{"id":62044,"date":"2026-10-06T05:26:25","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T05:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"urn:motra-oct3:LSB:44"},"modified":"2026-10-09T21:25:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T21:25:15","slug":"lsb-lsb-texas-independence-trail-2005-on-the-trail-of-texas-independence-44","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/?p=62044","title":{"rendered":"BackRoads Central Texas – Tank Up and Take Off"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Amy, Carmen, Larry<\/strong>
LoneStarBiker \u2014 Texas Independence Trail
Pages 6-27<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Amy, Carmen, Larry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fortunate feature regarding having a motorcycle is that you can take any weekend and be on a mini-vacation, right here in your own Texas backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is something extra special about packing up the bike and heading out to destinations, known or unknown. The thrill of the adventure is a part of the ride. Texas has no shortage of quaint, historic small towns in which to get lost, or, in the case of us bikers, stick out like a sore thumb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On these weekend trips we can take the opportunity to experience other obsessions be it antiquing, eating, carousing, fishing, hiking or just relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are the kind of rider who is spontaneous, throwing a dart at a map and heading out for that destination; or one who is more meticulous in the planning stages, before setting out, there are a couple of essential questions that must be answered before or during each trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where will we eat?
Where do the local bikers hang out?
Where will we sleep?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So before you hit your next Texas highway, here are a few ideas to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter where you live, you can bet that it's just a matter of miles and minutes once you ride out of the city in any direction before you discover a true treasure Deep in the Heart of Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area covered in this edition doesn't even scratch the surface but it does give you a start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Map and Directions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go online to www.LoneStarBiker.com\/independence.html<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katy – Gilberts County Line Ice House<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For convenience, and because it is traditional for our staff, we start this run at Gilberts County Line Ice House on FM 1093, about 4 miles west of Hwy 6. Gilberts, "The Line", is a favorite hangout for Houston area bikers as evidenced by their packed parking lot on almost any nice weekend and many evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Felipe (San Felipe de Austin)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifty miles west of Houston, just a jog off Interstate 10 on FM 1458 is San Felipe, the first "Colonial Capitol" of Texas. This community that formed on the banks of the Brazos River, became the first social, economic and political center of colonial Texas. It was here also that the Conventions of 1832 and 1833 met, and disputes with the Mexican government addressed. It was these discussions that led to the eventual drafting of a Texas Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only a few of the buildings from that first Anglo colony still exist in San Felipe. There is a memorial statue of Stephen F. Austin, and a monument to the first colonial settlers. The town was abandoned and burned in the Runaway Scrape after the fall of the Alamo in March of 1836. Even after the victory at San Jacinto, San Felipe was never completely rebuilt and today is still a tiny, but friendly, Texas community, home to less than 1,000 residents and the Stephen F. Austin State Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original settlement and statue are open and free to visit any day of the week. They are on the west side of FM 1458, just north of I-10, just before you reach the Brazos River bridge. Guided tours are available from the Stephen F. Austin State Park on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Admission to the State Park is $3.00 the tour admission is $1.00. Camping and group activity facilities are also available at the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sealy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Hwy 36 just north of I-10 is Tony's Restaurant. Tony's, an institution in this area, offers good solid food day and night. The breakfasts are "to die for" \u2014 probably literally so with all the bacon, eggs and hot buttered biscuits \u2014 for lunch or dinner you can happily clog your arteries with Chicken-fried steak polished off with homemade pies and cakes. The crowd is a mix of bikers, truckers, hunters, farmers and tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cat Spring<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally settled in the 1800's by German immigrants attracted to Texas by the letters received from an earlier migrant. The town was named when a son of Leopold von Roeder killed a puma at