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Buell Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive through April 23, 2004 » E. TX Invades the Ozarks - Riding and Camping in N. AR » Archive through April 13, 2004

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Author Message   Skully Posted on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:42 pm:        Do any of my fellow Buellers live in the Clarksville area (or even close)? We are planning our annual pilgrimage to that area and are looking for a decent place to camp. Thanks, Keith   Tripper Posted on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 07:58 pm:        Hey Skull Head. Post in teh KCMob and SLAB sections and you'll get some good advise. The area you are heading for is awesome.   Blake Posted on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 10:04 pm:        Shower? No Shower? Blake no need shower for camping and biking? Thanks Skully. Disaster struck yesterday (ruptured water line - no shower for Blake this morning) and I forgot to post the plea for campsite advice. Ciao,   Bradj Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 01:51 am:        uh...I live in Clarksville.... A Bueller once removed, but still lurking about. Whatcha need to know?...not into camping myself, but I know the area and can make some inquiries...take some pics...whatever I can do to be of help. I can hook you up with a couple of fantastic roads that are known only to locals. Consider letting a Duc or Harley tag along? I still have my Buell helmet! brad edited by bradj on April 07, 2004   Blake Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 04:26 am:        Absolutely. We'll have our own Duc and a Harley to boot. But finally, for the first time in the history of our annual Springtime "He-Man Hairy Biker" ride, Buells may actually outnumber all others. WOOHOO. You sold your Buell??? It was just a few months ago you were posting photos. Yes, please, we have lots of info on state parks but are not sure which are best. Shower facilities are a plus. Do tell on the roads. We stumbled upon a few last Spring. Found one marked on the map as dirt that was brand new and exquisitely paved, 123 or 127 was it? Weather permitting, we plan on arriving the evening of the 16th, riding/camping for three days/nights based near Clarksville then heading home.   Tripper Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 07:45 am:        The 16th of ...... APRIL?   Gravedigger Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 08:48 am:        Skully, Check this website. www.ironhorsestables.com. Motorcycle specific hotel and camping. Good food and comradery. The owner is a top notch guy and knows the lay of the land very well. We (KCMOB and SLAB) stayed there last summer. Make sure you take in highways 123 and 341. Contact Racerboy or Shazam, they know the area very very well! Hope you guys have a great time! Keith   Bradj Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 12:12 pm:        Blake, Yes..I sold the XB9SL...just couldn't "become one" with it... You're probably thinking about Hwy 123...discovered that stretch of road last weekend myself. 123 from Clarksville to Pelsor is a weekly ride for me, but I didn't know the segment between Lurton and Mout Judea had been paved. Highway 7 is supposed to be the shiznitfor riding, but I don't particularly care for it. Personally, it's just a link to far better roads. There is a campground on 123 near Fort Douglas...Haw Creek Falls. You have to cross a low water bridge to get to it and you can get stuck there if it rains. It is a primitive campground. Highway 74 through Jasper,Ponca,and Kingston is a nice ride...connects Hwy 23 (aka Pig Trail Scenic Byway) and Highway 7. The general store at Ponca is one of my favorites. It is frequented by people floating the Buffalo River. Private camping facilities and a shower are available, although they cater primarily to the canoe crowd. Lost Valley Canoe and Buffalo Outdoor Center are the places that rent boats and have facilities there. There is also a guest lodge there, but I heard the woman say Sunday that they were booked solid for many weeks. Boxley Valley on Highway 21 south of Ponca is one of the more picturesque areas of the state and a great ride, all the way down to Clarksville. Perhaps you will see some Elk while riding through...hopefully NOT in the road. Where 21 intersects with Highway 16 a little south of Boxley, you can go east and hit Highway 7, or you can go west toward Highway 23 where 16 breaks off at Fallsville. There's good riding in both directions. There is a campground at Ozone further down 21 toward Clarksville, but no showers as far as I know. Turner Bend/Cass on Highway 23 is a major hangout for bikers, campers, and people floating the Mulberry River. There is a private campground with showers there, as well as a well equipped [read alcohol] general store It gets REAL busy this time of year with canoeists. There is a most excellent state park south of Eureka Springs on Highway 23...Withrow Springs. There is a swimming pool there, so there will obviously be showers. Uh...I don't think the pool is open yet. As Gravedigger mentioned, the Ironhorse Stables east of Eureka Springs is a standard hangout for bikers. Perhaps one the nicest highways in the state heads east from Cass...215...about 11 miles of race track smooth pavement with national park type landscaping (ie,guard rails painted brown,etc). The road winds along the Mulberry River Valley. The Redding Campground is on this road, but like most that I am familiar with, it is primitive..also likely to be crowded this time of year with floaters... or should I say...canoeists? Byrd's Adventure is on this highway...they have concerts,rallies, and hosted a 4X4 "War" last weekend...may have seen it featured on cable sometime? If you brave the 1/4 mile of gravel, 215 continues east onto Oark, although the road is pretty bumpy for a while. You pass the Wolf Pen camping area, also on the Mulberry...once again...primitive site full of canoeists. Oark has one of those quaint isolated general stores...they serve frog legs there, BTW. Hwy 103 from Oark to Clarksville