Well, this morning I get to Dan's motel about five minutes early and he's outside the front door standing by a very nice 1500, motor running and warmed up. This guy's as eager to ride as I am. A few minutes of introduction and minor ride planning.
Dan's plan was to take US180 west to Albany and south from there. But he had some extra time to spend before getting to Big Sping, so I throw in about an hour's worth of detours to his plan.
Detour 1.We leave Mineral Wells south on US281. A nice wide 2-lane that winds downhill and across an old steel arch bridge over the Brazos to IH20. Just before IH20, we turned west on TX2201 to Santo. From Santo, north on TX4 to Palo Pinto. This little stretch of road is only about 15 miles long but is consistently voted one of the Top Ten roads by the readers of Ride Texas magazine. Its a red-headed step sister of the Twisted Sisters.Dan had never been on it, so it was a must. From Palo Pinto, back on US180 to Albany.
Detour 2. About 15 miles later, we turn north on TX16 for Possum Kingdom Lake. We cross the Brazos again just below the PK dam. Literaly below the elevation of the dam. A couple miles past this is a state fish hatchery. DO NOT ride pass here on a hot August day unless you can hold your breath five minutes. Even then the smell will be on your clothing for the rest of the day. The road takes a sharp right and starts an uphill climb. Halfway up the climb, the road makes a blind sharp left against the hillside. Stop here. There is a small overlook with enough parking for two cars or maybe six bikes. Looking back to the south, we're a couple hundred feet above the Loving Ranch. There a historical marker that explains this was the ranch that was the basis for the movie Lonesome Dove. I don't think any of the filming was done here. Its just setting for the movie. Next shortly after that, take a left and stop at the overlook a couple hundred feet ABOVE the dam. Impressive site. From here, back to US180 via the same road we were just on, and west for Albany.
Albany an interesting little town. Population is about a thousand, mostly ranchers and businesses that support ranching. The nearest metro area is Abilene, 35 miles southwest. But little Albany has a major world class art museum behind a very unique courthouse. And on the western edge of town is the Hereford Motel. What looks like a movie set for an old western movie with sherrifs office, jail, blacksmith, general store, etc. But the door to each of those shops is actually a door to a motel room.
Dan's plan was to go south from here on US283. Nope. Detour 3. We continue west on US180 for about 6 or 7 miles and turn left on TX351. This goes straight to Abilene. About halfway, the road passes through the Abilene Wind Farm. At least a hundred of the huge 3-bladed turbine generators. Stopped for a couple of pictures.
In Abilene, we stopped for gas, went to Dan's exit off IH20. He went south, and I started my ride back home. I was very surprised when I got Dan's email last night. But very pleased I did. It was along day, close to 400 miles. And made me think maybe an attempt at an Iron Butt ride isn't really realistic for me. But it was great and I have no doubt I'll do it again. Even sooner if any of you want to join me.
And Dan. A great ride partner and a super person in general. Thanks for inviting me, Dan, and for putting up with my detours.
Take care all and ride safe
