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| December 2011 | Louisiana HSTA Newsletter | Bob Chappuis, Editor |
Cajun Christmas 2011, the 21st annual episode, was once again a big success as measured by the amount of fun had by all if not the numbers in attendence. Someone mentioned that 21 years makes Cajun Christmas one of the longest running in the MSTA! Although the turnout was less than in in recent years we had more than enough for plenty of fun, about 22 altogether. See my report below.
No other club rides to report this month with Christmas and family activities taking the forefront in the holiday season.
Personally speaking, it has been a GOOD year for me. At this time in 2009 I was boasting about breaking my 22,000 miles per year personal best. With a full year of retirement behind me I am easily past 30,000 for 2011. Events I attended this year included the Daytona 200, Arkansas Talimena Twisties, STAR at Johnson City TN, Indy Moto GP and Buddies of Bruce in Cape Girardeau, MO and of course Cajun Christmas. I also rode to Wichita, KS to visit family in October. I hope the rest of you have had good years as well, I know some of you have also attended quite a few events and thankfully there have been no serious mishaps among the Louisiana membership. Here's to an even better 2012!
Later...
Bob
Cajun Christmas 2011 enjoyed optimal weather for event activities (although there was plenty of rain and even maybe snow for many of the return home rides.) As riders rolled in from LA, TX, MO, KS, IN, and CA there was just enough chill to the air to make riding gear comfortable and a campfire appealing. Jimmie Girton of Kansas, Rod Fors of LA and Steve Kirkendoll were already at the lodge as Stacie and I arrived. Steve quickly got to work in the kitchen while Jimmy and Rod helped me unpack the van and also strung some Christmas lights to decorate the cabin. New this year was a Friday night chili dinner cooked up by the Hoosier Squadron's own Steve Kirkendoll.
Groups from Texas, Indiana and St. Louis soon rolled in, Drew Newcomer, his friend Julie and Drew's mom arrived from West Monroe and Keith and Mary Lazz from California rolled in on their Boss Hoss trike. Before long we were all sitting down to a hearty meal. The delicious chili was a big hit along with potato salad and cole slaw and fresh baked pies for desert. We plan to make the Chili dinner a permanent addition to the Cajun Christmas tradition After dinner, route sheets and maps were passed out for the lunch ride and plans were made for morning departures.
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The lunch ride to Grayson's BBQ in Clarence, LA got good marks from all. I led one large and extremely diverse group that somehow managed to stay together despite the numerous turns on the meandering Louisiana back roads. Mounts included Kawasaki Concours 14s, Honda STs and Blackbird, a Ducati Multistrada, 3 Suzuki V-Stroms, a Yamaha Super Tenere and a Boss Hoss Trike! We attacked the twisties, including LA 126 at a spirited but comfortable pace as Moose exercised his photographic talents. On arrival at Grayson's the St. Louis contingent was just finishing up their meal, have made an earlier departure. The pulled pork sandwiches and BBQ plates did not disappoint. After eating our fill we hit the sweet LA 155 sweepers on the return leg as Moose shot some more photos.
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We rolled back into base camp about 4:00 pm after a fine 245 mile ride with no mishaps or performance awards. Back at the lodge Stacie's Gumbo was simmering. We fired up the grills as the sun set over beuatiful Caney Lake. Riders began filing in with gifts and appetites as flames danced in the fireplace. Dave Edwards and Carl Freed stepped up to man the grills and did an outstanding job with the burgers and Cajun sausage. As always we had more than enough food, cold beer and Bourbon and everyone ate and drank their fill as LSU was winning the SEC championship on the TV. Couldn't get any better (unless you were from Georgia).
Next came more beer, pecan pies and Jello shots, not necessarily in that order and then the famous gift exchange. There were some very fine and desirable gifts stolen back and forth, including several nice riding accessories, tool kits and some fine Southern Whiskey and other spirits. As the party wound down several of us moved outside to a campfire to tell lies and savor some of the liquid loot.
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Rain came in the early Sunday morning hours but was light enough that we did not get too wet packing up the van. It was still raining lightly as Stacie and I rolled out of camp around 10:00 am but we rode out of the rain 15 miles south of the park. It caught us again as we stopped for breakfast in Winnfield but we evaded it again as we turned east. I am sorry to say that our out-of-state visitors did not have such luck, most reporting a full day's worth of rain on their rides home. But no one complained and I received many gratifying emails thanking us for a very enjoyable event.
Once again a big THANKS to all who braved the weather to attend and a special THANKS to all who pitched in to help. See you all next year!
| Weather permitting, I plan to ride to Stockton, AL (about 30 miles north of Mobile) for this event on Friday, December 30. I will be heading across the Florida Parishes via highway 10 to Bogalusa and continue on MS 26, US 98 and backroads to Stockton, AL, 245 miles from St. Francisville. My plan is to arrive by 11:30, eat, hang out and and mingle and be back on the road headed home by about 1:00. Email me if you are interested in making the ride. See event details below. |
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| ANNUAL NEW YEARS DAY BREAKFAST MEETING MEET at IHOP at 8:30 1/1/2012 3006 College Dr. Baton Rouge (In front of Wal Mart Phone 225-218-8467)
That is it for 2011! Thanks to each of you who have participated in club activities. And special thanks to those who have helped out and offered moral support. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Prosperous and Safe NEW YEAR to all of you. KEEP IN TOUCH!
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