We had a great day and incredible weather for a ride to the west and to see Palo Pinto. ValkPilot, BNB Tom, Bill and Ann (not sure of the handles) joined for a 4 bike ride to Palo Pinto through Krum, Forestburg, Montague and Jacksboro.
During the trip, we had a few grasshoppers and other insects trying to hitch a ride with us. I personally collected some big fat grasshoppers in the fairing "scoop" and had a few legs sticking out the vent on the dashboard. Just before Montague, I collected a wasp inside my helmet (I named him "Elvis") the shield was fully up and when he came in, we were both surprised. I remember reading about this subject just a day or so ago on the forum, so reacted by opening the helmet and Elvis, being on the chinbar, went with it. I leaned my head back to blow him out and then pulled the helmet back to close it, but Elvis was just enjoying the ride and still there. So I opened the helmet back up and rode like that for 15 miles or so to Montage. When we reached a stop sign, I yanked the helmet off and fortunately, Elvis had left the building. From that point on, only grasshoppers hitting my legs, boots, knees, etc occurred as I left my shield down.
After a gas stop in Jacksboro, we continued onto Hwy 4 and then our lunch in Palo Pinto, where we found TJ waiting for us on his beemer. We ate at Red's Grill, Grocery and Gas. I had a salad but everyone else had burgers and onion rings. No one complained so guess the food was good - my salad was. On the tables, the napkin dispensers had a note about a Constitutional Exhibit at the museum, just a block or 2 away. Bill and Ann wanted to continue to Possum Kingdom lake and left us at this time. The rest of us walked to the courthouse and after Tom unsuccessfully tried to break in, found the museum a block further southeast. Very nice lady there took us through the museum and then led us through the multiple pioneer cabins on the property and the old jail. The old jail has a very interesting feature I've never seen in a jail - pictures later. We got the full tour - I think she was very happy to find a receptive audience.
Walked back to the bikes and ValkPilot took off down 180 back towards Fort Worth. Tom, TJ and I continued down Hwy 4 to I-20. The route between 180 and I-20 has multiple 25mph switchback turns and may be the best twisty road within 200 miles. Scraped the pegs a few times trying to keep up with TJ - not too successfully, I might add.
We reached I-20 and TJ kept going down Hwy 4. Tom and I continued east on I-20. Tom exited in Fort Worth on 820 and I went on to Arlington, arriving home around 3:40pm.
Pictures:
At Red's Grill
Valkpilot was on his phone and out the picture
While visiting the jail, saw this from the 1st floor. Wonder what it's for?
OH - now I see
They put a trap door and a noose above it - must have been effective at keeping everyone in line. Per the curator, it was never used. They used a large tree at the courthouse for hanging.
That's it! Thanks for those who rode.
RainMaker