one of the springs of the San Bernard River near the family farm. See the Blisswood article on p. 35 for more about Cat Spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Ulm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tiny community of New Ulm, at the intersection of FM 109 and FM 1094, is located in the wooded, gently rolling countryside in the very heart of South Central Texas, midway between Austin and Houston. New Ulm is also the almost midpoint between the six larger towns of Columbus, Bellville, Brenham, Sealy, Fayetteville and LaGrange. The ride from Sealy to New Ulm is an especially superb ride. Each year in May the BMOA (British Motorcycle Owners Association) holds their annual meet in New Ulm. Although some of the events are restricted to owners of British bikes only, this is an opportunity to come out and see many restored classic bikes of past eras. May 16th \u2014 18th, 2005. (www.bmoaonline.com)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1852 New Ulm had a hotel, cigar factory, several stores of general merchandise, cabinetmakers, blacksmiths, a shoemaker, a tailor, a brewery and gin. The town logo states "Liben en Neu Ulm Ist Wunderbar" which translates into "Living in New Ulm is Wonderful". I think after your first visit you will come to agree the town is indeed "Wunderbar"!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Falls Resort 1750 N. Falls Drive, New Ulm, Texas 78950. (979) 992-3123 or (281) 220-2609 For a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere try The Falls Resort. Texas warmth with scenic rolling hills, wildlife, forests and a golf course all within the 750-acre resort. The lodging facilities include private "villas", entire homes or just a room in the Inn. There are two resort swimming pools connected by a waterfall. There are also several lighted tennis courts, a one-acre fishing lake stocked with bass, catfish and perch, and nature and walking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Gate Ranch P O Box 237, New Ulm, Texas 78950. (979) 992-3441 Ready to take a break from the Iron Horse to a Peruvian horse? Green Gate Ranch is the place to ride these beautiful horses. The 500-acre ranch provides modern horse facilities combined with the best that nature can provide, horses can be ridden on miles of sandy trails, through the woods, over streams and through riverbed crossings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frelsburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heinsohn's Country Store. The intersection of FM 109 & FM 1291 will bring you into Frelsburg, home of Heinsohn's Country Store. In 1920, the Heinsohn Family purchased the store in Frelsburg from the Kollman Family who had owned it since the Civil War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The store still provides groceries, animal feeds, table linens, hardware and just about any other product you can think of! Browsing here takes on a whole new meaning. Open daily except Sunday. Monday – Friday 8 to 6, and Saturday 8 to 2. Stop by and visit a real country store that looks like a setting for Bonnie and Clyde.+<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fayetteville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approximately the same distance, about 1-1\/2 hours, from Austin, Houston or San Antonio Fayetteville is a great place to head for a laid-back weekend. They say that once you cross the tracks; you're entering "The Fayette Zone". Established by three families of "Austin's Old Three Hundred", it was originally a stagecoach stop for travelers. Fayetteville, established in 1831, has never had more than 500 residents. It had a variety of names until Philip Shaver named it after his hometown in North Carolina. It once had the name of Lick Skillet which the town supposedly earned because town celebrations occasionally ran out of food. Latecomers were told to "lick the skillet". The town has the Lick Skillet Festival the third weekend of October in remembrance of those days. For information on town events call (888) 5-SKILLET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Downtown Fayetteville town square is complete on all four sides with no gaps – which is a rarity in Texas. The original storefronts have been maintained on several of the buildings although ownership and the tenants have changed over the years. Many buildings still have signage across the top showing the names or business of the original owners, so be aware that the name on the building and the current type of business may not always match. Enjoy lunch in one of the old-time restaurants on the square. You will feel as though you have made a leap back inttime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least four of the buildings were previously saloons. Conveniently located next to the Beer Hall (and Confectionery) is the Justice of the Peace. Fayetteville is a great place to visit for either antique shopping or bass fishing. Explore the Iron Horse Junction on Highway 159 just around the corner from the square. Check out the antique store in the refurbished Gulf station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Country Place Hotel Fayetteville, Texas 78940. One-Hundred and Three years old this inn, on the National Register of Historic Places, was restored under the guidelines of the Texas Historical Commission. Located right on the square in Fayetteville in