Aransas Pass & Corpus Christi Ride, Nov. 16-18, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023 we gathered in Aransas Pass for the Early Bird dinner at Mickey D’s (not McDonalds) and enjoyed a variety of seafood selections and hamburgers.
Friday morning we left the hotel parking lot with 14 scooters, a chase vehicle, and 3 car loads of enthusiastic followers for a tour of Aransas Pass and the BIG TREE on Goose Island. We enjoyed lunch at Charlotte Plummers in Fulton Beach and on to the ferry ride over to Port Aransas for ice cream and back to the hotel. John and Barbara Allbright hosted the group at their lovely water-side home for beans and cornbread.
Saturday, November 18, 2023 we left Aransas Pass and rode to Mustang Island; south to Padre Island where we stopped in front of the picturesque submarine for a photo opportunity before heading into Corpus Christi. Along Ocean Drive the City of Corpus had erected US Flags in honor of Veteran’s Day. The breeze made that a beautiful sight.
We continued on Ocean Drive to our lunch destination, the Water Street Oyster Bar, followed by ice cream in Portland before heading back to the hotels. The weather was gorgeous, and we only had to load one scooter all weekend.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jerry Krenek and Diana Hybner for driving chase; Don Henry for organizing the ride; Homer Schilling for leading the rides; Mary Kruska for having the “Find Me” app on her phone (and knowing how to use it!); and John and Barbara Allbright for sharing their home and meal with us.
PARTICIPANTS: Don Henry, Pat Goode, Tommy and Debi Goode, Glynn Revere, Roger Bevins, (from Goliad), Roger Ramply, Jack and Emma Miller, Larry and Linda Olsen, Diana Hybner and Jerry Krenek, Paul and Mary Kruska, John and Barbara Allbright, Don Paige and Beth Doan,Homer Schilling, Tommy Roddy, Mick and RJ Hudson, Marlean and Richie Hudson, Richard Kesselus and Ray Powers.
Richard Kesselus and Don Henry
Thanks to Debi Goode for this article with additional photos by Mary Kruska.
We would like to list my dad’s scooter (Leon Jones) . I’m not sure of the year or model. I would like to sell as a pair for $2,000 or $1,000 each. I could not locate the titles. If you need additional information or additional pictures please contact me (Jerry Jones 817-760-6458).
Got my Jacket and Cecile Blount earrings ready to pack!
It is ONE WEEK -7 days until we gather in Snyder for rides, eating, and visiting with all these wonderful people.
The Highlander Honey’s luncheon location has been changed to Table Matters. https://www.tablematterstx.com. Ginger has more info at the Highlander Honey’s table when you sign up for this treat.
The Chamber of Commerce welcomes our group back to Snyder.
Hope to see you there. Remember the annual dues are expected by Oct.7 for you to remain a member on the Texas Cushman Club.
Marcus Sheik could be heard encouraging others to purchase items at the club benefit auction last year. “It’s for the club”.
You can see, the Ice Cream is ready for the Ice Cream Social at the Snyder 41st State Meet.October 4-7. Come have ice cream and be a part of the annual fundraiser for the Texas Club.
Get your items ready for donation and bring them to the Registration Desk at the Coliseum.
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.
The joy of Kick Starting 3 scooters and them starting! RJ Hudson was definitely “ The Man”
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.
Dane Marable sharing the joy of a Cushman ride
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!
Richard Kesselus sent this photo from the casino parking lot.On the road—-Soon. Getting your head in the shade makes you cooler!
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.
A cool drink with Mick on the ride
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.
Don Henry has created another great ride in the Ruidoso area.
Debi Goode has sent these pictures with some comments for your pleasure. The complete story will be given by Don Henry in the Feb. Newsletter.
Debi Goode and her “new friend” in Roswell.Friday’s start from Arrowhead MotelFriday’s groupFriday’s groupFriday’s Lunch stopFriday’s lunch stopMary and Paul Kruska, Joe Faltinek, RJ and Mick Hudson
Saturday’s ride was another day in cooler weather. Lunch was at Oso Grill across the street from the Smokey the Bear museum.
Marlean Hudson, Pete Henderson, Gary Mathis, and Rickie HudsonTommy Goode, Don Henry, and a new friend ( let me know if you have his name)Definitely OUTLAWS in front of court house where Billy the Kid escaped. Tommy Goode, Marlean and Rickie Hudson, RJ and Mick Hudson, Don HenryHistoric Ft. Stanton soldier with Debi Goode and Don Henry
“Ruidosa was cooler and a lovely respite from the 100+ degree weather. Thanks to Don for organizing and leading the rides.
Most of the time I had a death grip on the steering wheel of my truck as I drove chase through the wickedly scary mountain roads. Don should have the list of participants. Beautiful scenery, but really scary driving.” ~Debi Goode
Texas Cushman Club, Inc. 