Mike Johnston

CBRMichael@aol.com

Honda Sport Touring Association

April 2007TexasNewsletter

www.txhsta.com

SOUTH TEXAS DIRECTOR DIALOGUE – MikeJohnston

Hello Again!!

It’s been years since I have fired up my computer to talk about motorcycles.  Frankly, I miss it.  The monthly newsletters were my excuse to spend more of my free time thinking about riding.  It’s different now.  I sit here comfortably on my couch, typing on my laptop hooked to our wireless network. The last newsletter I did in Texaswas created with a pirated program on a hodge-podge 286 with every spare part I could buy off of others as they upgraded. My office chair was a metal folding chair with towel draped over it for the ultimate in function and comfort, though lacking style.  Life changes…

I came back to Texas because of a very good job offer, but part of me feels it was destiny just as moving away to South Carolina was the destiny that led me to meet my wife, Brandy and daughter, Pyper. I never lost my connection with Texas, down to the western boots I’ve worn to work every day for the past 10 years.  I grew up in Texas in the true sense of the word.  I wasn’t born here, but I became an adult here.  Four years of military gave me training for my career, but postponed many of the decisions that I would be forced to make as I grew up.  I made those decisions here, many of them on my CBR.

I am facing another transition now.  My trusty 1990 CBR1000F has seen me through 17 years and many miles, 70K to date, but is starting to really feel her age.  She is drinking oil like Geritol, and her plastic is starting to crack from age.  More hoses are drying out and electrical connectors are falling apart from the inside. She has taken good care of me on some pretty long and adventurous trips.  The parts I have thrown at her in the past 10 years far exceed her financial value.  Everyone who reads this newsletter understands why I did it.

My CBR was my therapist.  Some of the toughest decisions and worst tragedies of my life were eased by riding her.  No music. No sound except the wind and the motor. She introduced me to some of the best friends that I will ever have.  We have seen many people and sights together that I will never forget. She only left me stranded once, but that was after an over-anxious drag strip pass at Texas Motorplex.   With more TLC, I will have her back on the road again.  But it will take some time.  Besides, I have a new friend.

Have you ever ridden a bike for the first time and it just felt right?  Not perfect, but like a new helmet that needs both of you to adjust a little?  I picked up a 2007 25^th Anniversary VFR last weekend.  When I saw it at the Cycle World show late last year, I started wanting.  I finally gave in…and it’s beautiful.

This transition seems natural and the time is right.  I am back in Texas to ride with some people haven’t seen in years, and to make some friends with people I will know for many more.  My CBR and I won’t be riding together as much as before, but we will still get out for a hamburger now and again.  My VFR is going to take me to some amazing places.  And I know I am going to meet some of the nicest people…on my (new) Honda.

As I finish this tome, I find I need to apologize for delaying the March newsletter into mid-April.  New friends have a way of occupying your time.

See you soon!!

Mike Johnston

 Spring Hill Country “Non-Event”

Brad and Cinda Mobley have decided to retire from organizing the rally they started with a few friends over 30 years ago.  Mike Gilliland has volunteered to take over the reins of the non-HSTA event to keep the tradition alive.

Thedates have changed to May 11-13.  This year we will gather at the Koyote Ranch on Highway 16 between Kerrvilleand Medina.  The Koyote Ranch is a motorcycle friendly/dedicated resort.  It has a general store with liquid refreshments including beer and wine, a gas station for fueling up your steed and a variety of cabins, deluxe tents, and a bed and breakfast to fit all your needs.  They also have an RV park with hook ups for those that are brave enough to drive their RV on Highway 16. (As a note of caution if you do come with a motorhome or trailer, definitely come by way of Medina rather than over Eagle's Nest from the Kerrville side.)

Accommodations include Camp Cabinsfor 2-4 guests/$70 night, Honeymoon and King Cabins for $125/night, and a Getaway cabin for $160/night that each sleep up to ten people, and a large Camp Cabinthat sleeps 10-12 guests/$250 night. Some of the cabins have a kitchenette, all are air conditioned. These rates do not reflect a 10% discount that they will give us.  They require one night's deposit to reserve a room.  You can reach them at 1-800-225-0991 or reserve online at www.koyoteranch.com.

The Koyote Ranch will provide a catfish fry on Friday night for $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and a Mexican food buffet on Saturday night.  The final price on the Saturday buffet is to be determined, but should be under $15.

Now a few final comments from Mike Gilliland:

“This is an HSTA non-event, so that means no stinkin' registration, no stinkin’ maps, no stinkin’ waivers, no stinkin’ event fees, and no stinkin’ door prizes.  What you do get is a chance to get together with some of the nicest people you will ever hope to meet and ride some of the very best roads in all of Texas if not the nation.  Oh yeah, bring your swimsuit as the Ranch has a nice pool to flounder around in and cool off if the weather is hot.  If you have any questions feel free to email me at rc51michael@earthlink.net . 

Attention! Attention!

  2008 STAR in Texas!

Texas Hill Country is known for great scenery, great food and terrific roads to ride.

Since Texasis also known for hot summers, STAR ‘08 will be in the

SPRING!  April 6 – 9, 2008.

We realize this is a big change in the STAR calendar, so we wanted to give you plenty of time to plan for the event.

This will be a STAR that you won’t want to miss!  Watch your STAReview for more information after STAR ’07.

We hope to see y’all in Ashville!