Paul Kruska labeled this year as “ Press’s Polar Extravaganza “ which was a very appropriate title. It turned cold enough the guys would choose a temperature when they would start the ride.

On Friday, 5 scooters took off with intentions of enjoying the ride. The men came prepared for cold weather and it was a good thing. They came back chilled but pleased with their ride. By traveling back roads, they traveled to Burton and saw the cotton gin with a bonus of a cotton ginner who is only 1 of 3 skilled men who can start up the 1925 Bessemer Type IV diesel oil engine. Then into Brenham for lunch at Smitty’s. Home was another tour by backroads through Burton and into Carmine.

The ladies enjoyed a warm ride into Brenham with shopping and lunch at Must Be Heaven.

After more visiting during the afternoon we all enjoyed dinner at Los Patrones Mexican Grill in Giddings.

On Saturday morning, the Board of Director’s meeting was held to make plans for the state meet which will be in Paris, Sept. 28- Oct 1. Unable to attend were Twig Branch and Ben Sargent. We missed them.

6 scooter riders made a plan: when it gets above 40 degrees they would ride. The ride began at 10:30. This time the weather really did begin to warm. Jerry Krenek provided the chase vehicle. Again on backroads they traveled through Shelby and Nelsonville on their way to Bellville. They attended an antique car show in Belleville. A reserved parking area welcomed them. After enjoying the classic cars, lunch was eaten at Kenney’s Store in Kenney, Tx.

After lunch the riders toured Tommy Traylor’s shop in Bellville. He impressed them with his vast array of tools and his current project which is a dragon gate. A wonderful story which will be in the next newsletter.

They stayed until almost dark then hightailed it home just before dark. The group chose to eat at J.W.’s in Carmine for dinner. We ate there on Thursday night and knew we would get another great meal.

While the scooters were out, another group headed to La Grange for the Quilt Museum and lunch. Raymond Love and Larry Freeze kept each other company while the ladies toured the quilt museum ( and then slipped next door to the quilt shop).

20 people showed up for this first event of 2022. James and Jane Press, Paul and Mary Kruska, David and Karen Pickett, Raymond and Chrysti Love, Larry and Ginger Freeze, Frank Turbeville, Jerry Krenek, Richard Kesselus, JJ Mooney, Tommy and Debi Goode, Jack and Emma Miller, and Don and Debbie Ledbetter.

A full report will be in the next newsletter which you will receive if you are a current member of the Texas Cushman Club.

Long time member, Bert Barnette has died. our condolences to his family and friends.

Bert and Jane Barnette joined the Texas Cushman Club in 1991. TTC. # 541. Bryan Gelwick presented the 2008 Founder’s Award to Bert and Jane. They were a great resource in parts, knowledge, and friendship.

Hip!!! Hip!!! Hurrah! !!!!

Time for the riding to begin. James and Jane Press have plans for the Carmine Ride to happen. The weather may be a little cool but I don’t see rain in the forecast.

The following is a copy of the information from the Calendar of Events.

March 11 & 12, 2022–15th Annual Carmine Ride–Carmine, TX. Come join us in Carmine, Texas (about 20 miles west of Brenham on US 290) this spring! Here’s what we have planned: The rides start at 9:30 from the Pecan Grove Inn parking lot on both Friday and Saturday mornings, so those coming from a distance need to arrive on the 10th to make the 9:30 AM start time on the 11th. The meet will be at the Pecan Grove Inn B & B, 233 Augsburg Street in Carmine, www.pecangroveinn.com. We (yes, that’s my wife and I) have six rooms. Call James or Jane Press at (281) 433-8845 to book or for further information.

“Looking forward to a great time!