SFO 2011 Web Site is operational.
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Registration is now open.
I am still working on the menu for Saturday Night.
More to come.
Mark
Mark,
We plan to be there. This will be our first tour in Ark. and our first FJR gathering. I ran on to this nice overview of Ark. best moto roads on a BMW list. Maybe it's something the route planner can use.
Steve and Crystal
03 FJR
Harrison, Arkansas Motorcycling and Ozark Mountain Motorcycle Riding
Information
Another beautiful day in the Ozarks, and what better way to take in all
that beauty than from atop your "Iron Horse". Motorcycling is the
fastest growing hobby in America today with more people participating
in two-wheeled fun than golf.
The Northwest Arkansas Region is host to some of the finest
motorcycling in the nation if not the world. From the central location
of Harrison , Arkansas the Ozark Mountain roads, with all the
"twisties" and "sweepers", stretch out like spokes in a wheel to
wonderful points of interest, exciting attractions, and some of God's
most beautiful architecture.
Every year riders come from around the globe to take in the
motorcycling experience that is "The Ozarks". Whether you are a weekend
cruiser or a technical road warrior, The Ozarks are sure to please.
Here are some of the choice routes that motorcyclists from around the
country have come to enjoy:
Push Mountain
This route is known as the Push Mountain Loop. This loop encompasses
Push Mountain Road . Take Hwy 62 East out of Harrison through Yellville
, AR toward Moutain Home. At Mountain Home take SR-201 South to SR-341.
SR-341 South will dead end into Hwy 14. Take 14 West (right) to Harriet
, AR and Ben Hur. Turn left onto Hwy 27. Follow Hwy 27 south/west to
Hwy 16 West to Witts Spring and Ben Hur. Hwy 16 will then hit Hwy 7.
Take Hwy 7 north back to Harrison . In the Dogpatch area, you will pass
by The HUB <
https://www.hubinfo.com/> at Hwy 7 spur, the areas largest
motorcycle resort catering exclusively to the motorcycle crowd.
Eureka Springs
This ride will take you to Eureka Springs , Arkansas , " America 's
Victorian Village ". You can spend several hours visiting the town and
its shops. We suggest lunch on the balcony overlooking the street at the
Basin Park Hotel <
https://www.basinpark.com/dining.php> or Myrtie Mae's
Restaurant <
https://www.myrtiemaes.com/> at the Inn of the Ozarks.
Take Hwy 65 North from Harrison to Hwy 62 West. Hwy 62 west runs right
to Eureka Springs. On the return, take 23 South from Eureka to Hwy 412
East, which will bring you back up to Hwy 62 at Alpena. Take Hwy 62 East
to Hwy 65 and back down to Harrison .
As a side trip, take Hwy 23 North out of Eureka a few miles to Hwy 187.
On this trip, you will cross over the Beaver Bridge , a one-lane
suspension bridge that is a perfect photo opportunity. Hwy 187 loops
around Beaver Lake and over the Beaver Lake Dam .
Make sure while in Eureka Springs to take in some of the interesting
attractions such as the Great Passion Play
<
https://www.greatpassionplay.com/> , America's #1 Outdoor Drama.
Buffalo River Valley, Ponca and the Elk
Elk <
https://www.harrisonarkansas.org/elk.htm> were once native to the
area. They are being reintroduced into the Buffalo River Valley today
with a strong herd of approximately 450 animals. The bonus is that
there are some fantastic riding roads in the area.
>From Harrison take Hwy 7 South to Jasper, AR. On your way to Jasper be
sure to stop in at The HUB <
https://www.hubinfo.com/> , the areas
largest motorcycle resort. At Jasper, take Hwy 74 West to Ponca. Along
the way the Steel Creek Access is probably one of the best stops to see
the Elk.
Upon arriving in Ponca visit the Elk Education Center
<
https://www.agfc.state.ar.us/education/just_for_teachers/ponca.html>
sponsored by Arkansas Game & Fish. From Ponca take Hwy 43 south to
Boxley. Take Hwy 21 South to Fallsville. Take Hwy 16 West to 23 North
up to Hwy 412. Take Hwy 412 north to Hwy 62 at Alpena. Then take Hwy 62
to Hwy 65 and back to Harrison .
Take Your Bike On a Ferry Ride!
>From Harrison , take Hwy 7 North to Hwy 14 East. Take Hwy 125 North to
the Bull Shoals Lake Ferry. Take Hwy 125 North to Hwy 160. Take Hwy 160
West into Branson , Missouri . Take Hwy 76 out of Forsyth and over to
Hwy 13.
The traffic here may get a bit congested but there will be a lot to see
as you pass through the Country Music Capital of the World. Take Hwy 13
South across Table Rock Lake and then hit Hwy 86 back to Hwy 65. Then
Hwy 65 South to Harrison , Arkansas .
Mammoth Spring
About 100 miles East of Harrison is Mammoth Springs. A nice smooth ride
and interesting destination. Take Hwy 62 East to Salem , AR. Take Hwy 9
up to Mammoth Spring <
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/park.asp?id=25> .
