hppants
Well-known member
It had been a day of motorcycle nirvana. We did what bikers do – rode places and ate things. The motorcycles ran beautifully. There were no offs, near misses, “oopsies”, or worse. The road was wonderful. There were climbs, descents, technical sections, open sections, long sweepers, lefts, rights, and a few decreasing radii thrown in just for good measure. The Popo took the day off and so did the forest rats. No one over pushed themselves, but by the end of the ride, all chicken strips were far thinner than they were at the beginning. At rest stops, the conversation flowed vividly. We giggled like a kid being tickled by his Grandpa. Everyone shared observations and others listened attentively. It was so much fun. Time flew by like a fart in the wind, and I wished that day would have lasted much longer.
After 250 miles, give or take, we rolled into “home” hungry and thirsty. An hour later, with a belly fully of pizza, we putt-putted to the hotel for some fellowship and a little medicine for the saddle soreness. There, in room 124, the bar was open. As everyone fixed a cocktail, a feeling of inspiration came over me. I was with brothers – one I’ve known for years, and other three I had just met the day before. We shared miles and smiles together and no matter happened next, I knew that I was at peace, with friends, and genuinely happy. I asked my brothers to raise their cup:
“Gentlemen – here’s to steep, crooked, and the shiny side up!”
That was day 3 of my recent 5 day spring trip to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. I’ve toured there many times, and I never grow tired of it. The motorcycle riding in Arkansas is fantastic. The motorists are courteous and the people are friendly. The roads are in terrific shape and are very challenging for a rider. I imagine that I will ride in Arkansas regularly for the indefinite future.
I camped on nights 1 and 4, but stayed at the Quality Inn in Harrison for nights 2 and 3 mostly out of caution and concern for the weather. The hotel was clean, quiet, and the rate was reasonable. They put us on the first floor and we could park our bikes right at the room door. These people know how to deal with bikers – I’d recommend them. The variety was nice because I got to experience both the adventure of camping, and the convenience of a hotel.
Overall, the weather was pretty good. On Thursday, we ran north through some showers and a little high wind and Friday the others rode south from pretty cold temperatures. On Saturday morning, temperatures were in the mid-30s on lower elevations, and up top, we saw a few flurries and the road got kind of squirrely for a short time. I don’t care to do that again. However Saturday afternoon through Monday was fantastic, although the temperature swing was vast. Sunday morning, we left the hotel in the mid-30s, and by the time I got home on Monday, my jewels were roasting in the mid-80s. I packed more for this than I usually pack on a 10 day tour.
The inspiration for this 1600 mile trip was started by Cav47, a 2004 FJR rider from Illinois. A self-proclaimed and outspoken Jock, Cav is a school teacher with a wife and 4 kids. I get the feeling that he started this idea just because at the time, he wanted something exciting to look forward to that didn’t involve snow, kids, or bill payments. If my suspicion is correct, I wouldn’t blame him one bit.
I invited many of my friends to join me, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that 3 of them accepted my invitation. Unfortunately, one buddy came down with a sick kid the night before our departure, and another was inadequately prepared for the diversity of weather a rider can encounter in the Ozarks during late March. My third friend, Jonjonboo, made it on his trusty ST1300 and we had a blast.
In addition to Cav47, Jon and I were joined by Allen, a financial analyst from Indianapolis, on his gorgeous 2014 red FJR-ES (electronic suspension). A man of few words, when Allen says something, it’s meaningful. Allen’s a good rider – very attentive and never makes a mistake. Always keeps good following distance, puts his bike in the best lane position, and clearly knows his limits.
Finally, Poolboy joined us from Council Bluffs, Iowa on his 2009 FJR. Originally named after his profession, Poolboy is what we at home would affectionately label a “Good Ole Boy”. I get the impression that not much bothers him. He can tell a good joke and displays a warm but boisterous laugh when others do the same. Poolboy’s riding style is a little less aggressive, and he was happy to ride sweep throughout the weekend.
So my brothers and I had a good time. I hope you enjoy the pics.
