Preston Juvenal

13219 Blossomheath Lane

Dallas, TX 75240

pjuvenal@tx.rr.com

Honda Sport Touring Association

February 2007TexasNewsletter

www.txhsta.com

NORTH TEXAS DIRECTOR DIALOGUE – PrestonJuvenal

Howdy folks, lots of updates to tell you about, Hope the holidays were good to you and yours! The first of the year has brought some changes in S Texas HSTA leadership. Tim and Teresa Vipond are stepping down from the Directors position as Mike Johnston steps in to fill that role. We thank Tim and Teresa for all their efforts over the past couple of years, and welcome Mike back to this role after a few years away from Texas. We’ll give Mike a chance to introduce himself and his plans for South Texas very shortly, either here or by email.

Our friends Brad and Cinda Mobley have decided to throw in the towel after ONLY 30 years or hosting the original HSTA non-event, the Spring Hill Country ride first weekend in May. They’ll be glad to assist anyone who’d like to step in and continue to coordinate the event, but have decided to take a break…This was one of my very first HTSA (sorta) experiences (3 days, 300 miles/day) and brought me to the club. I’m sure it’s true for others too, so a big thanks to Brad and Cinda.

Here in N. Texas we’ve been experiencing some significant PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome) due to weather. One fella recently noted it’s been over 4 weeks since he’s had a day worth riding ….we have it tough here, don’t we..not really. Check out the updates and NEW DATES further down on upcoming rides including Ride the Rio, CopperCanyon and the infamous “T” Rally in Arkansas. Local riding will resume as weather permits, Charlie and Wilburtare chompin’ at the bit…Be Safe Out There! PJ

Welcome New HSTA Members – Since our last update

MarkRickards, Flower Mound, TX – ST1300

Michael and Karen Snyder, San Marcos, TX –ST1300

James Minnick, Ben Brook, TX- ST1300

Terry Hodges, Waxahachie, TX – ST1300

RobertMcHam, Belaire, TX– ST1100

New Members Joining at the Texas Hill Country Rally Nov. 06

This rally was a tremendous success from a recruiting standpoint and we again thank Tim and Teresa Vipondfor their efforts in coordinating this event….

Tim Wagner, Kingwood, TX – GL1800

Bryan Muri, Dyess AFB, TX- FZ1

Christine and Benson Tuttle, Portland, TX– ST1100 & ’03 Royal EnfieldBullet

Patty and Doug Vrazel, Victoria,TX – Goldwing, Gran Canyon, KLR

Dennis Taylor, League City, TX – Goldwing

BB and Doug Harris, San Leon, TX – BMW RT

Janet and Gordon McDonnell, Missouri City, TX – Goldwing

Kathleen Sanders, Cypress, TX

James Kelly, Spring, TX – ST1300

Janice and Craig Henderson, Houston, TX

Becky and Eddie Ray Hendrickson, Buda, TX

Tim Holt,Houston, TX

Keith Daigrepont, Houston, TX – BMW R1150RS

Victoria and Aaron Pollock, Arlington, TX – Goldwing

Anne Linch, Kilgore, TX

David Vest, Longview, TX – BMW K1200RS

Amy and Charles Miller, Sherman, TX - Valkyrie

Member Activities of Note…..

The Texas Hill Country Ride, November 3 – 5, 2006

by M. Patrick Coleman

Where else in the U.S.but Texascould you receive the following warning at the local gas station? “You headed up RR335? Well, watch out for kangaroos. A biker ran into one a few months back and some are supposedly still on the loose.” Ah yes, exotic animals. Just one more ‘service’ the Texas Hill Country offers.

I did not come across the kangaroos (thankfully) but I did see eland, kudu, gemsbok, along with the standard cows and deer one might expect just about anywhere in the U.S. I also came across a lot of beautiful country, fantastic roads, and interesting sights. Who knew there was a half-size Stonehenge set up in Texas, along with some statues from Easter Island? If you’ve not attended the Texas Hill Country Ride (HCR), you need to! Otherwise, you’re missing out on something special.

