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Bandera County Courier is published weekly by Gail S. Joiner, 1210 Hackberry St., Bandera, TX 78003. Subscription price $26 per year in Bandera County, TX; $36 per year for other Texas counties; $40 per year out of Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Bandera County Courier, P.O. Box 1704, Bandera, TX 78003. Periodicals Postage pending in Bandera, Texas.

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Items should be typed or printed and should include the name and daytime phone number of a contact person. Items submitted after deadline will be considered for that week's edition but may be held over for later publication. Photos should include information on the time and place of the event, as well as full names of people from left to right, front row to back.

Motorcycle runs     March 28-30 South Texas Motorcycle Show, San Antonio     April 4-6 Thunder in the Hill Country, Mansfield Park, Bandera     May 1-4 State Hog Rally, New Braunfels     June ROT Rally     July Iron Horse Cowboys Die Hard Run, Bandera     Sept. 19-21 Rumble on the River, Bandera     Oct. 9-11 SPI Bikefest, South Padre Island     Nov. 14-16 Iron Angels Rally

outside the cage columns available in the on-line edition of the Courier:

Benefit for a Biker Chick (April 3, 2008)
Die Hard Run in July (March 27, 2008)	Carla's new ride (March 20, 2008)
The king is dead – long live the king (March 13, 2008)	Fallen Brother Run and Pop's Place Cook-off (Feb. 21, 2008)
Take your Valentine for a ride (Feb. 14, 2008)	Motorcycle riding in my mind (Feb. 7, 2008)
Saturday ride (Jan. 31, 2008)	You might get bit by the biker bug (Jan. 24, 2008)
Veterans Memorial Monument in Natalia (Jan. 17, 2008)	A fun look at today's motorcycle life! (Jan. 3, 2008)
October Fun Run (Oct. 4, 2007)
No column Sept. 27, 2007	'No camo on my Harley?' (Sept. 20, 2007)
Run to Coopers Barbecue Sept. 15 (Sept. 13, 2007)	'Pa, I am ready for my ride' (Sept. 6, 2007)
There was no column Aug. 30	Eat at Keese's Cafe (Aug. 23, 2007)
Hot & sweaty riding (Aug. 16, 2007)	God Bless David Rowe (Aug. 9, 2007)
Lucky (Aug. 2, 2007)	Stuff to do (July 26, 2007)
Rode with the Gypsies (July 19, 2007)	Rain stopped (July 12, 2007)
Ride the Harley (July 5, 2007)
Outside the Cage columns from earlier in 2007
Outside the Cage columns from 2006	Outside the Cage columns from 2005

outside the cage Benefit for a Biker Chick by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published April 3, 2008    If you have never gone down on a motorcycle you cannot imagine what it is like. My one experience of hitting the pavement has given me a soft heart for anyone else who has.     On Saturday, April 12, we all have a chance to step up and do a good thing for a fellow biker. Jeni from the Hill Country Cafe in Kerrville is still recovering from an accident and it will be a while before she can get back to work. She has some great friends who are coming together to help her.     You can help also by attending the “Jeni’s On Her Feet Benefit.” Please mark your calendar for Saturday, April 12. Set up the date on your scheduler or your cell phone. Get a tattoo that says “Jeni – April 12, ” but don’t miss it and tell me later that you forgot the date.     The festivities will begin at noon. There will be live music, biker games, door prizes and a magic show, in addition to a raffle, a 50-50 drawing and a live auction. Raffle tickets are on sale now for prizes donated by local business owners. A .270 Savage rifle, a 21-inch flat screen television and a three burner stainless steel barbecue pit are among the prizes to be offered. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.     Only 400 tickets will be sold. This event takes place in Kerrville at Freedom Hall, 3600 Highway 27 East. You can have a full day of fun and help someone in need at the same time. Drive up to Kerrville, on a bike or in a cage, and join us for this event. For more information, call me at 210-326-8541.     Mr. Ed says, “Strange as it may seem, uncertainty is a big part of the overall order of things that will come to pass.”

