Bottle Cap Ride - Edited

Great day for a ride.   Pushing into the 70s, felt humid... time to roll!  Chief can't make it, but Dutch is in.  Boudreaux and Nance want to put some miles on their 'new' trike they recently converted.  Lucy can't make it, so I pick a destination she doesn't like to go to ....  Bottle Cap!

I've broke out Krome today for this ride; that bike misses my love.  Or, maybe I have it backwards?  Dutch and I head over to Boudreaux's home, they mount up and we work our way into Greenville ... the 'long way', as best as possible.  We pop out on 380 with a few miles to go and roll up after 1300 hrs.  Now.... here's the point of this blog post.  Before we left Chief asked me if we could 'wear our cut's in "

Headed to the VFW for a few cold ones then headed home.  Ran into a guy we used to work with (Sonny) and shared a few.. I mean .. LOT .. of stories about the Good ol' days.  Dutch got to share some of his from his L3 days at the plant.  And the icing on the cake; Boudreaux and Sonny joined the VFW as members.   Oh yeah, I picked up a few VFW tee shirts, because I obviously need more.

Yep ..  was a good day to ride!

Still have their vests on ...

Looking good in MY vest !  lol

My double cheese burger wrapped in lettuce... was good!

Rolling out from Bottle Cap

VFW

Looking good!  I LOVE the look of this trike..but, I'm biased

Common Sense still exists!

 Great day for a ride.   Pushing into the 70s, felt humid... time to roll!  Chief can't make it, but Dutch is in.  Boudreaux and Nance want to put some miles on their 'new' trike they recently converted.  Lucy can't make it, so I pick a destination she doesn't like to go to ....  Bottle Cap!

I've broke out Krome today for this ride; that bike misses my love.  Or, maybe I have it backwards?  Dutch and I head over to Boudreaux's home, they mount up and we work our way into Greenville ... the 'long way', as best as possible.  We pop out on 380 with a few miles to go and roll up after 1300 hrs.  Now.... here's the point of this blog post.  Before we left Chief asked me if we could 'wear our cut's in there'.  I made some smart ass reply that I would be.   Couple of years ago, some 1% MC was having an event out this way and a few places had their sphincters' tighten up from Greenville to Emory  and for the first time said no to MC's wearing their colors.  Hell, we've had a chapter meeting at Bottle Cap previously with no issues, but that was a couple of years ago and previous to the MC issue.  Well, as we get off the bikes, Dutch says the same thing to me.  "Can we wear these cuts in there?" I'm full of myself and head to the door.  I notice they are taking a LONG time out there by the bikes and even notice they take off their vests and I'm thinking WTF and continue in.  Unbeknownst to me, an employee has come up to them and told them "we want your business but we don't allow vests" so they do the 'right thing' and are soon headed in.  I walk in by myself. Looking up at the front door in the top left corner, there it is on a small sign : " No Club Colors."

Young kid whom is the host has a dreading look on his face as I walk in, tower above him at twice his size and asks me 'how many' obviously uncomfortable.   I tell him I'm waiting for the others; four total.  Then a really nice attractive lady in her mid 30s comes to his rescue, whom is obviously the manager.  Her bad news is now delivered to me.  "I'm sorry, we don't allow motorcycle clubs to wear their vests here".  I simply replied with "this isn't an MC vest.  We are in a Veteran's based association. Not a Motorcycle club that she's thinking ( I named a few which she acknowledged). "   She's now staring at the front of my vest, I turn and hear her say "Combat Veteran" and ... she's contemplating the situation.  She immediately apologizes and says "Oh ... Veteran. come on in!" and the situation has been diffused.

Now the fun part for me is when the other three roll in cut-less and I'm smirking and ensure they hear the story at the bar while we grab lunch and a few cold ones.  Looking up at the big screen TV I see the US score against Iran with the point that will win their game eventually (looked painful as the kicker took a knee to the groin as well!).  

Headed to the VFW for a few cold ones then headed home.  Ran into a guy we used to work with (Sonny) and shared a few.. I mean .. LOT .. of stories about the Good ol' days.  Dutch got to share some of his from his L3 days at the plant.  And the icing on the cake; Boudreaux and Sonny joined the VFW as members.   Oh yeah, I picked up a few VFW tee shirts, because I obviously need more.

Yep ..  was a good day to ride!

Update #1:  Well, that didn't work out so well.  I ended up violating a new rule I was unaware of that had changed less than two weeks prior.  I don't agree with any of how it went down, or the consequences.  But, it was it is.  There's a couple of "Lesson's Learned " in there  .....

