We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 74°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Uncertain, Texas; certainly a great motorcycle ride

Mary Baker's photo
Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner

Recently, I published Uncertain ride to Uncertain, Texas, and yesterday I took the ride that I suggested to readers.  I had the great fortune to travel with my husband and two good friends.  As promised, pictures of the ride are included in this article.  It was Veteran's Day, and the four of us, veteran's ourselves,  took the day to reflect on the service members who have given so much over the years, while enjoying the freedom to ride and have fun.  Ron DeLaney, who rode with us, wrote on FaceBook "Veteran's Day began in 1919 after President Wilson designated Nov 11 as Armistice Day to pay tribute to WWI veterans. The hostilities ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11 month in 1918 . That is why it's observed on this day. The name was changed to Veteran's Day in 1954 to include all veterans. This is also one of the few federal holidays NOT observed on a Monday." 

The holiday allowed us to ride free, and we gassed up and hit the highway.  I took the lead and followed the route published in Uncertain ride to Uncertain, Texas.  Interstate 220 was breezy, but easy to navigate.  As we made our way to North Lakeshore Drive, we were greeted with a perfect fall day; perfect weather, the leaves blowing in the wind and fluttering to the ground, and the rich red and golden yellow backdrop framing Cross Lake all enriched the ride. I had studied the route and vowed to take the riders directly to the places described in the ride plan.  I even made a cheat sheet with directions printed on a business card and stuffed in my cup holder on the bike, so I could refer to it frequently.  I have quite a reputation for getting lost, but many of those who comment on the fact still follow me.  And, this I believe is because some of the best places are discovered when one is "lost". 

Fortunately, I took the riders directly to the Longwood General Store.  Here we enjoyed the video poker machines, (although none of us won anything), and the company of good friends.  We decided not to eat here, although they have some of the best ribeye steaks and cheeseburgers around.  I had convinced the group that they would rather enjoy the nachos at our next stop, instead.   The server at the King's Ransom casino, attached to the General Store, was colorful and added flavor to the establishment.  You can read more about her on my blog.

Next, we would head to The Lighthouse Grocery & Bar, and I knew this would be tricky for me to go directly to.  I've never made this ride without taking a wrong turn, but was determined this time to change my record, as I took one last look at my cheat sheet and cranked up the Harley.  I memorized the Farm Road numbers and made all the right turns, that is until I came to the signs nailed to trees that pointed haphazardly in the direction I should go.  It all looked so familiar, and I made a left turn.  Of course, I thought I was correct, but as the road narrowed and the lake appeared on my right, I knew I had made an error.  Still, I continued forward for more than a mile past stray dogs observing our approach, past people cleaning up from recent floods, and over debris left in the road from the waters.  I dodged potholes and mud, gravel and leaves and branches in the road, and thought to myself  "I'm so lost, and they know I'm lost".  I made a U-turn when I came to two stop signs posted on a fence by the opening to what looked like a private driveway and possibly a dead end.  And I had to face my friends as they just shook their heads and followed suit.  Back down the road, I chastised myself for not following the directions I had written, and instead trying to navigate from memory.  I turned left back onto the road I should have stayed on, and only a short distance further another set of trees with signs posted on them were visible and I knew this was the right turn.  It was only moments and we were pulling up to the Lighthouse.  In my defense, when we finally arrived, Ron said "if anyone just happens to find this place, they are lost".
At the Lighthouse, we were not disappointed by the large platters of nachos, covered in cheese and accompanied by jalapenos, salsa, sour cream and guacamole.  I had not disappointed my followers when I told them this was a great, colorful, hidden retreat worth getting lost for.

Our next stop would be the Uncertain Tavern, since one simply cannot travel this way without stopping by this biker friendly establishment.  As is typical, sports were playing on the big screen television and a group of locals were enjoying the day.

Our day, however, had been full of the beauty of Northeast, Texas and we were ready for the ride home.  We skipped Cross Lake this time, and instead rode Par Road 6 through Blanchard to Pines Hill Road directly to Hwy 71 where we could easily catch I-220 back toward Shreveport.  Round trip was just over 100 miles, and a great way to spend the day, celebrating our Veterans and enjoying our freedom.

*All photos by Mary and/or Ric Baker

Check out the latest articles from other Motorcycle Examiners:

Advertisement

, Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner

Mary's passion is riding her Harley-Davidson every day. She has logged over 100,000 miles on the road, and knows some great rides, wonderful places to eat, and sites to see. Email Mary at maric12@gmail.com.

Comments

  • Abby - Fort Collins Motorcycle Travel Examiner 2 years ago

    Nice! Sounds like a great day. I made this little instruction holder that is velcro'd to my tank panel. It's a thick clear vinyl front with a faux black leather back, and it has a flap on the top to keep the rain out. It's great for cheat sheets like that, and chapstick and a tire gauge and a few other small things that are handy to have in an easily accessible place.

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

More information about text formats

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...