Stan Brein How quickly the cool weather is upon us! We have seemingly gone from late summer/early fall to “where’s my heavy jacket?” so quickly. Makes the 101-degree days of August seem like a distant memory. Not! Halloween decorations have been put up, and the Thanksgiving orange, yellow, and browns abound. The holiday lights are…
Stan Brein Welcome to fall, finally. We are blessed with marvelous weather, wonderful views, and great fellowship—and, of course, delicious dining. This is the essence of motorcycling. It was a stacked month. Led by Ride Captain Mike Conley, an enthusiastic group embarked on the annual trip to Granbury on Sept. 29. With a westward start,…
Stan Brein The heat may slow us down, but it can’t stop us! Like all outdoor activities, we adjust our riding styles and strategies according to the weather: early morning and late afternoon/evening trips; lots of hydration before, during, and after (hence, more roadside stops); and indoor, air-conditioned destinations. It won’t be long before the…
Stan Brein Blazing heat. Long daylight. Dry, dusty roads. Hot seats. Remembering to hydrate. Soaked clothes. Sunscreen. The rituals of summer abound for motorcyclists. Check that tire pressure. Is the gas in the tank stale? Where did all that dust and dirt come from? As the calendar turns, there are so many events that we…
Stan Brein Part of the fun of being in a motorcycle club is the planning and anticipation of group rides. Of particular interest are those overnight and extended trips that occur annually. Each year at the annual planning meeting, the event is placed on the yearly calendar so members can lock in those dates. Members…
Stan Brein “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas, with Waylon and Willie and the boys ….” The 1977 song written by Chips Moman and Bobby Gene Emmons and performed by Waylon Jennings was a great introduction to the Texas Hill Country for Joyce and me. Having arrived in Austin from Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1976, it inspired…
Stan Brein February through March is an odd season for motorcycle riding. The temperatures are beginning to thaw, and we have days of warm weather, perfect for riding. Then the thermometer plunges, rain falls, and the riding is not so pleasant. So, during this time, we try to take care of other tasks related to…
Stan Brein What a hand! Word has it that an Ace and three Steves (Williams, Collins, and Haugen) have been riding their scooters on Wednesday morning outings. Can’t really blame them. What great cruising weather, especially after the intense heat we suffered through over the summer. Hey guys, we want to see pictures and want…
Stan Brein Ah, fall! The die-hards ride in all weather, including the furnace of summer. Unfortunately, it just lasts too long in Texas. But riding in fall is superb. Crisp mornings give way to pleasant midday temperatures and sunny skies—perfect for cruising and eating at your favorite spots. The journeys this month kicked off with…
Stan Brein Paths: Summer Mountain Ride to New Mexico and Colorado. This ride captures the essence of great motorcycling. The distance is just enough to give it the feel of a good, long ride. The roads and vistas are perfect for a little carving and sightseeing. Finally, and definitely important these days, the temperatures are absolutely…