brochure as we wandered down a gravel path up to the house where we inspected the lumpy bed mattresses, admired the wood floors and period furnishings, and enjoyed the fiddle music provided by one of the historic re-enactors. We wandered out to check out the outdoor kitchen (the fruit pie was not ready to eat!), the fine-looking roosters, and the smokehouse. Across from the house, we inspected the slave quarters (rather be back in the farmhouse), the tool shed and the pig pens which contained a breed of pigs that were originally brought to the New World 400 years ago by the Spanish! After careful consideration and due deliberation, we decided the "pig on the right was the cutest!" After checking out the scarecrow, we wandered back up to the bikes glad that we had today's modern conveniences (including air-conditioning).

We then drove up to the Star of the Republic museum where we enjoyed sitting in air-conditioned comfort to watch a 20 minute film about the start of the Republic of Texas. The museum included many unexpected delights beyond important artifacts of the period....a children's room where Diane Goree decided to ride a horsee, a chinese teapot that the Empress of China gave to the President of the Republic of Texas in recognition of sovereignty, Chuck Norris' buckskin jacket he wore on the Texas Ranger's TV series, and a whole little town where we could view everyday items of that time period. The museum is very well done, and in fact, this state historic site is well worth the visit!

As we rode back, we discussed other possible sights we would like to see in that area...a car museum, The Blue Bell creameries, an antique carousel and a historical museum (sounds like another trip...possibly an overnight!). Speeding home to arrive before dark and any possible rain, we realized that we need to go back and explore more in this part of Texas! I think everyone had a great ride and great fun, arriving home tired but happy they had attended this unique Chapter U ride! Thanks to Kenny Jordan and Dale Goree who both pulled drag for Brad!

We hope to see you join us on another Chapter U adventure in the future. We will be having a ride-planning meeting coming up, so bring or send us your ideas for Chapter U adventures this summer and fall!