October 2020
It’s been a heck of a year. One for the ages, dare I state? From a vocational standpoint, I’ve been in “emergency mgmt mode” for just about the entire year. We just got settled in to living with the pandemic, and hurricane season started. All told, we dodged 6 storms and unfortunately, 2 blew too close for my comfort. Add to that an unhealthy batch of civil unrest, and …. well….. it’s been one heck of a year. I did what any Risk and Emergency Manager does – stay situationally aware, use the best resources available, and at any given moment, go with the best decision at the time, always ready to read and adjust.
That hasn’t left much time to ride motorcycles, unfortunately. By far, this will be my lowest mileage year since I returned to riding in 2009. I bided time through the long relentless summer, mostly distracted by my work. But still, thoughts of riding filled my dreams. By the late summer, I started talking with others about the idea of doing a simple Fall bike tour. I’m not quite ready for large social gatherings or rallies, and was more interested in a simple week of camping and riding. We put together a group of 5 riders, and planned to meet somewhere in the middle and make a go of it.
Enter Hurricane Delta.
The storm made landfall within 25 miles of me on the day I was supposed to depart. The power went out at the house, and the University was moderately damaged. A couple days later, with the school situation in good hands, I was hopeful for the power to be restored at my house, so that I could leave my wife in good conscious. On the evening of day 4, we rejoiced at the line workers who restored our electricity. I picked up my generator and packed my bike. The others already found their way to the Ozarks, and I decided to surprise them the next day.
I found the adventure to be cleansing. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Day 1: Lafayette, LA to Jasper, AR, approx 525 miles.
I got up at dark thirty, too excited to sleep. The coffee pot timer worked, and I was quick to throw down a cup as I made final preparations to depart. About 6 am, I kissed my wife goodbye, promising to be careful. Then I fired up the beast, hit “play” on the MP3 player, and off I went.
Trying to make miles, I took the slab heading north for about 80 miles, exiting to Hwy 167, a smooth divided 4 lane highway that runs straight to the Arkansas border. The air was cool and nice, and I found myself day dreaming about the great things to come. I got a little melancholy thinking about the past 9 months, and how despite everything, my family and I were unhurt. We’d persevered. Not without heartburn at times, but persevered none the less.
At El Dorado, Hwy 167 turns into the famous Hwy 7 and the riding got instantly curvier and better. I pulled into Arkadelphia about 11:30 am, ready to eat the ass end out of a mule.
Fortunately, I didn’t have to.
Then it was back on the bike for more fun. Today’s route is very simple – get on Hwy 7 heading north, and stay on it. The traffic outside of any town is very light and I’m greatly enjoying the ride.
Whenever the mood suits me, I stop and sniff a bit..
Mid afternoon, I rode through Russellville and had to stop and zip tie my aux lights switch to my clutch master cylinder, as the Velcro gave up on me. No problem – my tank bag has everything one needs to make an emergency road side repair.
Man – it was a great day to ride. The miles are just melting away.
South of Jasper, the mountains were calling me to detour, and the weather was just too good to resist. So I turned right onto Hwy 123 and ripped it up to Mt. Judea. Then I turned west on Hwy 374. Now friends, I’ve ridden Arkansas more times than I can count. That doesn’t make me an expert, but I do know my way around this place. That said, in my humble opinion, this 8 miles section of Hwy 374 is the most beautiful part of the state.
In Jasper, I got back on Hwy 7 and ran up to the campground where I knew the others were staying. I setup my camp and very shortly after that, the others showed up, surprised that I was able to make the trip. Unfortunately, Josh (Cav47) had a pressing matter at home, and had departed earlier in the morning. I wish I would have had a chance to see him.
We decided to ride up to Harrison for dinner instead of cooking. This place is good.
Cheers Nate!!
Supreme Calzone, damm fine!!
The others had pizza, and seemed to enjoy them too.
We rode conservatively back to the campground, lit a fire, and got caught up on the meaning of life. Good start to the trip!!
Day 2: 250 miles of Arkie Roller Coaster
Route: https://goo.gl/maps/LJJL5ToBzhfHnKzg8
I slept well in my sleeping bag and like home, the first order of business at camp is the making of coffee.
