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clear rivers at which to take a break. A
must-see for all bikers is the Motorcycle
Museum in nearby Vanderpool.
If piney woods are more your taste and
time isn’t an issue, the Sun City Cruis-
ers suggests the 1,000-mile Texas Forest
Trail. While not as thrilling as Three
Sisters, the route is far from boring and
suited for all levels of rider. It winds
through some of the most historic towns
of East Texas and offers many dining,
lodging and sightseeing opportunities.
For those with more time, the members
have taken trips to the Black Hills, the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a 36-
day, 14,000-mile ride to Alaska where
they encountered all forms of wildlife
and breathtaking sights along the Alcan
Highway. The adrenaline junkies in the
group have ridden the Dragon’s Tail in the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
from east Tennessee to North Carolina
where there are 318 sharp turns in eleven
miles. The members are currently plan-
ning a more chilly experience for fall 2017 around Branson, Missouri and parts of
when they will ride to New England to
see the autumn leaves. Long trips require
months of preparation, researching roads,
lodging and finding places of interest
along the way.
Richard Giddings and Ann Thomas (N51)
bought their Goldwing trike in 2011 while
still living in Houston. Ann was concerned
about the traffic and safety in the Houston This year the Wing Ding will be held in
area, and the stability and size of a trike Grapevine, Texas.
made her feel more secure. Since moving
to Sun City five years ago, they joined the
Sun City Cruisers and have enjoyed the
camaraderie of the group as well as the
group rides. One of their favorite local
rides is the “Twisted Sisters” in the Hill
Country though they caution about close
encounters with deer. Richard and Ann
travel to Alaska every two to three years
to visit their children and grandchildren.
They drive their car so they can take their
Boston terrier Boomer with them. On
their last trip, they missed having their
trike available for touring, so they are
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG
The Sun City Texas Cruisers regularly participate in charity events, supporting
veterans, firefighters, police officers, underprivelged children and more.
currently networking with other bikers
and working on plans for a trailer. That
way Boomer can tour Alaska on the trike
with them.
Troy and Marilyn Pennington (N11)
moved to Sun City in 2015 and joined the
Sun City Cruisers the first month they
were here. Troy has owned a motorcycle of
one type or another since he was 14 years
old. He has had ten different bikes, all
Hondas. Their current bike, a 2007 Honda
Goldwing, has elaborate pin striping and
all the bells and whistles any motorcycle
enthusiast could want. Troy, a former
Marine test/fighter pilot and Chief Test
Pilot of F-16s for Lockheed Martin in Fort
Worth, now gets his excitement by riding
his Goldwing. When Troy and Marilyn
take local trips, they most often head
toward Marble Falls, Lake Buchanan or
the Hill Country. If they venture further,
they enjoy the small roads and gentle hills
Arkansas. Their favorite ride to date was
a trip to the Honda Goldwing Wing Ding
in Madison, Wisconsin four years ago.
An annual event, the Wing Ding is held
in a different location each year. It is the If a resident is looking for kindred spirits
largest convention for Honda riders, with
a trade show, seminars and entertain-
ment. The Wing Ding is probably second
only to the rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Members also participate in holiday toy
runs, and since many are veterans, they
are often found at charity events raising
money for the Wounded Warrior Project
and escorting veterans groups as they
navigate the highways on bicycles in The
Ride for Healing. Seven are also members
of the Patriot Guard Riders. In that capac-
ity they attend the funerals of members
of the United States military, firefighters
and police. On April 6, 2017, members
were present at the airport in Georgetown
to receive the body of a Vietnam-era ser-
viceman recently identified and returned
home for burial.
In addition to recreation and charitable
deeds, the Sun City Cruisers’ activities
are believed by some to provide health
benefits. Seventy-eight-year-old Miller
said his blood pressure readings are al-
ways lower when he rides his motorcycle
to his cardiology appointments. Other
members overcame depression following
life-changing events and isolation follow-
ing the loss of a partner thanks to the
fellowship of the group.
to discuss motorcycles, enjoys the safety
of group rides and wants to explore new
places with others, Sun City Cruisers wel-
comes you. For more information contact
Russ Miller at 512-636-9692.
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