the brick two-story Zapp Building the Inn has eight guestrooms with private baths, a parlor and dining room. Breakfast is served each morning to guests. It was built in 1900 as a mercantile building, evolved as a general store, a boarding house, and even a hospital for a short time. Open weekends only except for some special dates and holidays. Be sure to make advance reservations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orsak's Caf\u00e9 On the Square, Fayetteville. Quaint family dining is offered up in a pink building right on the Square. From your first step inside the screen door, you will feel as though you've stepped back into Small Town, USA and, actually, you have. There is a dining room adjoining the ice-cream parlor, and a formica counter with swivel stools on which to park your "keester". Here a healthy-size burger, the way burgers were intended to be, is served. Orsak's is even a good place for a beer break. And best of all, it's a "bikers welcome" merchant! Open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bellville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another quaint little Texas town with a town square and the business surrounding it, Bellville boasts a couple of great B&B's This is the heart of the Texas Wildflower country so if you want to spend time here during the Blue Bonnet season (March and early April) be sure to book ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brenham<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located on U.S. Highway 290 (about seventy-two miles northwest of Houston) Brenham has long been a popular day ride destination from Houston or Austin, especially in March and April when the Bluebonnets are at their peak. While you are in Brenham why not check out the Blue Bell Ice Cream plant for a tour. "The Little Creamery in Brenham" is open year-round, weekdays only. The winter schedule may vary. There is a nominal charge for the 45-minute tour that includes a short film and ends with a dip of your favorite ice cream. Call in advance for tour days and times. (800) 327-8135<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M & M Lounge, Highway 105 east of Brenham. This is one of those places that you come upon serendipitously as you cruise along an unfamiliar road wondering if there might be a friendly watering hole nearby. If you don't happen to be looking for it, you will have missed it before you realize. The bartender, Deb, is an expert in where to find refreshment in Washington County, so hers is the brain to pick if the party must not end. The M&M has been around for a long time, at least as far back as segregation days. This is a highly recommended stop along the Texas trail. Nothing fancy, just a pool table, some barstools and friendly faces, but what more does a weary, thirsty rider need?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chappell Hill<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep in the southeast portion of Washington County, Chappell Hill lies halfway between Houston and Austin on Hwy. 290. Founded in 1847 the town sits in the heart of Stephen F. Austin's original colony. Today Chappell Hill, a small town with a colorful history, puts out the welcome mat to visitors with charm and hospitality. The area is renowned for its blooming bluebonnet fields, rolling hills and scenic views. B&Bs abound in the area, check out www.chappellhilltx.com for further information on lodging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hempstead<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hempstead, Texas like Hope, Arkansas is a town whose name is synonymous with great-tasting watermelons. Pass through Hempstead during the season and you will want to strap a couple to your saddlebags to take home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navasota<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navasota is a town that you should definitely plan a ride to – not just through. This is a place where you need to have time to explore rather than riding through to a more distant destination. Just over an hour from Houston, it is a relaxing ride via FM 1375 west from New Waverly on Highway 45. The route takes you through the Sam Houston National Forest where you can enjoy picturesque surroundings. FM 1375 will join Highway 149 to Anderson via the old-fashioned, nearly forgotten village of Richards. From there take Highway 90 South less than 10 miles to Navasota. Navasota's downtown area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and there are plenty of shops for poking around in and looking for your next treasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BS Club. 2220 N. La Salle St., Navasota, (936) 825-3346 Just on the outskirts of town at the crest of a hill that is North La Salle, sits an unassuming white building with the letters "B S" painted on the outside. This is the home of the BS Club, and its initials stand for just what you think they do. Another one of your friendly Texas watering holes, walk right in and make yourself at home. All the interior doors are painted like the Texas flag and will put you in a homey frame of mind. Kick back and watch or play a game of pool, or just sit around and – of course – B.S. with the other patrons. The doors of the BS Club are open to bikers, cowboys, working stiffs and general old farts alike, so stop by when you're in the neighborhood. They'll have the cold beer and warm welcome at the ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington-on-the-Brazos<\/p>\n\n\n\n

