CampSTOC Ride Report

[Mellow]

CampSTOC III
Apr 20-22, 2007

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849625-S.jpg

This was one great Camp Out!!!!

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849209-Ti.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849209-M.jpg) http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849189-Ti.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849189-M.jpg) http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145848635-Ti.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145848635-M.jpg)

Thursday

I left after work and was able to make it to Roosevelt State Park by just
after 8pm. I waited for Rick, he was just about 2 hours behind me.

When he showed up I heard a strange noise coming from his bike and
after some more investigation it looked like either the clutch or
transmission or both. So, needless to say, he decided he'd head home
the next morning instead of continuing with the trip. It was a good
thing as he lost 1st gear on his way home which was probably tough
to deal with in Houston traffic.

Ends up it was the transmission so there may be some bike changes
in store for the future - in a good way.

Friday

Woke up early and broke down the campsite then Rick and I had about
a 1/2 mile ride together until we hit I-20 and I went east while he went
west. It's always tough after a long ride when you and your riding
partner split off to your respective homes but this was even worse
especially knowing Rick was having bike problems. The GS has been
a great bike and I felt it would get him home - it always had in the past.

It was only 350 miles to Cloudland Canyon State Park but was nice to see
the banner as soon as I got into the camping area.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145848635-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145848635-M.jpg)

I saw George, Steve and Tamra and they pointed me to the walk-in
camping area where most were staying. When I got there I saw
Steve/Virginia, Mac and Daryl. A few were on a hike and there
were others that had already left for a ride.

I set up my tent and started talking to others and admiring
the scenery.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145848641-S.jpg (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145848641-M.jpg)

More and more bikes started showing up - I think we had anywhere
from 20-30 at the event, wow... Might have to find a bigger park
next year...

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849598-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849598-M.jpg)

Once it started getting dark.. the fire was started and the food
was cooking - I typically loose weight when I camp but I don't
think that happened on this trip. Looks like Jenny CraigSTOC
will be the next event.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849199-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849199-M.jpg)

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849615-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849615-M.jpg)

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849189-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849189-M.jpg)

A few hours later we had some give-aways and everyone signed
the banner.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849805-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849805-M.jpg)

Not sure how many events we have left before there's no more
room on the back. All those signatures represent many miles
and many smiles.

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849813-S.jpg" (http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/145849813-M.jpg)

Saturday

I left the group so I could go to Benton, TN and attend a get
together to remember Jim Duffy (Jdubya). He passed last year
of brain cancer and his wife Vicki (TNT) wanted to have any of
Jim's friends over that could make it and remember a great guy.

Jim was one of those guys that opens his heart and home out to
people he barely knows and both he and Vicki have been great
friends. He will be missed by many. RIP Jim.

Sunday

Just a typical ride home.

Here (http://www.st-owners.com/pp_gallery/showgallery.php?cat=533)
are the rest of the pics.