February 2011
For those who sit at home, pondering why
the glories of life have been hidden.
Shout out these words as you roll on by
"They were yours, if you'd only ridden."
Cappy
Wild West Continued -
I told a little fib in the December SSOM. I promised to continue the story in the January issue. Then I got the bright idea of recapping 2010 with pictures. I am going to try and make up for my transgression by telling you about one of the better rides I have ever experienced
It all started when a friend of a friend told me about a very strong desire to see her birthplace. Her father was stationed at the Laughlin Air Force Base, home of the 47th Flying Training Wing. Due to natural occurrences, she was born in Del Rio. I had been all around Del Rio but never actually passed through, much less stopped there. Until this trip I wasn't even sure what to look for. After a little research and a little help from my friend Dozer, I found there was abundant reason to head in that direction and head in that direction I did.
When I left you in the December SSOM I explained how I got to Water Valley for the Area D Chili Cook-Off. It was quite the adventure up to that point but it paled in comparison to what lie before me.
I rose early and was out of my campsite before dawn. It was a pleasantly cool morning. My leathers were sufficient to keep me comfortably warm. I pointed Amana towards Sterling City where I made a hard left onto FM-163. Here is where I would insert a picture of the sunrise if SSOM were published in color. A B&W photo would not do the morning justice. I will supply you with a link at the end of this article where you can see color photos of one of the finest sunrises I have ever seen.
There are two statues in the little park that I found interesting. One is of Davy Crockett, which is nice enough, and the other, a pioneer family that I found particularly well done. Just behind the park you'll find a museum and other buildings of note. All in all, this short stop is a very pleasant break from the road. I am sure y'all will enjoy a visit to Ozona.
Before leaving town my stomach loudly informed me that it needed attention and not to go a mile further until I took care of it.
Page 2
Crockett County Line Road
Riding out in the middle of nowhere, alone, is not for everyone. For me it is very close to spiritual. It did make me feel a little bit better that I had a can of gas in the pack on the back of Amana. It also made me feel a little more secure when a friendly Border Patrolman stopped to see if I was ok and stayed to chat for a few minutes.
At the end of the county road is the second FM road I had on my list, FM-1024. This FM road is 100% asphalt and a pleasure to ride. FM-1024 ambles about, eventually ending up on US-90 just west of Comstock, which has gas and snacks.
After a fill up, and a Zero bar, the journey continued, eastbound, towards the border town of Del Rio
There are two things that stand out on the trip into Del Rio. One is the number of Border Patrol officers located all along US-90. Yes you will have to go through a check point if you are westbound out of Del Rio. As I passed it going to Del Rio the dog at the check point went crazy. I was thinking, "Rut Roh, the trip back is going to be fun." The second point of interest on this route is the International Amistad Reservoir, just west of Del Rio.
Amistad is quite the recreation area. I saw this body of water as I came into Del Rio from the west. I did not see any boats out on the south side but there were a few on the north side, not as many as I would expect on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Many say it is not safe to be on the water as the members of the Mexican drug cartel may use you as target practice. I passed through safely and at no time did I feel my life was in danger
One thing that always makes me smile is seeing a Share the Road sign. As I entered Del Rio, a STR sign was there to greet me.
Well Buckaroos, it is time to head back to camp and get some of that award winning chili that Tommy Jones has been preparing all day. I would tell you about the great ride back but you can see I am running out of space. I would like to invite you to check out Del Rio 2010. I have color photos of the sunrise and of course many pictures of Del Rio and the surrounding area