Day 1, Thursday, Lafayette, LA – Lake Nimrod, Arkansas, approximately 415 miles.
Ride Route:
https://goo.gl/maps/KASbj
With a long ride ahead, I packed on Wednesday night and set the clock for 5 am. As is usually the case, I beat the alarm clock by quite a bit, unable to control my excitement. I was surprised with a text message from my friend Mike, indicating that he’d been up during the night with a sick kid, and he was going to pass on the trip. Another friend Byron had also cancelled the night before. Although we had been discussing this trip for weeks, Byron informed me that he only had a mesh jacket with 1 liner. With the temperatures forecast to be well below 40 over the weekend, he understandably bailed on me.
No worries for Pants, I know the way easily so at about 5:45, I mounted the big blue girl and pointed her north.
After about 120 miles, I met John in the piney woods of central Louisiana. Our bikes and their riders go well together.
With showers in the forecast, John and I figured we would take US Hwy 167 into Arkansas. The road is more open and there are countless places to pull over and get out of the weather, should the need arise. The plan was to watch the radar during the day. If the skies allowed, we would camp. If not, we would find a hotel and stay dry. This is an integral part of the adventure. There is no rush to get there because we have no idea where we are going. I highly recommend this method.
For a short time, just outside of Junction City (on the border of Louisiana/Arkansas), John and I got separated by a slow moving truck. Eventually, I got around the truck and as I pulled into town, I was pulled over by a Union Parish Sherriff’s Deputy. He ran my license and then approached:
(Deputy) “Do you know why I pulled you over?
(Pants) “I’m going to assume speeding?
(Deputy) “The speed limit here is 45.”
(Pants) “How fast was I going?”
(Deputy) “I clocked you at 48 right there.”
(Pants, thinking) “Really – WTF is this?”
(Deputy) “You need to slow down when you are coming through town.”
(Pants, still thinking) “Oh thanks for that Barney. Like I was doing 48 for the past 100 miles on a 65 mph limit US Highway and just didn’t think to release my throttle lock! Don’t you have a donut shop to visit? Idiot!”
(Deputy) “I’ll let you go now, have a nice day.”
(Pants) “Thanks officer!”
We pulled into Camden, Arkansas right about lunch time. I thought this place looked inviting.
While we waited on our food, a quick check of the radar reveals that things are fixing to change, but if we keep riding north, the future looks bright.
Chicken and Dressing with trimmings – I’ve never had this dish. Pretty tasty.
We split a slice of cheese cake for dessert.
While eating, a couple of locals were chewing the fat with us. This inevitably happens on every bike tour. The motorcycle is like a conversation magnet. I often wonder if these people are genuinely and naturally conversationalists or perhaps they find unique inspiration with us because of their desire to know about our adventure. Regardless, I always enjoy this part of the trip.
As it turns out in this case, it was a true blessing. Highway 7 just north of us is flooded by the Ouachita River overrunning its banks. We would be forced to turn around and detour. I pulled the map out and this nice lady gave me great directions on a detour that only cost us a few miles. With the skies unzipping, we threw on the rain gear and pressed on. The rain was moderate and there were some high winds, but the sport touring bikes offer good protection and we stayed bone dry under our gear. We actually enjoyed the rainy ride, and were content to hold back our right wrist and take it all in.
Mid afternoon, as we roll into Hot Springs, the weather is improving by the minute, and it looks like we will be able to camp after all. With that in mind, we have got to get our priorities straight. First things first….
I was still full from lunch and not particularly inspired to cook, so we picked up a sandwich for later.
North of Hot Springs, Highway 7 leads us into the trees and the roller coaster ride begins. Around 3:30 pm, we enter the campground at Lake Nimrod, Arkansas. This is a recreation area run by the Army Corp of Engineers. I’ve never camped at an ACOE site that I didn’t love.
We selected a site on the water downstream from the control structure. Very peaceful here.
Soon, we had our camp setup and we are in full vacation mode.
