Texas Fall Big Bend Ride - Oct. 27th - 29th, 2006

[Dallara]

Okay, Fellow Cafe' Riders,

The time is drawing near for the annual Fall Big Bend Ride here in Texas! We've hammered down a date, so pencil this in on your calendars!

Friday, October 27th through Sunday, October 29th, 2006

As we did last year the base of operations will be in Alpine, Texas, and the plan is to have the same accommodations - the Ramada Inn Pinnacle in Alpine.

http://www.ramada-alpinetexas.com/


http://www.ramada-alpinetexas.com/assets/images/map.gif


We were very well taken care of there last year, and I expect nothing less this year. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the staff was gracious and helpful, and everything went without a hitch.

There is going to be a small change this year, however... I am not going to be handling the room reservation chores as I did with Big Bend last year and the Hill Country ride this past Spring. I have had someone else graciously volunteer to take on that task for us all this Fall and I must first say I greatly apprieciate that.

Lewis Jordan - our own "Lewis RT" - has kindly offered to handle making the reservations, doing the room blocking, being the liason wiht the hotel, etc. for the Fall 2006 Big Bend event. Lewis is one of the greatest guys you will ever meet, and I have no doubt he will do even a better job of handling the rooms than I have in the past for these rides.

But, and this is a very, very BIG but... Lewis will need YOUR help. That is, Lewis will need anybody and everybody that is interested in going on the ride to get in touch with him early - like as soon as possible - so he can see that everyone that wants to go is accommodated with the room arrangement they want. Here's a link to Lewis' profile page:

http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/member.php?u=60

If you are interested in going on the Fall Big Bend ride then take a bit of time and drop Lewis a PM or an e-mail and let him know. You simply cannot believe how much easier it is to take care of everybody if they get their information and requests in early, so help Lewis out, please... I want him to want to do this again, so make it as easy on him as you can! :)

As before, though... If you can also contact me for any information, though I will be a bit out of the loop over the next few weeks.

Last year's Big Bend ride was incredible, and truly memorable, and I know this year will be even better!

Here's a few pics from last year to illustrate some of the activities...


http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355613-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355638-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355680-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355710-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355737-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355787-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355834-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355894-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355923-M.jpg

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355930-M.jpg


I know I had a ball last year, and I think everyone else there did, too, so let's make this Fall's an even bigger and better get-together. Maybe even someone here could post a notice about it on the old board in case we have anybody left over there that wants to join in.

Please get in touch with Lewis ASAP if you can about the rooms, and I hope to see each of you there come the end of October!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Bill]

Can't wait! Me and Silver RS are in. The ride out is as good as the ride in Big Bend. Count me IN:eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:

Last years photos www.e-foerster.com/BigBend.htm

BBQ at Cooper's in Junction, TX I ride for BBQ

[Lewis' RT]

Hello all,

Please either PM or e-mail me as soon as you can to let me know what your room requests are. I would appreciate you sending me your e-mail address so we can keep everyone in-the-loop and updated.

Looking forward to our ride and seeing everyone again :dance:

Stay well, ride safe ! Lewis Jordan

[Promethean]

Lewis,
I'm not sure I understand. Either one needs a room or doesn't. What other requests can there be?:icon_redface:



Please either PM or e-mail me (thejordancompany@sbcglobal.net) as soon as you can to let me know what your room requests are.

[Deans BMW]

Lewis, Dave Howe and I will share a room, non smoking, first floor. Will PM you later.

What a good looking guy in blue...................................er......... .........ah....................um..........

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355613-M.jpg

[Dallara]

Abhijeet...

Do you need a room by yourself, or do you have someone to room with?

That kind of thing... :)

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[arkline]

"Lewis, Dave Howe and I will share a room, non smoking, first floor. Will PM you later."

This isn't going to lead to a long discursis on pissing in the sink is it?

I'd love to be there, but won't be able to make it. Just fly in the missing man formation for me.

[DarthRider]

"...This isn't going to lead to a long discursis on pissing in the sink is it?..."

I told you Ron, it's the *bath tub* for Texans!

Man, I was sure hoping you could make it...will it be snowing & cold-raining in Paradise by then?
Wait...isn't that about the time you're starting your new house project?
Guess we'll just be toasting you, just like last time.
Damn!

[socalrob]

I pm'd Lewis with a request for a non smoking room, single if possible, but not required, but remember I have been told I snore.

[Dallara]

Damn, Rob...

I'm just glad you're coming to the freakin' ride! Outstanding!

Man, oh man... This is getting to where we are getting an incredible core group of folks. Dean, Darth, Lewis, Mike, Doug (Smith, not Forman), Mark, another Mark, Paul, Bob, Bill, Brian, Dave (Roadking Dave), etc., etc., etc.

For those who haven't been there... You're gonna' love the Big Bend country!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Bones]

I pm'd Lewis with a request for a non smoking room, single if possible, but not required, but remember I have been told I snore.


This is why they invented ear plugs!

Guys, I am "in" and will be working on detailed plans this week. Looking forward to meeting a bunch of you miscreants this autumn!

I will figure out and post and PM info. on room needs within a day or two.


See you all at Big Bend!!!

Jeff (Bones)

[Dallara]

Outstanding, Jeff! :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:

I hope Lewis is reading this whole thread, 'cuz it looks like I may have greatly underestimated the number of rooms we may need...

Appears a lot of people want their own individual rooms, and that more people are going ot be there than I thought.

But that's all GOOD!

I like it when there are a bunch of riders! :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:

Now I just gotta' decide whether I bring the BMW, the Yamaha, or the... :icon_wink: :eusa_silenced: :icon_wink:

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Promethean]

I'll just total up the numbers and see if I have enough vacation time to join in and let you boys know. Thanks.

P.S.:-I've been told that I snore as well. :)

[bbneuser]

am going to have to bow out. our fiscal year end physical inventories are scheduled for that weekend, and as i sit over that process, won't be able to make it. will just have to live vicariously through the site. was really looking forward to this ride-guess i'll have to wait for the spring. also missing an offroad ride in crested butte in august for the same reason. something sucks in river city.

[Dallara]

Say it ain't so, Bob... :icon_cry: :icon_cry: :icon_cry:

I've been stocking up on Ketel One and Schweppes just for you! :104:

You simply have to figure out how you can fit it in, and I promise nobody will ask you to lead off... :icon_wink: :icon_wink: :icon_wink:

I'll even figure out how to haul your bike up for you if it'll help.

C'mon! You know you can do it!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)


ps - of course I say that... Our fiscal year ends July 31st... And we already did all our physical inventories.

[Deans BMW]

Man oh man, Rob and Bones, getting excited already. Looking foward to the time that we are able have the bash at the Motorcyclist Cafe Barn and Bunkhouse.

[Dallara]

Let's see...

Who do we seem to have already...

Lewis RT - BMW R1150RT - Houston, TX
Rennsport (Mike) - BMWR1150RT - Sealy, TX
Deans BMW - BMW R1200ST - Show Low, AZ
Darth - Triumph Speed Triple - Keller, TX
SocalRob - BMW R1150R - Los Angeles, CA
Bones - BMW R1200G/S - Ithaca, NY
Diesel Dog (Dave from SA, and I know he'll make it) - Harley Road King - San Antonio, TX
Bill - R1100RS - McAllen, TX
STexFJR - Yamaha FJR1300 - McAllen, TX
Kocook (I hope) - BMW K1200S - Houston, TX
Markus (I hope, too) - Honda RC51 - Houston, TX
FotoMoto (I'm sure) - Honda VTR1000 - Kingsville, TX
Scratch (I'm pretty sure here, too) - Triumph Speed Triple - Houston, TX
Moose (you'll be back, won't ya'?) - BMW R1100R - Dallas, TX
Acacia - (I'm pretty sure he'll make it) - BMW R1150R - Sugarland, TX

And there are some others here I'm sure I missed, along with some that were at the Hill Country ride that aren't members of the Cafe'... More BMW's, some more Harley's, a Kawasaki or two or three, perhaps some more Yamaha's, one possible KTM and maybe one Ducati... Interesting mix. Oddly enough, never has a Suzuki attended one of our rides. Wonder why that is?

Oh, and I'll have either my Yamaha FJR1300 or BMW R1150R there, and maybe both... (Corpus Christi, TX)

And we all simply need to get together and convince BBNeuser he has to make it, no matter what!!! :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:

Looks like it is shaping up to be a hell of a get-together, and could even draw more than the Hill Country Ride!

Cool! :shade:

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Bones]

I may be arriving on a Harley (because you can't rent BMW's anymore), but I plan to be there. I will fly into Austin, meet up with some friends there and then we will ride out to Big Bend. Since I will plan to get to Austin that Thursday, I assume we will arrive at BB by Friday at the end of the day.

The two guys I will be meeting up with should be joining the Cafe' soon.

Frenchie (John) lives in Austin; Falcon (Todd) lives in Greensboro, NC. Frenchie has a BMW R90S, two Aprilia Milles and a Harley Softail Deluxe. Falcon rides an R1150R.

Hey, if anyone knows a resource to rent a GS or an R in the Austin area, let me know. We will ride to and from BB starting in Austin.

Jeff

[socalrob]

Bones,

Remember, when riding a Harley, lots of rear brake & be ready to "Lay er down" on short notice.:)

Pick your model better than I did. They rent the Vrods at the same price as the big twins. Not a bad deal on rental, & they were open on Sunday for returns. The only surprise was the $2,500 deductible for anything, crash or theft. And thats after buying their insurance. I might consider packing a chain.

Nice thing about BMWs is I never give a thought to theft. Don't intentionally leave the keys in here in LA, but I doubt it would matter.

[Bones]

Rob,
What model did you rent? I would never have considered a Vrod, really. I have ridden a Road King (recently) that a friend has and felt like I could sit on that platform all day if needed (and it WOULD be needed to get from Austin to Big Bend). Dallara tells me that Big Bend is good enough that you could ride a Vespa if you had to, and still enjoy the trip. I would LOVE to rent a 1200GS but don't think that can be done any more.

Jeff

[Dallara]

Okay, Bones (and Rob).

Couple of things... Not too sure I would risk a V-Rod for riding out in Big Bend. Why? One is range. Though H-D claims a 5.0 gallon tank for the V-Rod I have heard that at best you have about 4 usable gallons of fuel, and that the V-Rod's don't get the greatest fuel mileage... Trust me on this one, Big Bend is not a place you want short fuel ranges, especially in the park. Second reason is carrying capacity. The H-D rental spots usually hang a windscreen and some bags on all the rental units, but the bags for the V-Rod are damn tiny...

Last but not least is comfort. I've ridden a V-Rod, and personally I wouldn't want to ride one hundreds of miles up Interstate 10, or even on 90, up to Big Bend. It would be pure torture.

Bones, IMHO, if you have to rent a Harley for the trek from Austin to Alpine I would stick with the Road King, and reserve one early. They have terrific range, are really quite comfortable, have decent sized bags and plenty of other spots to tie a duffel or the like down to the back, and handle much, much better than most of the other *big* twins, believe it or not. They also have decent brakes thanks to twin discs up front, more conventional steering geometry and weight distribution, and a good sized front tire. The standard electronic cruise control is a pretty nice addition, too, for the superslab.

