HOUSTON -- The cattle call blaring over the speakers signaled to each cowboy and cowgirl that it was time to get up and at 'em.

Even though many of the more than 6,000 trail riders in Houston slept in campers and not out under the stars, some traditions remained the same. That included the presence of an all-time favorite trail food, biscuits and gravy.

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Video: Reporter Dunked On Trail Ride:
Robert Arnold Reports

Video: Trail Rides Converge On Houston:
Carl Willis Reports

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"They're quick. Just throw them in your bag and hop on and ride," said Jennifer Goldsmith, a Salt Grass Trail Ride cook.

The 13 trail rides follow the beaten path, come from every direction and end up in Houston just in time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Many of the trail riders, including Scott Mizerik who set up camp at Bear Creek, said it's all about preserving Texas' heritage.

"It gets kind of hectic when you've got all that traffic around, but it's still really fun to see all the kids out there waving and hootin' and hollerin,'" Mizerik said.

Some are more than ready for the end of the long ride.

"I'm tired! I'm ready to go!" Goldsmith said. "But I look forward to it every year though!"

The 13 trail rides covered 1,943 miles between them. The group making the longest trip was Los Vaqueros. They started riding Feb. 9 and traveled 386 miles on their journey from Reynosa, Mexico.

More Information:

Rodeo Section