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SPRING 2017 ISSUE 01 / VOL. 02
Another fine example of a Texas gate, with an impressive flagstone driveway. I call these Texas gates, but in other parts of the world, a“ Texas Gate” is what we call a“ cattle guard”— rails set in the ground over a pit to prevent cattle from getting out. They are used instead of gates and can be found on almost any rural Texas Ranch Road.
and not as many curves. We ride her south to her terminus with Highway 55 and then continue on through Barksdale to Camp Wood, where we gas up for the return leg on Sister 337.
From here to Vanderpoole is arguably the best section of 337, and one of the best of the three, though everyone has their favorite. We pass through Leakey again and detour slightly at Vanderpoole to say“ Hi” to Alan Johncock at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. If it were lunchtime, we might have an Aussie Meat Pie or a burger; Alan’ s wife does a great job with either. Alan is an Aussie and he and Debbie know their meat pies! But this time it’ s a cold soda and back down to 337. At this point, we could continue straight for a few miles on 187 and pick up FM 470 back into Bandera. But 470 is relatively flat and we need one more go at the twisties on 337 before we quit.
After 170 miles and six hours with several stops for photos, we arrive home with grins. Although there’ s the Lone Star Museum and some great pullouts with beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country, this ride is less about roadside attractions and more about the roads and riding. It has been a great ride, and one that is close by whenever the urge strikes.