Update #2:   You know.... I guess some things just bug me... and I always feel compelled to speak my mind. As I re-read this I forgot to add more info/depth to the post. Had they not allowed me in there with the vest, I would have left, headed to my bike and put my vest in the bag and returned. The other folks had done just that. Now.. had I been traveling by myself and I would have walked off, got on my bike .. and left. I'm not if I would ever return .. ever. That was actually in my thoughts .. before walking up to the door. I'd heard a rumor about the vest issue, but again .. I'd never seen the sign nor heard of it before that day. I'd worn my vest(s) in there before with zero issues. That all being said, there wasn't a motorcycle in the parking lot but ours. It was a mid week, after lunch crowd. I was not boasting or bragging... the purpose of this post was ... the manager used common sense. Anyone that doesn't see that, we'll just agree to disagree. Finally, for obvious reasons. If I come across another 'sign' like this one in an establishment and wearing my CVMA vest ... I'll  either remove it or simply leave, taking my business somewhere that deserves my money. But ... once again.. the main point of this post was about the Manager. Nothing else, Nothing more.  

Still have their vests on ...

Looking good in MY vest !  lol

My double cheese burger wrapped in lettuce... was good!

Rolling out from Bottle Cap

VFW

Looking good!  I LOVE the look of this trike..but, I'm biased

I drink alone, Yeah

  I drink alone, yeah

With nobody else

I drink alone, yeah

With nobody else

Yeah, you know when I drink alone

I prefer to be by myself

_________________

Oh hell no!  I'm just being a smart ass .. but .. I do love that song.  But this year.... i may RIDE alone more often.  Well, for events.  I'm going to try something different for 2023.  I went out of my way the last few years to get folks to ride.   Except for a few takers, it's equivalent to hitting one's head against the wall.  So for 2023, my plan is to find many .. lots .. of Chapter Meetings, events, Sanctioned events in and out of state ... and put some miles on.  From a DRP / LRRP perspective, I want to make sure each one 'counts.'   So for out of state events, they must be sanctioned (for Tri-State tab).  Within Texas for 1500 of the overall miles, sanctioned for the Inner-State tabl.  For just DRP, sanctioned or ...  chapter related.  This is pretty much 'everything' else.  If it's just a 'ride', needs to be with other CVMA members whenever possible.   

First up, heading to Shreveport LA for their Polar Plunge 4 Feb.   I've told a few about it.  Even have my Airbnb locked down and paid for. It's walking distance to the VFW where the event is held, but only 3 bedrooms so why tell the whole world beyond the few that no know about it?  Those others can find their own place to stay; js.  I considered riding to the Leather and Lace ball, but Lucy doesn't seem interested in flying out to it for a meet up. So next up, hoping to head to Brownsville once 23-15 finally posts their March event.   Not going to advertise that one either.   Hey .... if you read about it here and are interested, ask me for info... be glad to share.  But for '23, I'm not going to push hard like previous years via GIO, social media, etc....    

Should be an interesting year?

Veteran's Day Parade Greenville TX 5 NOV 22

 Aaaaahhhhhhhh... what a day!  Greenville hosted the Hunt County parade today, and our chapter participated with a great turnout.  Weather cooperated even though it was a nippy upper 40s when we first hopped on the bikes. It'd be headed upwards, short of 60deg by the time I pulled the plug.  Chief and I met up at the old Village Market store and headed to QT for the Chapter meetup.  By 0930 we were all rolling into town with a small MC in our mix and some stragglers.  Dutch led us to the meet point north of Lee St where other motorcycles were in place as well as other folks participating.  By 1010 hrs we were moving down Lee St, to a nice crowd.  Not a huge crowd, but a nice group nonetheless.  We looped around to Washington St then to a holding area. The ride was a LOT of Stop and Go and Firehot's left hand was giving up the ghost; not a good thing since that's the clutch hand (which was the cause).   After fifteen minutes she joined us along with Honey Badger whom had stayed back with her (well done!). From there, we all moved on to the VFW where Big T had put together a nice BBQ layout along with the VFW Auxiliary; Perfect!  Highlight for me personally besides all the above, got to take out the Trike finally.  Wish I'd had the flag pole setup on it, but .... soon!

Bottom line.  We had a great showing as a Chapter.  Kudos to all!

Chilly out!

Waiting for Chief and KAL to roll up

QT

Pre Positioning around 0945

About to roll onto Lee St

Beautiful!

