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CVO Social => Ride Report => Topic started by: RoadTrip on May 02, 2017, 11:03:55 PM
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Began the Texas BBQ Tour 2017 today.
The journey started out cruising the back roads, headed towards BBQ heaven, the Texas Hill Country. It is definitely spring in Texas...the young calves are staying close to their mothers, same with the newly born kids (baby goats for you city slickers). The chicken houses were in full bloom...and the scent carried for miles downwind. The famous wildflowers have already seen their better days, but the roadsides were still lightly colored - they will be scorched brown by the end of May, as we are already in the 90's.
My first BBQ stop was at Louie Muellers in Taylor, Texas(http://)
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The exterior sold me
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The place attracts folks from all over the United States and the world.
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One of which you may recognize...
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Muellers consistently wins awards...
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But I failed to get a pic of my selection...ate it too fast!
Ended the day in Kerrville with +370 on the trip odometer. It was a good day, indeed.
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Ended well too..
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Nice write up.
Are you planning on visiting Austin and if so PM me, I am close to Salt Lick.
Cheers and ride safe!
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Guess I need to include a pic of the bike to qualify as a ride report.
Here is Dusty (aka The Insect Assassin). Another sign of spring vacation in Texas is the plethora of kamakazzee bugs, some the size of small birds (everything is bigger in Texas?). I only took a half dozen to the head...might be time for a slightly taller windshield.
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Nice write up.
Are you planning on visiting Austin and if so PM me, I am close to Salt Lick.
Cheers and ride safe!
Good morning RR. I'm sure our separated-at-birth twins would enjoy a play date.
I'm trying to stay out of Austin, per se, due to traffic congestion. I've been to Salt Lick recently, so it's not on the list this trip. But was planning to visit Black's or Krueze Market on either Thur or Fri, depending on when I decide to head back East (will decide later today). What is your availability?
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Just keep riding and adding the Texas BBQ joints. Enjoy always trying new BBQ joints and makes a great excuse for a ride.
David
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Check out Busbee's in Bandera. We really enjoyed it when we rode down there two years ago.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
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We need a good BBQ by state thread....lol
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Day 2 began a little late...had to take care of some business this morning. Since I overnighted in Kerrville, I thought I would give one of the local, lesser known, joints a chance to impress. Here is Dusty anxiously awaiting her turn in line...
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Bill's BBQ is the name and they get decent ratings on TripAdvisor. I tried the three-meat platter - a 1/4 pound each of brisket, sausage, and ribs - along with some baked beans and tater salad. I'm no foodie or food critic, but would rate Bill's in the middle of the pack in terms of BBQ.
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The owner is doing his part to clear the roads of deer and other vermin. All four walls in the seating area were lined with mounts and tons of pics of successful hunts.
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With my belly full, we began a little cruise along TX-39, a tree-canopied road which criss-crosses along the banks of the spring-fed Guadalupe River. After a few miles, I could sense Dusty was getting a little sleepy from the full stomach and warm sunshine, so we stopped at one of the bridge crossings to take in the sights and rest.
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On the other side of the bridge was a nice small waterfall...
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And the tree growth was kind enough to double the view. I have been known to wear swim trunks under my clothes and take a little dip on a hot summer day at this very spot. But not today...and you wouldn't want to see that pic anyway!
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A little further down the road was an interesting set of fence post decorations on both sides of the road...
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Here is the zoom-in shot...call it original Texas recycling. Or maybe the correct PC term is "re-purposed".
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Rode TX-39 west to US-83, then south into Leakey (pronounced lay-key) and stopped in at the Bent Rim Grill (also known as the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop) for a cold adult beverage. The place has a dog-run style seating area where you can catch a cool breeze on the hottest of days. They also have a wall of shame...
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And a pretty dry sense of humor...
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Music is big down here, even with the animals. Given their acute hearing abilities, they are asked to keep the music to themselves so as not to disturb or distract the rest of the herd...
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The primary reason motorcyclists come to this remote area of Texas is the Three Twisted Sisters, perhaps the best combination of motorcycle roads in the state. The Twisted Sisters include FM-336, FM-336, and FM-337 which offer a wide range of twisties, elevation changes, and scenic views. Several sections of the roads cut through the hills, giving us kids an opportunity to give it a couple of extra VROOM, VROOMs to hear the echo. These roads are packed during the weekends, not so much during the week.