"Fellow-Citizens of Texas: The enemy are upon us. A strong force surrounds the walls of the Alamo, and threaten that garrison with the sword… Now is the day, and now is the hour, when Texas expects every man to do his duty. Let us show ourselves worthy to be free and we shall be free." Henry Smith Washington – March 2, 1836<\/p>\n\n\n\n

"Independence is declared; it must be maintained." Sam Houston Washington – March 2, 1836 (Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Website www.tpwd.state.tx.us\/park\/washingt\/)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the ruling Mexican military government rejected the attempts of Stephen Austin to reach a peaceful resolution to Texas' desire for increased autonomy, the Consultation of 1835 convened November in San Felipe de Austin. It was at this "consultation" where it was decided that Texas had the right to declare its independence, and at the same time Henry Smith was elected governor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the ensuing months, the Texas army was clashing swords with General Santa Anna's Mexican army, culminating with the siege of the Alamo in late February, 1836. As their brothers (and future folk heroes) struggled and fought, a delegation of 59 men, fearful for themselves, their families and their compatriots under siege, calmly drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence of Texas from Mexico. Not only was the declaration made, but a new government was structured as well, in the high hopes that the revolution would prevail. This dramatic, yet often-overshadowed event in Texas history, took place at Washington, Texas, some 50 miles north of San Felipe. The signatures of the men who laid in place a foundation from which a new government could be erected reads like a roll call of today's Texas towns and cities: Sam Houston, George Childress, Collin McKinney, Matthew Caldwell, William Carroll Crawford, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, to name a few. As some of their loved ones spilled their blood alongside William Travis and Jim Bowie in San Antonio, they gathered in an unfinished frame building near a ferry crossing on the Brazos to give birth to a new republic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A replica of Independence Hall stands today at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park in Washington, Texas, just southwest of Navasota off Hwy. 105 on FM 912. Guided tours are available. Park admission is free. You can ride right in, take an air-conditioned rest in the visitor center, and browse the gift shop. Then you can stroll the trails that surround the facility, overlook the ferry crossing at the Brazos River and enjoy a picnic in the shade. If you have an extra hour or two, take the self-guided tour through the 10,000 square foot, star-shaped Star of the Republic Museum, and receive an in-depth education in Texas history. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and admission is $4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somerville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somerville is in far southern Burleson County on the northeastern shore of Lake Somerville 28 miles southwest of Bryan\/College Station. State Hwy 36, which connects the Texas Coast to Abilene, runs directly through downtown Somerville. Houston or Austin is only 2 hours away. Lake Somerville is almost 12,000 acres of recreational opportunities; you might enjoy the 7-mile hiking trail that cuts through 5,000 acres. This is a top-notch trail for horseback riding. Campsites are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1883 William N. Landolt purchased the first lot in the Somerville and opened a commissary. In the 1900s an electricity generating facility, a cotton gin, an icehouse, a lumberyard, a pharmacy, a bottling works, a tin shop, a candy store, a bank, and a depot restaurant known as the Harvey House were added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Country Inn, Highway 36 South, Somerville, Texas (979) 596-1222 When you have a hankerin' for a "hunk-o-beef" this here's the place to fulfill your craving. This is no time for calorie counting so leave your diet at home. One offering is the 24-ounce Ribeye, which will cover the plate and leave your choice of a side order relegated to a separate dish. It's hard to have enough room for the entr\u00e9e without skipping the accompanying salad. For a more petite palate, order the 20-ounce filet mignon. Not quite so hungry? The simple and straightforward menu selections include chicken fried steak, burgers and chicken dishes. The Country Inn will serve up a lot of food and all at a price within the budget. If you show up at the dinner hour though, expect a wait. The dining room has 10 \u2014 15 tables and they remain full at peak times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dime Box<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the railroad, before the post office opened, before phones and telegraphs, before e-mail the people in this small community would leave their mail in a box and put a dime with it to pay the carrier to deliver the mail. Originally named Brown's Mill they found the name confusing with Brownsville so the founders renamed it Dime Box in 