BackRoads: The Blue Water Highway

The sunset created a vivid palette of colors and, like a kaleidoscope, the effect was changing by the second. In the background the rhythm of the crashing waves provided the percussion section, the wind added chimes to the music by slapping the rigging lines against the main masts of the sailboats in the marina. The melody was carried by soprano voices of the gulls gliding effortlessly on the updrafts of the gentle trade winds, in the distance the rumble of a cruise ship’s horn seemed to slide across the waves. Nature had just produced a perfect symphony solely for my personal enjoyment.

This is an Island – Galveston Island – and special moments such as this are frequent.

In the past twenty years Galveston has made a remarkable comeback and has managed to do so while preserving her rich heritage. Close to Houston, yet light-years away from its hustle and bustle, Galveston Island is again a popular destination for visitors.

Victorian architecture is everywhere, not just in the homes, but also in the buildings in the old downtown area known as the Strand Historical District. The Strand is home to more than 50 amazingly preserved examples of the Victorian period architecture. Museums honor the memories of Trains, Planes, Offshore Platforms, Sailing ships, Mardi Gras, The Texas Seaport and the Storm of 1900. Whether your thing is gulf or golf, shopping or shrimping, wading or walking, Galveston is a place that restores your spirit and renews your soul.

The motorcycle tours in this issue provide a range of experiences to enhance your enjoyment of the Galveston area and, hopefully, to give you a deeper appreciation of its history.

For convenience, and because it is a personal favorite of ours, the Galveston Rides use Boudreaux’s-On-The-Bayou as the starting point. They are located on the bay with camping areas, RV spots and a huge deck – a portion of which is covered. There are few places more relaxing than an evening on their deck. The view over the calm waters will make you want to return again and again.

The hospitality is superb, the food wonderful and the wait staff efficient without being intrusive; an ideal place to relax and decide which ride you will take or which of the many Island attractions you will visit. Your Lone Star Biker staff would like to make a few suggestions:

The Blue Water Highway Ride

Distance: 80-100 miles

Highlights: Parasailers, Outstanding Food, Ocean views, Colorful Sunsets

From Boudreaux’s go right on 61 st street to Seawall Blvd. (San Luis Pass Road) and head west.

The best part of this ride is along the Blue Water Hwy from Galveston to Surfside. This leg of the run is 40 miles and, for the most part, runs alongside the ocean. Actually the ocean is just beyond the sand dunes that block the view for some of the trip. Often the sand is packed so hard that riding on the beach can be a very enjoyable experience – just be aware that salt spray is not a friend of chrome. If you do ride on the beach you will want to stop at the closest car wash and give your bike a thorough cleaning.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this excerpt from "The Blue Water Highway". If you would like to read the entire article and more, you can order a back issue of Jul / Aug 2004 where this article was originally published.

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