Wingin' it to Texas

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Day # 8 -- 74th Motor Maids National Convention July 8,9,10th 2014

What a day this has been!!!! We started off with a Welcome Meeting from 8-11. President Susan Gibson graciously welcomed all members and thanked everyone for their attendance. Special recognition was given to all "Newbies" as they were attending their 1st convention. The Mayor of Kerrville welcomed us to the city of Kerrville with a brief history of this great city. What a great speaker and before he left he let us know he also is a motorcyclist.

We had free time to visit the hospitality room where snacks and refreshments where available. The coffee pot was brewing with fresh coffee to go along with those "killer" red velvet cupcakes.

The History room with all the photos, trophies, and awards were a sight to see. I even saw tickets to the "Charity Newsies" motorcycle races that were held in Columbus, Ohio many years ago. My first introduction to the Motor Maids was in Columbus in the late 60's. I said then-someday I am going to ride with those ladies. Fast forward four decades and I am a Motor Maid and proud to say I have been a member since 2006.

Today also found us shopping at the Motor Maids Mall, buying Legends shirts, and viewing all the goodies in the Raffle room. Sure hope I win that beautiful stain glass item.

We all met in the front of the Inn for a group photo followed by our Florida District photo. At 7:45 all the feral cats were herded up and put on their bikes in a staggered formation for our convention parade. We led two buses of wounded veterans approximately 10 miles to the VA Hospital here in Kerrville. What an honor to see the streets lined in people waving and cheering as about 250 women motorcyclists paraded through town. The Kerrville Police Department did a great job blocking every intersection until all bikes had cleared. We met lots of veterans--some in wheelchairs-some wheeled out front in beds, and others just waving at everyone. After shaking hands and hugging all those sweet men we gave special thanks to all of them for serving and protecting us. And the rest is history--those "teary" eyed Motor Maids returned to the Inn for the night.

Posted with Blogsy

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Day # 7--240 Miles--Twisted Sisters Ride

The Texas Hill Country has some of the best motorcycling riding. Today we rode 240 miles on twisties, hair-pin curves, steep grades, and huge dips. The roads included Ranch roads 335, 336, and 337, also known as "The Twisted Sisters". Unbelieveable. Then we paralleled the Guadalupe River back into Kerrville. This is a must if you are ever in the "Hill Country". This is not the ride for the weak or faint at heart. It followed canyons and climbs over jagged, steep, and crumbling hills. There were lots of shear drop-offs and not much in the way of guardrails. There were lots of scenic panoramic views. Thanks to our tour guides, Marsha and Ras Ambriosio for leading us through the scarriest ride of my life. Ride it and hold on.

Pool Time @ The Inn--So refreshing after that long ride.

Dinner @ a five star restaurant. Life is good.

Florida Motor Maids all gathered to have their business meeting at 8:30 pm. 42 Motor Maids have all rode their motorcycles to convention and will ride them back to their hometowns.

The Finale--Beth and her husband invited all of us to her suite for snacks and drinks. Of course, the Motor Maids have to see how many will fit in the heart-shaped tub. We Ain't Right.

Posted with Blogsy

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Day # 6 Inn of the Hills--Kerrville, Texas

Our Darling Miss Betty and Tammy. Looking good ladies. Florida is in the house.

Marsha & Ras--from Florida also. At the Inn.

Heelz--Darlene Robbins--heading for some pool time--Check out those cowboy boots. She rides with her "Heelz" all the time. She's a Florida snowbird and a New Jersey Shore lady.

Ohio (Pearl) is in the house.

Gracie & Roger are in the house.

Coleen and Gracie--Florida Co-ADD's from Flamm's Central West region.

Remembering the Alamo-San Antonio

At the Alamo

San Antonio Riverwalk

What a busy day. The Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center is absolutely beautiful. The Texas Motor Maids are awesome. They have worked very hard to make this convention enjoyable and fun for all.

Posted with Blogsy

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Day # 5--Onalaska, Tx. to Kerrville, Tx. 320 Miles today

Texas---Roger and I have arrived. Had a change of plans. Cancelled out for New Braunfels and opted for Kerrville. There was no room at the Inn for tonight so we will be @ La Quinta for one night. All is good. After tonight we will be at Inn of the Hills Resort and Conference Center. YeeHaw.