Mammoth Spring , Arkansas ' largest spring and a National Natural Landmark,
flows nine million gallons of water hourly. Forming a scenic 10-acre
lake, it then flows south as the Spring River , a popular Ozark trout
and float stream.
Near the spring, the 1886 Frisco depot will take you back to the early
1900s. Just outside the train station is a Frisco caboose to tour also.
Remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant also reflect Mammoth
Spring's history. Park facilities include an information center with
exhibits on the area's rich history and natural resources, picnic
sites, trail, ball field and playground. The park is located on U.S. 63
in Mammoth Spring.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is 19 miles of Hwy 23 south of Brashears.
You can take Hwy 7 south out of Harrison and continue on to Hwy 16 West
over to Hwy 23 South. You then take Interstate 40 East back to Hwy 7
and ride Hwy 7 all the way back into Harrison. 245 miles of exciting
riding and a FULL day of activities.
Arkansas Highway 21
This is a little known highway, unfortunately eclipsed by the popular
Arkansas 23, and holds its own against any road in the Ozarks in the
category of riding fun. It begins just north of I-40 near Clarksville .
Like 23, it starts on the level ground of the Arkansas River Valley but
soon begins winding up the mountain sides. The serpentine route is
similar to that of Hwy 23, following rugged ridges and hillsides. It
runs to the Missouri border, but the best part is the 62 miles from
Clarksville to Boxley Valley .
A beautiful stretch of Arkansas 21 is where it dips into the Boxley
Valley , paralleling the headwaters of the Buffalo River . At the
junction of Hwy 21 and Hwy 74 at Boxley, it's worth leaving Hwy 21 to
make the five mile ride to the Buffalo River at Ponca. Stop at the
Buffalo Outdoor Center <
https://www.buffaloriver.com/> for a break,
hike along the river, and enjoy the area. From Ponca, take Hwy 45 back
to Harrison .
Arkansas Highway 16
This is perhaps the best little known highway in the Ozarks. Except for
short sections which run concurrent with Highways 23, 21 & 7, this road
is familiar mostly only to local riders. This is really too bad because
the 110 miles of Arkansas 16 between Fayetteville and Clinton is a fun,
twisty and scenic ride.
The reason Highway 16 is overlooked is that it really doesn't take you
any place. It basically runs along the backbone of the Ozarks. It
follows a route full of curves and wonderful scenery. If you start out
on the eastern end, in Fayetteville , Head west, hang on and enjoy the
ride. Most of the time traffic will be light and you'll have a great
time discovering this fantastic road.
Arkansas 7 - Scenic 7
Ark. Highway 7 runs from north of Harrison to near the Louisiana state
line at El Dorado , Arkansas . The portion from Harrison, across the
Arkansas River at Russellville, to south of Hot Springs (in the
Ouachita Mountains) is surely one of the most scenic highways in the
United States. The curves are less severe than some of the other Ozark
highways, but the vistas and scenery are pure eye candy.
Along Hwy 7 there are many wonderful places to stop and eat, such as
Scooters Restaurant at The HUB <
https://www.hubinfo.com/> in Dogpatch
and The Cliff House Restaurant <
https://www.mcrush.com/cliffhouse/>
just south of Jasper. After winding over the mountains and down to the
river valley at Russellville , Ark. 7 levels out and continues on.
Since the Ozarks are situated on both sides of the Arkansas River,
Highway 7 begins another winding stretch to where the Ouachita
Mountains begin. All-in-all , Ark. Scenic 7 is one of the top
Don't-Miss highways in the Ozarks, especially if scenic beauty is your
bag.
Arkansas 14
Ark. Hwy 14 is a wonderful highway, running through rural farm and wood
lands, passing through primarily small-town Ozarks. The entire length of
Highway 14 is a nice ride. If you are coming from Branson , Missouri ,
it would be a good choice for heading southeast into the region.
The 67 mile stretch from U.S. 62 south to the community of Harriet
offers a great combination of winding, twisty roads through very nice
scenery. It crosses the Buffalo River south of Yellville, a nice place
to take a break. This county seat town is the home of the
famous/infamous Turkey Trot Bluegrass Festival. Hwy 14 is basically a
pleasurable ride through a varying Ozark country side.
Arkansas 125/Missouri 125
Intersecting Hwy 14 is Hwy 125. Like Hwy 14, Hwy 125 runs through
scenic areas and adjoins Mo. 125. But what makes this a great trip that
you cross Bull Shoals Lake on the Hwy 125 Peel Ferry. Not only is the
road very enjoyable, but the wait for and trip on the Ferry is a
wonderful throwback to a time when there were five ferries crossing the
waters of Bull Shoals Lake . Plus, it's a relaxing way to spend 30
minutes or so with a free boat ride on a beautiful body of Ozark water.
Arkansas 123
This is possibly the finest ride in the Ozarks, combining the best
elements of the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherahola Skyway, in Tenn.
and NC.
Just north of Clarksville on Ark. 21, take Hwy 292 east and ride four
miles to the junction of Hwy 292/123. From there, stay on Hwy 123 north
and let the fun begin. The road takes you through the heart of the
Ozark National Forest , travels up along ridges, mountain tops and
valleys, crossing several white water rivers, with the Big Piney
offering great canoeing opportunities. The ride offers spectacular
scenery and challenging riding.