Of course, all of that is strictly my personal opinion based on riding just about every model H-D has thanks to friends and the San Antonio/Boerne dealer's rental pool...

But Bones, there is another possibility... I just don't know how the hell we could handle thw logistics.

I've got two wonderful bikes for this kind of ride - my Yamaha FJR-1300 and my BMW R-1150-R. I can't ride both of them. I took both to the Hill Country ride. Rob rode the BMW there, and Scratch (Paul) would have rode it all the second day had the near new Metzler Z-6 disintegrated (more on that later thanks to some new information from Metzler, BTW).

I have absolutely no problem whatsoever in loaning you the BMW for the ride, Jeff, if a BMW is your preference. It is a 2002 R-1150-R without ABS, and currently has a front Metzler Z-6 with approx. 5,000 miles on it, and a rear Metzler Z-6 with about 500 miles on it. It has a Sargent saddle and "Ricky" bars, along with BMW *new* high screen. A Throttlemeister, system case rails and rack, system cases, a BMW tank bag for it, etc., etc., etc. and is Atlanta Blue.

I've got the FJR to ride, and if you rode the BMW then we could even swap back and forth so you could try the Yamaha.

If you can figure out how we can do it, Bones, you are more than welcome to ride the Beemer.

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[socalrob]

Bones,

I would 100 percent agree with Allan on the Road King.

I rented a HD DynaGlide Custom, I though it was going to be something close to a standard, turned out to have IMO very forward controls & a bit chopped front end with a skinny front tire. I was only half kidding about the rear brake comment. The DGC had a single disk up front, I think 2 disks would have overwhelmed the chassis. Lots of dive. I'm guessing that if our BMWs get only 10 percent braking from the rear wheel, the DGC gets 40 percent. Rode much better when I figured that out.

The way I look at it, on a HD your not going to be high speed carving up the curves, you might as well be comfortable on the Road King. The DGC would have killed my back on a long ride.

Allan's RR is a very nice bike. If you take him up on his offer, maybe you can take a bit of the $$ you would have spent on rental & buy the poor man a new front tire. Allan, aren't you tempting fate to be in the badlands of Texas with 5,000 miles on that front tire? In fact, now that I look back on it, maybe thats why ....:)

[Dallara]

Like I told ya' before, Rob...

Traction control wouldn'a helped ya'... ABS wouldn'a helped ya'... And a different front tire damn sure wouldn'a helped ya' either...

You busted your tukas all by your lonesome! :icon_wink: :icon_biggrin: :048: :icon_biggrin: :icon_wink:

I usually get nearly twice the mileage out of my front tires as my rears, and this front Metzler Z-6 appears to be no exception. It looks damn near brand new despite having just under 5,000 miles on it. However, if Bones wants a new front skin I can certainly get that done.

Of course, Rob, Bones will have one big advantage... I don't remember there being nearly as much loose gravel out in Big Bend as there is up in the Hill Country. :112:

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[socalrob]

Allan,

Was that a Z6 that shredded last spring? At least with the Z6 fronts you can actually see some tread bars. As I'm sure you know the front tire tread bars are supposed to be twice as deep as the rear. The way my Z6 rear "evaporated" in about 150 miles at the end of its life, I'd still be a bit wary about having the front getting to that majic point where it evaporates before your eyes. I think, at least on the rear, that the dual compound tire is a soft all around carcass with a harder rubber center strip. Wear through that harder center to the soft carcass, & watch out. I curious as to how thick the harder compound strip is on the front. How deep does it go? I don't recall anyone here actually wearing out a front Z6.

FWIW, my Pilot Roads seem to be wearing pretty even front to rear. I almost think the front may have less tread than the rear. Very strange.

You left us dangeling about info on your shredded tire from Metzler. What did you learn?

Allan, I'm particularly concerned about your front tire as your bike unfortunately doesn't have ABS & I wouldn't want you to have any problems:eusa_clap:

[leeroy]

There is A place in Kerrville that rents bikes.Destination cycles I think.They have a 2005 fjr for rent.

[Bones]

Allan,
I may be able to ride a GS owned by the brother of my friend (Frenchie) in Austin, which would solve a lot of problems, ergonomics and logistics being among them. I could ship my Sargent low seat ahead of time. I will know soon if that works. Frenchie has also suggested that we (him, me and Falcon from NC) head out of Austin on that GS and his two bikes: a restored R90S and a new Softail Deluxe and we would switch off from time to time. If that doesn't work out, indeed, it will be renting a Roadking and or looking into the suggestion you had about the BMW dealer in that area. It will all work one way or another. Just being with the group of miscreants will be worth it. Since you can't ship distilled spirits across State lines legally, if you happen to meander by a liquor store, snag a bottle of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, will ya? Great stuff.

Jeff

[Dallara]

Bushmills it is, Bones!

Just make sure and remind me about that a two or three weeks prior to the ride. Of course, by that time I will probably have sent out the *requests* e-mails asking everybody what they would like to see along for the trip in the form of libations and other evening refreshments.

But just remember - you are more than welcome to ride my R-1150-R. I am dead serious, and honestly do not mind a bit. You and I just need to figure out how you could hook up with it, but I'm working on that one. More about that in an e-mail, but I may be able to rig it so you could pick it up in San Marcos, New Braunsfels, or San Antonio... You have first dibs on the Roadster, though, and I will not let anybody else have a shot at it before your first right of refusal.

BTW, folks...

I don't want ot spoil it, because I didn't do the work, but suffice to say that when Lewis RT chooses to fill you folks in on the things already arranged for this group up in Alpine you will all be amazed. Lewis is one silver-tongued devil, and he has some extra special arrangements for the group already done!

Outstanding, Lewis! :eusa_clap: :023: :eusa_clap:

And thank you, Lara, too!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Lewis' RT]

Fellow Cafe riders,

All the details have been worked out with the very friendly and kind folks at the Ramada Inn in Alpine. We owe a big "THANK YOU" to Lara (Ramada's Sales Manager) for her help, kindness, and considerations.

Here's the deal:
1. We got the same discounted nightly room rate we had last year ($76.50).
2. Ramada blocked all of its 18 first floor rooms for us for Fri. & Sat. nights.
3. Free cooked-to-order hot Breakfasts served every morning.
4. The Pavillion is reserved for our exclusive use both Fri. & Sat. nights.
5. A local distributor is providing a free keg of beer for us both Fri. & Sat. nights.

Now, here's what EVERYONE Must do . . . . and I suggest do it now, call Ramada's Reservations Desk in Alpine (432 837-1100) and make your room reservations.

Tell them our rooms are blocked under the "Motorcyclist Cafe Board" "by Lewis Jordan".

If you plan to come in Thursday you really need to call Ramada NOW !

This is going to be an awesome ride :yahoo: . . . see you there !

Lewis

[Deans BMW]

I am calling for reservations both Dave Howe and myself now.


Edited to say that reservations have been made for the Darthman and my self. I will be there on Thursday. We have an extra large airconditoner because he is old and smells bad.

[DarthRider]

Super deal Lewis!
Thanks Dean-O...I was just going to PM you about it.
Thanks to both...

[Bones]

Lewis,
That is amazing. Fantastic. Will be calling first thing in the A.M. to reserve two rooms.

See y'all in October, that Friday eve.

Jeff

[Bones]

Correction........

Just made the room reservations and got my confirmation numbers. Yeeehaaa.

Dean, you said you were rooming with Darth. Isn't he the guy who posted about projectile diarrhea once? Ah, friendship is deep.

See y'all in October. :028: :028: :028:

Jeff

[leeroy]

You can always count on a Jordan to come through! Thanks Lewis.

[Promethean]

Bones...I seem to recall you mentioning Fritos and a big DQ Blizzard. Oh! And doesn't Dave pee out the window? :037:



Correction........

Just made the room reservations and got my confirmation numbers. Yeeehaaa.

Dean, you said you were rooming with Darth. Isn't he the guy who posted about projectile diarrhea once? Ah, friendship is deep.

See y'all in October. :028: :028: :028:

Jeff

[socalrob]

I just made my room reservation for Oct. 26, 27, & 28th (thurs-sat nights)

Way to go Lewis. Outstanding job.

October here we come:eusa_clap:



62329184

[Bones]

Bones...I seem to recall you mentioning Fritos and a big DQ Blizzard. Oh! And doesn't Dave pee out the window? :037:



Abhijeet,
You have one hell of a memory! You will not see me within 10 feet of any Frito Lay products OR DQ Blizzards, that I assure you. That is not to say I won't bring a pleasant Yankee wind with me, of course. You Texas boys haven't experienced farting until you have visited the Northeast. Going to have to bring some culture to you Southern boys.

Jeff

[DarthRider]

That is not to say I won't bring a pleasant Yankee wind with me, of course. You Texas boys haven't experienced farting until you have visited the Northeast. Going to have to bring some culture to you Southern boys.


That's good...we need all the culture we can get. Our cultural guru is in Washington D.C. and we need help...how do you feel about pissing in the sink?

[jamais]

I've been looking forward to this trip ever since it was discussed. I've made reservations beginning Thursday night and leaving on Sunday. :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:

[BobFV1]

Seriously considering coming out to join you boys, but by that time I will be fully moved out here to DC. My plan is to depart Thursday AM with the GS on a trailer behind the Cayenne S, make it down to Alpine in two days (it's 1800 miles), pulling in Fri eve. Ride Sat/Sun, pull out with bike in tow on Mon AM and back here in the office Wed AM. I think it's doable. No way I want to do it on a rented H-D, so this seems to be the best option. Will think it through and keep you posted.

[DarthRider]

Hey Bob - That's great news!
You bringing real, live boobs to show us??

[BobFV1]

Hey Bob - That's great news!
You bringing real, live boobs to show us??

Um - right - will have to look in yellow pages for "strippers in Alpine..."

[Lewis' RT]

Found stripers . . . but no strippers :confused:

There is the Sul Ross University in Alpine ! Perhaps the sorority girls there would give you their version of "girls gone wild" :dance:

We'll ask Allan to bring lots of dry Tee shirts for a contest :041: :dance: :041: Lewis :023:

[DarthRider]

We should at least check out the "stripers"...ya' never know!

[BobFV1]

We should at least check out the "stripers"...ya' never know!

Actually - we should be thinking "spinners"...:028:

[DarthRider]

Man, you ought to see the new crop of spinners we have in Customer Service!

[Lewis' RT]

The first e-mail to the Big Bend riders Contact List was sent out yesterday, July 24th.

If you DID NOT receive it, we do not have your e-mail address. If you want to receive the updates please either e-mail or PM me your e-mail address ASAP and we'll put you on the List. By the way, these e-mails are sent "blind" to the recipients.

If YOU DID receive the e-mail and WANT TO BE REMOVED please either PM or e-mail me your request to be removed from the List.

This year's Big Bend Ride is shaping up to be the best yet . . . it can only be better if ALL OF YOU COME !

Stay well & ride safe, Lewis

[Deans BMW]

Lewis, just sent you my E-Mail address.

