The Hill Country Hangout (HCH) was a sensational hit with the riders who attended. The HCH was held April 19-21at the Kerrville-Schreiner Park and presented by the San Antonio BMW Riders Association. The HCH hosted 80 attendees, with some riding as far away as Washington State and Chihuahua, Mexico.
The attendees were treated to delicious dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. One was an incredible German Mexican combination of brats wrapped in tortillas. The other was exceptionally barbequed brisket that was competition worthy. The right combination of spices and proper cooking technique of the Hill Country-style beans served with both meals made for an even tastier affair. Many thanks to the volunteer cooking team for their excellent prep work and cooking style to deliver the outstanding meals. Other hits were 7 boxes of donuts and 10 urns of coffee consumed over both mornings along with iced tea and lemonade served all day both days.
Raffles were held Friday and Saturday nights with each producing a bunch of thrilled winners who took home numerous fantastic prizes generously donated by various cycle companies. The entry fee to the HCH provided each attendee with a single ticket to participate in the raffles. There were 22 prize winners overall with the haul of prizes including an Adventure Riding Training Package Valued at $2,300, three high quality helmets (one valued at $849), a $300 certificate good at Sargent Cycle Seats, and a cycle pump with gauge from BestRest Products worth $260. Thanks to all of the companies for donating the terrific prizes.
The Poker Run proved to be huge hit with the folks who participated. The Poker Run required riders to travel to and report back on as many as 12 sites scattered throughout the Hill Country, including the iconic Three Sisters. If all 12 sites were visited and the correct answer provided, as many as 7 cards could be drawn to make a five-card poker hand. The lucky winner raked in $220 with the winning hand of 3 Queens over 9’s.
There was also a 50/50 Raffle for which folks bought tickets to enter. For $20 they received two outstretched arm’s length of tickets and for $10 they could purchase one outstretched arm’s length worth of tickets. The drawing produced a single winner who fetched $413 (50% of the total proceeds).
Despite rain threatening to put a damper on the entire weekend, it held off until drizzle began at around 5 o’clock Saturday evening after most riders finished their rides through the scenic Hill Country. A heavy downpour began around 10 o’clock and finished within an hour. The following morning folks woke up to cool temperatures and a perfect day for riding.
The HCH organizers no sooner packed up and stored the equipment when they began planning for next year’s 2025 HCH.
Compliments to the organizers and many volunteers who helped make this one of the most successful in Hangout history. They each rolled up their sleeves and pitched in to make everyone feel like guests and ensured the program was executed flawlessly. Thank you all.
Photos of the HCH can be viewed here.