Come join us!

Glamor + Camping + Riding = FUN!

10/19/18:  We have added an itinerary.  Go to the bottom of this page to take a look at what we have got up our sleeves.  Once you have made a reservation, we will make sure to keep you updated as details are clarified, but this will give you a pretty complete idea of what to expect.

Elsewhere on this website, find more pictures of the fun we had on our Kerrville camping trip last fall.  And, we are going to do it again this year, but in north Texas in celebration of our new shop location in Keller (Ft. Worth area).

This fall’s adventure will take place at Lake Mineral Wells State Park and we would love to have you join us.  This Park has a Rails to Trails bike trail associated with it and will give us plenty of opportunity for riding as much and as long as we want.  There are also both paved and unpaved trails within the Park to ride.

The GLAMOR part of this equation refers to the fact that it is possible to reserve a “shelter” which means you don’t have to pitch a tent.  We have 6 shelters reserved which will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.  They have an outdoor water spigot and electricity, as well as a picnic table, a stand-up grill, and a fire ring.  Each shelter site will accommodate up to 8 people in case you have friends/relatives who you want to camp with, but who may need to overflow into tents or whatever set up just outside.

It also refers to the fact that Easy Street will provide at least one group camping dinner (with your potluck sides as welcome contributions),  maybe two, and two breakfasts with some casual lunch/snack items thrown in for good measure.  We will also plan some fun activities … see below.

Cookin’ and Eatin’

The CAMPING part of this equation … well, I think that’s obvious.  You will bring your own bedding and whatever else you need to enjoy this weekend.  Hopefully, by that time, they will allow campfires.  And, I’m sure we will have our share of mosquitoes, dirt and all that makes up a truly memorable camping experience!  After all, we need stories to tell when we get home.

Talking and Test-riding

And, the RIDING part of this equation — well, this is why we came, right?  We will plan some various opportunities to ride the Trailway as well as some unpaved trails within the Park as we give people a chance to experience off-road cycling.  Of course, there are paved trails as well and we may divide into groups, depending on the level of adventure [and the type of bike/trike] people bring to this occasion.  Renting a recumbent is an option.  All bike and trike riders are welcome, riding a recumbent is not a requirement of participation.  And, there will be time built into the schedule for visiting, trying out other people’s rides including a few that Easy Street will bring along, and generally doing what you want to do.

Let’s go there!

This is what we came for…

Think about what you might bring to share with others:  stories and games come to mind.

ITINERARY

Friday, Nov. 16:

Arrive!  Check-in time for the screened shelters is 2:00 p.m.

You can, of course, come earlier than that to play around.  Come find Mike and Rebecca in the screened shelter area.  They will be looking forward to seeing you and can offer some information about what to do and what trails they have tried.  We are going to ask you to bring a potluck salad, other side, or dessert to share.  We will be firing up the grill when it seems most people have arrived and will provide some choices for a tasty shish kebab of meat and vegies and probably a pot of beans.  Then, it’s time to gather around the campfire, relax, and get to know each other.

Saturday, Nov. 17:

The Easy Street crew will be up and at ’em, making coffee and breakfast.

We will ride the 9 miles or so into Mineral Wells.  Along the way, those who are interested can stop to visit the modest but interesting and moving National Vietnam War Museum.  This is also a place where those who might want to avoid the somewhat challenging first section of trail can choose to drive, park, and join the rest of us to ride the rest of the way into town.

Before leaving camp, we will decide on a time to meet up for lunch at the Natty Flat Smokehouse; definitely a funky Texan joint.  But, hey … they have barbecue!

Mineral Wells is a pretty sleepy town.  The streets are easy to ride; picturesque, not much traffic.  I am sure our ‘bents will get lots of attention.  We will provide you with some colorful local destinations to explore including the Baker Hotel (a complete wreck at this point, but with an interesting history and a huge vision which are both explained in a short walking tour of educational placards posted along its walls), the Crazy Water Bath House which offers, of course, “crazy water”  as well as guest rooms where you can stay overnight or schedule a treatment.  (I would definitely call beforehand to schedule.)

Over lunch, we will decide what time to head back for those who want to explore a hidden treasure that I am so pleased to introduce you to, and that is Clark Gardens which is right off the trail.  This is a private garden that has been gradually developed and expanded into a “50-acre oasis” and where the gentleman who is responsible for it all can be seen toiling along with the rest of the staff on a daily basis.  If you have any appreciation for gardens and gardening whatsoever, you will not want to miss this opportunity.  There is a modest admission fee.  Personally, I hope to allow about 2 hrs for this stop.

At this point, we are planning to have another Easy Street dinner back at camp followed by sharing our day’s adventures around another campfire.  We are trying to woo an Easy Street customer to be our guest chef, but that’s a secret.

Sunday, Nov. 18:

What … the Easy Street crew is going to fix breakfast again?!  Thank goodness we have April Sweden (you know who she is if you attended the Kerrville Glamping Trip) as this trip’s Chief Easy Street Assistant (a MUCH sought-after position) to help get us up and going.  YAY!

Then, we can hang out and get ready to go, but we can also ride into Garner, the other end of this Rails to Trails stretch before we head home.

As you can tell, all of our plans are flexible and that is a conscious decision.  Yes, we have our itinerary with our proposed group activities laid out, but you are also free to go on other adventures and join back up with us as the spirit moves you.  This is an interesting Park and surrounding area with off-road trails as well as the paved Park roads.  And, we are there to have fun in whatever ways best suit us.

We are getting excited and hope you will consider joining us for this Glamping experience.

And, how much is it for all this fun? $85 per person (paid to Easy Street) for the weekend gets Mike to cook your burgers and be nice to you.  This doesn’t cover your lodging.  There is a $7/day entry fee to the park, paid at the entrance, unless you have a State Parks Pass, which we’d encourage you to get.  If you want one of our reserved shelters (while they last) that is $72 per shelter, which covers both nights.  RV sites are available.  Call 512-389-8900 to reserve.

We will keep you posted as plans develop.  We realize the weather could be a problem.  If we decide to cancel the event (for whatever reason), we will refund all your money minus the $10/shelter administration fee the Park charges us for cancelling our shelter reservations.  If you decide to cancel your reservation at least a week out, we will refund your money, minus the $10/shelter administration fee.  If you cancel within the week prior to the event, we can’t refund, but we’ll still be sad that you can’t make it.