Today was a very peaceful ride...probably rode 50 miles without seeing another vehicle. Being in that isolated of an environment certainly puts things in perspective. We are but one of God's little creatures roaming this Earth.
Hope you are enjoying the ride.
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Thank you RoadTrip. Great pics. Keep the roads and the food coming.
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Bill's BBQ is the name and they get decent ratings on TripAdvisor. I tried the three-meat platter - a 1/4 pound each of brisket, sausage, and ribs - along with some baked beans and tater salad. I'm no foodie or food critic, but would rate Bill's in the middle of the pack in terms of BBQ.
Agreed on Bill's. Suggest next time try Buzzies in Kerrville it's better.
Nice folks run Frio Canyon MC Shop. Good place. :2vrolijk_21:
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Great ride report, Tim! Good job with all the photos and the narrative was typical of you and added positively to the whole adventure!
Thanks for sharing this and making the rest of us envious...and hungry!
Well done!
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Met a business associate/friend for lunch today in Boerne. In keeping with the theme of the trip, I selected Klein's Smokehaus as the venue. Klein's specialty is smoked meats and processing game for the many hunters in the area. And they do a little Q on the side. Very good Q, I might add. The po'boy brisket sammich must have weighed a full pound and was delicious. The only seating they have is on the sidewalk, so we ate al fresco. No pics, but it did happen.
I got into Boerne a little early, so I stopped in at the Indian Motorcycle dealer to check out the new Chieftain Limited and Chieftain Elite. I really liked the Elite. I'm the curious sort and rode several Indians a few weeks ago at a Demo Days event. Our friends at H-D have some serious competition, but I think there is room for both brands to do well.
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After lunch, I took the back roads to Lockhart, a little town SE of Austin. Lockhart is the county seat of Caldwell County and, more importantly, is the home to two of the best BBQ joints in Texas, Kruez Market and Black's. The early German settlers definately made their mark on the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas, especially in the areas of architectural influence, quaint country churches, farming, and smoked meats. Here is a sample of the courthouse architecture.
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Decisions, decisions. What should I eat for dinner? How 'bout more BBQ? I chose...
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Black's is family-owned and has been in continuous operation for 84 years, so they must be doing something right. And after sampling the brisket and garlic sausage, I herby proclaim Black's my favorite BBQ of the tour.
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Tim, it's not often that a ride before it makes me hungry. Very nice! :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:
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The walls are plastered with game mounts, press clippings, awards, and pictures of their community involvement over the years, such as sponsoring Liitle League Baseball teams...the sort of things that generate 84 years and multiple generations of customers. THIS is what makes America great.
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All good things must come to an end and so it is with my Texas BBQ Tour 2017. With a full belly, I pointed Dusty towards East Texas and began the long journey home. I stopped at Buc-ee's (perhaps the world's largest gas station) and couldn't resist capturing Dusty's trophy shot...she definately lived up to her Insect Assassin moniker. Arrived home safe and sound at 10:30p...with the belly still full.
Oh, and that bottle of Four Roses is gone now too. Thanks for keeping me company on the adventure.
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Good ride report! :2vrolijk_21: Black's is a good end to your BBQ trek. Buc-ees has become a regular stop when back in Texas, it boggles the mind - in a good way.
Have used the Hill Country (and it's great food) as a starting off spot going out to Big Bend, as well as a few rides just centered in the HC. Love the area and the lack of traffic combined with great views/roads.
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Once again, great ride report Tim! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
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Agreed on Bill's. Suggest next time try Buzzies in Kerrville it's better.
Nice folks run Frio Canyon MC Shop. Good place. :2vrolijk_21:
It was a difficult choice between Bill's and Buzzies. I did not choose wisely.
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Thank you for sharing. BBQ and a ride, doesn't get any better than that. Once that BBQ settles in and you can bend over again Dusty is going to need a bath
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Epilogue:
Now that my digestive tract has survived all of the beef and pork consumed, my brain can finally start thinking about what made this trip special.
The weather was perfect and the 941.9 miles of roads outstanding. The food was obviously great and the hotel accommodations (Best Western Sunday House in Kerrville) was adequate. It was my second long distance solo ride. Better than my first, but I still much prefer to have my bride of nearly 37 years along (she was doing her annual vacation with her sisters).
