Throughout each episode of "Ride with Norman Reedus," "The Walking Dead" star reminiscences about what made him want to be a biker and a wanderer.
During Sunday night's show we learned it was the films he loved as a kid that made him dream of this episode's destination - Texas. "I remember seeing Texas in the movies... I was around 14 and waiting for something to happen," Norman tells the audience. "I watched every Western I could get my hands on, just dreaming of Texas."
Here are a few of the highlights of Norman's Texas ride:
Pump Project, Austin
Norm met up with his friend and travel companion Jake Lamagno for the trip at this East Austin art complex. When Norman arrived, Jake, a New York-based artist, was already working on a few custom targets to use at a shooting range later in the trip. Housed in a bright yellow 1950s warehouse, Pump Project is a non-profit that provides working studios and gallery facilities to artists from all over the world. The gallery is open to the public on most Saturdays and Wednesdays, or by appointment.
Limey Bikes
This motorcycle shop is known for working only on vintage Japanese bikes. Limey is a favorite with the offbeat Austin motorbike crowd, and Norman immediately became a big fan as well.
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Troublemaker Studio
Austin Norman and Jake met up with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez at his Troublemaker Studio facility, located at 4900 Old Manor Rd. The director has filmed most of his movies, like "Spy Kids" and "Sin City" on the sprawling property that was once an airport. After showing off a few of his sets and custom vehicles, Rodriguez served his guests a catered lunch on the bar set of "From Dusk Til Dawn."
Of course, the average fan can't just walk into the studio and expect lunch, but Troublemaker does open to the public on occasion for special events and tours. Check out the Austin Film Society for more information about film studios and events in the Austin area.
Hotel Vegas, Austin
Next, Norman brought Jake to this local bar to catch one of his favorite bands, The Well. Nightly drink specials, comedy open mic nights and live performances from local bands make this one of the best dive bars in town. The Twisted Sisters The next morning Norman and Jake left Austin and headed to San Antonio via The Twisted Sisters, otherwise known as Ranch Roads 335, 336 and 337a. This winding ride through the Texas Hill Country is on every motorcycle rider's bucket list.
Along the way they also stopped at The Hog Pen in Leakey for some brisket and conversation with the locals. The bad news for anyone trying to recreate Norman's ride is that The Hog Pen has closed at this location but, according to the restaurant's Facebook page, they are reopening in China, TX very soon.
A Place To Shoot, San Antonio
The guys brought their handmade targets to this Western-style shooting range where they learned how to use antique pistols, just like the ones Norman would see in those movies he watched as a kid. Anyone can take a lesson or just shoot a few rounds on the range. Prices start at $10 for adults.
Colt Wrangler Co, San Antonio
After driving by The Alamo and marveling at how "super tiny" it is, Norman and Jake arrived at their final destination - the Colt Wrangler Co. Colt is a young entrepreneur who is making a name for himself rebuilding bikes. But locally, it's his parties that are really making some noise. The bashes are open to everyone over 21 and take place right outside his shop.
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The "vintage airstreams, BMX stunts, killer cocktails and live graffiti" make each party a unique, unforgettable experience. Not to mention, you can always get in on a game of Chicken Poop Bingo at Colt's parties, too! This might not have been Reedus' most travel-inspiring ride - though it is hard to beat the Mojave Desert or the PCH - but he did remind viewers that sometimes the places you dreamed of seeing as a kid, really are everything you imagined them to be.
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