East Texas Biker: Ben Wheeler Lunch .. .always rocks!

Chief is in. Dutch is in. Posted on GIO. "Potential Ride tomorrow. Lunch in Ben Wheeler. KSU from Valero in Lone Oak at 1000 hrs. Highlight of the ride is on 779 south of Emory which is a 2 laner that rocks. Return route is optional depending on how much time folks have. Lunch location: The Forge. Overall ride over 100 miles total (closer to 140 via map below) Chime in if interested, here or privately." As usual .... crickets. Snooze you 'Looze'!

From Lone Oak Valero the three of us headed out right on time..... to a beautiful morning in the 70s and nothing but sunshine. Soon as we got into Emory grabbed Hwy 19 for a few hundred feet then turned south towards 779. Once on 779 we were rolling 5 over the limit into Grand Saline. We're rolling at about 75mph when in the middle of the road up head is a huge bird munching on road kill in the center. Historically, they always scatter, but this time ... it's in slow motion. As I'm coming up on it, he's headed the same direction I am, but I catching up with him quickly.. at the last second he banks to the left as my helmetless head is within inches of his claws hanging down...... wouza! Close Call. Then off to the left we spot a bald eagle swooping in the trees. Cool story to tell, this version of! We then take 110 over to some other country roads with beautiful sights and zero traffic all the way into Ben Wheeler. The Forge was our destination and its always a good time. Great waitress, awesome food. Other guys were "good" but I had two Ultras. Then, we're rolling but work our way towards Golden where the Chief took over the lead. Hit two spots of construction but we soon were hauling ass 10 over most of the way home. Really dug this route crossing Lake Fort multiple times. Can't help but think this would make for a great Chapter ride, assuming one could ever herd the cats? Sorry ... couldn't resist. By the time we roll in temps are closer to 90 but feels good in the wind. Pulling up to the house, 155 miles on the odometer have rolled by. Glorious two lane miles!