Nothing like a little fermented Agave plant to kick start Happy Hour!
Sometime after lunch, my GPS quit charging. After I got the load off my seat (both live and dead load), I discovered the problem.
My USB adapter was coming apart and must have shorted something.
This should get me going until I can replace it.
With refreshments in hand, we walked over to the control structure. That is an incredible amount of water ripping through there.
Cheers to you, John!
After 250 miles, give or take, we rolled into “home” hungry and thirsty. An hour later, with a belly fully of pizza, we putt-putted to the hotel for some fellowship and a little medicine for the saddle soreness. There, in room 124, the bar was open. As everyone fixed a cocktail, a feeling of inspiration came over me. I was with brothers – one I’ve known for years, and other three I had just met the day before. We shared miles and smiles together and no matter happened next, I knew that I was at peace, with friends, and genuinely happy. I asked my brothers to raise their cup:
“Gentlemen – here’s to steep, crooked, and the shiny side up!”
That was day 3 of my recent 5 day spring trip to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. I’ve toured there many times, and I never grow tired of it. The motorcycle riding in Arkansas is fantastic. The motorists are courteous and the people are friendly. The roads are in terrific shape and are very challenging for a rider. I imagine that I will ride in Arkansas regularly for the indefinite future.
I camped on nights 1 and 4, but stayed at the Quality Inn in Harrison for nights 2 and 3 mostly out of caution and concern for the weather. The hotel was clean, quiet, and the rate was reasonable. They put us on the first floor and we could park our bikes right at the room door. These people know how to deal with bikers – I’d recommend them. The variety was nice because I got to experience both the adventure of camping, and the convenience of a hotel.
Overall, the weather was pretty good. On Thursday, we ran north through some showers and a little high wind and Friday the others rode south from pretty cold temperatures. On Saturday morning, temperatures were in the mid-30s on lower elevations, and up top, we saw a few flurries and the road got kind of squirrely for a short time. I don’t care to do that again. However Saturday afternoon through Monday was fantastic, although the temperature swing was vast. Sunday morning, we left the hotel in the mid-30s, and by the time I got home on Monday, my jewels were roasting in the mid-80s. I packed more for this than I usually pack on a 10 day tour.
The inspiration for this 1600 mile trip was started by Cav47, a 2004 FJR rider from Illinois. A self-proclaimed and outspoken Jock, Cav is a school teacher with a wife and 4 kids. I get the feeling that he started this idea just because at the time, he wanted something exciting to look forward to that didn’t involve snow, kids, or bill payments. If my suspicion is correct, I wouldn’t blame him one bit.
I invited many of my friends to join me, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that 3 of them accepted my invitation. Unfortunately, one buddy came down with a sick kid the night before our departure, and another was inadequately prepared for the diversity of weather a rider can encounter in the Ozarks during late March. My third friend, Jonjonboo, made it on his trusty ST1300 and we had a blast.
In addition to Cav47, Jon and I were joined by Allen, a financial analyst from Indianapolis, on his gorgeous 2014 red FJR-ES (electronic suspension). A man of few words, when Allen says something, it’s meaningful. Allen’s a good rider – very attentive and never makes a mistake. Always keeps good following distance, puts his bike in the best lane position, and clearly knows his limits.
Finally, Poolboy joined us from Council Bluffs, Iowa on his 2009 FJR. Originally named after his profession, Poolboy is what we at home would affectionately label a “Good Ole Boy”. I get the impression that not much bothers him. He can tell a good joke and displays a warm but boisterous laugh when others do the same. Poolboy’s riding style is a little less aggressive, and he was happy to ride sweep throughout the weekend.
So my brothers and I had a good time. I hope you enjoy the pics.
Day 1, Thursday, Lafayette, LA – Lake Nimrod, Arkansas, approximately 415 miles.
