Big Bend or Hill Country in February? Let me know I'm up for either. [Archive]

Trailace

10-09-2010, 08:12 AM

Just want to see if there would be any interest in a Motocamper event this February in Texas? Last year we went to Big Bend and had a great time but there's also a lot of nice riding in the Hill country. The weather would be a little warmer in Big Bend but there are a lot more roads to ride on in the Hill country.

If we do a Hill Country ride we could stay at Garner State Park N29 36.236 W99 44.698 or Kerrville State Park N30 00.612 W99 07.237

Big Bend
http://trailace.smugmug.com/2010/Motorcycle/Big-Bend-Bash/Big-Bend5520/803895648_APYap-L.jpg

Hill Country
http://trailace.smugmug.com/2005/Motorcycle/Kerrville-Ride-05/Garner-State-Park001/47962347_xdbQs-L.jpg

Let me know what you think. :D

ImRubicon

10-09-2010, 08:32 AM

Im up for hill country as Big Bend is a bit too far for me on three day weekends as too many honey do's
Oh yeah and that nasty thing called work

G wizz

10-09-2010, 08:34 AM

Well Rick,
Don't know yet as we'll be able to make it to either place, but I know Deb's choice would be the Hill Country. We've been going to ride there each time we've been to Texas, but for one reason or another things just didn't fall into place. Like last years blizzard conditions for instance.
Our vote would be the Hills.

G wizz

BJFazio

10-09-2010, 09:00 AM

Hill Country gets my vote. It's a one day ride from here, and the riding opportunities are many & varied. Garner and Kerrville are both nice; also, Lost Maples is nice and very centrally located.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/

VABob

10-09-2010, 10:29 AM

motomac

10-09-2010, 10:32 AM

The Hill Country, only because of the convenience of shopping for groceries. Both Kerrville and Big Bend are great campgrounds, but Kerrville is a bit more civilized.

tankereng

10-09-2010, 01:42 PM

I enjoyed Big Bend....but the Hill country would increase my chances of attendance as well as the duration of my attendance P^

TOE JAM

10-09-2010, 02:37 PM

There seems to be a consensus developing here.

ImRubicon

10-09-2010, 03:24 PM

Can I vote again for Hill country LOL
Just got back from Llano and coopersBBQ so its nappy time

TPadden

10-09-2010, 06:08 PM

... Both Kerrville and Big Bend are great campgrounds, but Kerrville is a bit more civilized.

Big Bend - Kerrville is too civilized (Harley rolling road blocks, wine tasters, and LEO's).

Mellow

10-09-2010, 10:15 PM

TPadden

10-09-2010, 10:59 PM

If Big Bend, I'd say Davis Mtn State Park vs Big Bend campgrounds.. I prefer to have a fire and it just sux to not have one while camping..... IN FEBRUARY.. LOL

So... my vote goes for whichever area doesn't have a burn ban.

My vote goes for anything BELOW 2,000 ft MSL :D; and preferably no Javelinas :eek:. Guess it'll be Harleys, Leo's, and Wino's......:cool: ....

G wizz

10-09-2010, 11:53 PM

My vote goes for anything BELOW 2,000 ft MSL :D; and preferably no Javelinas :eek:. Guess it'll be Harleys, Leo's, and Wino's......:cool: ....

Hey wait a minute! I ride a Harley, was born in August, and enjoy a sip of wine, now and again. Whats the problem with that? ... :eek: ... :D

TPadden

10-10-2010, 12:18 AM

Hey wait a minuet! I rida a Harley, was born in August, and enjoy a sip of wine, now and again. Whats the problem with that? ... :eek: ... :D

I already said I prefer you to Javelinas; what more do you want? :rolleyes::)

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_5lbhODyyRoQ/TLFNXBreC-I/AAAAAAAAENg/VmzYb8j3d-8/javelinas-pond.jpg

G wizz

10-10-2010, 04:11 AM

[QUOTE=TPadden;35966]I already said I prefer you to Javelinas; what more do you want? :rolleyes::)

Good point, I'd prefer to camp with a Harley rider than a bunch of pigs too ... P^

VABob

10-10-2010, 06:15 AM

Anyone of ya'll hunt these things?

