Oklahoma and Texas Cushman riders gathered at the Admore, Oklahoma, home of Mick and RJ Hudson on July 27 to park trailers and prepare for the July 28th and 29th area rides. Those who were able to arrive early met for dinner at Sunset Grill later that evening.
All Cushman riders know that the object of our meet is to ride, share camaraderie along with sharing knowledge on maintaining our vintage rides, and finding great eating establishments. Each day started with donuts and coffee as riders gathered to prepare for the first ride. Those who didn’t ride met the riders at noon at the Ardmore Municipal Airport for a delicious lunch at Jake’s Joint, a busy airport restaurant. From there, the next stop was the Gene Autry Museum in Gene Autry, Oklahoma. It is the largest museum in the world of cowboys in entertainment memorabilia from the 1920’s to the present. The museum visitors enjoyed discussing memories of singing and acting cowboys and cowgirls and made new memories as they toured the museum which is housed in the old Berwyn school. Gene Autry, Oklahoma, was originally named Berwyn, Oklahoma.
From the museum, everyone went to Pixie Dust Ice Cream and Gift Shop in Lone Grove. The cold ice cream and air conditioner were welcomed after riding from Gene Autry, and riders got special treatment because the shop owners are friends of the Hudson’s. The scooters were a hit with the younger people who worked there because they had never seen a Cushman. Dane Marable had a buddy seat and he enjoyed giving rides around the parking lot to some of the girls who worked at Pixie Dust. It was said that many of the guys were wishing they had had a buddy seat also so they could give rides! Thanks goes to Lori and Brandon Smith for the accommodating our group. Lori really would like to own her own Cushman Eagle…one day.
After a 70-mile Cushman day which was interspersed with many water stops to hydrate, many of the riders met for dinner at Two Frogs in downtown Ardmore. Two Frogs is known for its delicious choice of fresh meats and seafoods and for the many autographed guitars and pictures of musical giants and rock stars that decorate the walls.
More riders joined the group Saturday morning at the home of the Hudson’s and everyone headed for a ride around part ofLake Murry, a visit to Tucker Tower and Lake Murry Nature Center. From there the riders headed to Winstar Casino at Thackerville. Since there are so many different restaurant choices at the casino, riders broke into groups and headed for lunch at the various places. Everyone enjoyed seeing the huge casino which is not only the largest casino in America but also the largest casino in the world!
The 100 plus degree temperatures each day were high for riding, but the Hudson’s planned many water and airconditioned stops. Everyone stayed hydrated and the heat didn’t seem to be too much of a factor with all the fun that people were having. Marlean and Rickie Hudson provided the chase truck and plenty of water, soft drinks, and Gatorade.
Saturday riders finished an 80-mile ride, and some of the riders chose to head home Saturday evening instead of spending another night in Ardmore. A group of about 20 met for dinner Saturday evening at El Chico to celebrate RJ’s birthday and eat again! Joining the party were RJ’s son, daughter in law, and two grandchildren. The group sang “Happy Birthday” and enjoyed a dessert of their choice in honor of RJ.
Oklahoma and Texas riders who attended the ride were RJ and Mick Hudson, James and Jane Press, Richard Kesselus, Rickie and Marlean Hudson, Steve and Lynn Abbitt, Paul and Mary Kruska, Don and Ann Reed, Dane Marable, Gene Perry, Forest Blaylock, Rich Hill, Bob and Thelma Story, Martin Stafford, Kaile Hudson, and Don Henry. There was quite a variety of Cushman scooters which included Vanguards, cast irons, and a Honda Metropolitan ridden by Kaile Hudson.
Sunday morning a few of the riders who were still in town rode for another eating experience at Prairie Kitchen. This “Breakfast Bunch” enjoyed reminiscing about the weekend fun, and the group discussed weekend awards. There were many other award possibilities had breakfast not arrived so quickly!
Smallest Scooter ~ Steve Abbitt (5 horse powered
Most Sunburned ~ Richard Kesselus Outdoor Adventurers ~ Gene Perry and Forest Blaylock (camped out at the lake)
Metropolitan Award ~ Kailie Hudson (rode Honda Metropolitan)
Farthest Distance ~ Martin Stafford of Loop, TX (This was a very close contest between several of the Texasriders who came from about 300 miles away)
Tail Gunner Award ~ Marlean and Rickie Hudson
Ice Cream and Buddy Award ~ Dane Marable
Cushman Guard Dog Award ~ Ted Bear Hudson
What a weekend of fun and friends! Everyone is looking forward to the next meet.
Don’t forget to join both the Oklahoma and Texas Clubs. We are a great team! Thank You to all who attended, and I hope I didn’t forget anyone.
Also, a big THANK YOU to MARY KRUSKA for helping write this article.