[Bill]

LEWIS, YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB! LOOKING FOR A GOOD TRIP OUT WEST. I HAVE MY RESERVATIONS FOR THURSDAY NIGHT CHECK OUT SUNDAY. THE RS IS READY FOR SOME GOOD RIDING.
:eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:

[DarthRider]

Atta boy Bill...I am looking forward to meeting the Man, the Myth, the Legend!

[Promethean]

I thought that was DJ!


Atta boy Bill...I am looking forward to meeting the Man, the Myth, the Legend!

[DarthRider]

I thought that was DJ!

Southern hemisphere only...
Well, here too. I guess we can have two!

[Thermalizer]

Thanks Lewis, for getting me on the mailing list. I had such a great time on the last Hill Country ride, will try my best to make this one as well!:)

[Lewis' RT]

Stuart,

Hope you can make this ride. The Hill Country is always fantastic, Big Bend is AWESOME !

Lewis :023:

[STexFJR]

There is A place in Kerrville that rents bikes.Destination cycles I think.They have a 2005 fjr for rent.

I would like to echo what leeroy said a few posts above. I was just in Kerrville a few weeks ago and their rental program was just getting off the ground. They did tell me they would be renting FJR's along with others.

http://www.destinationcycle.com/default.asp

[Bones]

Will have to look up where Kerrville is relative to Austin.

Jeff

[BobFV1]

What will the temps be like???

[Bill]

Bob, it could be a bit on the cold side, bring your electric t shirt, you can turn it off when the sun is shinning. Last year was a bit overcast till about 10:30 am then nice the rest of the day. I think this was a bit unusual but that was what it was. We did not see any rain. Temps should be close to Phoenix temps. You should fell right at home.

[Deans BMW]

Bob, when I road thru Alpine, Az. on the way down to BB, it was 19F, warmed up as the elevation dropped.

[BobFV1]

Bob, when I road thru Alpine, Az. on the way down to BB, it was 19F, warmed up as the elevation dropped.

Oh my!:104:

[Lewis' RT]

Bob,

As Bill mentioned, last year's rides started off "cold" (around 60+ degrees) at sunrise, by 10:AM the temp was around 65+, by noon it was 70+, and by 3:PM it was 80.

Cold for me is anything below 66 :104: . I wore my heated vest but never turned it on, and took it off at our first stop. I traded my medium weight jacket for a light one at our second stop (elev. 6,600').

I think these temps are pretty typical for Big Bend at the end of October. We'll have sunrise at 7:28, and sunset at 8:12 on Friday the 27th. Sunrise one minute later and sunset one minute earlier each day thereafter during our rides. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday the 29th, different clock setting but the same amount of daylight.

Hope this helps your planing, Lewis

PS ~ We do not start riding at daylight . . . can't get the ol' guys off the pots !

[Bill]

Lewis, important questions

#1 What’s to eat? To drink? To smoke? etc.?
#2 Where are the girls? Is MC Page Three going to furnish the Girls?:icon_redface:
#3 Is there a speed limit in WEST TEXAS?:eusa_clap: :eusa_clap:
#4 What Radar do they use?
#5 Is there any 100 mph sweeps?
#6 How bout twistys?
#7 How far is it to Mexico?
#8 Who has that fake oil spill toy? Or was Dean O's new bike really leaking oil?
#9 Most important: Does what happens in Alpine stay in Alpine?

[Lewis' RT]

Bill,

Answers:

#1 Lots of good food, drinks, and legal smokes.
#2 Never know about those sorority girls, not much happening in Alpine.
#3 No, no speed limit in West Texas :eusa_liar: .
#4 X, K, Ka, Laser, and that "balloon" that clocked me.
#5 Yes, a large number of 100+ sweepers.
#6 Hundreds of twisties.
#7 Cross over into Mexico at Presidio :028: .
#8 Fear not, Allan is always prepared.
#9 ABSOLUTELY, we wouldn't want to gross anyone out :eusa_liar:

Lewis :023:

[Bill]

Lewis, you think of everything! Can't wait.

[Lewis' RT]

Fellow Cafe Riders,

Ride update #3 will be e-mailed out later today. If you haven't received an e-mail update we don't have your name and/or e-mail address. Please E-mail or PM me to be put on the ride's Contact List.

Several of the Riders are interested in sharing a room. Please e-mail me if you have booked a room and want a roommate, or haven't booked a room and would be interested in $pliting one.

At the request of several of riders, I'll put the links on the upcoming update again for the places/areas the ride will include.

Stay well, ride safe . . .

Lewis

[DarthRider]

Big Bend Riders -
Before we "get there", I will post contact info on a couple of buddies down that could help with emergency and or repair assistance.
One has a little bike shop in Alpine, the other has a full-blown bike shop-welding-machining-repair place near Terlingua.

[Lewis' RT]

Hey Dave,

I'm a beliver in the "spare tire" philosophy, if you have one and it's full of air . . . you won't need it !

That's great to have some friendly repair capabilities up there, never know when we might need a little air . . . Oh, didn't Bones say he was bring the "air" and the "culture" . . . is "culture" what them air hoses is called up younder :confused:

Thanks,

Lewis :023:

[Dallara]

Hey, Fellow Cafe' Riders...

I just want to express an official, and public, note of THANKS to our own Lewis Jordan (Lewis RT). Lewis has kept in close touch with me about the Fall Big Bend Ride, and when he heard about my impending surgery he graciously volunteered to pretty much take the reins for handling the rooms and other Alpine logistics. Not only did he volunteer, but he has done a far, far better job than I think I would have ever done! :eusa_clap:

Lewis, my sincerest Thanks. This looks like it is going to be our best ride ever, and the credit all goes to you. I know I appreciate it, and I know everybody else will, too.

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Lewis' RT]

Allan,

Your post is overly kind :icon_redface:

It's not hard to sell $100 bills for a dime. It was your vision of how a Ride should be organized, your hard work organizing and coordinating the Rides, you picked the most beautiful and scenic bike roads in Texas, the finest group of riders responded, and each Ride has been one that we all will remember for a lifetime.

All the "credit" is yours and our fantastic rider buddies . . . current and future ! Thanks for letting me help you in a VERY small way.

I've got to go take a nap, sex tires me out :lieb62:

Lewis :023:

[Lewis' RT]

Thursday, Aug. 3, 06 8:55 AM

Cafe Riders,

As of this morning, we only have 6 rooms left at the Ramada :floet:

Lewis

[fotomoto]

I'm sure most of us in the US have seen the recent news video of the El Paso floods. Well, BB got some of it too. Here's a copy/paste from a Texas m/c forum of a first hand account of being caught out there:

"Just got back from Big Bend. Watch the weather carefully is definately a good idea. I got caught in flash flooding near the Santa Ellana canyon. I was lucky enough to make it out only missing my wallet.

I was on the Old Maverick Road when what seemed to be a monsoon hit. It didnt take long before water began to gather and start moving in the rutts on the road. I seriously began to feel the amount of danger I could get into very quickly if I didnt get to a paved road. Thank god for the new jet kit I put in the night before. All of the draws that i was coming to had about 6 inches of running water in them within minutes. When I arrived at the gate to the road leadin to Santa Ellana Canyon the draw directly after the gate had a foot of rapidly moving water. The draw was only about 8 foot across and the gate was mangled but obviously not from the water. The fasted speed I could was about 25mph with all of the rain. Of course as soon as I get to my truck the rain stopped. Playing it safe I loaded my bike and started heading towards Headquarters. Every low area I came to was Flooded with about 2 feet of water. In one of these crossings a piece of debres in the flowing water caught on my power steering hose at the cooler and pulled it loose. Causing a lose of my power steering and power brakes for some reason. Every time I would get out of the truck and wade across to check the depth and current. I finally came to a crossing that had a flood gage it read about one and a half feet but was flowing very rapidly. There was no way I was going to attemp This one so I turned of the truck and grabbed a beer to wait for water levels to receed. I popped a squat on the tailgate and began to look around and saugh the cliffs the the south. There was about 9 waterfalls running of the cliff. One of these waterfalls was huge, The water was falling about 700 feet before they hit a ledge and made a huge cloud of mist. I would have to say that I was about 4 miles away from the water fall and could still hear it over the flooded crossing behind me. The whole time I had been hearing and feeling a periodic rumble which I assumed was thunder. Nope!! It was large boulders rolling across the road in the low water crossing. One of these boulder that I watched was about the size of two full face helments. Makes me glad that I didnt push Mother Nature and try and cross. 5 beer and 2 hours later I was able to cross but the water had left behind aboout 6 inces if silt sand and rock. A time or two I thought I was going to get stuck. Immediatly after this crossing was a closed gate that wasnt locked. Thank God again! Just after passing through the gate was the cottonwood campground and it was almost smooth sailing from there besides the lack of power steering and breaks. By this time it was begining to get dark so I headed for Study Butte to get a BLT at the store. I arrived at about 9:30 and realized that I had lost my wallet during the events of the afternoon. My credit cards, cash, ID everything gone. I did however have a Crown Royal bag full of change that I had been meaning to tke to the bank. That beleive it or not almost filled the tank on my truck and bought a BLT and 2 quarts of power steering fluid. I topped off my power steering pump which was smoking at this point and headed back to look for my wallet unsuccessfully. The only area I didnt look was the old mavrick road. To add insult to injury at about 1:30 in the morning when I arrived at the border patrol check point on the way to Alpine They just have to ask for my ID Needless to say I got to wait another 20 minutes while they searched my truck. Nothing better do do on a saterday night I guess. Alpine was a beautiful sight that night. Didnt even get to shower the amount of stress the I had gone through during the day caused me to crash as soon as I sat in my buddys recliner. The next mornig I headed for home (San Angelo area) and got there with 2 gallons to spare in a 38 gallon tank. After all that I still cant wait to go back."

[Dallara]

Damn!

Hell of a story, and though I would never have wanted to trade places with the guy under those conditions, it does sound like he caught one hell of a show!

Is good advice we be watching the weather closely, but I do doubt we will be exploring too many dirt roads, eh? Not to mention that IIRC late October is not Big Bend's rainy season, right???

Thanks, Doug!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD)

[Bill]

I was traveling east on I-10 and the good news is that the Speed limit is posted 80/65. It changed back to 70/65 20 miles before Kerrville. I don’t know where it starts going west. :pot: If you are riding a Triumph Speed Triple it is rumored there is a Mountain lion that devours their drivers/riders out there DON'T stop at roadside parks.

Pecos River Bridge west of Del Rio is standing tall. Last year the bridge was under construction (it had big blotches of orange primer) and was not very photogenic. Bring your point and shoot it is standing tall. :pot: Dean O bet you can’t jump that ST across the river there.

I also stopped at Coopers Bar-B-Q just north of I-10 at Junction, a good food stop.

I stopped in Kerrville for gas at 2:00 pm it was so hot I holed up in what used to be the Super 8 – it is now a Whitten Inn. Better service and this time I had hot and cold running water.

I had the alternator replaced on my trusty 2000 R1100RS, seems like the old alternator set up a harmonic when the rpms peaked. In Odessa, Charlie a retired BMW mechanic from Lone Star BMW told me to remove the alternator belt and see if the harmonic was still there, I did and it was smooth as hell. I bought an alternator and he replaced same in 2 hours. I was happy to find him; other shops were quoting $2500 to replace transmission.