You'll likely encounter light auto traffic as most tourists in cars
will take Hwy 21 or Hwy 7 to travel north and south. After 28 miles of
riding, Hwy 123 intersects Hwy 7 and travels concurrently for three
miles before veering off to Mt. Judea (locally pronounced Mt. Judy ).
This 15-mile stretch of highway is just as exciting and scenic as the
section southwest of Hwy 7. But five miles from Mt. Judea , there's a
warning sign about the curves and switchbacks ahead. Believe it! The
highway hangs on the edge of the ridge, winding along the mountain side.
As it drops into the valley at Mt. Judea , the road follows a very
steep course, with numerous switchbacks cutting back and forth almost
180 degrees.
>From Mt. Judea, stay on Hwy 123/74 about four miles till Hwy 74 splits
and runs 10 miles back to Hwy 7 at Jasper, 24 more miles north on Hwy 7
will put you in Harrison. This is a beautiful, fun and very challenging
ride of 90 miles. You must take care on some sections of the road. And
at dusk, be sure to be on the lookout for deer and other animals
crossing the highway.
Arkansas Highway 9
Arkansas Highway 9 runs from the middle of the state to the Missouri
border. But for our purposes, only the portion from Clinton to Mammoth
Spring will be considered.
Like Hwy 5, Hwy 9 runs through a rural landscape as well as a portion
of the Ozark National Forest . It winds through Mountain View , home of
the Ozark Folk Center <
https://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com/> and Blanchard
Springs Caverns
<
https://www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recreation/caverns.html> , along and
across the White River , up to Mammoth Spring
<
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/park.asp?id=25> , site of the
10th largest spring in the world.
All things considered, this highway takes you through some of the most
unique parts of the Ozarks.
Arkansas 5
Arkansas Highway 5 runs from the Arkansas-Missouri border through
Mountain Home to such colorful places as Norfork, Calico Rock and
Mountain View . It plays tag with the White River , once a Super
highway of commerce in days gone by.
Hwy 5 runs through the mountains of the eastern Ozarks, a more rural
part of the region. The road is winding and scenic and takes you to
some unique and interesting places in the Ozarks.
Boston Mountains Scenic Byway -
Old U.S. Highway 71
This 48-mile scenic byway made the jump from road-to-avoid to
don't-miss status when the parallel Interstate 540 opened to the west.
>From Alma , at I-40, to Fayetteville , this road is a pleasure to ride
now that truck traffic has moved west.
The road surface is in great condition and the lanes and shoulders are
wide. Many times its three lanes wide. The curves are broad sweepers
with some tight ones mixed in. But with the wide lanes, the ride is
easy.
Traffic wise, usually not more than a handful of other vehicles and
almost no trucks, and the views on the way to the top are spectacular.
The highway runs north/south over the Boston Mountains ; from Alma , at
I-40, to Fayetteville , home of the University of Arkansas .
>From Alma to just south of Mountainburg, the road gently climbs out of
the river valley and is fairly ordinary for about eight miles. But two
miles south of sleepy little Mountainburg, you will find yourself
winding down a steep mountain side for an exhilarating, downhill ride.
The highway levels out through town and then starts an equally
exhilarating climb out of the valley, ending at Fayetteville . At West
Fork, Greenland and on into Fayetteville , be watchful for speed
enforcement.
Arkansas Highway 23 - The Pig Trail
Over the years, this Arkansas highway has consistently been ranked as
one of the 10 best driving roads in the United States by driving and
car magazines. And what they say for autos goes double for motorcycles.
The middle to northern end of the highway is called The Pig Trail. It
earned that name for one of two possible reasons. One, it was a popular
route from central Arkansas to Fayetteville for football fans on their
way to Razorback games. The second possible reason is that the road
winds around like it was built following the meanderings of a wild
razorback hog.
Hwy 23 winds through the lush Ozark National Forest and farm lands of
the region. It begins south in the Ouachita National Forest just north
of Waldron , Arkansas , crosses the Arkansas River Valley and runs up
through Eureka Springs to the Missouri border.
At I-40, at the town of Ozark, (name sake for the mountains to the
north) the real fun begins. The highway soon gets serpentine, taking
you through a series of switch backs and hair pin curves. It continues
to wind around the rugged mountain sides, often through thick canopies
of trees.
The best stretch of Arkansas 23, and reason for its reputation, runs 80
miles from Ozark through Huntsville to the 1890s Victorian resort town
of Eureka Springs. You won't be sorry if you take this route into the
heart of the Ozarks.
Arkansas 43-103-74 Out of Ponca
These highways lead out of Ponca, on the Buffalo National River . They
end up in different parts of the area, so you will select the one you
take depending on where you want to end up.
However, each is worthy of your attention, taking you through scenic
rural parts of Madison , Carroll and Boone Counties . The mile and a
half stretch of Ark. 74 out of the Buffalo Valley is mile-for-mile one
of the best twisty roads anywhere in the country.
