July/August 2013 Biker Living

Biker Living

July - August 2013

Thank you Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne. I have tried to take your advice as often as I could. I've taken a lot of "runs down the road." Some of them have loosened my load and some not so much. I'm here to tell you about one of the runs that I'll never forget.

Last issue I wrote about a little town at the intersection of TX-71 and US-77, La Grange. ZZ Top honored them with a song about the Chicken Ranch, which I went into some detail about. I also promised you a tip on a little visited spot just south of downtown La Grange. I'm here to fulfill that promise.

If you are heading south on US-77 and emerge on the south side of town, you must to lean to the right. As you straighten up from the long, sweeping curve, the view will dramatically change. "What, am I in the Ouachita Mountains?" Drat, it only lasts for a few blinks but it is an unexpected treat. At the apex of your climb, look to your right. Slow down, thumb your blinker, turn into the Monument Hill State Park.

Pull into the parking lot, throw down the kickstand and shut off your motor. Get off your ride and walk on into the Ranger Station. There, a knowledgeable Ranger will fill you in on what to expect once you've entered the park. Inside the Ranger's building is a mini museum that will enlighten you about the history of the area and further prepare you for your afternoon experience. Once you have had your fill of history, exit the building and walk over the wood bridge. Stepping off the bridge, one of the first things you'll notice is a panorama of the Colorado River and the town of La Grange. After taking the inevitable snapshots of the view, your attention will be drawn to a monolith towering over a crypt. Within the mass grave are two groups of men who died in the effort to free Texas from Mexican rule. Captain Dawson had tried in vain to reach Captain Caldwell to join forces; they never made it. After being pounded by Mexican artillery, Capt. Dawson realized they didn't stand a chance. After displaying a white flag, the Mexican's did not stop firing. 36 of the 54 were killed, 3 escaped, a few died crossing the Rio Grande on their way to Perote Prison. Nine were released from prison.

The other group interred in the crypt was a group of men involved in the ill-fated Meir expedition. Santa Anna proclaimed that every 10th man was to be executed. This is what has become known as the "Black Bean incident." It was this type of sacrifice and poor treatment by the Mexicans that brought people like Davy Crockett to Mexico to fight for Texas independence.

On a lighter note, the park is also the site of the Kreische Brewery. Heinrich Kreische arrived in Fayette County in 1849 and purchased 172 acres on the bluff. This land included the land where the Dawson/Meir tomb is located. He honored these brave men his entire life.

Heinrich was a master stonemason and involved in much of the construction in the area. In 1850, using a ravine with a natural spring, he built an ingenious brewery using a gravity feed water system. When he raised the banner high upon the cliff that said "Frisch Auf" (Freshen Up), members of the community came to the bluff to enjoy a picnic, dancing and a few steins of Kreische's Bluff Beer. There is a path leading down to the ruins of the brewery. Unfortunately, there is no beer to be had there today.

All in all, you'll not be disappointed in your visit. There is a little something for everyone. There are vistas, history and trails to wander about. You won't regret it.

Ride safe - Cappy out.