Post Parade

Veterans Day "Free Meals"

 Damned it.. I'm out of pocket on this day or I'd make use of this list!   Three diff' URLs with lists... some duplicate.

Here in Greenville, Applebee's, Chilis and El Fenix jumps out as options. Rockwall and Mckinney expand the list ....

https://news.va.gov/109711/veterans-day-discounts-free-meals/

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/restaurants-veterans-day-military-discounts.html

https://www.mymilitarybenefits.com/discounts/free-meals-veterans-day/

Ciy of Greenville; LOTS of Options!

Applebee’s – November 11, 2022

Veterans and active-duty military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veterans Day. Proof of service required.

Chick-fil-A – November 11, 2022

Some participating Chick-fil-A locations may offer specials or discounts. Check your local Chick-fil-A to confirm.

Chili’s Grill & Bar – November 11, 2022

All Veterans and active-duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu on Veterans Day.

Cicis Pizza – November 11, 2022

Free adult buffet with valid active-duty or retired military ID on Veterans Day.

Cotton Patch Café – November 11, 2022

Head over to the Cotton Patch Café’, where every Veterans Day, all its restaurants are proud to serve its award-winning Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken free to all Veterans and active-duty military.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – military family appreciation month/November 11, 2022

During military family appreciation month, Cracker Barrel will offer in-store specials on Veterans Day for Veterans and promotions throughout November to support military families in partnership with Operation Homefront. On Veterans Day, Veterans can receive a free slice of double fudge Coca-Cola cake with their meal.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – November 11, 2022

Free pulled pork classic sandwich is available this Veterans Day. To redeem in-store, Veterans and current military personnel must present a military ID or valid proof of service.

El Fenix – November 11, 2022

Veterans eat a free taco dinner on Veterans Day. Choose from two Chicken or beef tacos, served with rice and beans.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – November 11-30, 2022

On Veterans Day, receive a card for a free Freddy’s Original Double combo meal. Card is valid through November 30.

Little Caesars – November 11, 2022

On Veterans Day, Veterans and active-duty military can get a free Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Little Caesars. Only select Little Caesars are participating, so make sure you call ahead to your local one before you head over.

QuikTrip (QT) – November 11, 2022

On Veterans Day, enjoy a free Big Q or coffee. Current and former military, show ID at checkout.

Red Lobster – November 11, 2022

In honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active-duty military and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering guests a free Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw, featuring six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, as well as crispy French Fries and Coleslaw.

The offer is available for dine-in and To Go orders placed in-restaurant between 11:00am and 4:00pm local time on Friday, November 11, 2022. Guests only need to show a valid military ID or proof of service to redeem this offer.

Starbucks – November 11, 2022

On Veterans Day, active-duty service members, Reservists, Veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free tall (12-ounce) hot brewed coffee at participating Starbucks stores.

And new this year, Starbucks is expanding this offer to include a free tall (12-oz) iced coffee.

Officer Positions

 Every wonder 'why' people run for certain positions?  I do once in awhile.  We're all wired a lil' different of course and I have no idea why many run for certain positions.. but ..I wonder about it sometimes for various reasons.

Me personally I found myself in the mix initially as Road Captain.  I love to ride and no one seemed to be stepping up to the plate, so I did. I went over and beyond on some of the smaller chapter events / rides we had, but we never did any big rides IMHO.  Was that my fault?  Could be.  I travel alot for personal reasons.  I ride a lot of non-CVMA related.  So, when I sensed I was getting in a head butt situation with the CC at the time a few years back, I handed it over.  Didn't want the drama nor play the game he was playing.  Since then I find myself on the sidelines questioning others (to myself), personally critiquing the process, etc.  But if I'm not going to step back into the arena, I'll keep my mouth shut.  I know ... I know.. why talk it about it now?  Hey .. it's my Blog .. lol

Next up was Webmaster position.  Nobody else seemed to want it so I stepped up and was appointed.  In my opinion, the value of a web page is minimal in our situation so I didn't see the sense in building out a high end version so I simply created a Blog for the info... actually ... the Blog you are reading.   Modified it quickly so it worked.  We have nothing on there really.... no Store.  No communication.. just a few links and a who's who page.  Somewhere along the line, someone else seemed to think they had a better idea so I stepped away.  I didn't agree with how it all went down, but maybe that was simply my ego. Then found myself back in it... and out again when someone else had the interest.  Well, actually ...