I didn't post about the people I met along the way, but they are what really made the trip special.
Like the guy from Denton, TX riding a BMW adventure bike. The thing was a little beaten-up looking and had stickers from where he had ridden all over the world. Like his trip(s) to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (yes, multiple). And from Texas down to the tip of Latin America. And from China across Russia into Eastern Europe. And all around New Zealand and South Africa. He was not a wealthy man, just determined with a great sense of adventure. He'd never been out of Texas until 2002.
Or the fun couple from Angleton, TX on the GoldWing who are relatively new to motorcycling (started in 2015). They own a small logistics company and work too much, but play hard too. With retirement on the horizon, they find motorcycling together a great way to put life into perspective.
Or John, a recently retired pastor from San Antonio who lost his wife to cancer a year ago. He doesn't hesitate to jump on his 2008 Ultra Classic and ride to Arizona or Las Vegas to visit (or help) friends. At 63, he's full of life and healthy. He's still mad at God for taking his wife, but understands there is a higher power at work and is finally ready to share life with someone again...but she has to ride!
And there were countless others who shared a brief word or lustful glance at Dusty.
I made a conscious effort to slow down on this ride. Not speed, but pace. To take pics...to really see the trip, not just push through it. I also made it a point to talk to people, whether it was at a rest stop, while eating, or sitting around the pool at the end of the day, or just holding a door open for someone and striking up a light conversation. And out of respect for the help JCZ has given in planning an upcoming Northern California tour, to complete the ride report. It didn't happen if you don't write the ride report. It was very wise advice.
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Thank you for sharing. BBQ and a ride, doesn't get any better than that. Once that BBQ settles in and you can bend over again Dusty is going to need a bath
My wife came out one day when I was washing Dusty and said, "I wish you would give me a bath like that." My first thought was, "Well, if you gave me this kind of ride..." Fortunately, the words never crossed my lips, which is probably why I am still alive today.
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It was a difficult choice between Bill's and Buzzies. I did not choose wisely.
Bill's is not bad, just prefer Buzzies. BBQ is very subjective, folks like what they like. Liked your follow up post re: people along the way. That is one of the things - besides scenery and events - that makes the rides memorable - the people. With groups we like YO Ranch hotel in Kerrville. A little dated and it could use a remodel, but rooms are clean & has good spots to gather up a group after the riding is done. Best Westerns seem to be good/bad depending on the location, have not stayed at the one in Kerrville.
Now am ready to ride that area again. Last time was when the bluebonnets were popping. Fun trip.
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My wife came out one day when I was washing Dusty and said, "I wish you would give me a bath like that." My first thought was, "Well, if you gave me this kind of ride..o." Fortunately, the words never crossed my lips, which is probably why I am still alive today.
Did JC give you that advice also. ptobably good advice. seems you ate a smart man. for me, I would have probably spilled those words out
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My wife came out one day when I was washing Dusty and said, "I wish you would give me a bath like that." My first thought was, "Well, if you gave me this kind of ride..." Fortunately, the words never crossed my lips, which is probably why I am still alive today.
Very good thing that those words only ran through the mind and not the mouth. You could still be speaking with a slured voice and only seeing out of one eye otherwise...lol.
You sure said a mouthful in your last post. It's taken me 55 years to finally slow down and enjoy, now I wonder what all I missed that was right in front of me when younger.
Thank you for sharing
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There are parts of Arkansas where BBQ is pronounced "bubba-clue" by many of the locals. I picked it up years ago, but knew it was likely that no one from outside the state would know what the heck I was talking about. Discretion is the better part of
valor not looking like a doofus I suppose. :P
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Well, I showed the wife the ride report and she had some select comments on my private thoughts (re: washing the bike). I think I'll survive the night, but if I don't show at MITM, please alert the police.
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Well, I showed the wife the ride report and she had some select comments on my private thoughts (re: washing the bike). I think I'll survive the night, but if I don't show at MITM, please alert the police.
Babe, I really didn't mean it like that....let me explain...
:stop: explaining old makes it worse as with there just never seems a way to make it better, only worse.
Good thing mine has a great since of humor.