outside the cage Die Hard Run in July by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published March 27, 2008 Charlie Edwards won Best Poker Hand while his friend Brenda Livingston won Worst Poker Hand, earning each of them an attractive limited edition belt buckle. Pat Moeggen's chopper "The Storm," which took two years to build, won top honors in the Biker's Choice-Best Bike competition at the Wild Hog Explosion rally Saturday, March 15.    Each year, the Iron Horse Cowboys sponsor their Die Hard Run in Bandera in July, with all proceeds benefiting the Bandera County Youth Services. So far, the group has contributed more than $3,000 to local children.     This year's rally is scheduled for July 18 through 20 and they need sponsors for various activities. They hold a Poker Run through the Hill Country, bike games and a Sunday church service, among other events. The group is a 501(c)3, so donations are tax deductible. They are also looking for vendors.     If you are willing to help out, or for more information, please contact Kim James at kim@ironhorsecowboys.org, or 210-269-1439, or Starrla Milano at starrla@ironhorsecowboys.org, or 210-274-4202.

outside the cage Carla's new ride by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published March 20, 2008    My Bastrop riding buddy and member of the Cowboy Capitol Motorcycle Club, Carla Dunn, has a new motorcycle. Her Blue Big Dog was stolen just a few miles from her home in 2007. Her new ride is a green and silver Kawasaki Vulcan-Nomad.     Recently, a few of our CCMC members RODE up to Luckenbach to meet with Carla, her husband Steven and son Dalton. We enjoyed the pickin’ and grinnin’ guitar players and did willingly partake of a beverage that comes from the cool clear waters high in Rocky mountains of Colorado.     We listened to a few songs made famous by Gene Watson, Carl Perkins and Red Sovine. Some of the entertainers belted out a couple of their own songs. Those are the ones I like to hear. If you pay attention to a singer-song writer you can find out a lot about that person from the words in their music.     A very large number of motorcyclists converge on Luchenbach every weekend. It is a perfect place to run into friends you have not ridden with in a while. I am a people watcher. I pay close attention to a person's reactions to things. When I am in Luckenbach, one of my favorite pastimes is sitting and watching the general public watching the bikers come and go. It does not matter how old or young someone is. It seems everyone loves to look at a shiny motorcycle.     I have seen a lot of people in their 80s and 90s staring in awe at the (as one elderly lady called them) metal monsters. I can understand why she would see them as such. Especially when they fly by her out on the open road.     Recently a reader of these articles visited the Courier office and left a message informing me that there were other motorcycles on the road besides Harley Davidsons. Yes Virginia, there are Gold Wings out on the road also. I imagine you probably have a really nice one. I have ridden one – I even owned a Gold Wing from 1994 to 2003. I logged just under 100,000 miles on that Aspencade. Then one day I woke up and realized I deserved to be riding a real motorcycle.     Mr. Ed says, "If God never intended man to travel on two wheels, why did he invent handle bars?"

outside the cage The king is dead – long live the king by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published March 13, 2008    There is a new King of Burgers in town and he doesn’t sell the Whopper.     The Earle of Sandwich would be proud to know his discovery of putting meat between two pieces of bread and offering it to the public at a fair price is being carried on by one of his descendants. Yes, it is true – right here in the Cowboy Capital of the World, Sir Marcus Ridosh, owner of Fatboyz Sandwich Shop and Deli, carries on the centuries-old tradition of the sandwich.     Sir Ridosh opened his doors March 3 and I have been gaining weight every day since the “open” sign flickered in my eyes, beckoning me to venture inside and consume all that was prepared before me. I have bloated my belly on his burgers – two in one day – one at 11 am and another at 5 pm. I ruined my maximum daily caloric intake level on his Rueben. I have personally porked out on his pastrami and humbly bowed my head in reverence to the flavor of a Fatboyz ham sandwich. I took my wife to lunch there and placed within her reach a Fatboyz Cobb salad. Now she tells everyone I am her hero and that she might even keep me around for a little while longer. So after a ride around the Hill Country on your scoot, stop into Fatboyz. Say hello to Mark and be sure to tell him that Ed sent you.     Mr. Ed says, "Invest in things that make you smile. They pay dividends in health."     (Fatboyz is located in the Bandera Village Shopping Center on Highway 16 South.)