I was asked to be PRO so I passed on the Webmaster duties. Now the kicker is, the old PRO walked at an inopportune time and we had a lil' .... not really chaos.. but...  I'll call it lack of continuity.  Simultaneously, the State PRO was having issues so I stayed in the shadows doing the basics of the position; posting events, info, rides.  I didn't run and get elected for the position so I had no issues moving on.  Had I been elected, I'd still been doing that.  

Now in the mix of all this I was part of the CEB which I was never elected to. Found myself in CEB meetings, etc. where I didn't agree with everything I was hearing.  I'm actually a low maintenance guy within the CVMA (well, I do like to Blog... LOL).  But now I'm hearing all the drama internally.  Seeing some things that I felt were wrong.  I'm friends with some of the folks being discussed and had to keep it to myself.  I simply want to Ride.  Enjoy the Brotherhood and enjoy helping out others when possible. Simple as that. I won't run for a position unless I'm 100% in and available.  I've been asked multiple times by a few, but I don't see that happening for another five years.

Which brings me to the point of this post I guess.  What drives people to run for a position? Me, would be because I know I could do it better than anyone else in the mix running; the obvious choice.  Or if I outright disagreed with the direction and felt I had to do it to make the changes for the betterment of the Chapter.  But why do others?  And that I wonder about sometimes.  Sadly I think a few ...  just a few in the big picture ... do it as a power play.  Some folks like the title.  The lime light. I see that in 'civilian life', writing about it elsewhere.  Those that know me know I don't give a shit about titles, especially in the real world (our day jobs).  I don't need the lime light; honestly have enough of that in my day job along with the stress that usually accompanies it.  But some do. And when I realize that, it bothers me;  deeply.  The good news is, that's not the vast majority of folks that do this. But why do the few others?  Especially when you get to the State and National levels.  Some of this takes up a LOT of one's time.  For many/most of the folks, my hat is off to them.  Watching our State Treasurer in action, I have nothing but respect.  Our State Rep and SAA, same.  Our Regional Rep .. same ..  Our National Prez .. same.  These folks are putting in a LOT of their time and effort.  Kudos.   Other's out there, not always so much from where I sit.

I find myself pushing back on a few as time goes on.  Hey, I'm not here just to make friends. I have a shit load of friends that spans decades.  I'm here for the Brotherhood and I mean the legit brotherhood that exists between many of us.  The military comradery.  Guess I've missed much of it that last few decades and that need is met here. On the other hand, I see folks that apparently don't have 'any' friends except for those in the Chapter and that one makes me scratch my head.  Makes me look a lil deeper into possible issues?  Hey .. it's the way I'm wired.   What I wonder is .. how many others think like I do... see what I do?  I know a few do. But the last thing I'm going to do is take a general Survey and stir the pot!

What makes folks tick.  What makes folks step up to the plate.  I wonder often. Yep.. I'm always watching .. evaluating.  Most of the time I'm impressed.  Sometimes I'm perplexed as to why they put up with some of the BS.  But other times sadly,  I see something dysfunctional in play and put my distance between us. I'm doing that currently in a specific situation.  Guessing .. that's the point of this post in an obscure way.  

Press on .. nothing to see here .  Just bored and rambling?

Lucy : New Life Member

  Woohoooooooooo... Just got word Lucy got approved.  She joined up lil over 37 months ago, so not bad.  But........

Learned a few things along the way the last six weeks.....    Last year she'd noticed her 201 didn't reflect the day she patched in. In fact a lot of the chapter meetings she had attended didn't show on her 201.  WTF?  I downplayed it all saying "who cares?  All  you care about is 1 sanctioned event annually to show... the rest is just fodder." Told her you joined 9 Sep, you attended a sanctioned event in '20, '21 and '22.  No big deal ... But, I was wrong.

I've blog'd about this before but for Life Membership, CVMA uses a spreadsheet that breaks each year out into 12 rolling months, separately.  Point being, her 2020 Sanctioned event was in October, so that was 13 months after she had joined.  See the problem?  Well, I called BS because she was Patched in at a Sanctioned Event... .a event she never got credit for. Either she didn't sign the login sheet or someone missed it.   Who's fault is that? Well, initially there was finger pointing, BUT, in hindsight it's OUR fault.  EVERYONE should pay attention to their 201.   Well, I pointed this discrepancy out, and our SR graciously updated her 201 with that info.  However, doesn't matter.  The Life Membership Application states no entries on the 201 can be counted for LM unless they are annotated within six months of the event.  I've now gotten anal over all this.