Ride Route:
https://goo.gl/maps/KASbj
With a long ride ahead, I packed on Wednesday night and set the clock for 5 am. As is usually the case, I beat the alarm clock by quite a bit, unable to control my excitement. I was surprised with a text message from my friend Mike, indicating that he’d been up during the night with a sick kid, and he was going to pass on the trip. Another friend Byron had also cancelled the night before. Although we had been discussing this trip for weeks, Byron informed me that he only had a mesh jacket with 1 liner. With the temperatures forecast to be well below 40 over the weekend, he understandably bailed on me.
No worries for Pants, I know the way easily so at about 5:45, I mounted the big blue girl and pointed her north.
After about 120 miles, I met John in the piney woods of central Louisiana. Our bikes and their riders go well together.
With showers in the forecast, John and I figured we would take US Hwy 167 into Arkansas. The road is more open and there are countless places to pull over and get out of the weather, should the need arise. The plan was to watch the radar during the day. If the skies allowed, we would camp. If not, we would find a hotel and stay dry. This is an integral part of the adventure. There is no rush to get there because we have no idea where we are going. I highly recommend this method.
For a short time, just outside of Junction City (on the border of Louisiana/Arkansas), John and I got separated by a slow moving truck. Eventually, I got around the truck and as I pulled into town, I was pulled over by a Union Parish Sherriff’s Deputy. He ran my license and then approached:
(Deputy) “Do you know why I pulled you over?
(Pants) “I’m going to assume speeding?
(Deputy) “The speed limit here is 45.”
(Pants) “How fast was I going?”
(Deputy) “I clocked you at 48 right there.”
(Pants, thinking) “Really – WTF is this?”
(Deputy) “You need to slow down when you are coming through town.”
(Pants, still thinking) “Oh thanks for that Barney. Like I was doing 48 for the past 100 miles on a 65 mph limit US Highway and just didn’t think to release my throttle lock! Don’t you have a donut shop to visit? Idiot!”
(Deputy) “I’ll let you go now, have a nice day.”
(Pants) “Thanks officer!”
We pulled into Camden, Arkansas right about lunch time. I thought this place looked inviting.
While we waited on our food, a quick check of the radar reveals that things are fixing to change, but if we keep riding north, the future looks bright.
Chicken and Dressing with trimmings – I’ve never had this dish. Pretty tasty.
We split a slice of cheese cake for dessert.
While eating, a couple of locals were chewing the fat with us. This inevitably happens on every bike tour. The motorcycle is like a conversation magnet. I often wonder if these people are genuinely and naturally conversationalists or perhaps they find unique inspiration with us because of their desire to know about our adventure. Regardless, I always enjoy this part of the trip.
As it turns out in this case, it was a true blessing. Highway 7 just north of us is flooded by the Ouachita River overrunning its banks. We would be forced to turn around and detour. I pulled the map out and this nice lady gave me great directions on a detour that only cost us a few miles. With the skies unzipping, we threw on the rain gear and pressed on. The rain was moderate and there were some high winds, but the sport touring bikes offer good protection and we stayed bone dry under our gear. We actually enjoyed the rainy ride, and were content to hold back our right wrist and take it all in.
Mid afternoon, as we roll into Hot Springs, the weather is improving by the minute, and it looks like we will be able to camp after all. With that in mind, we have got to get our priorities straight. First things first….
I was still full from lunch and not particularly inspired to cook, so we picked up a sandwich for later.
North of Hot Springs, Highway 7 leads us into the trees and the roller coaster ride begins. Around 3:30 pm, we enter the campground at Lake Nimrod, Arkansas. This is a recreation area run by the Army Corp of Engineers. I’ve never camped at an ACOE site that I didn’t love.
We selected a site on the water downstream from the control structure. Very peaceful here.
Soon, we had our camp setup and we are in full vacation mode.
Nothing like a little fermented Agave plant to kick start Happy Hour!
Sometime after lunch, my GPS quit charging. After I got the load off my seat (both live and dead load), I discovered the problem.
My USB adapter was coming apart and must have shorted something.
This should get me going until I can replace it.
With refreshments in hand, we walked over to the control structure. That is an incredible amount of water ripping through there.
Cheers to you, John!