[Acacia]

Bill,

I -10 is 80mph (except for construction areas) from just outside El Paso through to just outside Kerrville - rode in on it Saturday.

[Lewis' RT]

Greetings Cafe Big Bend riders . . .

Only 67 days until we meet up at the Alpine Ramada to begin our rides through the awesome Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains, and on the River Road up to Presidio (pucker factor 10+).

I suspect Allan's trailer will be loaded with plenty of adult evening "treats" for us. The Ramada will serve us a free hot breakfast every morning, we'll have lunch one day at Big Bend's Chisos Lodge high up in the Chisos Mountains, and lunch the other day at either the Lajitas Resort's cafe, or in historic Ft. Davis.

Friday night after our ride we'll go eat some delicious real Texas BBQ at the restaurant adjacent to the hotel. Saturday night after our ride is a "to-do" in the Ramada's pavilion behind the hotel (I don't know what the hell a "to-do" is :ne_nau: but I'm not going to miss it :rayof: ).

Currently, the Cafe's Big Bend riders include Dallara, Dean's BMW, DarthRider, Bones, his two friends Falcon and Frenchie, Socalrob, Bill, Leeroy, Kocook, Jamais, Scratch, Moose, Rennsport, and yours truly. These riders are coming in from as far away as California and New York, and all points between.

Please note . . . the Ramada alerted us that Sul Ross State College in Alpine is playing its biggest football rival Saturday, and there is a large soccer tournament in Alpine Saturday and Sunday the weekend of our ride. These events will not interfere with our rides at all, but they have already effected hotel / motel rooms availability. The Ramada is booked full as is a number of other hotels and motels calling the Ramada looking for rooms. Safe to say there will be no "last minute" rooms available in Alpine and surrounding areas the weekend of our ride. We still have 4 'blocked' unreserved rooms available until Sept 26th. If they're not booked by the 26th we loose 'em :eusa_whistle:

There's only one thing I can think of that we're missing from this awesome ride with such a fantastic and incredibale group of riders . . . YOU !

(I totally and completely exclude myself :linzi: from being either fantastic or incredibale, but I recognize "both" when I see it !) Please don't hesitate to PM or e-mail if you have ANY questions or would like additional information.

Till then . . . stay well & ride safe,

Lewis

.

[DarthRider]

If any North Texas Bros are planning the trip (I think Moose will be coming in from Cali) and want to ride together, let me know.
Or...I *may* bring the soft-tired, no luggage cap Speedy in the truck or trailer and would enjoy the company (and sharing gas!) with anyone else so inclined.
I'd love the ride down & back on the 50R but I have never had a hot-bike in Big Bend and may just have to go for that. I don't want the Old Hoon outrunning my punk-ass 50R on his R12ST Rocket, so I may have to come packin' heat!

[Deans BMW]

Hell, I might just dis connect a spark plug wire.....to make it even.....you know.....................

[DarthRider]

Hell, I might just dis connect a spark plug wire.....to make it even.....you know.....................

OK, I have it in writing and will hold you to it!

[Lewis' RT]

Good morning BIG BEND RIDERS . . .

Have you checked your calendar ?

Only 8 weeks until our ride ! :041: :041: :041: :041: :041: :041: :041: :ricky:

As of yesterday we have three 'blocked' rooms left . . . and we lose them if SOMEONE doesn't book them before September 26th ! :baldy: Alpine RAMADA 432 837-1100

Currently Big Bend riders with booked rooms are Arby~FL, Bill~TX, Bones~NY, Dallara~TX, DarthRider~TX, Deans BMW~AZ, Falcon~NC, FotoMoto~TX, Frenchie~TX, Jamais~TX, Ken~TX, Kocook~TX, Leeroy~TX, Lewis' RT :linzi: ~TX, Moose~TX, Rennsport~TX, Scratch~TX, and Socalrob~CA.

This is an AWESOME ride !

Lewis

Please don't hesitate to PM or e-mail me if you have any questions, or would like more information. This ride suits all riding styles and types of bikes. Several of the riders are looking for roommates to $plit their rooms with.
.

[Bill]

Allan (Dallara - NAABSCD) would you give us some history on the Lincoln that you all saw while I was out doing my thing last year. I want to get a picture of it this year (where was it parked?) The Mexican Race was like a killing field if my memory is correct. Could not keep the people off the road. There were some great cars campaigning that one. How many years was it run? 2, 3or more? The Lincoln-was it powered by the '53 flat head V8? It was a 53 Lincoln that won it overall I think ?????

I plan on making the Davis Mountain Loop on Friday, Big Bend on Saturday, and Home Sunday morning after a big breakfast. Should we take the group to Santa Elena Canyon? I will do Mexico when I go to Copper Canyon, it in the making! Wish I had dirt experience and one of those little Suzuki DR-Z400S. Light enough for me to pick up when I fall, strong enough to ride at speed all day long.

[Bones]

Guys,
Making flight arrangements now. I may be riding someone's GS from Austin, or I might be renting a Harley to get to Big Bend, but I am planning on coming. Frenchie (John Jones) from Austin will be my host and primary instigator in coming to TX in the first place......in fact, he got me back into riding when I visited him several years ago and took me out to tour Austin, me on his R90S. I think he may be riding that R90S out to BB this time. We won't be able to leave Austin until Friday A.M., so hold a cold beer for us Friday evening.

If anyone has a interest in staying beyond the formal ride and doing some additional riding, let me know. I am planning on staying in TX and being on a motorcycle most of the week that follows the BB event, before flying back to NY from Austin.

Really looking forward to meeting you guys in person. Let's hope for good weather, safe riding and a good time for all.

Jeff

[DarthRider]

Cool beans, Bones!
Looking forward to meeting & riding with you too.

[Ed K]

Wow! Wish I could join... looking forward to seeing the pics and hearing the ride reports!

[Dallara]

Hey, Folks...

Here's one of the pics of the Lincoln I spotted when we were out at Big Bend last year that Bill mentioned:

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/42355710-L.jpg


This car was actually a replica that the guys built to go down and compete in the revived vintage Pan American road race.

In the original Pan American Lincoln's were incredibly successful. I could tell the story, but here is probably a more accurate account of their exploits...

http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html


"The Mexican Road Race
The First Race (1950) (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#first)
The Second Race (1951) (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#second)
The Third Race (1952) (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#third)
The Fourth Race (1953) (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#fourth)
http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/2006-images/viva-logo-sm.gif
The Fifth Race (1954) (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#fifth)
The End of the Race (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#end)
The Race Rises Again (http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/roadracelincoln/race.html#again)
The Carrera Panamericana, commonly known as the Mexican Road Race, was created in 1950 by the Mexican government to celebrate the completion of the Pan American Highway, beginning in northern Mexico at Ciudad Juarez on the Rio Grande to Mexico City (1,288 miles), then on to El Ocotal on the Guatemalan frontier (another 847 miles, for a total of 2,135 miles). The racecourse winds through Mexican cane fields, deserts, and 10,000-foot mountain passes, and the race was broken up into six grueling days.


The First Race (1950)
Held in 1950, the first race attracted 132 entries, 59 of which were from the United States. Fifty-seven were from Mexico, and entries also came from Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Italy, Peru, France, the Republic of China, and El Salvador. Only six cars were non-U.S. makes: two Alfa-Romeos, a Delahaye, a Jaguar, a Talbot Lago and a Hotchkiss. The remaining 125 cars were American: 22 Cadillacs, 17 Buicks, 13 Oldsmobiles, 4 Chevrolets, 16 Lincolns, 11 Mercurys, 8 Fords, 3 Chryslers, 2 De Sotos, 9 Hudsons, 8 Nashes, 7 Packards, 4 Studebakers and 1 Cord. Of the 131 beginners, only 55 crossed the finish line, 20 of which were Americans, and 27 of which were Mexicans.

In the first race, foreign and American cars raced against each other, as there were no classes. Entries were required to be stock cars, but cylinders could be rebored on 1949 and 1950 models to 30 thousandths, while earlier models could have cylinders bored to 60 thousandths. Shock absorbers could be replaced, stronger horns could be substituted (but sirens were barred), and the rear seat could be removed to install an extra gas tank or carry spare parts or tools. Open exhaust was forbidden, and hubcaps and fender skirts could be removed.

One of the Lincolns entered was a 1949 owned by Bob Estes Ford of Englewood, California, with Johnny Mantz as driver and Bill Stroppe as "Assistant" (Entry No. 38). All three names later went on to fame in the racing world. On May 5, 1950, the very first leg of the race was deadly, as car 112 wiped out at 105 mph, 19 miles from the starting line, rolling at least six times, resulting in fatal injuries to driver Enrique Hachmeister. On May 10, 1950, the last leg was completed, and the overall winner was car 52, a 1950 Oldsmobile driven by Herschel McGriff, with an average speed of 78.421 mph for the entire race. The Estes Lincoln finished 9th overall, 52 minutes from first place. Other Lincolns finished in 13th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 34th and 49th places.


The Second Race (1951)
The 1951 race reversed the course, running from the southern end at Tuxtla Gutierrez to Ciudad Juarez, near El Paso. The rules were revised for 1951, and only required that a four-passenger closed vehicle be powered by its original engine type (unsupercharged) and a stock camshaft. Many entries were outfitted with multiple carburetors and high-compression cylinder heads, roll bars and seatbelts, along with strengthened chassis. Participants were required to wear helmets. There were only 105 entries. Three Lincolns were entered. Ray Crawford, a California supermarket owner, had entered a Lincoln in the first race, making it to the last leg before dropping out, and tried to convince Ford to prepare a car for him. He ended up buying his own. Walt Faulkner also entered a Lincoln, and the other was a Mexican entry. Crawford finished 8th. The race was won by car 12, a 1951 Ferrari driven by Piero Tariffi of Italy, with an average speed of 87.6 mph.


The Third Race (1952)
The race was run from south to north again. Two classes were created in 1952: one for stock cars and one for sports and grand touring cars. The new 1952 Lincolns introduced the change from flathead engines to the overhead-valve engines, and the change to a new ball-joint front suspension. The 317-cubic-inch V-8 had a two-barrel carburetor, developing 160 horsepower and was joined to a four-speed dual-range Hydramatic automatic transmission. (The early 1953 models underwent significant changes, including a four-barrel carburetor, which upped the horsepower to 205).

Bill Stroppe and Clay Smith, two California hot-rodders, approached Ford with the idea of mounting a factory team to win the race. Ford agreed, and officially returned to racing for the first time since 1935. They were able to secure a 1952 Lincoln with the 1953 mechanical setup and tested it at Bonneville, where it ran 118 mph. Ford built seven of the cars for the race.

Under the new rules, modifications to the cars had to be listed in the sales catalogs as options. Ford updated the catalogs to include necessary options. The cars were reworked to include heavy-duty shocks, scoops to direct air to the brakes, Ford truck cams with solid lifters, and matched manifolds and ports. The cars, when completed, put out close to 300 horsepower. The cars weighed 4,165 pounds. The other Lincolns were private entries. A total of eight Lincolns were entered, 4 of them were 1952s and the remainder were 1953s. There were a total of 64 entries in the large stock class, and 29 finished.