1884. Although still a very small village this is another of those Texas towns with a lot of history and a lot of heart. Don't just blow through here on your ride, stop, have a soda and meet some of the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Grange, Monument Hill State Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freedom is never easily gained or maintained. Though Texas had declared her independence from Mexican rule and had prevailed against General Santa Anna at San Jacinto (near today's Houston) in April 1836, the war with Mexico continued to wage in the ensuing years. Several battles were fought from Mexico to San Antonio, with alternating instigators and victors. One such battle was the Battle of Salado Creek, where Texas Captain Matthew Caldwell (one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence) called out the forces of General Adrian Woll, a French mercenary fighting for Mexico, after Woll's troops had taken San Antonio in September of 1842. Entrenched in familiar rural surroundings, the outnumbered Caldwell army taunted the Mexicans into chasing them from San Antonio to Salado Creek. In the meantime, Caldwell send out a general call for aid, and answering that call was a group of 53 men from La Grange, Texas led by Captain Nicholas Dawson. However, before they could reach Salado Creek, several hundred Mexican cavalry intercepted Dawson's men. After a brief resistance Dawson's men surrendered, and once unarmed, were again fired upon by the Mexicans. Thirty-six of the 53 were killed and buried on the battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In retaliation, Sam Houston ordered the Somervell Expedition for which 700 Texans volunteered. This armed contingency marched south from San Antonio, capturing Laredo, then Guerrero. Since many in the expedition returned home after the capture of Laredo, Somervell ordered the expedition to disband. Three-hundred eager men, feeling betrayed by this order, continued south into Mexico on the Mier Expedition, named for the town of Mier, Mexico which they first captured. However, while awaiting the delivery of ordered supplies, the Mexican army laid siege to these 300 Texans, and after a battle in which they outnumbered the Texans 10 to 1, they emerged victorious with 179 Texas prisoners. The prisoners were to be executed and began a march to Mexico City. However, at Salado, Mexico they managed to escape only to face recapture. Then Santa Anna ordered that only one in ten of the prisoners should be executed, those to be determined by lottery. The lottery became known as the Black Bean Episode, where 17 men who drew black beans from a jar of mostly white beans were blindfolded and executed at Salado, Mexico. The rest remained imprisoned in Mexico until those who didn't die in captivity were released in 1844.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1847, one of the white bean survivors from La Grange, Captain John Duesenberry, convinced his commanding officer to retrieve the bodies of those who befell the fate of the black bean in Salado, Mexico. Meanwhile, other citizens from La Grange had retrieved the bodies of the La Grange volunteers from the Salado Creek, Texas battle. The remains of all the La Grange and Mier Expedition volunteers who fell in battle and at execution were brought home to La Grange and re-interred with full military honors on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Colorado River. It is on this site that a tomb and monument have been erected and where Monument Hill State Park now exists. This is perhaps the most beautiful and moving of the three historic sites visited for this article. The colorful artistry of the monument and tile mural depicting the Black Bean Episode are awe-inspiring, as are the true stories of the reasons for their creation. The view of the Colorado River and the town of La Grange from the bluff just yards from the tomb is idyllic \u2014 especially on a warm, sunny fall afternoon in Texas. The sense of peace that abounds on the quiet shaded bluff must be exactly what was intended for the souls of these fallen, courageous volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Texas State Park is located just outside La Grange off Hwy 77 south of town. The ride takes you through town on Business 71, south on 77, over the river bridge, and up a somewhat steep, winding hill, flanked by stone embankment walls and pretty country homes. Park admission is $2 and it is open daily from 8:00 a.m. \u2014 5:00 p.m. Also part of the park are the ruins of the Kreische Brewery and the Kreische Home, which still stands. Both can be viewed from the scenic walking trails that wind through the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a place of quiet reflection and sobering thoughts as your realize how these men gave up so much so that their dream of a free Texas, a Republic of Texas could become a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smithville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smithville is located in the very heart of Central Texas. The quiet, country town is about an hour by motorcycle from Austin and about a two-hour ride from either San Antonio or Houston. Located off Hwy 71, one of the most enjoyable springtime drives in the Texas foothill country. Built as a railroad town in the 1880's, Main Street has its share of gift and antique shops, as well as