Even though they are not hogs, do they have any bacon-like bits??

No fire ban + pesty peccaries = ?

ImRubicon

10-10-2010, 08:06 AM

[QUOTE=TPadden;35966]I already said I prefer you to Javelinas; what more do you want? :rolleyes::)

Good point, I'd prefer to camp with a Harley rider than a bunch of pigs too ... P^

Depends on which harley riders ???? :rolleyes:

I just had smoked Javelinas for dinner and they were well behaved with a light BBQ sauce

Black and Blue

10-10-2010, 04:11 PM

I am leaning toward Hill Country.

Maybe afterwards, those going California direction can stop in Big Bend before going to Joshua Tree and Morro Bay (so we can pick up rt 1 on the way to San Jose).

:D

Bob, I hope your joking or referring to the song.
What would possess you to go to San Jose, California?

Colleen

Mr. Guy

10-10-2010, 04:20 PM

Okay, , , I'm with you fellers. I could even go for somewhere on the coast.

Guy

G wizz

10-10-2010, 05:21 PM

Okay, , , I'm with you fellers. I could even go for somewhere on the coast.

Guy

Oh come on now, we can't travel THAT far ... :eek:

Mr. Guy

10-10-2010, 05:37 PM

I meant "gulf coast", most of which should be closer to you than Big Bend is. But Hill Country works for me too.

Guy

G wizz

10-10-2010, 06:32 PM

I meant "gulf coast", most of which should be closer to you than Big Bend is. But Hill Country works for me too.

Guy

Well with that being said, It's a good bet it you'd stand a better chanch of having decent weather ...
Where did you have in mind?
Keep in mind though, anywhere other than the Hill Country will be a dissapointment to Deb. :(

G wizz

Trailace

10-10-2010, 06:36 PM

I meant "gulf coast", most of which should be closer to you than Big Bend is. But Hill Country works for me too.

Guy
I don't know of any good riding along the coast.

Mr. Guy

10-10-2010, 06:50 PM

I'll defer to Rick's wisdom and say not the coast. Like I said, "I'm with you fellers". Just about anyplace is good for me.

Guy

Black and Blue

10-10-2010, 08:10 PM

I don't know of any good riding along the coast.

I beg to differ with you, Rick.
PCH is beautiful.

Colleen

VABob

10-10-2010, 08:28 PM

Bob, I hope your joking or referring to the song.
What would possess you to go to San Jose, California?

Colleen

:) Free room and board for a few nights. My brother lives out there. San Jose is the airport I sometimes fly into. He lives in Santa Clara, but there's no songs about that place!

The real reasons: Real CA fish tacos. West coast Sushi. Sourdough Crab bowl at Fisherman's Warf. House of Nankin's in SF. Wine Country. Alice's Restaurant in Woodside for the bike watching. The Redwoods in Muir Woods (Star Wars!!). I'd like to ride across the GG at least once. Back roads in Wine country.

Any recommendations?

VABob

10-10-2010, 08:38 PM

:( Oh no! I was thinking of swinging by the coast before going to the meet up. Never been to a texas beach. I have to touch some sand even if I stay at an over priced hotel!

What about Galvaston or Padre Island? Aren't those big motorcycle rally hangouts?

motomac

10-10-2010, 08:55 PM

I haven't been to Galveston since the late 60's-early 70's, but the roads weren't very challenging for motorcycles. The college kids crushed a brand new Maverick on the beach during Spring Break in '69. Ford had it set up as a display and the drunks started in on it and it was a pancake before they were done!!!

Black and Blue

10-10-2010, 09:34 PM

:) Free room and board for a few nights. My brother lives out there. San Jose is the airport I sometimes fly into. He lives in Santa Clara, but there's no songs about that place!

The real reasons: Real CA fish tacos. West coast Sushi. Sourdough Crab bowl at Fisherman's Warf. House of Nankin's in SF. Wine Country. Alice's Restaurant in Woodside for the bike watching. The Redwoods in Muir Woods (Star Wars!!). I'd like to ride across the GG at least once. Back roads in Wine country.