After the first six sports cars crossed the finish line, the next four cars were Lincolns, running in the stock class. First place in stock was car 129, the 1953 Lincoln driven by Chuck Stevenson; second place was car 122, the 1953 Lincoln driven by Johnny Mantz; third place in stock was car 130, the 1953 Lincoln driven by Walt Faulkner; fourth place in stock was car 149, the 1953 Lincoln driven by Bob Korf, which was a private entry. Stevenson had averaged 90.78 mph over a total of 21:15:38 hours.


The Fourth Race (1953)
In 1953, the sports car class was divided into large and small sports cars, each with its own class. The stocks also had two classes. The race was run from south to north again. There were a total of 49 entries in the large stock class, and 23 finished.

Ford again cooperated and sponsored a factory team. Ray Crawford, who had driven private Lincolns in every race to date, was successful in obtaining a Lincoln prepared by Bill Stroppe, and crashed it en route to the race, going off the road at 80 mph and ending in a grove of trees, suspended in a tree 12 feet off the ground. Amazingly, he only broke a front wheel, had the car repaired, and went on to the race. A total of 22 Lincolns were entered, all 1953s. The rules had been changed for this year to provide that only current-year models could be entered, apparently aimed at Lincolns, since the 1952 race was won by early 1953 models. All of the factory cars had cartoon characters painted on the hoods.

At the end of the race, Lincoln again took the first four places! Car 52, driven by Chuck Stevenson, was first; car 53, driven by Walt Faulkner, was second; car 95, driven by Jack McGrath, was third; and car 51, driven by Johnny Mantz, was fourth. Other Lincolns placed 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th and 22nd. Seven Lincolns were in the top nine finishers! The winning Lincoln averaged 93.15 mph over 20:31:32 hours.


The Fifth Race (1954)
In 1954, the new 1954 Lincoln engines were blueprinted, dual shock absorbers were used at the front with airlifts at the rear, and the rear ends were raised four inches for better control. Six-ply tubeless tires were new for 1954, inflated with nitrogen to maintain constant pressure despite temperature changes. Twelve-inch ribbed brake drums replaced the stock 11-inch plain drums. The Lincolns were equipped with power brakes this year. Seven factory Lincolns were entered, out of a total of 13 Lincolns. By the end of the first day, the Lincolns operated by Mantz, Murphy and defending champion Chuck Stevenson were out due to burned pistons from bad fuel. McGrath drove his Lincoln over a cliff and buried it in the jungle. Lincoln again took the stock car class, with Ray Crawford placing 1st in car 149, a private entry, and Walt Faulkner placing 2nd in car 103, a team car. Lincolns also placed 10th and 11th. There were a total of 26 starters and 13 finishers in the large stock class. The winning Lincoln averaged 92.3 mph over 20:40:19 hours.


The End of the Race
The race ended in 1954. A total of 26 lives had been lost in the five years of the race, most of them bystanders, who would simply line the sides of the road with two-ton vehicles hurtling by them at speeds of up to 130 mph! Lincoln and Ferrari had been the most successful makes. Lincoln had three consecutive one-two finishes, two third places and two fourth places in the stock car class. Ferrari had two wins, two seconds and two thirds.


The Race Rises Again
The race was revived in 1988 by a group of Mexican and North American auto enthusiasts. The modern race is run much the same as a road rally, in that each car is given a route book with detailed instructions to follow for the entire seven days. Each day is divided into "transit" and "special" stages, out of respect for the current traffic load on the highway. The transit stages are run from town to town on regular highways, in regular traffic. Several times a day, the racecars are lined up for the special stages, or speed sections. After the Mexican Federal Highway Patrol clears the road, the racecars are started in thirty-second intervals. There are no speed limits, only open roads slicing through the mountains.

There are currently three unofficial levels of participation in the race. You can run it as a "tourist," with an old car (1965 or older), adding some required safety features, and simply cruise the route. You may invest more in your car, and participate to run it hard. The third level is full competition, where participants may spend large amounts of money on a thoroughly prepared car in an attempt to finish first in class.

You can check the official website of the race at www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx (http://www.lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/) for further details on the modern races."


Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSPCOROBCD)

[Bill]

Answer to my question on the flat head Lincoln motor.

"The new 1952 Lincolns introduced the change from flathead engines to the overhead-valve engines, and the change to a new ball-joint front suspension. The 317-cubic-inch V-8 had a two-barrel carburetor, developing 160 horsepower and was joined to a four-speed dual-range Hydramatic automatic transmission. (The early 1953 models underwent significant changes, including a four-barrel carburetor, which upped the horsepower to 205). "

Back in High school days there was a 39 Lincoln Zephyr coupe parked near LaPort, Texas, we admired its flathead V12 with envoy! The old lady that owned it would run us off with a shot gun each time she caught us.

[Deans BMW]

An intresting development has just come up. At this point, I might arrive at the Big Bend Bash in a race van carrying the San Jose BMW R1200S race bike fresh from the 8 hour at Daytona. At this point he is still trying to make arrangements and I was asked to take the bike from San Jose to Daytona and back. BB's timing is perfect. The bike is now ultra trick for example a complete front and rear wheel and tire change in under 20 seconds, in fact a complete pit stop in 20 seconds, quick change front and rear wheels. Lots of other trick goodies as well. Will keep you posted. I'll make sure Chris has a bike for me to ride in the van as well.

[arkline]

Dean,

You mean they aren't going to let you wring it out in Texas before going on to Daytona? Hmmmmm. If you need someone to vouch for you, I bet everyone on the Cafe would stand up....me included. Honest, guys, he'll take it easy and won't go over 45...Really....

[Deans BMW]

Hell, if it is still running after the 8 hour on Sat the 21st and a sprint race on Sunday the 22nd.......stick on a dealer plate and..............

[DarthRider]

Hey Big Benders -
The new (Oct/Nov) issue of Ride Texas magazine has a big feature on dual-sport riding in and around Big Bend. A lot of the info crosses over to road only of course, so you might want to check it out.
You out of state guys might find something on RideTexas.com.
There is also a short piece, also by Gene McCalmont, about my buddies Ralph Delmar and wife Tommye who have a fully equipped motorcycle, machine & welding service-shop, Cycletek, at their home outside Terlingua, and a new retail storefront in nearby Study Butte (pronounced "Stoody"). Tommye has a CPA practice at the storefront.
Ralph is one of the contacts for emergency or repair service mentioned a while back.
I will post full contact info for him and another motorcycle service buddy in Alpine soon.
Dean-O...Ralph is the guy who built his own off-grid place that I told you about. We have to get you two together during the ride...I told him about you last weekend while he was here and he is anxious to swap tales about watts & voltage.
Ralph is a master mechanic, race engine builder/tuner, machinist, inventor, college teacher, ex-racer, guitar player and quite the character. Ask him about shooting the rat under the hood of his truck and escaping the killer bee attack with a bucket over his head!
And a very-happy-camper since they escaped the rat-race and moved to the "Frontier".

[Lewis' RT]

BIG BEND Ride
Oct. 27th ~ 29, 2006

Still have a couple of "blocked" rooms left at the Alpine Ramada Inn. If they aren't booked before the end of day Tuesday, Sept. 26th, we loose them !

Alpine's hotels and motels are book solid due to the Saturday football game at Sul Ross University, and a big soccer tournement over the weekend.

Ramada's number is 432 837-1100 ( Let them know you're a Cafe rider )

Hope to see you at BIG BEND !

Lewis


.

[STexFJR]

Okay I booked one of the available rooms. I'm gonna ride up with Bill whether he likes it or not :)

[Lewis' RT]

Glad you're going to make the ride ! That's great that you'll ride up with "Bill.
He and "Arby" from Florida are meeting in Junction, TX Wednesday evening and riding together into Alpine Thursday. A threesome is always a better plan ! :023:

See you there !

Lewis :linzi:

.

[Bill]

http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/USTX0023?from=search

Come join the fun, food, cigars, liquid malt, bbq, sweepers, and a keg of beer.
Only thing missing is D J and his great camera. Does anyone have frequent flyer miles for the cause? ! :pot:

[DarthRider]

Thanks for that weather table Bill...useful.

[kocook]

You may have some Beemer company that weekend. One of the BMW dealerships in north Houston is sponsoring a ride to BB that same weekend.

[Deans BMW]

Way to go, a good chance to show those Houston Guys how to ride...........

[Lewis' RT]

Initially the BIG BEND Ride started out as a small group of Texas Cafe friends meeting for some fantasic riding and camaraderie (Note: regardless of where Dean receives his mail, he will always be a Texan!).

This year 30 of our Cafe friends from as far away as New York, Florida, California, points in between, and throughout Texas are meeting up at BIG BEND for the "National" BIG BEND Ride.

Good news travels fast . . . and far ! For sure we have one, and perhaps several riders coming down from Ontario, Canada for the ride. The only thing the ride can be called now is the "International" BIG BEND Ride. We've got to get DJ "up here" :camera: :thumb:

I'm sure our rider / photographers will post their ride pics first thing on Monday, Oct.30th.

All of this came together through the Cafe board !
Your new lifelong friends can be found at the Cafe !

RB "Arby" has posted an invitation to Cafe riders to come up to his place in North Carolina for a mid-April ride, which I have made plans to do. It would be great if other Cafe friends in other parts of the country would do the same.

Stay well, and ride safe !

Lewis :linzi:

.

[DarthRider]

Holy Shit Batman!
What a group.
What a ride!
What a CAFE!

Great job Lewis.

[Moose]

Got my maps, got all the gouge, I'm headed out the door to Cali. See you guys at Big Bend. Adios, Moose

[Dallara]

~


Well, Damn...

It is with a truly heavy heart I post here that I may NOT be able to make it to the Big Bend ride next week. Pressing issues at work are conspiring to make it literally impossible for me to figure out how to get up there in time for any riding.

And it doesn't help that my Mom's health is doing none too good...

I only mention it today because I have one of the choice downstairs rooms reserved there at the hotel in Alpine, and before I simply cancel it out completely should I not figure out how to go, I thought I would see if any of the Cafe' Clan here needed it. I believe the rate is $79 a night, and I currently have it held for Thursday night, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with a Monday departure IIRC.

I have been discussing this possibility with Lewis RT and Bones a bit for a couple of weeks now, so they are aware of the potential for the room being available.

I still have every intention of making the trip, and am working night and day to pull it off. I may not be able to find the time to get all the stuff we had at the Hill Country ride, but still plan to bring tools, spares, etc. along with the FJR, the R1150R, and the KLR in tow, too. Because of the cancellation policy of the hotel I have to make my mind up, IIRC, by 6:00pm on Tuesday (though that may be Wednesday... I am going to call and check). If anybody wants the room right now I will go ahead and release it to them as my odds are less than 50/50 right now of making it. Otherwise I will hold onto it until the last possible minute in the hopes I can break free.

Tomorrow should tell much of the tale about that...

Please PM or e-mail me if you have an interest in the room.

Thanks!

Allan (Dallara - NAABSPCAPNNPROBCD)



~

[Wild Will]

This is Dean on Wills computer.

