VFW 2nd Annual POW/MIA Run

My first big run in quite a while. Appropriately, it was a run sponsored by VFW Post 12058/MC group 16 and hosted by Cowboy Honda in Kyle, TX. Open to the public and all bikes, bikes started arriving at 9am to begin registration (if you hadn't registered earlier, I did). This was the 2nd annual POW/MIA run for 12058 and would prove to be a good one. I didn't get an official count, but by my eye about 70 bikes were there for registration while I was there.

Between 9 and 10 was a meet and greet opportunity where we all checked out bikes and then of course check out Cowboy Honda's inventories of stuff. I picked up a can of wax for the scoot and I noticed a number of other's picking up odds and ends (maybe even a new bike?). Anyway, a good turn-out from Cowboy's point of view as well. During this time I met a couple of enthusiasts, Phil from Flugherville and Jack from McQueeney (both HD drivers) and we struck it up pretty good and figured we would be a sub group on the ride.

At 10am, we gathered around for the POW/MIA ceremony. Being an officer of a veteran's service organization, I have done plenty of these (and honored to do so everytime), but this one was with a biker's twist to it and I thought it was done nicely. Instead of the table with a place setting for one, a bike (the Goldwing) was used with all the items that remind us that there is someone unable to join us, in this instance, for a ride.

After the service, we mounted up and headed out for the first checkpoint. The instructions had us return down I35 frontage road and turn right on Brent Rd and cruise through Kyle to pick up Rebel Rd. west. Ride to the junction of Rebel (SH150) and Kyle Road (RR3237), There was the first checkpoint at a quickstop. After we collected the ticket for this checkpoint we continued west on Kyle road. This leg took us through the town of Wimberly (no stop) and picked up 2325 on the west side of town heading west. The route continued on this rode till we intersected with RR165 at which point we turned left heading for Blanco. This is Hill Country Riding on the main roads, that means fairly good clip on well maintained roads. Nothing super twisty, but fun at the higher speeds (50-60). Beautiful country side with vineyards and medium sized ranches along the way. Often we were at the top of the hills and had some really great views.

Upon making it to Blanco, we arrived at the Sunset Bar & Grill to get our tickets. We were in the 2/3s part of the group, so the pub was fairly full by the time we got there. No big, at the same time Blanco was having their Market Day in the town square, So we ambled on over for some bbq and sausage sandwiches and talked it up with a couple of the locals (who were glad to see a hungry bunch by the way).

After a short break, we mounted up again and headed south out of town. We picked up RR32 heading back southeast Canyon Lake area catching RR3424 connecting to SR 306 east. Along the way we stopped at a bar (I forgot the name) and collected our 3rd ticket. After a beer (rootbeer that is) we continued east on 306 until we turned left on SR 1102 north heading to San Marcos. At this point we approaching 2pm, we're to be back at Cowboy's at 3. Our stop in Blanco wasn't as short as it probably should have been so we're hookin along pretty good. At this time we are closed up with the main body, I think there were probably 40-45 bikes or so here. The next checkpoint is Jack's Bar just north of New Braunfels on 1102 and 2439. Pics of me with my TBA and a picture of Phil with his Heritage HD (a real beauty). I think this is at the Comal/Hayes county line as the road changes at that point to SR2439. A short break at Jack's and we're heading north again. Going through San Marcos we pick up SH 80 and then turn onto Hwy 21 N. At this point it's the end of the run, we're a little behind (minutes) on the schedule, so we're just rolling. We finally make it back to Cowboy's a little after 3 and just in time for the drawing to begin.

They really had some prizes, $100s of bucks worth of gear and gift cards from local bke shops and other merchants.

Both my new buddies (Phil and Jack) won some gift cards, I just got be part of the confetti parade. Well, it's all for a good cause the money raised went to the VFW Wounded Warrior programs. Saying adios to my new companions, I headed back home and a good nap. Nice run.