The 3^rd through the 5^th of November found me and 134 of my closest HSTA member friends in Kerrville, TXready to ride and eat our way through one more event before winter closed her icy fist around the riding season. But Houston, we may have a problem…the weather. Forecast was 30% chance of showers on Friday and a 40% chance on Saturday. Hmmm, wet isn’t usually much fun on two wheels. But as the time to ride drew closer, the forecast got more optimistic and worries of a rain-out faded. Ah yes, great southern Texas weather would prevail. And it did…for Friday (as long as temps in the upper 60s are warm enough for you.)

Friday saw people start cruising into Kerrville and Tim Vipond, with the help of new member Gordon McDonell, starting registering folks shortly after 3pm. Some of the first to register were Robert Easterling, Jim Poulos, and Bob Jameson. Many others followed and that evening Mr. V held a brief riders meeting to inform folks new to the region on local riding conditions. Afterward, there was partaking of snacks and beer. Life is goodJ.

Saturday dawned gray and menacing. Surely it would burn off. It absolutely was not likely to be a problem. All the weather people said things would be swell until evening time. Liars! En route to the fine breakfast provided by Bob Keeof Destination Cycle, the ominous looking sky became a real drizzle, which drifted into a very light rain. Doh! No good. “Rain, rain, go away, come back again some other day.” If only improved weather was a simple chant away.

While I’m talking about stuffing my face at Destination Cycles, did you realize they rented motorcycles? Seriously, if you want to “do” the HCR but live far away, get on a plane and come out! Destination Cycles has a variety of bikes to rent along with gear to wear. Check out their website: (www.destinationcycle.com) See? No excuse not to come “play” in the Hill Country next year.

Following the intake of food and coffee with the requisite tire kicking, leg pulling, and generally getting to know new people and reconnect with old friends, it was time to ‘hit’ the Texas Hill Country. Sadly, due to the freaky weather, that’s exactly what three folks did. If you take roads that have seen no moisture for many weeks, toss in just enough drizzle and rain to make those same roads wet, then you end up with some very slippery conditions. And despite everyone taking a rather cautious riding approach, three people got bit by the tarmac terror. A V-Strom front tire slid on some tar strips (on SR16), a BMW attempted to become an aquatic tri-sport cycle (on SR39), and an FJR attempted to move a guard rail using the top of the gas tank (on RR337). Scary stuff, but to the best of my knowledge, no one was seriously hurt. Everyone lived to ride another day. That’s a blessing.

So what was it like if you were able to successfully navigate the wet roads, fog, and see outside your clouded face shield? It was great, lol! Walt Kocal(TX-HSTA) and I, after talking to Tony Crowell (LA-HSTA) decided to modify the official route somewhat. Per Tony, there is a “Stonehenge” setup not far out ofKerrville, TX. (Yeah, we needed a LA guy to tell us what cool things there are to see in TX.) Okay, let’s go see it! Sure enough, if you head west on SR39 to Hunt, TX, you can then head north on FM1340 and there, just a few miles down the road, is a half-size Stonehenge along with two statue replicas from Easter Island. Excellent!

On our way to mini-henge, a sheriff’s car appeared in my mirrors with the bubblegum machine going full disco. Oh no! I pull over and he shoots by. Whew. I escape paying an unexpected road tax once again. Turns out, the sheriff was going to the scene of the aquatic Beemer accident. We had no idea about that at the time.

Continuing the ride at a cautious pace, we caught SR41 and head west toward RR336. RR336 is one of my favorite roads. It is twisty, hilly, and has beautiful scenery…or so I’ve been told by those that actually look at something other than the road while riding it. But RR336 is not a good road for new riders. It is cattle guard (CG) central. I don’t know how many there are (a lot!) but you have to watch for the signs, get the bike straightened out, and cross the CGs as perpendicular as possible. This requirement increased 10 fold due to the wet conditions. Heading south on RR336 we first came across cows meandering aimlessly (I don’t think cows have mission statements and appointments to attend). CGs = loose cows…makes sense. We photo the bovines and continue. Then the bambi’s appear. Deer seem less aimless but a lot more jittery. They zigged and zagged, but thankfully stayed away from becoming an FJR farkle. Then the fog came. Then the gravel and clay washing across the road. It is treacherous out today!

But I had a great time, though I didn’t realize that until after we were safely parked in Leakey, TX. I mean, conditions were so bad at times, I was actually doing the speed limit! (I jest, I jest…sort of.) What to do now? If you’re in Leakey, you must stop at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, run by Bob and Robin Albright. It’s like a big red barn but with a place to park your bike, get something to drink and snack on, along with free supplies for cleaning your face shield (cotton cloths and soapy spray). If you need a T-shirt, flat repair kit, gloves, earplugs, or whatever, they probably have it. Robin was running the show today and she is always out talking to people about the riding conditions. People had a lot to say today, lol!