Just a little note, I will be arriving at BB with out a bike to ride as the # 2 bike has been made un runnable, no front brakes, due to the race effort, no problem though as I will have a 250 Vespa......Hoochie Mama, jr.

Dean

[Bones]

Dean,
I will be arriving on a Harley Electraglide Ultra with touring pack. You are welcome to "ride bitch" with me, man!

Jeff

[DarthRider]

Dean-O...how fast will your Vespa go? (Patrick Rys always wanted a Vespa...)
If "push comes to shove", you, Will & I can rotate between Hoochie Mama!, Darth & said Vespa!
Or you can ride bitch with Bones.
Yeah, that's it..."Bones' Bitch". We'll have a t-shirt made for you!
We may have to shuffle some room reservations though...

[BobFV1]

Hi gents - wish I could be there to tell tall stories with you all. I have to be at my son's college in Indiana that weekend - he is perfoming in two concerts and we look forward to "family weekend" with him.

I'm looking forward to photos and ride reports!

[fotomoto]

~
Pressing issues at work are conspiring to make it literally impossible for me to figure out how to get up there in time for any riding.
~

Damn Allan,

I hope it works out as I know you are really looking forward to going but I also understand your circumstances. It won't be the same w/o you there with your convenient can of oil and such.:pot:

[socalrob]

Allan,

Hope you make it. Remember, a few years from now you will better remember making the trip than whatever business holds you back. I also hope your mom feels better, thats never easy.

Lewis,

What is the weather shaping up to be? I have choices in jackets mesh, medium weight, cold weather, it would be nice to limit what I bring. I was blazing hot today, I was at a horse show & thought I would pass out. Any ideas on the highs & lows, are we looking for any rain?

[Bill]

Rob, weather in Alpine is a bit cooler than in Big Bend.
10 day weather link for Alpine http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX0023?from=month_topnav_undeclared can not say what it will be crossing the big wast lands of NM and Az.

[DarthRider]

Here's the same link for Terlingua, just on the edge of BB National Park:
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX1345?from=search_10
day (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USTX1345?from=search_10day)
Looks like we should have PERFECT weather, in the mountains & the desert!

[socalrob]

Who knew that Texas had great weather? Just kidding.

Looks fantastic. Just what I needed to know. Looks like one jacket with a removable liner should do it.

[Tassie Devil]

I'm getting excited for you fellas.
I look forward to some great reports and pics. Make sure you have one or two quenching ales for me and just make sure you take care of yourselves.
But have fun...

Cheers,

JQ

[fotomoto]

I look forward to some great reports and pics.

Well if Dallara doesn't make it we probably won't have any ale on hand but we'll have plenty of free cold beer on tap!:eusa_clap: :dance: :smilie_bier2: :030: :boozer: :beer: :friday: Man we have a lot of drinking emoticons!:headscratch: :drink:

Thanks Tassie!

[fotomoto]

The viffer is ready to go. Just need to load the bags, check tire pressures and chain, and hit the road thursday afternoon. Oh yeah, I guess I should put the rear fender back on (installed new exhaust). I'll be meeting Paul (scratch) Massie in Leakey that nite. We'll head out first thing Friday via the back roads (336, 335, 55 and more) and then old us90 to Alpine. Hope to be there around in the early afternoon. May try to see if we can check in early and ditch the luggage. Will be heading up to the observatory area to play after that.

[BobFV1]

Looks like you guys will have company out there:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175938

[DarthRider]

Looks like you guys will have company out there:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175938

Yeah, we could use some of that attitude over here too!

[Bill]

Brother Bill and Bill are departing 8:30 am Wednesday. See some folks in Junction-we should be there around 4:00 pm - BBQ at Coopers.
"email - Blackberry" 956.682.6229 bill_foerster@yahoo.com

[DarthRider]

The truck & trailer are loaded...a Speedy in the truck, a 50R in the trailer for the rotation with Will, Dean and the red Vespa. seems a little gay to me..., but I guess we'll all get a turn.
I told Dean to just cruise with the Harleys on the straights then smoke their butts in the corners on the Vespa!
Lewis has been working his butt off for months to make this happen and make it right...THANKS! Now, get on down there and relax...
I'm oughta here now, will drive until I pass out, find a Bates Motel, then on before dawn to see me Cafe' mates in Alpine & The Big Bend...
RIGHT ON, BROS! :ricky:

[Promethean]

Okay boys....now take lots of pics for us folks shivering up north.

:020:

[BobFV1]

Hey all you Peckerheads on your way to Texas -

I miss you guys - with I was on my way to meet you.

Have a great time!

[arkline]

Well, I hope you guys have a great time. I'm with Abhijeet on this one. Take lotsa pictures, do DJ proud. Us folks above the Mason-Dixon have entered the cold and gloomy parts of the yearly cycle and could use some cheering up. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Or smoke 'em if you can.

Snow level is down to 4000 feet at Steven's and Snoqualmie. Y'all have a good time.

[Deans BMW]

Arrived here Thus afternoon, already about 12 of us. RB road from the FLA Coast, Marathon Fla and Socalrob arrived from the LA, Ca. area. All apears well, have the Vespa out of the truck and full of gas, I plan to race all the Harleys.

[Promethean]

Dean-O,
Please tell me that you ARE JOKING about the Vespa..... :110:


Arrived here Thus afternoon, already about 12 of us. RB road from the FLA Coast, Marathon Fla and Cyclerob arrived from the LA, Ca. area. All apears well, have the Vespa out of the truck and full of gas, I plan to race all the Harleys.

[Deans BMW]

No joke about the Vespa. The bike that I was supposed to ride here was the back up R1200S race bike, but a last minute part removal for the winning race bike left me with out front brakes so I have been riding the 250 Vespa pit bike. Just returned from the Mc Donald Obsevatory on it, 88 mile round trip, I hit 94 MPH on one downhill, would run about 75 most of the time...it is all fun. It 2will go only about 100 miles at a constant full throttle so I am back at the motel getting warm, it was 48 at the Observatory and no electrical outlet for my Gerbings. I think every one is having a great time.

[Bill]

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNHLhy2bOWGI
Pictures start in Junction, TX wher I spent Wednesday night. More as we complete more of our "Pilgrimage to Meka"

[Ed K]

I think if Dean were riding a tricycle, with a leave blower engine, he'd make it fun... you're amazing Dean.

Bill... Thanks for sharing the pics! Cant wait to see more!

[DJ Down Under]

Great pictures..thanks Bill.

Are they Buffalo wings..Pic 0061..What's in that cup..Pic 0061 ...Pancakes look good..Pic 0062...and has as Dean-O been at it again..Pic 0064

You guys look like you're having a good time.

DJ

[Bill]

Are they Buffalo wings..Pic 0061..What's in that cup..Pic 0061 ...Pancakes look good..Pic 0062...and has as Dean-O been at it again..Pic 0064

0061 No they were Pork Ribs Peach Cobbler in the cup -Oh So Good...0064 Fire wood / Deans Chain saw would have done that pile in only 2 minutes with seconds to spare. This was at Coopers BBQ in Junction - Pan Cakes - Junction

All I have to say ”Either I am SLOW as hell or that Vespa is one of San José’s BMW Super Tuned Race bikes” I could not keep up with him! Dean O that is.

All my photos -going home a day early. Sorry!
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=bill_foerster&aid=576460762332418386&pid=&wtok=v73EpSoyex4xsLSF2YiFTw--&ts=1162038602&.src=ph#page1

[arkline]

Bill,

Excellent pictures my good man. This has to be the most thoroughly documented Texas ride in Cafe history. Thanks a bunch. Oh, yeah...chicken fried steak, yum...

Great stuff. Really.

[Promethean]

Nice pics Bill.

I especially loved the ones with Dave trying to pass himself off as Dean's BMW and WW with his Mad scientist look. :026:

[DJ Down Under]

Nice pic of Dean and Will (0152)....all the pics are great...tasty food shots and lots of beautiful wife and partner pics..:eusa_clap: ..thanks Bill..good job.

DJ

[Ed K]

Great pics Bill... what a great time everyone is having... wish I coulda been there this year!

[fotomoto]

1613 miles over 3 & 1/2 days. Boy my butt is sore. :icon_cry:

Great time, great weather, great views, great roads, great guys, great scotch, great beer (free), and great food. Don't get much better than that in my book. :eusa_clap:

[Moose]

Well folks, I'll take a quick stab at providing a brief wrap up to the Big Bend Ride '06. First major kudos to Lewis Jordan for a remarkable job of organizing the Ride and arranging sponsorship. That's right, free Bud Select. My favorite flavor. Dean & Wild Will were last seen heading west toward Show Lo with the Motorcyclist Cafe poster. It has rapidly achieved Mona Lisa status amongst us Cafe Pukes. Some pics of the poster will be up soon, no doubt.
Friday's rides were met with fantastic conditions. Cool, clear and filled with blazing vistas. It was Shit Hot. NO one on the roads, we owned 'em. Saw the deer and antelope play. 4 deer along the road and 12 antelope off to the side over a fence on the open plain. I'll let others amplify and expand on the rides, but Hiway 170 along the Rio Grande river and Mexican border was the main event for myself and the rest of my flight. We had myself, Arby, SocalRob, Brother Bill, Jamais and Dave our international rider from Canada. Saturday we ran the course thru Big Bend National Park and reversed to the north on 170 along the river.
NO one down or off the road. A real credit to rider discipline and respect for each other. Everyone was pumped and jazzed at the opportunity to ride with other Cafe members. Dean and Wild Will amped us all with their accounts of the Moto ST 8 Hour Race. That was a friggin' history making race and we got the inside scoop. Four Cafe members were main players at the race. I was blown away. And feel vindicated in my choice of the R1200 engine on the RT. Thanks, guys, everyone, for a terrific ride in Big Bend. Dallara & Acacia, hope to see you next time. :eusa_clap:

[Wild Will]