Boozer has been having a lot of fun in the twisties of Arkansas, as shown by his rear tire.
No worries – I’d bet ya that Poolboy must have something in this trailer we can use.
Ah yes, here it is – a spare FJR rim and tire!!
20 minutes later and that issue was taken care of.
We gear up and head out mid-morning. Looks like its going to be a great day!
We stopped in Ponca to check out a herd of elk.
The big boys are poking around, as apparently, love is in the air.
Not much color in the trees this time of year, but it’s quite lovely none the less.
I turned west on Hwy 16, then south on Hwy 123. The road is clean, traffic free, and grippy. I’m having great fun leaning the big girl over. I rider with 12 years of experience and well over 150,000 miles under his belt knows to trust his feelings. Some days, it’s not working and if you are not feeling it, hold back, stay safe, and try again tomorrow.
This was not one of those days.
My lines are flawless. The road is perfect. I’m rested and attentive. Hold a lower gear for some added engine braking if you need it. Terminal speed before the apex, countersteer, hold the throttle neutral as the chassis plants to the road, on the throttle at exit. Rinse, lather, and repeat. I was in the zone and definitely feeling it.
We stopped at the one-lane bridge the crosses Haw Creek so that Poolboy could fix his zipper. LOL
Very peaceful over the creek that morning.
Good roads, great scenery, and good friends – not too shabby.
We gassed up in Clarksville, and then turned north up the mountain for a late lunch.
The Oark Cafe is a rite of passage for any motorcyclists in the area. I’ve been here many many times, but it never disappoints. Due to COVID, they are not allowing patrons to eat in the store, but instead built a nice covered patio next to the store. We waited 30 minutes for our food to be cooked, but the burgers are very good and the wait was worth it.
Blueberry pie a la mode. Yeah, this will work just fine.
After lunch, we hit the pig trail north – ripping that fresh blacktop like its going out of style. Then we turned east on Hwy 16, then north on hwy 21 back to Ponca, stopping at times to let the adrenaline wane a bit.
Then it was west on Hwy 74 – the others wanted me to stop at the Buffalo River at Steel Creek to check it out.
I must admit that I’ve never stopped here before. The turn off is located in the middle of a few switchbacks on the road, and admittedly, I was probably paying close attention to the curve in the road and missed the sign.
It’s a pretty cool place. The Buffalo River has been working on that sandstone for a while.
Great day together, my friends.
Now getting later in the afternoon, Poolboy and I rode to Harrison to pickup some supplies. Since we had such a big lunch relatively late, we decided to just grill some chicken breast and make a salad with it.
I actually burnt the garlic bread a bit, but the guys were good sports about it and nobody went hungry..
After dinner, we played some good tunes by the fire and enjoyed some relaxation.
I’ve ridden today’s route probably 25 times, and it never disappoints. At about 250 miles, it’s long enough to satisfy even the hungriest riding appetite, but there is plenty of time to stop and sniff along the way. I’ve perfected this route based on not only the roads, but taking them in the better direction, and including some great sites and eats along the way. It’s just the great mixture of technical riding and scenic views.
And with good riding technique today, perfect weather, and some good friends, it’s pretty hard to beat. Tomorrow is another day.
Day 3: More sniffing, less riding, 150 miles.
Route: https://goo.gl/maps/PZLdYhTkXHQa7FSC7
The temperature dropped during the night and by dawn, the phone said 35 degrees and I think it was accurate. I put my long handles on during the night and was wrapped up tight in my sleeping bag.
We stoked the fire and had coffee while Boozer and Nate packed their bikes to go home today. Then we rode to Jasper for breakfast. This place is as good as the Ozark Café, in my opinion, and not as crowded.
After breakfast, we bid Nate a safe ride home. Boozer is much closer to home, so he will tag along with Poolboy a while today.
Next stop, the natural bridge at Alum Cove. We put on our walking shoes and took the short walk down to the rock.
I love walking in the woods and today the weather seems perfect for it.
This is a large natural bridge and if you are ever in the area and have time, I would highly recommend the walk to see it.