outside the cage Fallen Brother Run and Pop's Place Cook-off by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Feb. 21, 2008    If you didn’t get in enough riding last weekend at the St. Valentines Day Massacre in Boerne, you have another chance to put some miles on the scooter this weekend.     We’ve devised an ambitious plan for a daylong ride. Our runs are open to all types and styles of bikes and riders.      Do you have what it takes? Saturday, Feb. 23, we will leave the parking lot in front of the Snowflake Donut Shop on Highway 16 in Bandera at 8:30 am.     We’ll ride down Highway 173 to Devine for a quick stop, then on to Kyote. At Kyote, we turn left to the Atascosa Country Store, the site of the Fallen Brother Run.     At 5 pm, those of you who are die-hard riders can ride with us up through Castroville and on to Pop's Place on the Medina Lake.     Pop's Place will have a cook-off all day with two live bands playing into the night. The aroma of brisket, chili and beans will fill the air and rock and roll music from the Moonshiners and the 454s will get your toes tappin'.      Make plans now to ride during the Wild Hog Explosion, March 14 through 16 at Mansfield Park in Bandera. Proceeds from the Wild Hog Explosion Festivities help support the Bandera County Public Library here in Bandera.     Mr. Ed says, "Sometimes the quickest way to get someone back on their feet is to kick them when they are down."

outside the cage Take your Valentine for a ride by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Feb. 14, 2008    Want to do something a little different for your sweetie for Valentine‘s Day? Take her to the 31st St Valentine’s Day Massacre Motorcycle Rally in Boerne. You don’t have to own or ride a motorcycle to enjoy this event. The Massacre will be held at the Kendall County Fairgrounds Friday through Sunday, Feb. 15-17. Gate admission is $23 for adults, $10 for youths 13 through 15 and children 12 and under are free.     There will be an exotic custom bike exhibit. I don’t know what exactly an exotic custom bike is, but I am sure I have never seen one. Come out on Friday and spend the weekend. Live music, bike games and adult and children's field events will keep you entertained all weekend. RVs are welcome for a $10 fee but they must be self-contained. Camping is free and hot showers are available. Some 60 merchandise and food vendors will satisfy any shop-aholic. Church services will be conducted Sunday. For more info, call 210-584-7460 or go to www.massacrerally.com.     Next weekend, the Fallen Brother Run at the Atascosa Country Store. A chili cook-off will also be held at Pop's Place on Medina Lake.     Mr. Ed says, "The heart feels and does things for reasons that reason can never explain."

outside the cage Motorcycle riding in my mind by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Feb. 7, 2008 Ed’s practice bench    I am often asked, “How can you ride 700 or more miles in a day? Doesn’t your posterior cramp up from being on that motorcycle seat all day? Isn't it uncomfortable?”     I always answer no to both questions. Now – for the first time – I am going to reveal my well-kept secret for being able to sit on a motorcycle seat for hours on end. It is a secret that has been passed down from biker to biker for decades. I am going to share this secret with you, but do not tell anyone else. Promise?     The secret is...     I practice. Yup. If I know I will be going on a long ride, I practice sitting. I had the bench pictured above custom made especially for that purpose. It has a really hard wooden surface. It sports the Harley logo to help me get in the mood for riding. I usually practice sitting on this bench four to eight hours a day before a long trip. I will wear my leathers and helmet while I practice, in case I should fall asleep and fall of the bench. The bench is in the entry hall where we have a tile floor and I could get hurt.     The most difficult part of the practice is holding out my arms pretending to be gripping the handlebars. My shoulders get really tired. Before my last trip, I practiced while I made the sound of the motorcycle with my mouth. I lost my voice after about 250 miles. Making the noise for the horn was a lot of fun, though. Every time one of my cats or dogs walked down the hall to the living room, I made a honking noise and they would jump out of the way. I came pretty close to running over the cats tail one day.     One day, while I was practicing for my Thanksgiving run to Las Vegas, I looked out the window and it started to rain. I pretended to pull over and I got my rain gear on. Hey, if I am going to practice, I need to prepare for foul weather, right? I sat on the bench fully dressed in my riding gear and wearing a rain suit inside the house. I made sounds like my bike was traveling through water. It began raining harder, so I pretended to pull over under an overpass. I got off the bike and got splashed by a 18 wheeler – I was drenched.     I always make my imaginary practice runs difficult, realistic and demanding. That way, when I am sitting on that dang seat and riding all those miles squirming around trying to get comfortable, I recall the practice run that I just went through and I am damn glad to be sitting on a little foam and leather.     Well, that’s all for now. I have to go practice for the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Run in Boerne on Feb. 15, 16 and 17. That’s my story and I am sticking to it.     Note: Christian Motorcyclists Association will meet at the China Bowl Restaurant, 1206 Pecan St., Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 pm.     Mr. Ed says, “The only way to escape criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”