There was fog on RR337. There was fog on RR335. The roads were wet everywhere. Some places were getting light rain, others just heavy drizzle or the misty fog that makes it impossible to see out of one’s visor. But despite it all, people were smiling. They were riding and surviving and having fun doing it. Conditions may not have been great -- the roads were slippery and the scenery wasn’t very visible -- but like true motorcyclists everywhere, HSTA members were out on their bikes, having fun in spite of (because of!?) the conditions. This is just one more reason I love being an HSTA member – true riders that appreciate the challenging days as well as the good ones. It was nice to meet other members and to share the stories of near misses and plans for later.

After Walt and I spoke to three local R6 riders (with Walt convincing at least one of them that leather gloves, rather than bare hands, would be a great idea) and had some coffee, we decided to have some lunch and see if more time would allow the weather to clear. We headed just around the corner, on US83, to Vinny’s Italian Restaurant (others were seen heading to Mama Chole’s for Mexican). We filled up on great food and re-emerged to ride and conquer. Sadly, the weather had not improved and there was a steady drizzle still falling; it was time to head back. No need risking bike and limb just to rack up a few more miles.

Rather than head east on RR337, which reports said was fogged in and quite slippery, we headed south to Rio Frio, then east on FM1050. This avoided the ascent and descent required to traverse RR337. The ascent and descent, along with the twists and turns, are what makes RR337 such an awesome motorcycle road. But not today. Those same traits made it a ‘bad’ motorcycle road due to the conditions. FM1050 on the other hand was relatively level with more mild curves making it just perfect for the conditions. By the time we got to Utopia, TX and the intersection of FM187 the weather was better. The rain/drizzle was gone. The road had some dry patches. Hmmm…what to do now?

Walt headed back to Helotes, TX which was probably wise and prudent. He lives in the hill country. He can ride it anytime. No need to push it on a bad day when it would be clear and safer to ride in a day or two. But I no longer live in this area. I had moved to Colorado in June and probably wouldn’t be back for another year. I took a chance. I wanted to keep riding if it was safe to do so. I headed north on FM187, through Vanderpooland the weather was still good with the roads partly wet, partly dry. Just pastVanderpool to the north is the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum(http://lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/). If you like bikes (and I know you do!) stop in during the next HCR.

I did not stop in though. I kept going, up past Lost Maples State Park (very pretty!) to SR39. This was my decision point. If weather and roads were deteriorating, I’d head east back to Kerrville (SR39 is a great road going into Kerrville!). If the conditions were okay, I’d head west on SR39 to US83, then north to SR41, then west again until I reached RR335. Conditions were good, so I headed toward RR335.

What do you do when the roads are straight and boring? Yeah, me too (wink, wink.) So that’s what I did until I got to RR335 (finally!) And sure as Texasis big, by the time I got to 335, it was foggy and drizzling again. <SIGH> Well, I’d come this far and I wasn’t going to bail now. I headed south on RR335. I love this road. It is like RR336 but without the cattle guards (CGs). It is twisty and hilly and has a great view of the Nueces River. It is tight and technical in places, gently twisty in others, and still has some open spaces to stretch the throttle cables, as well. It’s like a well balanced meal – it’s good for you! And best of all was that as I got further south, the weather cleared and I had a great time enjoying a wonderful road all to myself. Well, except for the deer. Damn deer. I know they are cute and all, but I just keep thinking about Lawrence Grodsky (God rest his soul). I often worry that one day I will meet a tragic fate and a deer will be the reason.

That didn’t happen on this day. Instead I rode my own ride and loved being out on the bike on a twisty road, soaking in the sights and smells you seem to only experience on two wheels. Life is good. Riding is good. The HSTA is good. Upon reaching Camp Wood, I headed west on RR337. (Most riders tend to stop in Camp Wood and get fuel at the Diamond Shamrock station and food at BJs Café and Sweet Shop…you’ve probably heard it referred to as “that pink place” because of how it’s painted.)