Any recommendations?

Just drove over the Golden Gate last week after camping in the Redwoods and on the northern California coast.
Can't beat free room and board! We end up in Santa Clara about once a year getting the Urals serviced.
I'd recommend the Winchester Mystery House for the touristy stuff. Right there by Santa Clara.
Head west from Santa Clara over the coast range for some good twisty roads. That portion of the coast is still fairly uninhabited.
Sounds like you have it figured out. I never miss the chance for Fisherman's Wharf clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl either!

Colleen

Trailace

10-10-2010, 09:38 PM

I beg to differ with you, Rick.
PCH is beautiful.

Colleen
Your funny I was talking about Texas coast. :p

G wizz

10-10-2010, 09:42 PM

Padre Island is just a kind of long sand bar with some houses, a few tourist trap stores, and a couple of restaurants, and bars on it. Pretty much ride on, have a cold one, turn around and ride off.
If the wind is blowing, you'll get an eye full ... both eyes actually.

G wizz

Black and Blue

10-10-2010, 10:43 PM

Your funny I was talking about Texas coast. :p

Yeah, we know.:D

VABob

10-11-2010, 07:10 AM

VABob

10-11-2010, 07:19 AM

Any good camping on the beach areas? I've been reading about the beaches being part of one of the largest salt deposits, and that is why they are snow white white. I think I wouldn't mind hanging out at the beach for a couple of days, drinking a few margaritas and listening to the ocean. Oh, and sending the pictures back to my freezing friends! :)

DanceswMtns

10-11-2010, 07:30 AM

I've been to Banderas once and always wanted to go to Big Bend.

ImRubicon

10-11-2010, 08:59 AM

Sounds like we need a poll P^

bobalou

10-11-2010, 09:46 AM

Hmmm! I'll ride around the "Bend in the Sand Hill"...Well actually I've been wanting to visit all three.

How ya going to get the Northern's out of that frozen stuff in February? It's bad enough in icy Arkansas. Got any screws for the tires?

Oh, IronHeadZiggy,
I might post the trip when there is ice on the road. It's really hard to stay offbike when the temps get right, you do understand? I did move the West trip pics off the camera and unto the back-up drive. Getting ready for a foliage run with the SO. Remembering past year's trips and planning new ones keeps me Motocamping throughout the year :D The only reason that I'm offbike now is that I'm waiting on surgery to get some junk off the noggin. Dang! that means the helmet might not fit right, hmmmm! Oh well back to the Harley days, now "wears" that rag :cool: ? Wait aint that the reason for this junk?

Black and Blue

10-11-2010, 09:49 AM

Thanks! I hadn't heard of the Winchester Mystery House. That's a great suggestion! Each time I went (usually business trips) I was using way too large rental car/SUV. Or was in a jeep/truck with my brother.

Where'd you camp?

I am not a fan of California State Parks. As a California native, I've watched their over-regulation and decline over the years. Most "popular" places you pay $40.00 for an overflowing pit toilet and questionable drinking water.
We do go to some of them, but they are usually the out of the way, very rustic ones.
But, if you go up Hwy 1, you will have a wide choice of beach campsites. You might even be able to get into one of the state ones without a reservation in February, if you avoid the Presidents Day weekends.
Here is an example of one of their over zealous laws.

Colleen

bobalou

10-11-2010, 10:20 AM

Ya gotta take care of those roots! Oh, I could say more.

Dang! California is/was one my bucket list, someone has to help them!

Ironheadziggy76

10-11-2010, 10:28 AM

Oh, IronHeadZiggy,
I might post the trip when there is ice on the road. It's really hard to stay offbike when the temps get right, you do understand? I did move the West trip pics off the camera and unto the back-up drive. Getting ready for a foliage run with the SO. Remembering past year's trips and planning new ones keeps me Motocamping throughout the year :D The only reason that I'm offbike now is that I'm waiting on surgery to get some junk off the noggin. Dang! that means the helmet might not fit right, hmmmm! Oh well back to the Harley days, now "wears" that rag :cool: ? Wait aint that the reason for this junk?

