Fredricksburg Trade Days 16 December 2006

Another Gorgeous Winter Day in the Hill Country….

     Well we couldn’t have asked for a better winter day for a ride with Chapter U.  After a short but very helpful pre-ride safety briefing by Charlie B (he even remembered to bring a paper copy which Brad left at home), seven bikes with 7 riders and 4 co-riders headed towards Fredericksburg Trade Days via the “scenic route.”  I was happy to realize the weather was balmy enough I didn’t have to break out the long underwear and my new chaps!  We welcomed a new rider, Frank, who had met Woody the day before at the HEB gas station close to the U meeting point.  Frank decided to join us and we were glad to make his acquaintance.  Frank is on his 2^d Gold Wing but I believe this was his first ride with a GWRRA chapter so I sure hope we see him again.

     After a lovely ride winding our way to the Fredericksburg Trade Days via Luckenbach (yes, Dave, that was Luckenbach, you didn’t miss anything!), the 7 bikes pulled in to a special “front and center” parking location reserved just for bikes right by the booth where you pay to pull in and park!  Nice to have someone watch our bikes as we enjoyed the Trade Days!  If you have never been there, it is a combination of antique, flea, craft and latest trend market.  If you are looking for a special gift, to find the latest trend for rodeo wear, that special thing-a-ma-bobbie gadget, you are bound to find it!  We agreed to meet back in an hour and a half, and as we wandered in and out of the barns and up and down the rows of outside venders, we were pleasantly surprised to keep running into each other, to compare special buys and point out special things not to miss.  Oh, yes, there were all sorts of munchies to taste as we browsed and bought our way through the market.  I think Olin was the first to make a purchase, though Patrice soon followed, and I think both riders and co-riders found lots of things to look at and consider.  The riders were sure glad the co-riders confined themselves to small baubles and trinkets rather than large floral arrangements that are rather unwieldy to store and transport on a Gold Wing!  I think Brad, and Bob were able to avoid buying themselves a Christmas present!  Connie (or was it Candy?) joked that things were just too expensive so perhaps we should head next to Neiman Marcus.  Needless to say the riders, led by Kenny, hastily decided they were hungry and we should find a place to have lunch!  Half an hour later we were at the Sunset Café in Blanco, sitting on the front porch, swapping stories and enjoying the gorgeous day.  It seemed as we headed back to San Antonio that the day had just gone by too fast, and I think we are hoping we find more wonderful riding weather to share this coming winter!  It sure spoils us doesn’t it?  We sure had fun with the 11 people there.  This week an old song I learned in the Brownies came to mind (yes it was a loooong time ago).  It sums up how I feel about the time I spend with Chapter U.  Perhaps you will recognize it:  “Make new friends, but keep the old.  Some are silver and the others gold.”  Brad and I hope that you will continue to come share Chapter U adventures with us.  Come, and bring your friends!

Jill Severe  Co-Rider