RR337 goes back through Leakey then over the mountains into Vanderpool then over another mountain and into Medina. At this point, it’s simple enough to get on SR16 back into Kerrville. And what a ride it is! Nice flowing curves tighten up as you head into the ‘eagles nest’ at the top and then they start opening up again as you descend the other side. This is motorcycling bliss on a good day and was still a lot of fun, even on this day.

And in Kerrvilleis where I parked the now filthy motored steed. The Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel andConference Center (www.yoresort.com/) was the host location for the HCR and this is where the dinner banquet would take place. It is a nice place -- very Texan which is to say, fancy but not in that snobbish way. Everyone is welcome at the Y.O., even a dirty, tired, smiling motorcyclist. I wasn’t rooming here as Señor Kocalwas letting me reside at Casa de Sadie, so I had no place to put my gear. No matter. I took it into the bar with me, set it on the floor next to a chair by the TV and ordered a Shiner 97, which turned out to be a very nice dark beer. Ah, this is heaven, no?

Shortly I was joined by the LA-HSTA contingent and we watched LSU beat Tennesseein a nail biter game. They were happy so now we had more pleased HCR attendees. The banquet kicked off at 7pm and the food was excellent. Beef stroganoff and chicken parmesan were the main food items. Rice, potatoes, zucchini, salad, rolls, and peach cobbler were also to be found. Probably some more stuff I missed. It was a good spread.

At this time, it was announced that there were 34 new HSTA members signed up at this event, with 27 of ‘emcoming from Texas. Wow! Is that a record? I don’t know. Dan Thomas and Lon Riggs from Port Angeles, WAwere recognized as being the long distant riders to the event having traveled over 2,500 miles! There were many attendees from other states, which is saying something because to get to the Hill Country from anywhere other than inside Texas itself, you will be ride for at least a day just to cross Texas!

Next up, Bob Chappuis (LA HSTA Director) spoke about the upcoming Cajun Christmas event taking place on the 1^stand 2^nd of December in Chatham, LA. The website to learn more is: www.barrowcreek.com/hsta/CajChris/CajunChristmas.htm. On a side note, Bob also won the “50/50” raffle which was no chump change ($640 total, meaning Bob’s take was $320…party at Bob’s state in December!)

Mr. Tim Vipond proceeded to thank Mr. Preston Juvenal for rounding up items to be given away and then thanked all the sponsors that contributed to make the HSTA banquet a success. Sponsors were: AMSOIL (www.lubedealer.com/timvipond), Destination Cycle Sports (www.destinationcycle.com), Honda Polaris of North Texas (www.hpnt.net), Lone Star Track Days (www.lstd.com), Roadcrafter (www.aerostich.com), Mario Caruso (www.arkansasrider.com) and others. I actually won a book (“Colorado Riders Guide”.)  I haven’t won anything since a raffle in the sixth grade! Maybe it’s time to go buy a lottery ticket?

And so the night and the event ended, with a room full of like-minded people, eating, drinking and talking away, happy to have once again journeyed to the Texas Hill Country for a chance to ride with old friends, meet new friends, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes the HSTA such a unique organization. Oh yeah, no one hit a kangaroo either. Success!

STAR ’06 Picture Links

Harry Hemstreet, HSTA Colorado State Director
http://hemstreet.smugmug.com/gallery/1605368

Denise Dickenson, Oklahoma HSTA http://members.cox.net/okhsta/
State Director and Webmaster
Here are a few that I took while playing in those great mountains.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/myhawk96/album?.dir=/fe43&.src=ph&.tok=phfOCFFBL3lgU2tW
 

Newsletter Help  Send us sumpin’…..and for those that already have, THANKS

Taken any neat trips lately? Planning any neat trips? Buy a new bike? Got a new goody we should know about? Got a funny photo?  Have a good tip?  Want to buy or sell something? Heck, we’ll even promote your business if it’s MC related in some way. Please email  pjuvenal@tx.rr.com with any information you would like to have put in this newsletter. 

Upcoming HSTA Rallies

March 16 - 18
Ride the Rio
"El Décimo Quinto"
The Hotel Limpia
Ft. Davis, TX
(800) 662-5517
David Gorham (281) 996-5043

April 13 - 15
T-19
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge
Mena, Arkansas
(800) 264-2477
Becky Wing(501) 824-3413

June 24 - 27
STAR 2007
Crowne Plaza Resort
Asheville, NC
(800) 733-3211
Harry & Beth Hemstreet (970) 667-0460

Want to go for a ride in the Houston area?