outside the cage Saturday ride by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Jan. 31, 2008 Larry, Johnny, Hope, Vincent, Walter, Mike Piper and a chubby white dude.    Last week, we met in Bandera for a Saturday ride. We braved the chill and fog and headed the bikes toward Kerrville about 9:15 am. The weatherman said it was going to be a nice day and the way it looked, he finally got one right.     Did you ever stop to think that you can watch the weather forecast on three of four TV stations and they can all be 10 degrees or more different on their forecasts? Wouldn’t it be nice at your job if you could be 10 degrees towards wrong, day in and day out, and still get paid? Sounds like job security to me.      Sorry, I wandered off the subject.     We had five bikes and six people in our little pack and we were all hungry and in need of hot coffee, so we wasted no time in finding food. We crossed the bridge on Highway 16 in Kerrville and took a right on main street. Just a block ahead on our left is a little café that was first opened in 1942 – The Hill Country Café at 806 Main street. Mike and Cindy Piper are the owners. They purchased the place in 1989 but still run it with a 40s-style atmosphere.     Mike and Cindy work the restaurant with a hands-on attitude. Texas Monthly describes the cafe simply as a “Texas legend.” The café has the honor of being the oldest one operating in Kerr County. You can find Mike there every day serving up great home cooked meals. I am a biscuits and sausage gravy fanatic and his are the best. Mike has a South of the Border menu that you are also sure to enjoy.      Cindy never lets your coffee cup run dry. She helps the waitresses with the customers, runs the register and sends you on your way with a full belly and a smile (You with the full belly, Cindy with the smile). The Hill Country Café is open from 6 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday; and 6 am until 11 am, on Saturday.     If you have been reading my articles for a while, you might think that all I do is ride around the Hill Country on my motorcycle and find places to eat. That’s not entirely true. Sometimes, I also stop and take pictures of the places I ride to and eat at.      Mr. Ed says, "God does not deduct from our lives those hours we spend riding with good friends."

outside the cage You might get bit by the biker bug by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Jan. 24, 2008 Meet the three newest members of the Cowboy Capitol Motorcycle Club.    Motorcycling is for everyone young and old. I am pretty sure these new little bikers would be the first to tell you how much they enjoy riding in the Hill Country.     I caught the motorcycling bug at a young age. Riding is a big part of my life. I enjoy taking the grandkids for a ride and letting them experience what I have loved doing for the last 42 years.     Many of our members have kids and grandkids who are old enough to ride along on some of our excursions. Some of our members are excited about their kids getting old enough to ride along. Bailee, Shaley and Garrett all love to ride. The problem now is trying to get away without one of them. They got bit by the bug, too. Once that happens, it is hard to get motorcycling out of you life.      I took my seven-year-old  grandson Garrett for a 150-mile ride one weekend. We saw buffalo, elk, zebra and many other animals on our ride around the Hill Country. We stopped for a soda and lunch and he got to talk to a lot of other riders.  When we arrived home, we lit a campfire and just kind of sat there thinking about the day. We had not talked for several minutes. We just stared into the fire, watching the flames. Garrett was the first to break the silence. Without looking up he said, "Grandpa, I am pretty sure this is the best day of my life."     When he said that, I knew it was the best day of mine.

outside the cage Veterans Memorial Monument in Natalia by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Jan. 17, 2008    While every TV channel and radio station is engrossed in covering the politics of electing a new president, my thoughts always lead to finding the candidate who will keep our country strong in the eyes of the rest of the world and who will support our military with whatever they may need to accomplish their duties. No matter what the politicians do or say, our quality of life is provided by the individual members our US Armed Forces.     When I ride south from Bandera or Pipe Creek, there is a place that I always make sure to stop at. I have mentioned it in a few of my columns. It is always the same for me – just a few minutes at the Veterans Memorial Monument in Natalia and I am reminded of how much so many have sacrificed for our country.     The monument in Natalia is on the main road through town, Highway 132. It was dedicated May 27 of 2002. Near the bottom is engraved this passage – "In honor and memory of all who served in the armed forces, remembered, not forgotten.” Engraved on the front and back of the four black granite pillars are the names of local service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.     Six US Coast Guardsmen, 103 Marines, 123 from the US Navy, 204 from the US Air Force and 294 men and women of the United States Army.     On some occasions when I visit the monument, there are some new names engraved in the granite and carved into eternity. I sometimes wonder what these heroes looked like, how old they were and who they left at home grieving for them. You may never be able to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall or go to Arlington, but just a one hour drive from Bandera is a place you can visit and pay your respects to some of our military. Take a ride and spend some time there thinking about how blessed we are to live in the United States of America. Then thank those names on the pillars for your freedom.     Mr. Ed says, "Freedom has a taste to those who have fought for it and died for it that the protected shall never know."

