The group that went to Nacona, Texas
We visited the Horton Classic Car Museum.
Stan Brein
Sometimes the riding is so good that you get wrapped up in the journey. You become oblivious to your location and whereabouts, just drinking in the Zen of the ride. That’s how it was on September 15, which obviously was the first unintended mystery ride of the season. Two club members embarked from the Clubhouse on the Thursday ride at 10:30 a.m. for a day of two-wheeled adventure. As this reporter is responsible for the monthly column in the Pioneer Press, I try to follow up to get details to share with other club members and to use as fodder for the article along with a couple of pictures. The information I was able to obtain was that, “… we went somewhere and ate someplace.” The absence of pictures (motorcyclists always like to take pictures of themselves and their bikes) thickened the plot. So I was either being snubbed or the destination was Groom Lake in Area 51. However, the 3:00 p.m. return to the Ranch would rule that out. Glad that Joe Ace and Ricky Hales had a great time. Good to have you out with the gang, Ricky.
On the following Thursday, Ed and Elaine Barnett led a group to the promised land of the finest baseball gloves made: Nocona, Texas. The backroads ride up there, culminating in the swooping view of the Red River Valley, was enchanting. Nocona was once a stop on the famous Chisholm Trail cattle drive. The area later was noted as the home of Justin cowboy boots, Nokona baseball gloves and the North Field oil field, which brought the oil industry to north Texas. Our food destination was the Times Forgotten Steak House, rated very well on all the websites. The locked door at 11:55 a.m. was at first thought to be bad timing until a local resident told us the restaurant was down for the count. Being a resourceful bunch we noticed that the Red River Pizzeria was across the street. The recently opened restaurant at 223 Clay Street is next to the famous Red River Station Inn. It is described as a whimsical, eclectic, funky boutique hotel featuring 10 guest rooms decorated in historically significant themes, each telling the story of one of Montague County’s unique characters of the past. Anyway, the Red River Pizzeria has an atmosphere conducive to sitting, chatting and eating. The owner is from Peoria, Illinois and pursued training in pizza baking in Toronto, Ontario (go figure). All agreed that the pizza was worth a return trip.
Well, the walk across the street allowed us to spy the Horton Classic Car Museum around the corner from the pizzeria at 115 W. Walnut Street. The collection of classic cars, mostly Corvettes, is impressive and worth a couple of hours of your time. Pete and Barbara Horton did very well in the oil business (Peba Oil Company), allowing them to pursue their car passion. One hundred and twenty five immaculate classic cars, each with its own backstory written beside it, is satisfying to the soul. I would rate this a must see. Ed and Elaine Barnett, Joseph Ace, Jim Sico, Norm Zilinsky and Stan Brein went along for the ride.
The Fall Changing of the Colors ride to Arkansas will be to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Eureka Springs and Hot Springs. Andy McConnell and LT and Mary Bryant completed an advance scouting trip earlier in September. Check MyGrove for complete information.
Beware of cagers and keep the rubber side down!