the Railroad History Park & Museum at its very end. Movie buffs will want to gad about town and countryside to see locations where the movie "Hope Floats" was made. The house that Sandra Bullock's character returned home to is located at the end of Olive Street on the Colorado River side of town. The dance hall scenes were shot in Watterson's, which is a beautiful ride outside of town on FM 535, through the community of Rosanky, and right on Watterson Road. There are no signs so be looking on the right for the hall, which stands empty during the week, but cranks up with live music on the weekends. And, finally, see where the romantic lake scenes with Harry Connick, Jr. were filmed in Buescher State Park, just north of Smithville off Hwy 71. Bed and Breakfast lodging abounds in this area and each offers a different kind of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bastrop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located about thirty miles southeast of downtown Austin, the town is at the junction of State highways 71, 21, and 95, and on the Colorado River. Until the railroad reached the county in the early 1870s, Bastrop was the only town in the county. It's an un-restored, un-self-conscious Victorian Western town that's been here since before Texas was a Republic. No adobe, just white columns and wrap-around porches. More Old South than Wild West. The town suffered in the Runaway Scrape of 1836, when residents returned to find it completely destroyed by the Mexican army and Indians. Indians, particularly the Comanche, who hunted in the area every fall, continued to be a major threat until after annexation to the United States in 1846. The Lost Pine Forest, the westernmost stand of the eastern pine forest and the only timber available contributed to the economy of Bastrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yacht Club, 601 Chestnut Street Bastrop, located on the Colorado River this is a place to enjoy a meal and watch the river. There is also a collection of little shops just over the bridge on Loop 150 on the right on the River Walk and after your meal it is a great way to walk off the calories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gin-U-Wine Oyster Bar, 707 Chestnut St. Shoot some oysters at the biker-friendly oyster bar just a block further up Chestnut at Main, also on the right. They offer up friendly service, reasonable prices, tasty food and a full bar. Live music on the weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also no shortage of antique and gift shops in Bastrop so opportunities abound for window shopping and lollygagging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buescher State Park<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located on the eastern edge of the "Lost Pines" region, Buescher State Park is 1,016-acres of tranquil wooded park with numerous recreation possibilities. Over 7.7 miles of hiking trails wind through the park's dense pine-oak woodlands. Developed RV and primitive tent campsites, screened shelters, a recreation hall, and a group shelter are available. Not only can you picnic, fish, swim, camp and canoe, but be sure to take some time to ride Park Road 1C which connects Buescher State Park to Bastrop State Park, a hilly, 13-mile paved scenic road. This hypnotic ride will wind you over hill and dale, twists and turns, and cradles you in the shade of oaks and pines most of the way. Take it slow and easy and take it all in. Travel about 11 miles east of Bastrop on Texas Highway 71 to the junction with FM 153 and Texas Highway 95. From the junction, proceed north on FM 153 for 1\/2 mile to the park entrance. Watch out for the other kind of bikers and the squirrels who share the road, and take caution at each of the 3 or 4 flood\/livestock grates that cross the road at various intervals. If you have a full-dresser complete with stereo, you can tune to WGSR 107.1 out of Austin to enjoy eclectic Texas tunes, or simply cruise to the lilting low rumble of your own pipes. When you exit out at Bastrop State Park, you can set up camp, take a swim in the pool, hike a trail, play a round of golf or better yet, turn around and do it again going back!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lockhart<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to the Capitol! The Capitol of Barbecue, that is. You are here, you might be hungry, so go ahead and find out why Lockhart is famous for its barbecue. You don't get the designation The Barbecue Capitol of Texas without earning it. Historic homes line the entrance to the city from the West. Lockhart is close enough to Austin to be a popular place for Austinites to live and commute to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A small town that is in competition with Lockhart for serving the best barbecue. This is the kind of place that you expect Saturday to be, at best, a slow bustle and Sunday to be snoozeville. Not so, this little town has something that draws people from miles around \u2014 Barbecue. Luling City Market serves what is probably some of the best barbecue that you are going to find anywhere – and for that the people come. (Perhaps you remember the hit movie, Field of Briskets, with the famous line "if you barbecue it, they will come?" ) Yes, we know you probably pigged out on barbecue in Lockhart but, hey, that was a few miles back. Luling City Market has been