Chasing the Twisted Sisters!
Stan Brein
I am going to take a point of personal privilege. It is an issue that all motorcyclists think about often—safety. Folks who have been at the Ranch for a bit recall the days of isolation when few cars were seen on Robson Ranch Road. “When are we going to get some development out here?” was a common topic of discussion. In a case of be careful what you wish for, it’s now here. An additional entrance on Orangewood Drive. Harvest. The Ridge. Three cut throughs to FM 407. Stores and restaurants on both FM 407 and Robson Ranch Road. Left turns across two lanes of traffic with no turning lanes. Right turns without turning lanes. A quantum increase in the number of westbound cars bypassing the Ranch and barreling through to Strader Road. We have already had several crashes at the entrance. Recently, we have had a pedestrian crash and bicycle crash within the Ranch.
Robson Ranch Road is a textbook case of a complex thoroughfare. It grew like a pubescent adolescent not wanting to be reined in. Regardless of what was done or not done, planned for or not planned for, or what will be installed or not installed, we have to deal with what we have. The intersection of Robson Ranch Road and Cleveland Gates Road has countless permutations of hazardous scenarios.
Motorcyclists (most) understand the risks involved in our mode of transportation and take the mantra, “Be responsible for your own safety.” In a recent post on a motorcycle forum for new riders asking for guidance, I responded, “Every car on the road is a danger to you. Do not be afraid. Be cautious.” Not abiding this has dire consequences; much greater than the consequences for car drivers (cagers). Under the best circumstances, we are still at the mercy of other drivers. But you try to increase the odds as much as possible in your favor. We await the traffic light being installed, but we still ask Rhett every month if we can drive golf carts across Robson Ranch Road. Please drive with self-preservation in mind. You most certainly also preserve someone else. Be safe, everyone!
We were going to celebrate Carrylyn Jacob’s birthday with her captaining a ride to My Café on Aug. 20, but the weather got in the way. I mean, we need the rain, but why does it have to rain on the days we plan to ride. We will reschedule. Sept. 15 is the lunch ride to Blue Bayou at Eagle Mountain Lake. It’s close by but seems like many miles away.
The fantastic Arizona trip is Sept. 18 through the 26th. Jeff Stieber will captain and has planned a great route: West Texas; Socorro, N.M.; Central and Northern Arizona.
The annual Great Granbury Getaway is Oct. 10-11 to see El Loco Fandango, the ZZ Top tribute at the Opera House.
And don’t forget to get your coat for the Coats for Kids Ride. No motorcycle needed!
See you on the road!
Beware of cagers, and keep the rubber side down.