Subject: HCR IV - Coyote ride report Resent-Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 20:56:55 -0400 Resent-From: vulcan@vroc.org Date: 10 Apr 2001 00:56:55 GMT From: "Coyote" Organization: Vulcan Riders and Owners Club (VROC) local newserver Newsgroups: local.vroc.techtalk After much anticipation and rainy weather, April 6-8 marked the 4th annual Texas Hill Country ride. The Hill Country hadn't seen such a commotion since A&M scientists proved Bevo was gay. (note 1) I started out with thoughts of meeting a large DFWVROC group on 67, but, I arrived early and decided not to wait, making the 4 1/2 hour ride by myself (great therapy). I also learned on the ride down that one shouldn't yawn during Mayfly season. Mayflies lack texture and need salt. This was by far the largest turnout of the annual HCR events to date, however, no one knows how many were there since no one bothered to count. Oldman, with a little help from Slash, did a great job organizing the event and, in appreciation, by unanimous vote, was appointed "HCR organizer for life" of all future HCR events. He was overcome by the honor. I regret to say, there were far too many participants to remember all their names, but, I am sure Oldman will post a list later. Thursday was the day for people to begin trickling into Fredericksburg and by evening the trickle became a flood as Vulcans were everywhere. The first stop of significance was the now traditional 4:30pm Luckenbach stop for a beer followed by a group dinner at a fine Mexican establishment next door to the hotel. The crowd became large and lively as VROC filled up the entire smoking area of the restaurant and management was relieved when most participants demonstrated the means to foot the bill after many margaritas. Friday morning brought cloudy skies and perfect temperatures for the days festivities. Oldman paced the parking lot passing out maps and looking for LOTR (Leader of the Ride) volunteers. B-man and X paced nervously, a crazed look in their eyes, as they mentally prepared for the WFO (Wide F**kin' Open) pack leadership. Oldman led the stately group while Chewy volunteered for (and was later fired) as the LOTR of the geezer group. Viper and I decided for bonus miles as we snuck out and added a few roads to the planned route. We encountered all of the packs later on 337, however, they were not all headed the same direction. The WFO pack was headed back after completing the 3's (337, 336, and 335) while the stately group was somehow inadvertently passed by the geezers creating much confusion. The geezer group was spread over several miles after Chewy found he had misunderstood the route map and had to step up the pace to avoid being late for lunch (and possibly dinner) at his current pace. Wiliedog revolted from the WFO pack after encountering Viper and I at lunch in Camp wood and he finished the rest of the ride with us at a more leisurely pace (80-90) than the WFO pack. Everyone survived. Friday night was the official dinner of the weekend with Slash outdoing herself in the planning. The dress code was strictly enforced (Ties optional) as we found ourselves among finery such as real tablecloths and something other than plastic silverware. A fine semi-German meal of brats and sauerkraut along with red cabbage and beer was served. The wisdom of the menu selection was later questioned as many members complained of extreme roommate flatulence the next morning. Prizes were awarded and group pictures were taken to commemorate the event. Saturday morning found a boisterous crowd back in the parking lot with multiple packs forming. B-man again had the crazed look as LOTR of the WFO pack. Oldman again led the stately group and Chewy was fired by the geezers. A new group known as Super-Geezers was formed out of the remnants. I made the mistake of riding drag on the WFO group and after delaying on passing a car found myself behind doing 105 and not gaining on the pack. I gave up and joined the stately group when we caught them later. Lunch at Coopers was a fine event with Chewy praising Wags stunt riding demonstration earlier in the morning, which involved a stone fence, some mailboxes, trashbags, and a gate followed by a sideways sliding stop. The line at Coopers was long but well worth the wait. After lunch, some of the packs then split up and headed different directions. I ended up riding the Willow City Loop with Wiliedog where we encountered more VROCers admiring the scenery and wildflowers. We then figured out we might be late for the 4:30pm beer at Luckenbach and we twisted the throttle hard to get there on time. This throttle twistin' led to us both getting shamed by the 125 HP Ultra owned by Zack. That is one fast machine. Saturday night found groups splitting up for dinner as I joined Chewy, Wiliedog, Charlie and Peggy, Tricky Dick, and Thumper for dinner at a 5 star restaurant (Chili's). Afterward a large crowd gathered by the motel pool for more beers and margaritas. Good-byes were said as plans were made to leave the following morning. Rather than try to name all the people who attended, look at http://members.home.net/yutzee/hcr4.html and get a good idea of who was there. It was a great experience seeing old friends again and meeting people I had not yet met. Every HCR has been fun and unique, but, this was one of the best with the weather cooperating, for a change, and the best wildflowers we have seen yet. For all who attended, thanks for a great time. Pictures later. Coyote VROC# 350 1500E1 Ft. Worth, TX (Note 1 to non-Texans: Bevo = University of Texas Longhorns Football mascot)