Southeast Texas DOC

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Coldspring Ride — August 10, 2008

This was the first "official" club day ride in several months. Six riders on six bikes (all Ducatis) showed up for breakfast and the ride. With temperatures near 100° expected today's ride would be shorter than usual. Breakfast was at the IHOP, US 59 and FM 1960. From there we headed a short distance up US 59 to FM 1485, where we veered off into the country. Our route took us along FM 1484, Browder Traylor Rd, FM 3081 and FM 1725 to FM 2693.

Now deep in the Sam Houston National Forest, FM 2693 was one of our destination roads. Those desiring a more spirited ride split off and pulled ahead of the pack, waiting up for us at the next turn. New member Brian had had enough of summer heat and multiple layers--riding pants over jeans--taking the opportunity to get his jeans off while the we caught up. A short ride up SH 150 brought us to our second destination, FM 945. Once again the fast riders took off while the rest of us meandered through the forest. A quick jog at SH 156 brought us to our third and most interesting destination, FM 224. This beautiful ride over hills and around curves--sometimes both at once--leads towards Lake Livingston and Wolf Creek Park. Safety was on our minds, this being our first return here since last April when several of our riders ran off this fairly technical road. Today most of us took in the scenery at a modest pace, while the faster riders pulled ahead to enjoy the road's more challenging aspects. Eventually a few pokey "Sunday drivers" interfered, allowing the rest of us to catch up. FM 224 finally popped out at SH 156 again, where we grouped up, turned and headed for Coldspring.

Next a quick gas stop, then over to Elaine's Restaurant for lunch. Their cafeteria-style buffet has been a mainstay for hungry bikers for years. Usually tasty, today it seemed a bit off and less enjoyable. But the company was great! We had a good time cooling off, hydrating and eating.

The trip home began by heading down FM 2025 towards Cleveland. We wound our way through town to SH 105, turning east to SH 321, then south to FM 1008, our afternoon destination. This scenic road winds through forests and prairies. Halfway through, in the middle of asbolutely-nowhere, we discovered a stop light--solar powered, with a microwave link to another one down the road. It had been set up to control traffic across a bridge, down to one lane during construction. Odd place to wait on a long red light with nobody in sight. Once through, FM 1008 took us through Kenefick and into Dayton. We took a short rest then split up for the final leg home. Those heading for the west and northwest side of Houston took FM 1960 across Lake Houston. Those headed to Clear Lake picked up SH 146, crossing the ship channel on the Fred Hartmann Bridge.

Alas, the "no rain" forecast for the day almost came proved correcct--but not quite. Going through La Porte we hit just enough rain to dirty the bikes with road spray. A small price to pay for a good day's ride!

Photos by Carr S.

Brian, Jerome and Juan at Breakfast

Brian and Jerome

Gerald

Valerie

Lunch in Coldspring at Elaine's

Gerald and Valerie ready to ride home

Brian's sweet 1098s Tricolore

Dayton, the final stop

In Dayton

Brian checking his bike over

Juan, Jerome and Valerie at Dayton

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Home > Ride & Event Gallery > Coldspring Ride — August 10, 2008

This was the first "official" club day ride in several months. Six riders on six bikes (all Ducatis) showed up for breakfast and the ride. With temperatures near 100° expected today's ride would be shorter than usual. Breakfast was at the IHOP, US 59 and FM 1960. From there we headed a short distance up US 59 to FM 1485, where we veered off into the country. Our route took us along FM 1484, Browder Traylor Rd, FM 3081 and FM 1725 to FM 2693. Now deep in the Sam Houston National Forest, FM 2693 was one of our destination roads. Those desiring a more spirited ride split off and pulled ahead of the pack, waiting up for us at the next turn. New member Brian had had enough of summer heat and multiple layers--riding pants over jeans--taking the opportunity to get his jeans off while the we caught up. A short ride up SH 150 brought us to our second destination, FM 945. Once again the fast riders took off while the rest of us meandered through the forest. A quick jog at SH 156 brought us to our third and most interesting destination, FM 224. This beautiful ride over hills and around curves--sometimes both at once--leads towards Lake Livingston and Wolf Creek Park. Safety was on our minds, this being our first return here since last April when several of our riders ran off this fairly technical road. Today most of us took in the scenery at a modest pace, while the faster riders pulled ahead to enjoy the road's more challenging aspects. Eventually a few pokey "Sunday drivers" interfered, allowing the rest of us to catch up. FM 224 finally popped out at SH 156 again, where we grouped up, turned and headed for Coldspring. Next a quick gas stop, then over to Elaine's Restaurant for lunch. Their cafeteria-style buffet has been a mainstay for hungry bikers for years. Usually tasty, today it seemed a bit off and less enjoyable. But the company was great! We had a good time cooling off, hydrating and eating. The trip home began by heading down FM 2025 towards Cleveland. We wound our way through town to SH 105, turning east to SH 321, then south to FM 1008, our afternoon destination. This scenic road winds through forests and prairies. Halfway through, in the middle of asbolutely-nowhere, we discovered a stop light--solar powered, with a microwave link to another one down the road. It had been set up to control traffic across a bridge, down to one lane during construction. Odd place to wait on a long red light with nobody in sight. Once through, FM 1008 took us through Kenefick and into Dayton. We took a short rest then split up for the final leg home. Those heading for the west and northwest side of Houston took FM 1960 across Lake Houston. Those headed to Clear Lake picked up SH 146, crossing the ship channel on the Fred Hartmann Bridge. Alas, the "no rain" forecast for the day almost came proved correcct--but not quite. Going through La Porte we hit just enough rain to dirty the bikes with road spray. A small price to pay for a good day's ride!
Photos by Carr S.
Brian, Jerome and Juan at Breakfast		Brian and Jerome
Gerald		Valerie
Lunch in Coldspring at Elaine's		Gerald and Valerie ready to ride home
Brian's sweet 1098s Tricolore		Dayton, the final stop
In Dayton		Brian checking his bike over
Juan, Jerome and Valerie at Dayton