Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas Makes a Stop at the Historic Post Theater

Since it was established 1852, Fort Clark has been an important stop on a well traveled military and trade route across the western frontier. For centuries before that, native people favored the location for its water and natural abundance. After its decommissioning, Brown & Root transformed Fort Clark into Fort Clark Guest Ranch, drawing families, dignitaries, and celebrities from far and wide for a truly Texan getaway. In 1959, the filming of John Wayne’s “The Alamo” brought Hollywood excitement and film enthusiasts for decades, to visit the iconic “Alamo Village.” Today, heritage travelers and outdoor adventurers still make Historic Fort Clark a destination, so it’s no surprise that recreational travel groups include the site on their maps to explore any number of various themed routes. 

The Post Theater is on my adventurous daily route to meet the school bus, and I recently had the pleasure of running into a gentleman participating in the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas, who had just arrived at Tour Stop #15. Tom Jones, rider #307, is participating for the 6th time on the months-long self-guided tour, the purpose of which is to “explore Texas on your bike…see cool stuff, learn about some Texas and local history, meet the locals, and have fun,” according to the website. Participants are encouraged to make it to all 50 of the official tour stops over the course of approximately 8 months, taking pictures and sharing stories, to win points, prizes, and badges… and of course to enjoy the ride. 

Mr. Jones had started his journey the day before from 50 miles north of Dallas, and was making his way across the state with plans to stop in Fredericksburg for the Texas Fandango, a vintage swap meet and bike show, before heading down towards the Gulf Coast. It’s always exciting to welcome people to our hidden gem, and I was excited to hear that one of our treasured historic assets is on someone else’s radar. I visited with Tom for a bit about our shared surname, “Jones,” and he told me a little bit about the tour and his travels, and I asked if I could share our pleasant encounter with our readers. I was impressed by the tour and his excitement. Before he left, I suggested he check out the pool, and imagine it filled with clear blue spring water, since the current state is sad on a number of levels, but nonetheless a sight to see. We ended our visit with a selfie, which I hope I can track down! 

As he headed towards Hondo, it got me thinking, as I often do, how many people might come through the area for one reason or another, and miss so much of the incredible natural, historic and recreational attractions we have to offer, which may not be as visible as some of our favorite Hwy 90 eateries. I wonder how many people miss that the Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or that we have the 3rd largest spring-fed pool in Texas, an 18-hole golf course, an incredible museum, stables, miles of nature trails, a motel, campground and RV park. I’m curious how many passersby miss the chance to turn into town and stop at Las Moras Creek Cafe for coffee or a bite to eat, or take a pass through D&D Hardware for a moment of nostalgia and small talk at the counter, if they aren’t otherwise in need of anything specific.

Having a professional background in tourism marketing, and a passion for this place, and its history and people, I often wonder how hidden we want our gem to remain. Tourism can sometimes sound like a bad word, and there’s certainly a delicate balance to be achieved and strategic plan needed when marketing the area, but in the meantime, I hope we can at least continue to enhance the experience for visitors stopping by, and meet some interesting folks along the way. 

All that to say, if you see a motorcycle stopped at the Post Theater between now and November 15th, they might be traveling the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas, so be sure to give the rider a warm welcome. If they are anything like Mr. Jones, you’ll be very glad you did!

Check out the website for more information on the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas at www.motorcyclegrandtouroftexas.com