Texas – Steel Wheels

The Road That Time Forgot

Valley Forge Ln ends here where no rider has gone before. If the washed-out surface doesn’t throw you the Brangus bones will. Summer growth makes this road unnavigable on a Harley-Davidson but the dead of Winter presents a fighting chance. Valley Forge is a sparse community populated by the descendents of slaves. It lies on Clay Creek Road just off FM 390 in Washington County near Independence—birthplace of The Republic Of Texas. People and places in these parts have names from early America. Families are named Smith and roads, Ben Franklin. With its haunted relics from a forgotten past Valley Forge Lane is the most aptly named of all.

There And Back Again

Anders Bottom Road starts at FM 155 a few miles outside of La Grange. Riders on 155 are usually beelining to Weimar and Interstate 10. Their loss is your gain. The scenery is ethereal. Be alert for deer, a couple narrow bridges, and fresh road maintenance. You can’t go over 30 mph but you won’t care. You’ll wind up at FM 1965 which horse-shoes you back to 155 and on to Weimar. It’s a perfect little detour through a separate reality.

Unforgotten

Weiss Store is on FM 390 between Independence and Hwy 36 in Washington County. There’s not a real store there but the distance to Hong Kong is always-on. The sign has its own lightpost powered by a solar panel. This oddity has been developing for 40 years.

Take Gerke Rd to a right on Clay Creek Rd. You’re in Valley Forge—a community that time forgot and scenic beauty that’s unforgettable. Keep going, Clay Creek becomes Sun Oil Rd and horseshoes you back to FM 390. There’s a short patch of caliche so keep it slow. County roads are perfect for nature cruisin’ (about 35mph). They don’t show up on maps, you won’t see many cars, and you’ll never see another motorcycle.