outside the cage A fun look at today's motorcycle life! by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Jan. 3, 2008    Outside the Cage didn't run this week

outside the cage October Fun Run by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Oct. 4, 2007    Plan now for the fifth annual October Fun Run motorcycle ride and party, Saturday, Oct. 20, at Leakey.     This run benefits the Leakey Volunteer Fire Department and everyone is welcome. There's no charge for admission.     Enjoy a carnival style atmosphere, games of skill, live music and all the usual refreshments. Visit the vendors or be a vendor yourself. Door prizes will be awarded.     The fun begins at 10 am and continues until 6 pm. Take FM 337 west onehalf mile from Leakey.     For more info call 830-232-6629 or email bikerstop@hctc.net or visit www.friocanyonmotorcyclestop.biz.     Mr. Ed says, "Never let anyone manipulate your great attitude when it's them that has the problem."

outside the cage 'No camo on my Harley?' by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Sept. 20, 2007    If you go to Hawaii, all the shirts and skirts have pictures of palm trees and surfers. In California, they paint everything with pictures of whales and seals. In Florida, it's flowers. In Alaska, it's bears and wolves and moose.     Oh, but in Texas, we really use our artistic talents. Acouple of different shades of green from an aerosol can and maybe a light brown and you can create a masterpiece in camouflage on everything from your $60,000 Hummer to your $8 mail box. You do not even have to stay inside the lines. The paint goes in the right spot every time.     Why am I ranting? Well, last weekend in downtown Bandera, I was sitting on my Harley and was approached by what looked to be a man. I could not tell until he got close and spoke to me. He was wearing camo head to foot and he blended in with the surroundings. That is, except for his bright shiny watch and his tide white tennies. Oh, and his mirrored glasses and light blue hat with "Huntmaster" stitched across it in florescent yellow. I could only surmise that he had been told the deer in Bandera had all gone blind.     Anyway, he walks up to me, looks my bike over pretty good and was actually serious when he said, "Hey man - ya ought to put a camo paint job on yer bike."     As he walked off, fading quickly into the surroundings, I thought, what a great idea. I could blend in with the local flora and fauna as I go down the road at 60 mph.     Then all the cage drivers would have an excuse for saying, "Gee, officer I just did not see him."     Nope - camo my Harley - I ain't gonna do it.     I will camo my feeder.     I will camo my Jeep.     I'll wear camo gloves and camo shoes on my feet.     I will camo my face and the stock of my gun.     I might wear camo underwear (but that's just for fun).     I could paint camo colors all over my canoe but why stop there? There is so much more I could do. Camo the front door, camo the roof. Camo my saddle and my horse's hooves. Let's go camo crazy and camo in blue.     I recently saw some bright orange camo shoes. No, mister hunter - I will not paint my bike in a collage of green colors. Chrome and black is what I like.     Mr. Ed says, "Laughter can cure what ails you, and if it don't, look how much fun you had trying."

outside the cage Run to Coopers Barbecue Sept. 15 by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Sept. 13, 2007    Okay, now listen up! Here's the plan.     Friday night or early Saturday morning, get a full tank of gas in your bike. Arrive at Las Mananitas Restaurant in Pipe Creek early if you want to eat breakfast. Eat all your breakfast, pay your bill and be ready to pull out at 9:30 am.     This may take planning on your part, so you won't have to eat fast. I know most of you and your brain cells don't start creating heat until 10 am.     We will pull out at 9:30 am from Pipe Creek. We will take Highway 16 South to Highway 46, then west on IH-10. Exit IH-10 onto Highway 87 in Comfort. Ride SH 87 to Main Street in Fredericksburg, where we may take a short cut, or go to South Llano Street and turn right.     Ride on to Llano, home of Cooper’s Barbecue.     After lunch, ride back down SH16 to Willow City Loop, then on to Luckenbach, Sisterdale and Boerne, then home.     If you know someone who would like to ride with us, they are welcome. Also, if a spouse or non-rider wants to go, they can follow the group in a cage.     We are not going to be in a hurry. We will probably stop for a break in Fredericksburg on the way up. I hope I covered everything.     If you have any dumb questions for me, I can most assuredly come up with a equally or dumber answer for them, so fire away.     I have received the following list of dumb questions, followed by my dumb replies.     1. Why go to Llano for lunch? ‘Cause that's where Cooper’s Barbecue is.     2. Will we eat when we get there? Nope!     3. How will we get back? Just click your ruby slippers together.     4. Do they only have barbecue there? No, there are chairs and tables, too.     5. Will we come back the same way? Yes, on what you rode up on.     6. Will I need to gas up? No, I am looking forward to pushing you, your fat posterior and your bike back to Bandera.     Mr. Ed says, "Man is the most comical when he takes he takes himself too seriously."

