Off track adventure in Arkansas

[tweek]

I came down with a horrible case of H1N1 last week so I couldn’t work. Only cure was to take the bike to Northwest Arkansas and ride around for a while. I have more video but haven’t had time to cut it up. The only thing I have now is riding West on AR12 in to Rodgers.

You Tube

You Tube

this is the area the video covers:


Living in Dallas I’ve discovered that SMRs are a waste of time. You ride two hours to find a place where corners are within 5 miles of each other and the pavement is only mildly crappy. As such the only riding I really do anymore is either on the race track (Eagles Canyon or Motorsport Ranch) or occasionally risk my life commuting to the office.
This trip to NWA was a real eye opener for me. Just riding to the gas station provided a nice 2 mile ride (nice scenery, nice road, curves, hills, etc.). Decent roads are all over the place. Unfortunately the area is growing so if you don’t want the smurfs (blue haired old people) getting in the way you need to ride a little further (maybe 20 minutes out).
The area I explored was around Beaver Lake going toward Eureka Springs. Hiway 62 is quite entertaining with a few spots that might induce some puckering (I’ll post video later). Given that I haven’t really done this much I have no idea how it compares to something like the mythical Dragon. However, I suspect it can give it a run for the money. And this is only a tiny portion of the available roads. I didn’t have time to hit the pig trail or some of the other roads I know.
Result of this trip: given that I get to telecommute a lot for work…I have a feeling I’m going to wear out my welcome with my in-laws this summer when school lets out for summer vacation.

[tweek]

sad - first to reply to my own thread.

Entering Eureka on 62 - YouTube

Entering Eureka on 62 - YouTube

This is where the real fun bit was. Most of the way in you have a steep drop down to the valley and no real shoulder

[67duster]

Nice, this ride's on my list.

[K.E.P.]

Get further into Arkansas. There are tons of amazing stuff in North central Arkansas. Hwy 7, ponca area, just killer beauty and twisties.

[K.E.P.]

Also, google Arkansas motorcycle map and the state website has a cool motorcycle recommended routes in a pdf printout for throughout the state. Ridden several of them.

[tweek]

Thanks for the recommendation. Planning on heading back up in May for another long weekend. First on the list is the Pig Trail. Some of the knuckle draggers I know rave about Push Mountain, not sure if its an actual destination or just what they are doing with eachother in the motel.

[Craig in Texas]

"I’ve discovered that SMRs are a waste of time"

What the fork is an SMR??

[DuckMan]

Originally Posted by Craig in Texas

"I’ve discovered that SMRs are a waste of time"

What the fork is an SMR??

Yea, what's an SMR?

[imarsh]

So very jealous; that was a beautiful video though

[jollyroger75243]

Originally Posted by tweek

Thanks for the recommendation. Planning on heading back up in May for another long weekend. First on the list is the Pig Trail. Some of the knuckle draggers I know rave about Push Mountain, not sure if its an actual destination or just what they are doing with each other in the motel.

We go almost every year. AR is one of the best kept secrets (thanks for blowing it for us!). Hook up with is. Our trip is 25MAY to 01JUN. Two riders coming out of DFW, two riders coming from Houston and New Orleans area. I know one is taking a Dual Sport this year, but there will be an ST4 and my Sport1000BP for sure, to carve the turns. One of our "senior" riders has been riding there for over a decade. We discover new roads every time and are always surprised at the great condition of the roads. Pig Trail was a little rough last year, but that one is a drop in the bucket.

And don't forget...get that NO ethanol gas while in AR! You'll notice the difference. Be prepared to pay cash to get it. Gotta love the AR rebellion.