Today’s Mileage: 333 miles
Total Trip Mileage so far: 1488 miles
A quick look out the window revealed clouds ready to unleash their accumulated burden of moisture any moment – so with rain gear at the ready Pat and I rode into downtown Wimberley’s favorite homey breakfast spot – you could sort of tell the locals might be thinking as they watched us park, “you poor idiots are going to get wet”. After a hearty Texas sized breakfast we staggered out to the bikes and headed out of town and into the rain. Our first destination was the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum near Leakey, TX (http://www.lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/). On the way out of town we stopped at Kevin Schwantz’s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Schwantz) and admired his what seemed to be miles of concrete driveway.
Kevin Swantz entry gate
I was skeptical when Pat said there were some really nice roads in Texas but I have to admit he was leading me over some really pleasant and scenic terrain – enjoyable even in the rain. BTW, Pat’s bike of choice today was a Yamaha FJR1300. Our next stop of note on the way to Leakey was the “town” of Luckenbach – known more as a tourist and music destination – read more about it on this link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luckenbach,_Texas). The mandatory photos shot, we continued toward Leakey and the museum.
Luchenbach, Texas
We arrived at the museum anxious to get right to the Ace Café section and sample the hot coffee since we had been riding in the rain all the way. However, we were met instead by locked gates and no one around – it seems that the museum is now only open on Friday, Sat, and Sunday now. Disappointed about the museum but still enthusiastic about the days ride – Pat and I headed now toward the famous Three Sisters loop, named for the consecutively numbered roads: TX335, 336, and 337. Pat promised me that this loop was the best Texas had to offer and would not disappoint. Well, I thought, it is Texas… I vowed not to show my real thoughts if the roads turned out to be underwhelming.
Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
On the 3 Sisters Loop – the sign says “Rust in Peace” – I agree…
The Three Sisters loop – now I can say it…Awesome!! Twisty, uphill, downhill, downhill turns, uphill turns, big sweepers, roller coaster style sections that unweight suspensions at the tops and compress them at the bottom. The first section we rode in the rain and it was still great fun, then, like a miracle, the sun came out and dried the pavement up…now the real fun began. But of all the great twists and turns, the one feature that keeps coming back to me is the roller coaster sections – I keep rewinding and replaying over and over in my mind – it was simply a sensation you can’t stop thinking about. I have been on off road sections like that in the desert but rarely on paved road sections with that profile. I see why everyone raves about it…even if it is in Texas. Texas may not have real BBQ but they have at least 3 good roads.
At the end of the day we headed up to Rocksprings, TX and made a lucky hotel find – we stumbled upon the Historic Rocksprings Hotel (http://www.historicrockspringshotel.com/), a delightful place oozing with old school charm and friendliness. We knew we were in the right place when the proprietress checked the weather on her computer to decide if we should park out front or in the covered garage. She also recommended a good place to eat, after which we came back and sat out on the comfortable porch and compared notes of the days ride. I would be heading up to Roswell, NM the next morning and Pat would go home – Rocksprings was picked for our evening stop since it was more in the direction I was headed. We headed up to our rooms for a comfortable and restful sleep so we could pack up and leave early the next morning.
Day 5 video below.
Gilmer Hotel
Gilmer Hotel, Rocksprings, Texas
May your trails be crooked, lonesome, dangerous leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. – Edward Abby
