txcwdancer Ride: Texas Big Bend 2008

[vroc13091]

Myself and about a dozen or so Texas VROCers, Wingers, and Harley riders are going to Meet in Big Bend (MIBB) starting on Thursday 4/24 through Monday 4/28.

I will be updating a blog at 200804bigbend.blogspot.com as we go. It will not be chronological since I will be posting snippets when I can get a connection. I usually update my travel blogs with a daily summary and photos at the end of the day.

We are basing ourselves at the Holland Hotel in Alpine.

The "proposed" Ride Plan (Always subject to drastic change right before KSU) is near the end of the thread on this link:

http://texasvroc.proboards7.com/inde...ead=301&page=1

For those that would like to ride along via the internet, look here for notices of blog updates. Major updates and photo uploads will occur late in the evening.

Round Rock Departure KSU is 7AM Thursday.

[waterman]

Chuck,

Looks like a fun time in Texas. Take care and be safe. I will be looking forward to the blog.

[vroc13091]

Why do installations always take longer and need more parts than planned.

I leave for Big Bend in the morning and I have just now got my J & M Intergrator IV Intercom with/FM finally installed. I've been working the last four evenings getting the wiring, mounts and cables all installed. It's not perfect but will do for this trip

Now I can start packing and get a couple hours sleep before my 5:30 AM wakeup.

Below is a picture of the Nomad c0ckpit

Far left is a quick disconnect camera mount.
Next is a Kenwood TH-D&A Ham Radio
Next is the J & M Intergrator IV
On the right is the Zumo 550
On the tank is the XM antenna for XM Radio and Traffic/Weather alerts feeding the Zumo.
Plus my Treo will bluetooth through the Zumo and interface via the intercom to the speakers & mike in my helmet.

I think I am wired!!!

[vroc13091]

I'm headed out the door.

Meeting Rokker, McDaddy at KFC here in Round Rock. Then meet Jefe in Cedar Park where we'll have breakfast.

Pick Up the Riders from South Austin in Johnson City. Then on to Kerrville to meet up with the East Texas bunch. Then the Alamo at Bracketville, Del Rio, Judge Roy Bean in Langtry and finally Alpine for the night.

Will post updates when I can at:

200804bigbend.blogspot.com

[vroc13091]

Thing went pretty much as planned.

Breakfast in Cedar Park (had two visitors Plunge & DanL) gave us a send off.

Met Woody, Jerry, BlueTongue, & Puffy in Johnson City.

Hooked up with Trip, Coon, & Krash in Kerrivlle.

Arr Alpine about 7:30 PM on schedule.

More details tomorrow.

Tired.....need sleep...


L to R
Front: Krash, Monkerz, McDaddy, Bluetongue
Back: Santos, Trip, Chuck, Hudd, Woody, Puffy, Rokker, Coon
Missing: Jerry H.




Trip may now be called Dances with Deer instead of Dances with Nomads.....Details tomorrow.... Stay Tuned

Lookin forward to details.

[vroc13091]

Blog updated with pictures but not much narrative.
200804bigbend.blogspot.com


Very slow internet connection.

Went to McDonald Observatory and Ft. Davis for lunch during the day. Some went back to the observatory for a star party. Others went to try and catch the Marfa lights. The rest just hung at the hotel visiting and libation consumption.

Out tomorrow at around 9AM for more ridding

[vroc13091]

Today we awoke to much cooler temperatures and drizzle. It rains about 3 inches a year and much of it happened last night. Temps during the day yesterday ranged from high 70s to 98 depending upon where we were in the Park.

This morning it started out about 48 with drizzle and about mid morning dropped to 42 with a wind chill of 36. Cleared off about 2 PM.


Needless to say we most of the group chose not to ride. We spent a lot of time just visiting. That is what is great about these situations.



Saturday 18 bikes we into Big Bend.

Blog has updated pictures.
200804bigbend.blogspot.com

[vroc13091]

I''m back at home. Rolled in about 5PM. Left Alpine at 9AM. 430 miles. Gotta love that 80 MPH speed limit on I-10 from Ft. Stockton to Junction.

McDaddy led the way to Junction. Stopped for an hour lunch.

Puffy, Monkerz, Jefe, and Woody headed for South Austin. McDaddy Trip, Coon, Rokker, & I headed to parts east.

McDaddy & Rokker should be home by now.

Trip & Coon were going to decide in Hutto whether to push ahead or spend the night.

It was an outstanding day to ride.

Except, my friend Jerry's GoldWing quitting about 20 miles east of Alpine with a probable electrical interlock problem. He had it towed to Midland but the Honda place there isn't keen on working with electrical problems. We're in the process of getting a trailer to go and pick it up and bring it back to Austin.

I'll update the blog and post a link to photo-bucket where the pictures will be stored later this week.

[vroc13091]

From the McDonald Observatory main parking lot.

Trip may be affiliated with aliens. Notice that shinny dome on top of his head.....