We geared back up and took the short ride on Hwy 123 to Sam’s Throne at the top of the mountain. It’s another short walk from the parking lot to the overlook.
Today’s forecast: Severe Clear!!
A mountain view always offers me perspective. There is something about mountain air that does it for me. You breathe it in deeply. Slowly. You hold it in like an addictive fix. It cleanses the body and it cleanses the soul. Especially now, with the year we’ve all had, a good cleanse is just what we need. It reminds us that in the grand scheme of things, we are very small. And while this year has been trying, in proper context, it was manageable. We are safe, healthy, and together.
Thanks for being there, friends.
Its now time for Boozer to break off – again, we wished him a safe ride. I had something else in mind for Poolboy and I. So we stopped at this little store for a few supplies before moving further north.
What a great day to just wander around.
Poolboy and I stopped at another Buffalo River spot that I like – Hasty.
We walked down to the river and enjoyed a snack.
The entertainment for this dinner show was pretty good.
We then ran up to another crossing in the village of Gilbert, Arkansas. I have no pictures but it was adventurous. As we were idling down the gravel pathway to the river front, we could see the beach as very sandy and I was nervous about getting stuck. Poolboy taught me a trick about rotating/swiveling your bike on the center stand. That was very helpful.
So we parked up high and walked down to the river.
Then I just free-styled it on some roads heading toward Harrison. Arkansas is good riding, ya’ll.
We hit the Mexican joint in Harrison – pretty good T-bone for $14.00!
Then it was back to the camp for some sippsies, some music, and some campfire. Life is good.
Day 4: Pushing it at Push Mountain.
Route: https://goo.gl/maps/4T4L8RKwnSaVT85p9
Boozer left me his electric blanket and I must say, it was a pretty toasty evening.
After campfire toasted bagels and coffee, Poolboy and I geared up for another adventure. Today, we will venture north for some very good riding roads. At Lead Hill, we turned southeast to Hwy 14, which although less known to many riders, offers some terrific riding. Then it was further south to Push Mountain Road.
Crossing the White River – things look very peaceful down there.
Push Mountain road is a “must do” when visiting the Ozarks. It really is the perfect road for the FJR – lots of sweepers and very smooth but grippy chip seal to test your limits.
The tires tell the story quite well!
I’m having a great time in Arkansas.
We stopped in Marshall for lunch. Not much to choose from, but we did make the best of it.
Then it was south on Hwy 27 to a special place.
This is a valley that I’ve visited numerous times in the past. It has a creek (which feeds the Illinois Bayou) running through it and I just love the layout of this property.
We continued to Tilly, and turned right on Hwy 16, then north at Sand Gap onto Hwy 7. We stopped at the top for some more cleansing.
Then it was a short detour onto Hwy 374. Recall that this is my favorite piece of Arkansas, and although I ran through here on Day 1, one day is certainly not enough.
We only get one life. Don’t waste it.
Then it was a short ride to Low Gap on Hwy 74. The café there has very good eats.
Four days sure flies by when you are having fun. Tomorrow, I go home.
Day 5: Jasper, AR to Lafayette, LA, 525 miles.
It didn’t get quite a cold last night, and the electric blanket was not necessary. All good things must come to an end, and with the weather forecast to change in the Ozarks later that day, I made haste in packing my camping bag. After coffee and breakfast, I thanked Poolboy for the company, and pointed the red beast south.
At the tops of the mountains, the fog was very thick, and had me slowed down to about 30 mph at one point. But the further south I went, the better it got. I stopped at this old CCC camp to stretch my legs.
Pretty dry down here.
Sure has been a great trip.
Even on a Sunday, the traffic in Hot Springs can get tricky, so I detoured around that city and was not disappointed.
That was the last picture I took. Late afternoon, I conceded to my tiredness and took the slab for the last 80 miles or so. I arrived home safe about 5:30 pm, having ridden 1750 miles, and enjoying every single one of them. My wife greeted me warmly as she always does, and we went out on our customary “return home” date.
With a cleansed soul, I was ready to finish 2020 on top.
Stay thirsty, my friends….