Dean and I'm in the post apocalyptic once verdant shit brown endless landscape of Bakersfield, having enjoyed a nuclear winter sunset through the translucent dirty air. Why do people live here? But I digress.
Meeting the cadre of first class fellows from our little but potent with talent and heart Cafe was a transcendental experience for this humble woodsman, let me tell you. The race shall be re-fought through words and speech for many a day, and it was a once in a lifetime joyride for Dean and me, but pressing the flesh of the stalwarts I've met here was pure icing on th cake of this odyssey. Bones and I spoke about it a little, sort of like we met in cyber space, where we write in the safety of our offices, sharing our innermost thoughts with our newfound pals. And when we finally meet, we already know each other; there's no ego BS to work through, no standoffishness to wade past. It was one of the nicest times I can recall. My hat is off to you all. I am looking forward to more through the years.
I'm very much looking forward to getting home to my twisted pathway next to the Pacific, and my beach where I can ogle the sea lions and the never ending wave action. It's been an endurance race of a three week stretch for us in the dented, tailgate-less and con rod slaping Tundra for the hoon with old timer's disease and his wild watchdog. The hay in the barn's going to smell so good. It's my intention to organize all my random thoughts and the notes I've taken during this whirlwind tour and set it to words I can share with you. I've heard stories that to a BMW (and motorcycle in general) junkie are the stuff of legends. I'll give it my best shot. I have a little bit of work to catch up on first back at the seaside rancho, but I'll get to it asap.
Again, meeting all whom were there at BB was a pure joy for me. I live a life usualy away from folks, and I just do my thing there on the edge. To be able to touch your lives and come away with friendship and the hope for more adventure is the stuff of dreams. Thank you all. Dave, your generosity in sharing your bike with me was a wonderful thing. Riding to the observatory with you and Lewis, and back down the twisties on Hoochie Mama at an indicated 152 MPH was a first for me. I swear I didn't over rev it. I couldn't help myself. After seeing all that racing at Daytona, I just had to get it on in a rubber/asphalt interface, and you made it happen. Lewis, you are Mr. Fantastic. Thanks for setting it all up. Bill, Alan, Bob, Mose, RB, Foto, Paul, Bones, John, the wonderful couple from Conroe, and the two Harley stalwarts who joined us (please forgive me if I've forgotten anybody - we've been on the road twelve hours today alone), you are all welcome out on the edge where I dwell, among some roads that have to be experienced to believe. I have MANY pics from this journey, and will learn how to post them with my writings when I get home; technopeasantry is a harsh burden.
We did spend the night at Dean and Pam's rancho and had a wondrous cherry pie ala Miss Pam. Damn! If only I'd taken a snapshot of dean's lunch a few days ago in Jebip, Texas, where he ate a plate of canned peaches and mayonnaise at a Native American restaurant that had no windows. I'm so sorry. Oh, be forwarned, Dean's greatest joy is when he leaks intestinal gas into the atmospheric envelope of the sodden Tundra cab, and awaits with silent mirth for the discovery of same by the hapless cabmate/victim, yours truly. Amen.

[fotomoto]

Some of my pics can be seen here:

http://thumb6.webshots.net/t/59/659/0/95/17/2482095170035753786qICDIf_th.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/album/555211327RHCNsG)

How prophetic is it, that as I hit enter for this post, the sat. radio is playing SRV? :pftroest:

[DJ Down Under]

Thanks for the pics Doug...:thumb:

DJ

[Acacia]

Thanks for the trip accounts and pics. You dont know how much I would have liked to have been there. But, the college age daughter had her last two soccer games, Friday and Sunday - so to miss them, as a single parent, would have been something I would have had to live with. I had thought for a while after getting home at 12 midnight Friday, of leaving at 4am to visit with you for lunch in th Chisos, but that would have been pushing ladyluck a little. I did however ride to the Sunday soccer game and back, a 264 mile ride and was thinking of all.

Any news of Socalrob? He was going for his 1000 mile Ironbutt cert on the return to Cal?

[geechie]

I am SO happy for all of you guys that the event went off so well. The pics so far have been great! It was so great for me just meeting fellow Cafe bro's, I can't imagine what a treat it must be to get to ride together. I am so envious.

And trust me on this... the Vespa is HOT!

George

[serena]

What an experience! Scott woke up this morning laughing about my exclamation on the CB on top of one of the River Road peaks "Oh my God!" The climb to mountain top was as steep as the drop, major wow factor, still blown away by the ride. Amazing roads, as if they were designed for cyclists. I enjoyed meeting everyone, didn't really know what to expect and am so glad I decided to go at the last minute. What a great bunch of people. Genuine. Have some photos to upload... this is my first post so bear with me. I think they are too large.
Want to thank Lewis, Steve, Dave, Kevin and my hubby for showing me the way. I had so much fun, the best ever. Great to meet all. Have to go to work! More later. BTW~ Don't forget to ......... check your rear...

[socalrob]

Well, made it home at about 1:00 am LA time. Pretty interesting ride, I now know why they call it an Iron Butt.

But I may need a bit of help.

State Road 90, 45 miles from Marfa, 30 miles from I-10. Flat. No traffic for forever. No driveways, no houses, West Texas desolation. Cruising right at about 100 for maybe 10 miles.

Texas DPS with radar from maybe two miles out (I could not even see him).

Very polite LEO, no break for Californian.

101 in a 75.

Looks like I may need a Texas Lawyer.

[DarthRider]

For those who were not there...new Cafe' Member Serena is a Stone Sweetie!
She is a hoot to be around and, although I was not fortunate to have actually ridden with her, I understand that while still somewhat of a "newbie", she is a very capable rider and her skills are improving by the mile.

She and I share one (sometimes) amusing characteristic...we both sometimes speak before engaging all our faculties and sometimes it comes out, well...not quite as intended. At lunch in the Chisos Basin Lodge, I was walking past the end of the large table where we were eating. I asked Serena what she thought so far, as I had told here she was really in for a huge "wow factor" when we actually got to The Big Bend.

Somehow the conversation drifted to the night before when (in husband Scott's presence, I assure you!) I showed her my tattoo that had garnered me the most dubious distinction of "Head Peckerhead". We had just met then and at lunch she was obviously still sorting out all the new names, Cafe' "Stage Names", faces, bikes ridden, and other distinguishing characteristics. She rather hesitantly asked me, "Are you the one with the, um, pecker...?"

You can only imagine the laughter at the table and poor Serena's crimson face! :icon_redface:

And just for the record Serena, yes I am the one with the pecker...
And a tattoo!

Hubby Scott is cool too...I liked his new Yammie Road Liner.

[DarthRider]

Texas DPS with radar from maybe two miles out (I could not even see him).

Very polite LEO, no break for Californian.

101 in a 75.

Looks like I may need a Texas Lawyer.

Rob -
Congrats on the ride!
And, sorry...but that *was* the break for a Californian.
Have Dean call and smooth it over...

[Promethean]

Yikes. Maybe an Escort 8500 X50 is in order for future travels.


Well, made it home at about 1:00 am LA time. Pretty interesting ride, I now know why they call it an Iron Butt.

But I may need a bit of help.

State Road 90, 45 miles from Marfa, 30 miles from I-10. Flat. No traffic for forever. No driveways, no houses, West Texas desolation. Cruising right at about 100 for maybe 10 miles.

Texas DPS with radar from maybe two miles out (I could not even see him).

Very polite LEO, no break for Californian.

101 in a 75.

Looks like I may need a Texas Lawyer.

[Lewis' RT]

I sure enjoyed riding with you and Scott.

Dave shared with the Cafe your questions at lunch Saturday regarding his anatomy. Allow me to share "your request" (forgive me).

Early Saturday morning there were 25 riders on the line checking their bike's oil level, tire pressures, and telling stories in preparation for the 400+ mile Big Bend ride. Serena's bike needed air in the front tire and we pumped it up to the recommended psi. Perhaps thinking we were putting the air pump away, in a voice that was heard by all . . . Serena says "wait, check my rear !".

Twenty-eight heads snapped in her direction to watch that :041: :110: :082: :023: :jump1: Serena quickly cleared it up that it was her rear tire she wanted checked :icon_redface:

Serena, you're a sweetie . . . and a damn good rider. You can always depend on me to check your rear :floet:

Lewis

.

[jamais]

Let me add my thanks to Lewis for having all the bases covered, with no detail left untouched.

I found it interesting that no matter how many groups would breakup to ride their separate courses we all seemed to meet up on time when it came to eating and having a cold one.

Tough break there Rob. I feel your pain.

I left Alpine at 7:25, being sure that enough sunlight would be available to increase my chances for any deer encounters. I saw four dead carcasses along I10 from Ft. Stockton to just outside of Kerrville. But it was only about 30 miles from my home when a big buck jumped across the road about 100 feet ahead of me! Phew.

[socalrob]

I was pleasantly surprised how few deer we saw in west texas - only one group that I recall. And only one dead one (or was that a javalina?). Anyway, it appears thaat Texans in the Hill Country could take some hunting lessons from their brethren in West Texas. :pot:

Outside of El Paso on I-10 there was a huge javalina cut in half in the fast lane, very fresh, gore everywhere.

[Moose]

Whoa Jamais, that was alittle close to home. Go get 'em in DC.

[Deans BMW]

Well guys, Will and I made it to San Jose at noon today, 6,000 miles, a fantastic adventure. Enjoyed meeting everyone at Big Bend. Will post more tomorrow.

[serena]

Hi Folks,
Attached photo of Lewis,
~Serena

[serena]

More images!

[DarthRider]

Hi Folks,
Attached photo of Lewis,
~Serena

El Capitan!

[serena]

El Capitan!

Thanks for your welcome! Great to meet you~ perfect title
Have to watch what I write and say these days!
:icon_redface:

[Bill]

Dave - from another board - My nephew Eric and his father Just to the North of us in Alpine-"145 miles or so". Texas Salt Flats, I will be with him in the am and find out more.

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB3&Number=638079&Searchpage=7&Main=637722&Words=ericfoerster&topic=&Search=true#Post638079s

[DarthRider]

Thanks for your welcome! Great to meet you~ perfect title
Have to watch what I write and say these days!
:icon_redface:

OK Serena, we'll cut you some slack, but not much...those quotes we're just too good to pass up!
But sincerely, welcome aboard...you'll add a lot of class to the joint.
Now, sign up your old man.

Bill - Fascinating! I NEVER heard of the Texas Salt Flats...need more info for sure.

[Tassie Devil]

Good on you boys and girls.
Looks like you had a great time. I was there in spirit.


Cheers,

JQ.

[BobFV1]

More ride reports - more inline photos.....

[DarthRider]

More ride reports - more inline photos.....

Workin' on it Bobster...workin' on it.
In the meantime, post some nekkid pics over on Page 3!

[Arby]

I'm not sure I can add anything to what's been said. But that never stopped me before.

What a great adventure. Ten days on the road, 4100 miles, no tickets, no flats, no problems of any kind. The last day on the road was 701 miles in 12 hrs. About half interstate & half primary/secondary roads.

Heading west, in order to avoid Interstate 10, the major east-west route accross the southern US, I picked up US 98 in Mobile Alabama to US 84 in Mississippi. Near Natchitoches Louisiana, I left US 84 for La Highway 6, which upon crossing into east Texas became Texas Highway 21. As I rode along 84, 6 & 21, I kept seeing signs for the EL Camino Real-East - West Corridor.

As it turns out, this was route was commissioned by the King of Spain in 1690. He ordered the Govenor of Texas to establish this road way. Since it crosses at Natchez Miss, I assume the spanish had a port at Natchez, to provide ferry service accross the Mighty Mississippi.

At any rate it was an excellent route accross the deep south, all the way to San Marcus, at the edge of the Texas Hill Country.

One little example of how thing are different when you get away from the big cities and interstate highways happened to me in Many Louisiana.

Upon arivving at Many,(One arrives "at" Many, not "in" Many, because it's just a name on the map, no real town or village),I was tired, my gas light was on, & it was getting dark.

As Many is near the Sabine River, I spotted what looks like an old fashion fish camp. It looks deserted & closed down for the winter, but I go to the office anyway. Sure enough the sign says closed for the season, but says to call the number listed if you need a room. I call, the lady tells me cabin B is open, and she'll be by in the morning to collect the rent.

The room is clean, the TV works, there's plenty of hot water, & all the fixin's for coffee in the morning.

This lady had no idea if I'd just get up early & stiff her for the rent or not. (I didn't, in case anyone is wondering).