outside the cage 'Pa, I am ready for my ride' by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Sept. 6, 2007    That is what my two-year-old grandson calls me, “Pa.”     If he sees the Harley at the office, he runs straight for it hollering, "Pa, ride, ride, ride." He knows how to turn the ignition on and which button to push to start the bike. Today he learned how to twist the throttle and rev up the engine.     You can see a big smile come across his face as he cranks up the rpms and feels the Road King start to vibrate. The horn button has to be his favorite.     As we ride around the parking lot, his little fingers move back and forth between the horn button, the headlights and the turn signals. Every time he pushes one of the buttons he looks up at me and I show my approval of what he has just accomplished.      He is not even as tall as the seat when he is standing next to the motorcycle. But when he is riding it, I am sure he feels as big as his Pa. It will be a decade or more before he gets out on the road. Until then, we will just keep riding in circles  in the parking lot.      Mr. Ed says, "People who won't help with washing the dishes should not be allowed to eat."

outside the cage Eat at Keese's Cafe by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Aug. 23, 2007    It is true. You can't change a tire with a kid on your back. You can't go swimming in a baseball pool. You can't go fishing in a watermelon patch, and you can't roller-skate in a buffalo herd. But you can be happy if you eat at Keese's Cafe in Medina.     If that profound proliferator of lyrical preponderances, Roger Miller, were still alive he most certainly would love to ride with us on our Saturday breakfast runs to Medina. It’s just a short 15-minute ride from Bandera on Hwy 16 North. Sections of the ride up are shaded by some beautiful old pecan trees. You cross the Medina river a few times and there are some sharp curves to lean into on the way, so drive the speed limit and enjoy the scenery.     When you pull into Medina, watch for Keese's on the left. Our group usually takes up two or three tables, so you might have to eat out on the porch when we are there. The Cedar Chopper Special is my favorite breakfast. It seems to be too much food for your average hungry biker, but I can usually finish it all. The prices are fair to the customer. When Karen cooks your meal, you are guaranteed to enjoy it.     Another reason you need to go to Keese's Cafe is the waitresses. They are nice. Really nice. On the International Waitress Rating scale from 0 to 10 they deserve an 11.     Hours are 7 am to 2 pm, Monday through Thursday; 7 am to 5 pm Friday; 7 am to 4 pm Saturday; and 9 am to 2 pm Sunday.     Mr. Ed says, "A Harley parked in front means good food inside."     P.S. Did I mention how nice the waitresses are?

outside the cage Hot & sweaty riding by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Aug. 16, 2007 Friends of David Rowe say goodbye at a memorial run Sunday, August 12. Photo courtesy of Butch Schultz    It is warming up and the great riding weather we had for the past few weeks is all behind us. Now we ride and sweat and then ride faster to try to cool off.     Quite a few of my riding buddies cannot figure out why I wear a long sleeved white shirt to ride in. The long sleeves protect my arms from getting too hot in the sun. They also act like a swamp cooler when I sweat and then ride. Any speed over about 20 mph forces the wind up my sleeves and cools me off. If you are riding with your skin exposed, the sun and wind dry the sweat before it can have a chance to help to cool you. It's not rocket science, it's biker know-how.     The photo shows the group that met Sunday to ride on the David Rowe Memorial Run. I want to thank all who attended. The Iron Horse Cowboys, the Christian Motorcycle Association, The Cowboy Capitol Motorcycle Club, and many friends of David Rowe from all over Bandera County. We all made a final stop at the Bandera Saloon. There we were treated to David's favorite beverage and we all toasted to Motorcycle David Rowe.     Mr. Ed says, "Right now, stop what you are doing and call someone you love. It will be good for both of you!"