 Please note, the rules have changed…… http://www.txhsta.com/Rules.html

Crab Cake Thursday (CCT) "Just For Fun" motorcycle event in Houston...

We have a group of about 15+ HSTA sports/sports-touring motorcycle enthusiasts (Dan Barineau, Dave and Linda Beverly, Dan Duncavage, Mike Gilliland, Dave and Tonie Gorham, Tim and Julie Haas, Doug and B.B. Harris, Bob Lacy, Linz Leard, Dave Melendez, Herb Miner, Grant Threat, Mary Jane and I) that have been gathering on the third Thursday of every month for seafood and cold beverages at Noah's Ark seafood grill and pub in Bacliff, Texas starting around 6:00 p.m. Bacliff is just south of Kemah off Highway 146, and Noah's Ark is located right on the water. We generally sit outside right next to the motorcycles and enjoy the seascape, tech talk and standard HSTA b.s.'ing.  I've attached a map for the geographically challenged.

Please feel free to pass the word to your fellow enthusiasts.  Owning or riding a motorcycle to this event is obviously not required.  Thanks,Robert A. "Dog" Maddocks HSTA  (832) 330-7337

robert.a.maddocks@nasa.gov

Every Saturday and Sunday morning meet with the East Fort Bend Riders Club at the Taco Cabana located 5850 State Highway6 in Missouri City, at 8:00on every Saturday and Sunday. This is aS-L-O-W cruiser ride for a few hours for lunch someplace different each time.

Every Sunday morning meet with the Texas Sport Bike Association at the Jack in the Box on FM359 in Brookshire just south of I-10.  We depart at 8 a.m..  This is a fast pace ride not recommended for slow pokes or beginners.  Helmet, jacket, gloves and boots required.  You can learn more about TSBA at www.tsba.org.

The remnants of "Bob's Breakfast Club" still meet fairly regularly at Starbucks, Louetta Rd.@ Kuykendahl in far NW Houston on Sunday mornings between 8am & 9am, weather permitting, and meeting a little earlier now that the weather is heating up.

A typical ride takes us on mostly back roads North to Montgomery, along SH149 thru the Sam Houston National Forest to Richards, possibly thru Anderson on to Carlos via FM3090 (famous in these parts) and lunch at either the Yankee Tavern in Carlos or a lunch/brunch back in Montgomery at King's Cafe after riding back thru Anderson and Richards.  We ride at a moderately brisk rate and always have full protective gear.

The last Wednesday of the month the HSTAtravels to Angleton for Hamburger Wednesday at the Icehouse Bar & Grill, 2016 N. Velasco St Angleton, TX 77515 (979) 849-0084.  Bikes start showing up after work and stay well after dark.

Want to go for a ride in the North Texas area?

 Please note, the rules have changed…… http://www.txhsta.com/Rules.html

Sunday Rides- Charlie Wood and Wilbert Simpson lead a typically brisk paced 300 mile day through some of the more scenic and rural areas of north central Texas. Every 2nd and 4th Sunday we meet in Arlingtonfor breakfast, then head out for points south and beyond. We have numerous routes that we ride, but are known to explore new roads. We always find a good place to eat. Best way to know when and where: get on Charlie’s email list charlie-wood@sbcglobal.net or call him (817) 467-6042. A reminder is sent out about mid-week along with a planned route of the ride. We welcome all who want to ride, members and nonmembers, invite a friend.

Saturday Rides –  Jim Poulos, Jamo1935@aol.comcoordinates Saturday Rides from the DFW Metroplex area. Watch your email for notification…..

The Dan Clark Safety Program

 Want to upgrade your helmet? Time for some better riding gear?Taking a M.S.F. or State approved rider education course? The “Dan Clark Safety Fund” may be able to off set some of the cost of these safety items.

The Dan Clark Safety Program

Will reimburse 20 members 50% of the cost of safety equipment and training, up to $100 each item, this year.All you need to do to be eligible for the drawing is send a dated copy of your receipts to:

HSTA V.P.

731 Holbrook Ave. 

Lebanon, Ohio 45036-1647

Drawing will be held on January 15, 2007

The 20 winners will be announced at STAR~07

You don’t need to be present to win.