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I figured it might come up at MITM and thought it better to mitigate...still here typing! She does have a good sense of humor...and a forgiving soul. Perhaps I misquoted?
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I figured it might come up at MITM and thought it better to mitigate...still here typing! She does have a good sense of humor...and a forgiving soul. Perhaps I misquoted?
Your still typing so she definitely has a great since of humor....lol. A little pickin back and forth always adds to the fun of having a great wife.
As for the MITM, you can probably rest assured it will be mentioned...lol.
Back to BBQ, what would be your favorite in the Dallas area if you have any experiences there.
David
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Back to BBQ, what would be your favorite in the Dallas area if you have any experiences there.
Best BBQ. That is a loaded question...sort of like asking about the best motor oil for your bike.
I only lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for ~25 years, so my experience is limited. My personal favs are:
- Fort Worth
- Railhead
- Billy's Oak Acres
- Angelo's
- Riscky's
- Hard Eight (Roanoke and Coppell - the pits at the Coppell location are better aged)
- The Feedstore - Southlake
- Meet U Anywhere - Grapevine
- North Main BBQ - Euless (only open Fri-Sun)
- Baker's Ribs (Dallas, Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Grapevine
And ohhh, how I miss Clark's Outpost in Tioga (burned down in 2016). I've heard the Pecan Lodge in Dallas is to die for, but the one time I attempted to go, the line was wrapped around the building. Absent a crisis situation, no food is worth that long of a wait in a first-world country.
But the foodies have there picks too:
- https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2010/february/the-best-barbecue-in-dallas/
- http://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/dallas-fort-worths-10-best-barbecue-joints-7031478
- http://www.texasmonthly.com/list/the-50-best-bbq-joints-in-the-world/
I just had a moment of self-reflection. I think I now understand why my Kevlar-lined riding pants don't fit as well as they used to. Guess it's time for new pair!
Shall we talk about Mexican restaurants next?
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Thank you for that list. It has been saved to me phone for safe keeping.
Your right BBQ is a very subjective topic, I really enjoy BBQ so we try it often when out riding. Somes really good, some not quite so good, but still have to stop and try. Especially the little hole in the wall type places....lol.
Was in Dallas a few weeks ago having a tune done and we were going to try Pecan Lodge. We were just like you, once we rode by and saw the line so we passed.
Sounds like we need a food section broken down by type....lol
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A very good list! In Dallas still suggest giving Pecan Lodge a try. Excellent BBQ! Try mid week, a little after lunch crowd for a shorter line. Downside: they will probably be out of something, last time was no beef ribs, but we managed.
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.still here typing! She does have a good sense of humor...and a forgiving soul.
how can we be sure it's you doing the typing & not her ? :nixweiss: my guess, is we will have to wait & see if ya show up at MITM
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Well we may get to try a pick from the list tonight. If the storms will move east and get us a window we are heading to the Dallas area tonight to to get the bike tuned tomorrow. Have to see how the weather treats us
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The storms have moved east of us. Did you make it into Dallas? And, more importantly, did you score some BBQ?
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Yes sir! We were able to sit around here till noon, that was enough time for everything to get east of us here and there in Dallas. Actually cleared out enough that we were able to take the long route that we had originally talked about. Long story short we made it to Dallas last night picked two names off the list. Gave one a heads label the other tails. Quarter came up heads so we hit Hard Eight there at Coppell. Great food and great atmosphere. Will do that one again.....after we try the rest of the list....lol.
Once.again thank you for.the suggestions
David
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Yes sir! We were able to sit around here till noon, that was enough time for everything to get east of us here and there in Dallas. Actually cleared out enough that we were able to take the long route that we had originally talked about. Long story short we made it to Dallas last night picked two names off the list. Gave one a heads label the other tails. Quarter came up heads so we hit Hard Eight there at Coppell. Great food and great atmosphere. Will do that one again.....after we try the rest of the list....lol.
Once.again thank you for.the suggestions
David
And I'm thinking you got your fill!
Texas Monthly just released their latest Top 50...http://www.texasmonthly.com/food/the-list-the-top-50-barbecue-joints-in-texas/. Enjoy!
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Our fill and more. So easy to get way more than you need when they went to slicing the meat off. That little pile of meat added to that little pile added to the ribs..... oh yea we were full and happy.
Thank you for your post.
David