serving barbecue here for many years. No discounts, no coupons, no advertising, no door prizes. They do such a booming business simply by offering great food, reasonable prices and enough tables to seat a couple of hundred people at any given time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our last visit was about 2 p.m. on a Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the "lunch hour" was over there was probably at least 50 people lined up to give their orders and pick up their food served on butcher paper. At Luling City Market you don't order a sandwich, or a plate, you just tell them what kinds of meat you want and how much of each. Seating is picnic-style at long tables. If you are not with a group you'll get the opportunity to meet new people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grab a bunch of paper towels (this can get messy) and a bottle of their barbecue sauce and then get serious about your food. There are other barbecue places in Luling but don't be discouraged if Luling City Market is crowded \u2014 it may well be \u2014 but this is what you came for, this is the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gonzales<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like rivers? You will love Gonzales, it is located at the junction of the Guadelupe and San Marcos Rivers. This is the site of the historic "Come and Take It!" battle of Gonzales \u2014 the first skirmish of the Texas Revolution. Less than a year later 32 men of Gonzales traveled to San Antonio to serve under Colonel Travis at the Alamo. The annual "Come And Take It Day" observes the Gonzales legacy as the Lexington of Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shiner<\/p>\n\n\n\n

"The cleanest little town in Texas", spend a little time here and you won't argue with that description. The descendants of the original settlers \u2014 immigrants from Germany and Czechoslovakia \u2014have maintained the tradition of keeping everything clean and neat. Visit the downtown area and you will find many shops selling antiques, collectibles and Texas merchandise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps Shiner's biggest claim to fame is that it is the home of Spoetzl Brewery brewers of "Shiner Bock" beer. Spoetzl Brewery is the oldest independent brewery in Texas. The original Czech and German settlers built the brewery so they could enjoy the taste in beer that they were used to. Visit the brewery and you will see one of the smallest commercial brew kettles in the country. Holding only about 75 barrels at a time, production is limited to less than a thousand cases a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church is one of the finest examples found in this area of the "painted churches". The dome at Saint Cyril is almost 150 feet tall with spires that rise 8-stories. Art glass windows depict the life of Christ, the Biblical scenes on the painted dome sets a tone of worship for up to 900. Hungry? You don't have far to look in Shiner before you find some outstanding food. The German and Czech influence here is alive and well and served daily in several choice local restaurants and not hard to find, check out the area around 7th Street and Hwy 90.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hallettsville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Hallettsville, as was the case with many of the towns in this area, Czechs and Germans settled in following the civil war changing the town from a simple trading post to the agricultural center of the county. The influence of those settlers is still heavily felt \u2014 just "Czech" out names of the local roads. Hallettsville is a peaceful looking little town with tree-lined streets and an unhurried character. Just west of the town is a neat little roadside park, set against the hillside on the south side of the highway. The view is great as you gaze across the valley that falls gently away from this point. Up by the picnic tables the rusted barbed wire fence provides a fitting accent to the cactus and, in spring and summer, a veritable garden of wildflowers. Be sure to have your camera when you rest in this rest area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katy – Gilberts County Line Ice House<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome back, hope you had a safe and enjoyable trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By Amy, Carmen, LarryLoneStarBiker \u2014 Texas Independence TrailPages 6-27 By Amy, Carmen, Larry The fortunate feature regarding having a motorcycle is that you can take any weekend and be on a mini-vacation, right here in your own Texas backyard. There is something extra special about packing up the bike and heading out to destinations, known … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":900704,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[402,88],"class_list":["post-62044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backroads","tag-b023","tag-lsb-texas-independence-trail-2005"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=62044"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":900548,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62044\/revisions\/900548"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/900704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/motorcyclesontheroadagain.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}