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Hmmmmmmm? 🤔💭🏍

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Another ride is in the books as we chased shadows and out ran the south Texas rain. This trip was a little bit different from past trips as Chris and I decided two things, not to photo document as much while on the road, and also to be very respectful of the weather. Our last trip ended abruptly when my Beemer decided to take a nap in the middle of a Texas flood. Determined to not allow that same occurrence to happen again we remained very flexible with the schedule since the Texas spring weather can be unpredictable. That flexibility paid off for us during the San Antonio stop over as we bailed a day early in order to avoid an incoming rain storm. Our trip included rides through towns like Marble Falls, San Antonio, Victoria, Galveston, and LaGrange, with overnight stops in San Antonio and Galveston. As always, it was a great ride, although very windy most of the time. In order to take advantage of the weather situation we ended our trip a little early by leaving San Antonio a day early as also leaving Galveston a day earlier than planned. But being flexible with the schedule made for less headaches in the long run. In total we rode somewhere in the neighborhood of 770 miles on this trip and as you can see from the pictures, we also enjoyed our “rest” time. Both San Antonio and Galveston don’t lack in the nightlife offerings as San Antonio had Festival going on and Galveston had the Wine Fest along with the Art Walk happening on The Strand. The mix of good food and good drink, along with the always fun people watching had both of us laughing non stop. Good Times, Amazing Destinations, and Great Friends !! Can’t wait for the next road trip. Maybe next time we’ll head North. “ keep the shiny side up” Joe- April 24, 2018

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The time has come for another road trip !!!!!! After the impromptu end to our last road trip caused by the wrath of Mother Nature Chris and I just haven’t been able to sync our schedules, until now. In less than two weeks we will once again hit the road after nearly two years of just taking solo rides and talking about the need for a trip ReDo. There is no current “route” planned at this time but we will probably hit up San Antonio for a night or two and then the same in Galveston. Overall it should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 900-1000 miles of Texas roads. More updates to come. Joe - 4/9/18

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Stopped off in cedar park to check out Colossal at @alamodrafthousefood great film! Heading north to wrap up this day trip! -- chris 4.22.17

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On my way back west towards Cedar Park to hopefully check out Colossal later @alamodrafthousefood lakeline. Had to stop a a scenic overlook and wet my whistle at the double horn because Texas craft beer. 🍺👌🏻 -- chris 4.22.17

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Chilly ride this morning (55 degrees) down to Kingsland, Tx for brunch at the grand central cafe. Otherwise known as the Texas Chainsaw Massacre house from the 1974 Tobe Hooper Classic! 👌🏻😱 -- chris 4.22.17

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Waco, city with a soul.

-- chris 4/17/17

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Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. Traded in the sport tourer for a cruiser, but kept it in the Kawasaki family. Now the race is on to get this girl road warrior ready before Joe and I take another trip. Excited for the totally new way of experiencing Texas and beyond. So far my favorite feature are the stock drag bars. This bike makes me feel way cooler than I actually am. 2016 Vulcan Custom 900cc. Weather permitting I’m planning a solo stint to break in the engine on or around 4/22/17. Stay tuned. --Chris

[joechrisbike]

Had a great ride yesterday….

After a 4 wheel trip down to Galveston with Chris Martin I took a nice solo trip from Waco to Denton. In an effort to avoid the heavy construction, distracted drivers, and overall boring ride of Interstate 35, I decided to take a hook to the West. It only added about 55 mikes to the overall trip but included countless scenic views that made the trip well worth it. Since I wasn’t under a time crunch and was looking forward to a nice and relaxing ride to the North I didn’t mind the added time due to slower traffic and stops for photo ops. The only downside to the ride was the heavy wind that made some stretches of the ride a bit “lean” worthy. Can’t wait to make that trip again…..in reverse

Joe—3-20-17

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Bike bath day! chris- 11.12.16

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Weather permitting….Considering a impromptu solo ride south next weekend. Possible stops along the way (in no particular order) La Grange, because, well, La Grange. “Last chance gas station" (now operating under the name We Slaughter Barbecue) from 1973 Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Joe and I visited this location in ‘09 on 4 wheels and it was scary for different reasons. Interested to see what Roy Rose has done with the place, attempting to rebuild it back to how it appeared in the film, part restaurant, part music venue, part motel (4 cabins out back). Had planned to hit up the supposedly haunted Wunsche Bros. cafe and saloon in Old Town Spring. Not for the ghosts but the awesome burgers. Seems to be permanently closed. Another memorable location from my childhood bites the dust. Hoping to roll up on some new memorable locations. See ya down the road, vaya con dios amigos. – chris 11.11.16

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I guess the road gremlins are in full effect this year. First there was the complete shut down of our Spring road trip due to what seemed like 20 feet of rain and the unexpected cardiac arrest suffered by my Beemer. Then Mr. Martin had the unfortunate opportunity of grabbing a nail with his rear tire at 65mph on the highway causing a quick change of plans to his day. ( mid summer heat not helping the cause )

Not to be outdone, I decided to pick up a tire passenger on the way home from work yesterday. Looks like my barely used tire will need to be replaced. Due to location of the hole I’m not overly optimistic that a plug would hold for too long.

11/1/16 Joe-

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Back in the Saddle

Well, after about three months of a broken down bike and then a leg injury, I was able to take a short ride this morning. I just went on a short 65 mile jaunt around the North Texas area. The bike seemed to run pretty good and my leg held up the scooter at stop lights, so I’d say that all is well and riding season is back.

Joe- 9/4/16

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Even the daily commute comes with its challenges. Rear flat while going 65mph on a hwy / construction zone. Used techniques discussed in rider safety course to bring the bike to a safe stop. Thankfully I was only about 5 miles from home. Next order of business, tire repair kit. #looseballoon --chris 8.5.16

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Well, here is the post trip breakdown of the breakdown. After getting home and taking a day or so to decompress about a trip that wasn't, I may have found the culprit that led to the stoppage at 50mph in the rain. Once I got the tank off the bike I found that the plug for the HALL sensor had exposed wires. There is a good chance that these were the wires that shorted out in the storm. I cleaned them up, applied liquid electrical tape, and then wrapped in a rubber sealant tape. I also changed the plugs since I had everything apart and it was time anyway ( see picture ). I thought I was done at that point, but then the starter had other plans. It was either my testing of the plugs or the repeated attempts to get the bike started, but the starter decided to go on a permanent holiday. I am now looking to acquire a new starter so I can get back on the road. Joe- 6-7-16

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We are the Rain Kings.  -- chris 5.31.16

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Now that everyone is back home safe I can say that even though the trip was cut way too short and I have a motorcycle in my garage that needs to be repaired, it was still a trip worth taking. Even in the stressful times Chris and I still managed to make each other laugh and remind one another that it still beats being at work. We have a good story to tell about flooded roads, crazy old men on pay phones, and storm chasers. I can't wait to set up the next road trip on two wheels....... Be safe !!! Joe 5/28/16