outside the cage God Bless David Rowe Always out in front by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Aug. 9, 2007 David Rowe    Outside The Cage, a fun look at today’s motorcycle life, is not all about fun this week.     I lost a riding buddy. I hope God has a Harley or two parked somewhere in the clouds cause David Rowe is going to want to spend his time cruising the Heavens on two wheels.     David had been telling Roaddog about his trip just the night before he left. All excited, as he usually was about riding, he did not leave out any detail of where he planned to ride. David had been riding Harleys all his life and had owned quite a few. He was always up for a run through the Hill Country. David usually took a long trip at least once a year.     This year he was going to hook up with a friend somewhere north of  Bandera. They where heading to New Mexico, Arizona and on to Utah. The information I was told was that David had made it into Utah. He had just taken the lead and a deer came out from the woods and collided with the motorcycle.      Services for David Rowe will be in Longview at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens at 3:30 pm Friday, Aug. 10. I was told there will be a gathering of friends of David Rowe after the burial.     I, my wife, and all his riding buddies will miss him. If there is any consolation in his passing it is that he left this world doing exactly what made him happy. David Rowe always rode out in the front of the pack, that is where he liked to be. He is still leading the way.     Mr. Ed says, “Everyone dies, not everyone truly lives.”

outside the cage Lucky by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published Aug. 2, 2007    I’m lucky, you’re lucky. How in the heck can you get up in the morning anywhere around the Hill Country and be grumpy?     It’s just too pretty a place to live, and an even better place to ride a motorcycle. When I’m cruising along Hill Country roads, it’s hard not to look around at all the breathtaking scenery.     So, all you cage riders with your windows rolled up and the radio blaring, keep an eye out for me while I’m rubbernecking this beautiful land that God made for me.     You can go down any road in a cage a hundred times and still not experience it the way God meant for you to see it until you ride that road on a motorcycle. No, convertibles don't count either.     On a bike you go through warm spots and cold spots in the air around you. You smell the aroma of every plant bush and tree – we won't talk about the aroma of the road kill.     Really folks, if you can't ride a motorcycle, find a friend who owns a bike and ask them for a ride. You’ll see the Hill Country like you have never seen it, and you will never be the same once you have ridden Outside the Cage.     Mr. Ed says, “The only way to escape criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”

outside the cage Stuff to do by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published July 26, 2007    There is a lot to do this weekend and it's all just a few miles away.     First, there is the swap meet at Cycle Goodies on Main Street in Boerne. It will be held Saturday, July 28.     After the swap meet, there will be a birthday party for Bobby "Bud" Weiser, one of the employees of Cycle Goodies. The B-day party will be at the Longbranch Saloon next to Cycle Goodies from 8-12pm. Rueben says everyone is invited.     Now, before you go to the swap meet, you need to go to Bandera and attend the third annual Die Hard Run put on by the Iron Horse Cowboys. It all starts with a party at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar in downtown Bandera on Friday, July 27.     Saturday, sign up for the run at Mansfield park. While you are completing your designated stops, you can swing by Cycle Goodies and see the swap meet.     Afterwards, ride back to Bandera for music and food at the Die Hard Run. Then, go to Boerne and the Longbranch for Bud’s party. Wow, what a full day of riding. I will probably log 300 to 400 miles and never be more than 50 miles from Bandera.     I had a little surprise last weekend. I was going through some of my grandma's old school books and found a lock of her hair pressed between the pages. I only saw my grandma after her hair had gone grey. It was quite a shock to see that flaming red hair tied with a ribbon with her name on it – Iva Zettel. Now, when I look at the old black and white photos of her, I can picture that long red hair dropping out from under her cowgirl hat.     As I flipped through a few more pages of the book "Grimm’s Fairy Tales," which was published in 1898, I found a newspaper clipping with a poem on it. I read the poem and it was no big deal, but when I flipped the poem over I made a real find. There was an ad listing motorcycles for sale. It read, "1937 Harley Davidson $135; 1935 Harley $85; 1936 Excelsior $67 – $17 down and easy monthly installments."     Funny, the kinds of things we can get excited about.     Mr. Ed says, “You never really appreciate the good old days until you have crappy new ones.”