Met up with the three amigos, Bill, Brother Bill & Other Brother Bill in Junction Texas. Very friendly bunch of guys. A great way to break the ice, so to speak, and be able to arrive in Alpine with a group, instead of alone.

Lewis Jordan just outdid himself with the organizational and people skills he put to work for this Big Bend Ride.

Thank you so much, Lewis. I'm looking forward to repaying your Texas hospitality with some Southern hospitality in April '07.

Others have already reported on the B/B portion of the trip, so I won't add any more, except to say what a pleasure it was to meet all the cafe regulars, as well as the new friends I met.

The trip home was a reverse of the trip out, except I took five days to get the Alpine, I made it home in three.

SoCalRob, sorry about the ticket. I thought everybody did 100mph in west Texas, what's up wid that?

Allan, sorry you didn't make it, look forward to meeting you in the future.

I took a few pictures, I'll try to post 'em when I can.

PS: Did I mention that I love my Rockster. What a great "Sport Tourer" IMHO.

RB

[DarthRider]

And it was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. "RB"!
Enjoyed hanging & riding & eating & drinking with you and look forward to the next time.

[BobFV1]

And it was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. "RB"!
Enjoyed hanging & riding & eating & drinking with you and look forward to the next time.
You two get a fricken room already...:icon_redface:

[Arby]

Thanks , Dave. You & Moose & Bill Foester & everyone else could not have done more to make us non Texans feel welcome.

RB

[DarthRider]

You two get a fricken room already...:icon_redface:

You're just jealous, you big meanie!

[BobFV1]

You're just jealous, you big meanie!

Yes Dave - I want you all to myself - next year, maybe :058:

[DarthRider]

Yes Dave - I want you all to myself - next year, maybe :058:

AaaaHa! You really are the Gay Mole!:ymca:

[Bones]

Despite having just gotten home to NY moments ago and being very tired, I feel compelled to jot down, here, a few thoughts on some (only some) of the highlights of what was a truly fantastic journey for me.

I will post more later, because there are some important things I will want to share. But briefly, now............

It was an otherwordly experience. I was treated SO well by all me Texas friends (old and new) that it is difficult to describe.

John Jones' (Frenchie) wife Catherine picked me up at the airport and took me to the dealership so that I could pick up the "Starship Enterprise" (Harley Electraglide Ultra) that I would rent for the week. She is sweet, kind and pretty (Catherine, not the bike!) and was so accomodating in making the arrival so smooth. Frenchie got home shortly thereafter. We headed to Mason TX that day so we could get a 100 miles closer to Alpine before dark. We picked up his brother Randy and wife Denise. We made the trip to Alpine by about 3 PM after dropping off Randy and Denise in Marathon at the Gage hotel.

Now, you have to remember, I haven't actually met any of the guys in person yet. However, within a minute of pulling into the parking lot in Alpine and immediately upon taking off my helmet, Darth and Lewis greet me with a loud "HEY BONES!!!" What a great welcome. Within minutes, I am talking it up with them, along with Wild Will and Dean and Jamais. It was like we all knew each other for years and were getting together after not seeing each other for awhile.

Moments later, I am riding Dean's Vespa at higher speeds than I would have thought possible. Dean and Will go for a spin on Frenchie's Harley Deluxe (yes, I have that on film and will post it soon). We have a great dinner at Riata. Frenchie and I sit with Socal Rob and Jamais and have just a great evening. Back at the Ramada, Bill (whose nickname is Bill) has a slide show for all of us.

Lewis is an organizer beyond description. Every detail was worked out beyond belief and as a result, the whole weekend is smooth as silk.

Saturday night we had some good eats and more great hanging out time at the Shotgun bar and grill. I enjoyed dinner with Moose, Darth, Jamais, Socal, Fotomoto and Paul, (DJ, you NEED to see pics of that meal) and we continued conversation and libations back at the hotel where Paul made some good Scotch appear out of nowhere. (I am getting out of sequence here).

Frenchie and I head out about 15 minutes early on Saturday as we were riding Harleys and thought we might as well get going so that when the first group heads out, we will get to see them pass us at light speed. Well, I guess we rode at a spirited pace because we got to the first fuel stop about 5 minutes before them.

Lewis arranged perfect weather.

Fantastic loop through Big Bend and we had lunch in the park at some elevation over 5,000 feet. I started feeling some altitude sickness with a real headache and queasy feeling, but that abated when we got back down to the basin again.

440 miles was the large loop that day and it was fantastic.

Here are a few observations.

All the folks on the ride are first class people ....ALL of them. Everyone was looking out for each other. Everyone rode well and used common sense. Everyone had a great time. We did a lot of laughing and shared great conversation.

Lewis is one unique guy, for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that he can wear a WHITE riding outfit and have it stay white. How you can ride for 10 hours and still have the creases in your suit and shirt intact and not a hair out of place is beyond me. The guy exudes class, let me tell you.

Steve and Dave (from Tx and Canda, respectively) were great to meet and share time with, too. Serena, sorry I didn't have a chance to talk a bit more.

Moose and Arby, it was great to meet you guys. Wish there was more time. Guess that is what the next group ride will be for, huh?

Socal said he would get an early start as he was riding home on Sunday. I didn't think he meant all in one day! Glad you got home safe.

We took the long way back to Austin, via the Observatory route and Mason.

I dropped the Starship Enterprise off at the dealer on Monday afternoon.

1,350 miles on the bike in a few days.

Tuesday, we buzzed down to San Antonio where Dallara drove up from Corpus to have dinner with Frenchie and me. We had a great evening, some Margaritas and a LOT of laughs, some great Cabrito and some great shared stories.

Today, Frenchie took me to the airport and after flight delays, got home after the kids were asleep.

Many, many thanks to all of you for making this a truly fantatstic trip for me. The Texas hospitality was unreal.

I will get some pics up on the board before the week is out.

Wish Bob FV1 could have made it. I am not sure my abdominal muscles could have taken any more laughing than they did, but I am sure if he was there, I would have tested that theory.

Thanks again, y'all.

Jeff

[BobFV1]

Jeff -

Thanks for the great memoir - Delia and I had a great time at my son's small college but I thought of you guys throughout the weekend.

By the way - you know what cabrito is, right? The sickest I ever got was after eating some undercooked cabrito in the Zona Rosa in Mexico City a few years ago.

Looking forward to more of your impressions, and ride report on the pig.

Bob

[DarthRider]

Bones -
I too have more coming on the BB ride but I really enjoyed your impressions.
And it's great to see a yankee boy master the correct usage (and spelling) of "y'all"!
Good chemistry is just amazing...

[Arby]

If this works, click on Big Bend , then click slide show.

deleted

The first couple are the fish camp in Many La. that left the room open & said she'd come by in the morning to serrle up.

Next, a marker explaining the El Camino Real (The Royal Road).

A couple shots from the motel in Junction Texas where I met the three Amigos.

Volcanic rock in B/B

Big bill & ST1300 from Mercedes Texas

Parking lot , Alpine Texas

suspects caught on flim at Rio Grande crossing,AKA L to R
Bones, Frenchie,Darh Vader, Jamais, Moose, SoCalRob & a Speed Triple rider (My apologies for not remembering your name).

Couple pics of park by the Rio Grande

Rock formation & parking lot at lunch stop in B/B Nat Pk.

Texas Hgwy 21 in East Texas (3 pics)

Main st & Cane river Natchiotches Louisianna

Cotton ready for shipment, Mississippi cotton field

Home in Florida

Dunlop 220, 4200 miles on rear, 7000 on front.

L to R, SoCalRob, Dave(Harley guy from Ontario, Canada who showed up for the ride) & Moose.

Sorry I couldn't do a better job of displaying & narrating.

RB

[Promethean]

Oh scheisse! They want me to create an account to view the pics. Can't see the pics without doing it.


If this works, click on Big Bend , then click slide show.

http://pictures.aol.com/ap/myAlbums.do

[Arby]

Try post #166 again, it might work this time.

RB

[Bill]

ARBY, great photos- enjoyed the trip. Sorry I had to leave a day early.

[Moose]

Arby, Great pics of your travels on El Camino Real and B/B. Thanks for posting. You are an absolute gentleman and a pure pleasure to ride with. I'am now inspired to trace your route along "The Royal Road" next spring en route to the Appalachian Ride. I sure hope to make it. Moose

[DarthRider]

Good stuff Arby...I especially liked the pic of the 7 wetbacks emerging from the Rio Grande!

You know, I knew I was going to like you when you said you had ridden all the way from Florida on secondary & back-roads with only a short, unavoidable stretch on I-10.
Screw the Interstates, they are for cages...America lives along those small roads.

[scratch]

Great to see you guys again, and nice to meet all the first-time participants too!

Also, many thanks to Louis for all the time and effort he put into organizing this event. Well done sir! :eusa_clap:

Here's a link to my Photobucket album where I've posted a few shots from the ride -

http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o121/scratch_n_texas/?

Hope to see ya'll again soon! :023:

[Bones]

Great pics Paul. And great to meet you. Lots of fun.


Jeff

[DarthRider]

Thanks Paul...it was great seeing you again!
(We Speedy pilots have to stick together...)

[Lewis' RT]

FANTASTIC pictures Jeff, Paul, RB, and Mr. Howe !

MORE PICTURES PLEASE ! :045:

Lewis


.

[Arby]

Paul

Thanks for the photos.

I'm glad you posted, otherwise you would have always been the Speed Triple guy.

RB

[Arby]

Bill Foester, top'o the morning (Or afternoon) to you. Good to see you're checking in again.

Hope you & Brother Bill had a good ride home.

RB

[scratch]

I'm glad you posted, otherwise you would have always been the Speed Triple guy.

RB
Know what you mean; I'm bad with names too. In any case, "that Speed Triple guy" would have been a distinct improvement over what I'm called in some circles. :003:

[OKRider]

Looks like you guys had a terrific crowd and time. I'm jealous. Great photos.

[Brother Bill]

Boy did I enjoy the ride with a great group. You Cafe guys and girls are super!
I enjoyed the ride out and back on I-10 "80 or was it 90".
Never riden that fast for so long! See you on the slab again!

[DJ Down Under]

Great pictures thanks Paul...nice looking Speedie also.

DJ

[Lewis' RT]

Welcome to the Cafe' Brother Bill !

Glad you made the ride, and enjoyed meeting you.

You're runnin' with some very "questionable" company :floet:

Glad you're here Bill !

Lewis



.

[DarthRider]

Boy did I enjoy the ride with a great group. You Cafe guys and girls are super!
I enjoyed the ride out and back on I-10 "80 or was it 90".
Never riden that fast for so long! See you on the slab again!


Brother Bill! Welcome to the Cafe'!
I think you'll fit just fine with this bunch of hooligans. Sorry I was un-kind to I-10, I forgot it was your favorite road. Man, you guys must have been haulin' ass, it blew the Other Bill's sox completely off...

[Arby]

Hello Brother Bill

Regards I 10, Believe me when I tell you that Brother Bill gives a whole new meaning to the term "West Bound and Down".

He really liked the 80 mph speed limit on I 10. But what difference does it make when you're running triple digits????

RB