Overall, I was pretty calm about this. Her, not so much.  Along the way I ruffled a couple feathers and learned a few things about the system.  The Process.  And .. about a certain individual to remain anonymous.   

Morale of the Story.  LOOK at your 201 and ensure your shit is correct.

Lake Cypress Ride : 13 OCT 22

Awesome day to ride.  Seventy deg out when we left, mid eighties upon our return.  KAL has a girls’ quilt retreat in that area going on, so Chief put together a ride out that direction.  We’d head down past Emory then turn eastwardly up 2 lanes towards the lake.  Seventy-five miles later we’d pull up for a quick hello with the ladies, then rallied around the lake to the North side to have lunch at The Cove.  Really nice place, great outdoor area, good service, interesting menu (lil pricey).  Overall, not bad.  We decided on 3.5 out of 5 stars for it.  Would I return? Yes!  Ride rocked, and this place is ‘country nice.’

Ride back was a nice as the ride there, taking a slight different route, cutting through Lake Fort via a few bridges.  About 150 miles total, we’re home.

Gotta tell you …. we had a few close ones today.  Within the first 30 minutes, we had two close calls on Hwy 69 with the oncoming traffic.  The first one, an SUV crossed over the line and almost clipped the Chief and I (Dutch was 2^nd, so further right). I glanced down for a sec and when looking back up Chief had moved over and the SUV was over the yellow within a couple of inches of my left leg as I jerked to the right.  Fuck that was close.  I don’t know if they were on a phone, drunk, eating or trying to kill us intentionally.  Soon afterward a car was weaving in their lane almost coming into ours.  Thirty minutes later a truck was coming down the center towards Chief, getting in their own lane at the last second.  WTF?  Triple close calls… we rarely have a single one.

Have to admit, was nice to get off the bike in one piece today.   Lil too close for comfort.

Couldn't stand my dirty mirrors .. lol

Prepping to Ride

Lunch at The Cove ...

Rolling!

Lunch

Purdy!

LRRP Grand Slam 2023?

LRRP Grand Slam '22 is in the books.  It's representative of all three; FTM, Inner State and Tri-State.  With a few months to go, I'm already planning for '23!

Polar Bear Plunge

First reservation is made ....  headed to Shreveport LA  for their  Polar Bear Plunge Aux event first weekend of February.  Still trying to find an Oklahoma event. Worst case, OK State is probably the same weekend as Steel Horse Rally? I know by first week of May, few in AR will probably be held in Little Rock... that's a Tri State Tab!

Ride for the Green

Texas...  23-15 should have their run in March.. that's 1200 miles (Ride for the Green).  But, the Leather and Lace ball is in El Paso is in mid Feb, weekend after the Shreveport event.... that's 1400 miles round trip. Problem is .. mama doesn't seem to want to go.   Mix that with a more 'local' event and by end of Spring... that's the Inner State Tab!

FTM

Nationals is in Colorado Springs come June.  That's a no brainer.  Already have the route planned. I'm not even going to advertise it this year.  You're in or you're out.  I've done 3/4 Iron Butts by myself anyways.  I rode back from Nationals last year by myself.  Still, something cool about a small group going ... and I'm sure I'll be riding with someone else, but .. they can find me... I won't be looking for them.   So, June... Finish the Mission Tab.

And that folks ... is a Grand Slam!

Well, lost the first 3 months due to some issues....   got shit to make up this summer!

TX State Meeting 2022 : Done!

We had multiple groups headed in, multiple time frames.  For me, it'd be Dutch, Smitty and myself rolling down the 'long way' on 2 lanes Thursday Morning. Posted it for months prior, no takers.  Posted it to Texas CVMA group .. no takers.  So, Thursday morning at 0800 sharp, Dutch and I roll out of Cash.  Straight down Hwy 34 to Ennis where we top off tanks and pick up Smitty, and we are rolling. Temp is chilly requiring layers / leather, but by the time we leave Ennis around 0945, I'm down to short sleeves.  Not a cloud in the sky!   We roll all the way to Gatesville for a Pee Break and allows Dutch / Smitty to take off some layers then to Blanco to splash Gas. While topping off we hear someone screaming at us from across the street so we head over to find a local CVMA member, Lumpy!   Great guy and after some chatting he busts my balls a lil with Indian questions, followed by handing me over a printed Manual for the newer Spirit Lake 111 models he'd been given, but never used; SCORE!  Thank you Brother!   He tells us we'll see him this weekend since he's a member of 23-21/Blackjack chapter.   So, we're off!   Ninety minutes later, we're pulling up to the Host Hotel in New Braunfels.  Quick Check in and I've soon got a nice cold beer in my hands.  Soon, mama and the Kennedys roll up in his truck and we're all checked in and cleaning up a lil.  Chief and Kal, make it over the Host Hotel.  Target and his bride have rolled in. We're soon down by the waters' edge enjoying the beauty of this property, enjoying cold ones and catching up.  Let State '22 begin!   