outside the cage Rode with the Gypsies by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published July 19, 2007 Posing with the new feature at Camp Verde.    Okay, I am sorry.     I know I sound like a broken record, but – doggone it – I had another great day of riding this last weekend.     A few of the guys from the Cowboy Capitol Motorcycle Club met KJ and me and we rode with the Gypsies on the 18th annual GDI run.     Jake and Debbie rode with us and I snapped their picture at our second stop in Camp Verde.     The weather must have been ordered special because it was perfect.     The gumbo was so good, I had four bowls and wished I could have held more.     I won a trophy for the worst hand in the poker run. Hey, don’t laugh – it is a darn nice trophy and I am proud of it.     If you missed the run last weekend, you have plenty of time to plan for the third annual Die Hard run on July 27-29. It will be held at the Mansfield Park on Highway 16 in Bandera. There will be a pre-run party at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar Friday night.     If you need more info e-mail waynejamie@sbcglobal.net or go to www.ironhorsecowboys.org and sign up.     Frosty’s motorcycle shop in Bandera has some sign-up sheets with all the info you might need.     Mr. Ed says, "Everything changes a little, as it should. Good ain’t forever and bad ain’t for good."

outside the cage Rain stopped by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published July 12, 2007    First and foremost, don’t forget the GDI run presented by the River City Gypsy's this weekend, Friday, July 13, through Sunday, July 15, at Lost Valley Resort on Highway 16 South between Pipe Creek and Bandera.     Go six miles past Pipe Creek and turn onto Purple Sage Road. Gates open at noon on Friday. There’s a Saturday meal after the run with shaded camping and swimming. For more information, call Bounce at 830-510-6357.     Well, the rain finally let up enough so we could get out and ride last weekend. Wrench-Head – aka Larry – always comes down from Kerrville to ride with us on Saturdays, so we thought we’d return the courtesy and go up to his stomping grounds for a change.     We met at the usual place, Frosty's, and pulled out at 8 am. We rode up 173 into Kerrville and had breakfast at the Sav-Inn Cafe. It was great. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered. After stuffing ourselves with ranch-style food, we headed over to the Kerr County Courthouse for an open car show. We wanted to get a look at some of our dream cars.     As we walked around – amazed at the amount of work and money the owners put into these autos – I stopped every so often to commend these fanatics on a job well done. Each one replied, “Thank you, that means a lot.”     They seemed to like it when you appreciate all the years of hard work they put into their little babies. One man told me his car was in more family pictures than his kids because he had the car before he got married.     After leaving the car show, we rode past the replica of Stonehenge to 41 and over to the Garvin Store. Larry left us there, but the rest of the pack rode to Leakey and, of course, back through Tarpley to stop and see Val at the Steel Horse Cafe.     My total miles logged on the Road King for that day was 222. Heck, that’s just a short run.     The Iron Horse Cowboys run is scheduled for the end of July. I’ll tell you more about it next time.     Mr. Ed says, “To know the right thing to do and to not do it is to be a coward.”

outside the cage Ride the Harley by Ed Longhurst President, Iron Horse Cowboys Published July 5, 2007    My hands are shakin’ and my knees are weak. I can't seem to stand on my own two feet. I didn't get to ride my Harley all last week. It's been tough. I'm all shook up.     Actually those were the original words to that song, but someone in their infinite wisdom decided they knew better than Elvis how that song should go.     Although it worked out and we all liked the song, Elvis never got over someone changing the words that he originally wrote. As we all know Elvis became the King. What you don't know is that the writer that changed the words the King wrote was sentenced to a life of mediocrity. He was never to become a famous writer and was forced by the devil to ride a Vespa. Just a little inside joke.     I did get to see some pretty country this last weekend, just not from the seat of my bike. I drove through the Ozark Mountains.     Wow! Now I can’t wait to get my motorcycle up there. What a unbelievable drive that was. I went over into Louisiana and then up into Arkansas. I stayed the first night in Hope, Arkansas, then up through Arkedelphia, Oklahoma and Pelsor to Harrison just south of Branson. I went to Springdale from there along the 412. What a great road to ride. I drove into Oklahoma on 63 in the Oachita National forest. Another hour, and I was back in Texas. SHHH !! Be quiet.     If you listen real close you can hear it, too. The Ozark Mountains are calling me back, and they are whispering to me, "Ed ride the Harley.”     Mr. Ed says, "God does not deduct from our lives the hours we spend riding with good friends.”