When the discussion of great rides comes up, you'll seldom hear anyone extole the virtues of North Texas. Riders tend to be interested in the "Hill Country" or the "Piney Woods" areas of the state. Albeit riding in those areas has a lot to offer, I'm here to suggest that North Texas, as in points north of US-380 – bordered by US-287 on the western front – Arkansas to the east – has plenty of very nice rides to enjoy. I recommend riding the same routes at various times of the year. It is entertaining and informative to compare one season to another, going from a stark, leafless winter, to the Red Buds popping pink blossoms introducing spring, followed by the blooming of our indigenous wild flowers and verdant valleys — then heat, lots and lots of heat. This modest presentation covers a very small area of North Texas. Having lived in McKinney for several years, I took the opportunity, with any time I could spare, to explore points north. I called them ride abouts, a term fashioned after the indigenous peoples of Australia that ventured away from their every-day routines on what they called a "walk about" – a chance to be out and about – to see what's out there. Join me as I take you on a short, small town tour, of a few spots I found interesting. Remember, this is a miniscule sample. I hope to present more as time permits – Small Town Texas. |
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| A February ride in Texas, at best – a crap shoot. It is anyone's guess as to what kind of weather you'll be riding in. It can snow or it can be a sunny, warm day. Today we are lucky. It is sunny and fairly warm for a February in Texas. It is a perfect day for a ride – come on along and see what there is to see. |
We'll start the photo presentation in Celeste. Celeste is little more than a blink inthe road. There is a gas station, which comes in handy, either to start the ride, or to top–off before heading home. |
Down Town |
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| The "Sunshine Cafe", in Wolfe City, offers a delicious home-cooked meal at affordable prices. A short walk, after your meal, along brick-paved streets, will reveal a few local gems. | |
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| Homes from a more prosperous time. | |
It is difficult to make a go of it in a country town. Most of them have seen better days. The state of Texas is in a constant state of flux. What is true in one decade may not be true in the next. Texans are like much of the plant life in the area, learning to scratch out a living in almost any situation.
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| Most of the Texas towns that have learned to prosper, even in the hardest of times, have at least one antique dealer. Wolfe City is no exception. | |
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| Farlie has a shed dealer and a church – and a tractor. | |
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| Ladonia, Texas — it may be small but folks take care of their own. | |
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Not a whole lot going on in Gober. But you're welcome regardless. You may want to looks somewhere else for gas |
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Randolph isn't quite as busy as Ladonia or Gober. Abandoned businesses are a common sight in most of the small towns, even in larger, small towns, such as Leonard. | |
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A small piece of North Lake Lavon
This is it folks — I am almost home. I didn't go far on this trip – not much more than 200 miles. I have a great time out on a "Ride About" If y'all want to join me — come on — We Ride! | |
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