Host Hotel

Bike Night

Bike Night

Friday. What to do .. what to do.  Several of us work our way over to Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar for some grub and drinks to keep us busy during the day.  Of course, the Vendors and National Store are setup as well.   But Friday's highlight is the Bike Night at the local VFW which is over the top awesome.  Shit load of bikes roll in and we're soon joined by 44-2 in from Mississippi.  I'm starting to really get to know these guys over the last two years; perfect!  Soon, Crayon rolls in (AR PRO); I think she's following me?  Hahahah... this lady rides ... EVERYWHERE!   She's putting some serious miles on; she'd rode in with 23-26 today.  After some good music, catching up with some other folks .. we head back to the Host Hotel...  

Saturday is here...  and by 0800 we're on the bike rolling up the road to the Knights of Columbus where a shit load of bikes are already here.  When the smoke clears over 600 folks will swipe in, with 98% of those beingTexas members.  Something like 6 or 8 other states are also represented; awesome!  Meeting lasts about 3 hours and we're swiping and rolling.  One thing I have to say/admit, that meeting was ULTRA Professional and well run.  Dudeman is at the helm and held a great meeting.  Boomer was in the house and gave a great speech as well as recognizing about a dozen folks with his 'patch' he gives out for folks helping other Brothers and Sisters (Dutch was a recipient last month at Regionals).  Skrape as always is serious as fuck (in a good way) and gives some great advice and keeps things in check.  The SEB as a whole did a great job.   Behind me is a liquor setup where I grab a Bloody Mary and a few Jack n' cokes so ... I'm not complaining!   We're soon back on the bike and headed back.  Change up into some Comfys and .. hanging out on the back Patio.  Great raffles and auctions going on, Bourbon is flowing ...   and we've got a big party with several hundred folks kicking it up.   

State Meeting

Somewhere around 0500 I'm opening up an eye.. or two .. and by 0630 I'm cleaning up and prepping to ride home. By 0800 Dutch and I realized that 23-26 left and hour earlier, LA and AR folks are still eating breakfast and a half dozen from our 23-11 chapter are mounting up. So against everything I'd stated about only riding  2 laners, Dutch and I jump into the fray and we're headed up the Interstate with our chapter.  Up near Hillsboro, they jump off the Interstate for a planned lunch stop.  Dutch and I get the itch ... so ... we're back on the bikes and rolling up a few miles, jump off onto Hwy 77 and we're back in a bliss of sorts on 2 lanes the rest of the way home.  Hell, we hit traffic in Quinlan and took the long way around Tawakoni .. .just to enjoy the ride.

State '22 ... in the books!

Route down

Sulphur Springs is calling our name! National Taco Day!

 Sooooooooooooooo... we take the looooong way

Few days to go until State Mtg.... got the itch.  Weather is beautiful, so we plan a quick lunch.  Put it on GIO, but only 3 of us are a go.  Oh well........

Headed out in the low 70s, short sleeves.  Perfect!  As usual, roll to Valero in Lone Oak, and at 1000 hrs we are rolling.  I pick a 'long way' to Sulphur Springs and it works perfectly.  We have no idea exactly where we are going to eat.  After putting down the kickstands in the "Square" Chief mentions it's National Taco Day and maybe, Mexican Food?  Hmmm.. is there a Mexican Restaurant down here?  He knows exactly where it is... somehow, I've rode and walked right by this for years... go figure.  LOL.   Los Mochis, it is!  And a good choice; we all three grab tacos, and I can tell you .. mine rocked!   Now .. how to head back.  We decide on a slightly longer route heading a lil further east ... then back around.  Perfect!

Actual Round Trip: Approx 120 miles

Los Mochis decor

Taco Heaven!

I led us out, Chief led us back.  Always nice to switch it up.  If I didn't have to get back to do some work and honey-dos .... I could have rode all day.  Good news is .. in two days, we head South To New Braunfels for the CVMA TX State Mtg!