Double Date with The Three Sisters

The majority of the time, we ride alone as a two-up couple. It is not by choice, but because we have few couple friends who ride or whose calendars match ours. We have ridden with another couple a handful of times. In each of those rides, we feel safer and always learn something from the pair.

Our first two couple rides occurred in the same week. We were on Spring Break in the Texas Hill Country.  We rode there on our first bike, a 2014 Road King, with the intent of riding the Three Sisters, aka the Twisted Sisters, FM 335, FM 336, and FM 337.

The Three Sisters are about 150 miles total, with lots of twists and turns, rolling hills, and expansive ranch areas. With some stops, it is about a six-hour ride. All three roads are different and bring a unique aspect to the ride. It is considered one of the seven best motorcycle rides in Texas.

My cousin and her husband happened to be in the area and were on their bike too! We met up and started the ride. Her husband had ridden the Three Sisters several times and took the lead position. Note to riders: FM 336 is the most open range of the three roads with several cattle guards. Your pillion will thank you for that awareness.

We stopped along the road by the Frio River and were introduced to their cooler in a saddlebag. What a genius idea! As "frio" means cold, we did not take a dip in the water! We did, however, buy a saddlebag cooler after that trip.

Pit stop along the Frio River.

We continued riding and looped around to the Bent Rim Grill for lunch. This is a very popular stop for bikers and vehicles alike. Check out the Frio Canyon Gift Shop as well.

Two days later, we met up with the second couple in Medina. We agreed to meet at the Apple Store. I knew the area was rural, but I guess Apple is expanding. Nope, located on Highway 16, the Apple Store serves burgers, sandwiches, and you guessed it, apple pie! There are no phones is sight and I don't even think we had cell service. They do have both indoor and outdoor picnic table seating, as well as a general store inside.

We started our ride in Medina and ended in Bandera. Our destination: The Three Sisters. Even though we had ridden it two days earlier, the ride was different. This couple took us on a different route and even pointed out a very suspicious gated property with shards of glass at the top of the fence line. Rumor is it is a nudist colony, but I really don’t know.

During dinner at the Old Spanish Trail (O.S.T.), we were told about another must-do in the area: the Willow City Loop. We hit it on our way home, and although a little early for bluebonnets, the Willow City Loop is a charming country ride.

The third time we rode the Three Sisters, you guessed it, was with the third couple, my husband’s childhood friend and his wife, along with about nine other people. This was our first group of more than two bikes. We rode in formation and at the time, it was my longest day ride, and I will admit my butt was sore and my muscles were shot. As a novice pillion, I squeezed with my thighs on nearly every curve. I know he is thrilled I don't do that any more.

A little windy, but I would still kill for her hair!

Riding with women who have long, thick hair is a bit frustrating. They take their helmet off, shake their head, and look like they are ready for a date. I have fine, naturally curly hair that I straighten, cut above my shoulders. So I have three choices: crazy chia pet, intense helmet head, or I braid my hair and immediately place a baseball cap on my head when the helmet comes off. Yep, option three it is. I have tried everything: silk wrap, bandana, head/skull wrap, and the braids. I am so tender-headed that I can’t even do a single French braid. If there is something out there that I don’t know about, please let me know!

We live in close proximity to the third couple, and our husbands are a riot together. We have taken several rides with the third couple, including Arkansas's Pig Trail, Talimena Scenic Byway connecting Arkansas and Oklahoma, and an eight-day adventure that included the Grand Canyon! Future articles will focus on these trips..

Riding with another couple adds another layer to the experience. The planning is impacted to ensure both parties are content with the route. Sometimes the rider becomes very focused on getting from point A to point B and may forget that others may want a little more from the ride. Fortunately, he has me to remind him. Pillions, speak up during the planning process to ensure stops are included for you. As a hiker, time to stretch my legs and take in some more nature is always welcome.

The Blonde Backpack