I understand completely, I did the same thing with my AK report last year. You have to enjoy all the riding days you can! P^

VABob

10-11-2010, 11:50 AM

Oh NOOOO. That's bad, even worse than not being able to hammock camp in Hammock Park, Florida.

Here's one I came across in Iowa:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/SpyNpB9OPjI/AAAAAAAADXs/h7SW8GsvdF8/s640/DSCN0412.JPG

Guess they never heard of the term "clam bake". :(

My ride mate was a smoker, but he didn't have a full face helmet. I certainly wasn't going to lend him mine to smoke in! :eek:

Mellow

10-11-2010, 01:35 PM

I meant "gulf coast"

I know you're from OK and all.... but maybe a twisty area would be more fun... :run1:

TexaST

10-11-2010, 02:07 PM

Hill country will be okay but Big Bend would get my vote.

Black and Blue

10-11-2010, 03:21 PM

Here's one I came across in Iowa:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hYO8yHSAl_c/SpyNpB9OPjI/AAAAAAAADXs/h7SW8GsvdF8/s640/DSCN0412.JPG

Guess they never heard of the term "clam bake". :(

My ride mate was a smoker, but he didn't have a full face helmet. I certainly wasn't going to lend him mine to smoke in! :eek:

Bob;

But I betcha that is was okay to idle your big pusher/diesel motorhome in the rest area.

I love stupid signs. Can you believe this one? Somebody actually did a survey and believed that 22 mph was the safe speed! No 20. Not 25.

Colleen

TPadden

10-11-2010, 03:27 PM

Gotta love a sense of humor ......

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_5lbhODyyRoQ/TLNy-kscEcI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/aFgbTMdpsJ4/Small%20Print.jpg

VABob

10-11-2010, 05:05 PM

George

10-11-2010, 05:14 PM

Any concurrence on this ride? February in Kerrville was good two years ago (a little chilly in the morning.)

Mac, ya need to update yur Avatar.

Oh, wait, so do I!!

Black and Blue

10-11-2010, 05:24 PM

These are hilarious.

Rick, Can we have a special section/thread on the forum for signs we see on our travels?

Real signs only-- No photo shopped signs! Should be taken during a motorcycle-involved trip, event, or place of business.

BTW-- what did the 22mph sign intend to say?

Yeah, we need another thread, this one is getting hijacked. Quick note, the sign was to let you know you can drive safely at 22 MPH thru the curves. (We also saw one at 19 MPH as a safe speed to negotiate the curve, but didn't get a picture. No place to stop and a Sheriff Unit was near it.:D).

WANDRR

10-11-2010, 05:55 PM

From their web site:

09/23/2010 - Garner State Park cabins will be closed until further notice due to remodeling. Customers may experience construction related equipment and noise in certain areas while we work to improve your park.

Mr. Guy

10-11-2010, 07:23 PM

I know you're from OK and all.... but maybe a twisty area would be more fun... :run1:

Yeah, I'm from Ok, but are you really trying to tell me some roads have curves? :rolleyes:

Not all interesting roads have to have twistys. Sometimes I like to look around too. Twistys don't hurt though. P^

It was just a thought.

Guy

Trailace

10-11-2010, 07:58 PM

Trailace

10-11-2010, 08:13 PM

We now have a poll here (http://www.motocampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3376).

Mellow

10-12-2010, 08:28 AM

Not all interesting roads have to have twistys. Sometimes I like to look around too. Twistys don't hurt though.

It was just a thought.

I understand completely.... The TX coast just leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. Once you've seen the West Coast it's tough to get excited about. Just my opinion.

Mr. Guy

10-13-2010, 05:08 PM

Yeah, I get ya there, NO comparison between west and gulf coast. But there are some sites along the gulf that are interesting, NASA and the battleship Texas are just 2 off the top of my head. But that's more like a long vacation thing than a weekend ride.

Guy