Arkansas - May 2008 Ouchita Mountains

[Black Eye]

Here are the pics from my recent Arkansas Trip. 2008 Ouchita Mountains.


So 6am arrived and off to meet the others I went. I arrived in Mckinney meeting Nate/Ed. We ran into a couple guys headed the same way we were going, heading to a BMW Rally. So 3 heading north quickly became 5 and we appreciated the company.




I took an especial liking to Bob’s 1978 BMW which he has owned the last 24 years picking it up for a $2000 back in 1984. Bob has 117,000 miles on this jewel logging oil changes every 1,000 miles….finally someone who thinks like me….more is better!



We got on the road and slabbed out the first 120 miles making it up to Antlers, Oklahoma. We crossed a couple logging truck during the trip as well as a few loose dogs which seems to be common practice in Oklahoma/Arkansas.




We continued on through Oklahoma and after a minor directional problem (thanks Luke) we got back on track as we approached into the forested areas that we had been seeking. We knocked out Hwy 2 and then slid over to Hwy 82 where the roads were beginning to take shape. Several 15/20 mph hairpins down this road and later we found Ed being followed by a heat seeking Oklahoma State Trooper just chomping at the bit to make contact. He zigged, he zagged, but he was not letting Ed out of his sight. He tracked us like he was hunting for a bear, but after several miles he gave up seeking better prey. We stopped just up the road to take a few pictures at a nice clearing.





We continued onward, finding our way to the Talimena Scenic Drive - 54 miles of scenic beauty and curves. We stopped for lunch at the Queen Wilhema Lodge. The lodge offered up nice photo opportunities along with finding the boys remembering their days of youth train playing. Hummingbirds were aplenty just outside the restaurant window where we at lunch.



We arrived in Mena to find Patrick/Bryan already at the location. They were well rested having gotten there before us. The motel Executive Inn – Mena, was a nice stay. The rooms being newly remodeled gave me no complaints. The bikes were safe/sound at night as you can see. The parking lot offered ample parking, even for the trailered minded. There was a running stream of water on the other side of the motel parking lot.






We took a little downtime before heading back out to explore some of the Arkansas side. We started off on our 153 mile route. Ed/Patrick/Bryan turned back early tired having ridden all day as Luke/Nate pressed on to complete the route. We soon found ourselves running out of daylight. Twisty Arkansas backroads are not the place you want to find yourself on a motorcycle at night. I observed a small bear scatter across the road at one point, as I flew around a corner to find myself heading straight for a deer standing in the road another time. A quick bleep of the horn and she took off like Bambi. Roadkill was aplenty from the travling vehicles on the road with vultures swooping in for dinner. Snakes and turtles were seen to sum up the list of creatures. We completed that day, as we logged 533 miles in day 1.

Day 2 arrived and we awoke at 7am. We took our time prepping for the day and then headed to a breakfast buffet. We headed out enroute to Mt. Magazine which is the highest point in Arkansas. We stopped along the way for some photo ops, then continued up north on Hwy 27. The north end of 27 offered up 10 miles of high speed sweepers as vehicle traffic was non existent this far out. This was time for a few fly by road shots.






We continued on toward Danville riding up and over a mountain side. The backside offered multiple 15/20mph hairpin turns, caution was in use as some had gravel in the turns. We continued on finally arriving at the bottom of Mt. Magazine. We trekked about 10 miles upward to reach the top as the road twisted its way up the mountain. We took about an hour stop here at the top taking time for pictures and talking with others who arrived. Nate/Patrick decided to go into the No Zone to get some additional photos.




Going down the mountain was a treat. Nate suggested we ride the bikes down in neutral. This was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. All you had to worry about was the steering/leaning, not having to work the throttle. I attained speeds of 45 mph coasting, soon to be stopped by a State Trooper making all vehicle traffic cease for a bicycle race coming up the mountain. We watched and cheered some of the riders on, with some of the riders in the back sarcastically asking for a ride to the top as they were spent.




We departed Mt. Magazine headed to Hwy 7. Scenic 7 was a great road, especially just south of Ola. This road was in my opinion the best of the ride. It was turn after turn after turn. Unfortunately not many pics as we only stopped on Scenic 7 one time for Ed/Nate to switch bikes.



We completed Hwy 7 stopping in Hot Springs for some Mexican Food before slabbing home on the interstate. Total miles logged 1,044 in 2 days!

[haak30]

Do You have a map you can post up?

[Nirvana]

That there looks like there's some riding to be had in Arkansas!
Nice pictures, thanks for sharing!

[Black Eye]

Originally Posted by haak30

Do You have a map you can post up?

Most definately. This one shows all the roads that were ridden during this trip. Enjoy!

[Halftrack58]

I love Arkansas, and highway 7 is one of my favorites. I've riddin' it all the way from Harrison to Hot Springs. There many other "super" roads in Arkansas, also. like 21 and 23. They both run parrallel to hiway 7. Great pics and story.

[Catenaccio]

Way cool!

[stephenwc]

Outstanding.

Another place to think about adding to my destinations list.

Ta

[Gojira]

Yes, definitely on my to-do list for rides out of Oklahoma City.

[motorrad]

Great ride and report Luke. Really liked the green hills, could almost feel the humidity. Made me realize how much good riding is out there east of the Rockies. Californication can make one numb of treasures like this from the midwest to east coast.

[Girl O' Flight]

That was a really interesting and fantastic ride report Luke! The pictures were beautiful! Such awesome countryside! I have been out west in the deserty landscape way too long and absolutely long for the lush and green of the mid west and eastern states! That also was a huge amount of miles to cover in just 2 days!! Wow!! How many hours a day did you spend riding? The map of your route looked interesting too. I'd love to ride roads like that someday! (except at night that is!!)

Suzi