Stan Brein
“Always go where it’s nice and where we are welcomed.” So said a riding buddy of mine in Austin.
How about a place of beautiful fall colors, scenic winding roads, welcoming hospitality, biker friendly venues and thousands of like-minded motorcyclists. It’s our neighbor, Arkansas, nicknamed the Natural State. Arkansas is one of the best places to see fall colors with the Ozark and Ouachita valleys awash with the trademark hues of autumn. It’s a beautiful sight to celebrate, and it’s easy to find a fall foliage festival in Arkansas to suit your interests. State Road 7 is one of my favorite rides, particularly from Hot Springs to Bull Shoals near Diamond City, Missouri. It has been designated an Arkansas Scenic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway, passing through both the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
The state of Arkansas tourism website has a dedicated page devoted to motorcycling with routes, places of interest and upcoming events: http://www.arkansas.com/motorcycling. With so much to do and see it is no wonder it attracts motorcyclists from all over the country, including Robson Ranch.
Ken and Connie Cline led a 1,300 mile, six-day trip from October 5-10. Jim and Dee Sico and LT and Mary Bryant rounded out the group on this journey. Their specific destination was a motorcycle rally in Harrison, but they rode through Fort Smith, Harrison, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View (all in Arkansas). They also visited Branson, MO. Just the names of some of the roads they travelled sound enticing: The Pigtail Hwy 23; Peel Ferry Route (378 curves); Eureka Springs Backroad Route (571 curves); Mountain View Run (602 curves); and Twisted Lady Route (517 curves). My eyes are watering just reading this.
So when something is so good, why not repeat it. Joseph and Diane Ace organized and led the Fall Colors Arkansas Trip from October 16-21. Edward and Elaine Barnett and Andy McConnell rode along on this flexible itinerary trip. The trip covered Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Eureka Springs and Hot Springs.
Motorcyclists are a charitable and compassionate bunch. Thanks to Rick Hales for his efforts to get us involved in a couple of Charity Runs. The Ride to Support Breast Cancer Research (10/15/16) was sponsored by American Eagle Harley Davidson in Corinth, and the Poker Run for the North Richland Hills Chapter of the Battered Women’s Foundation (10/23/16), sponsored by A Biker’s Garage in Roanoke. Turnout was compact, but it’s a start.
In addition members participated in a few shorter rides, including a return trip to Horton’s Classic Car Museum in Nocona.
It’s time to get out those warmer clothes, finally, and cool riding gear.
Beware of cagers and keep the rubber side down!