is where I took those pictures last fall. After you come down off the mountain, you can turn west on 164 and hit Horsehead Lake. There is a campground there, but as of last weekend it was not open. I think there MAY be a shower there. Not much of any great interest riding wise in Clarksville itself, but motels, a few mediocre restaurants, banks, etc. About 18 miles west of Clarksville on US 64 is Altus, now famous for hosting Paris Hilton in "The Simple Life." There are some neat restaurants there, including Kelts (Guinness on tap) Fat Tuesday's(Cajun), Chef Larry's (eclectic and EXPENSIVE), and the old standard.. Wiedehrkhers Wein Keller. There are several wineries there. Whew...I'm tired just thinking about all that riding. And I've just covered the relatively small area I am familiar with. Need anymore info on a particular place? You've probably figured out that shower facilities in the public campgrounds are few and far between around here. I guess many of them are so isolated, it would require a well system and well water isn't always available and it can get awfully expensive to maintain. Most of the campgrounds are close to water though...bet its cold this time of year. brad edited by bradj on April 07, 2004   Blake Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 05:42 pm:        Yes, April 16th, next Friday! Brad, Way cool of you to take time to summarize the roads and campsites and restaurants in the area. This will be our fourth or fifth trip to Arkansas and we've found that the Northern part of the state (Ozarks) provides more and better riding than the Ouachitas. We'll get a map out and look for the private campsites that you and Grave mentioned. That is exactly what we are looking for, some tips on private campsites. Ever been out East to AR341, aka Push Mtn. Rd.? Very very nice. I'm all about primitive camping, but some <ahemskullycough> members of our group cannot bear to suffer going without hot running water for a few days. In usual form though, I'll end up nagging and arguing until I get my way. Of course they'll thank me later. Also, are the deer out to get city boys this time of year up there? I hear they like to attack city boys after dark. I personally witnessed one such terrifying encounter. Wish I had a video of it. Blake (reminding himself to pick up a good supply of buck lure for the trip) PS: Do you think an XB9S can outrun a pissed off horny buck?   Blake Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 05:49 pm:        Grave, You recommended two of our favorite roads in AR that we discovered just last Spring. We will definitely be covering those same roads again this year. AR123 made me dizzy. How about a place that has screened shelters or cabins? Know any?   Bradj Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 11:46 pm:        I don't think the deer are particularly horny this time of year. They get a bit testy in late fall though. I've never ridden 341, but heard about it. It's on my list. It's a bit far for an afternoon ride, but the days are getting longer...   Loki Posted on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 12:58 am:        I guess I will have to throw my hat into the fray.... due to work..... sat/sun are my options may need to find a sitter for Donner and Blitzen though.   Gravedigger Posted on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 01:36 am:        Blake, I just rode those same roads for the first time last summer. I assure you that it will not be my last! 123 was awesome! I was looking back over my shoulder on those switchbacks! I can't speak highly enough about the Iron Horse Stables. If you stay there they have several different options that should meet all you groups needs. They have campsites, camping huts and hotel rooms. The campsites and camping huts have a shower room near them. They have a mechanic on the grounds if you are in need of anything. They also have a restaurant that serves awesome breakfast for an extremely reasonable price. I think the steak and eggs was around $5.50 and that was the highest priced item on the breakfast menu. Whole smoked chicken for dinner was around $6.50 with sides. Just a great overall setup for motorcyclists! I can't speak highly enough about the owner of the this place. He is just a great person. Hope you guys have a great time! Keith   Skully Posted on Friday, April 09, 2004 - 04:52 pm:        Brad and others, Thanks for your inputs. I really appreciate you taking the time. Keith   Blake Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 12:17 am:        Stay tuned, we'll let you know here where we plan on staying.   Racerboy Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 12:49 pm:        John, V2win, pointed out to me that you guys were planning an invasion of AR and that I might want to pass some things along…John and I have made several trips to AR and love the state and its roads and people…So here are a few of the things we’ve found… A great resource book is Mario Caruso’s book “Arkansas Rider’s Guide”…He sells it direct at 501.622.0987…We’ve ridden all the top ranked roads and pretty much agree with him… Push Mountain, AR 341, and AR 123 are must rides…Here’s Mr Caruso’s top ten: 1. AR 123 2. AR 341 3. AR 16 from Clinton to AR 23 (John and I herded cattle on this one...Second time we've done that) 4. AR 7 from Hot Springs to Diamond City 5. AR 74 from Bass to AR 23 6. Old Scenic US 71 from Brentwood to Mountainburg 7. AR 14 from AR 9 near Mountain View west to US 65 8. AR 309 (Mount Magazine) WOW!!! 9. AR 88 and OK 1 10. AR 127/12 from Rockhouse to Rogers Be careful running AR 341 north to south as there is some broken pavement right in the middle of turns…341 must be about due to be repaved…South to north is just fine…AR 123 was a gravel road until about four years ago so the pavement is very new…We had a guy intentionally back a pick up onto the road, completely blocking it…And he did it so abruptly as to allow little warning…He’s kind of pissed that they paved his road and turned it into our play ground…This happened almost at the very south end of the run down 123…You may hear banjo’s…I know we did… Here is a link to a Yahoo Group pretty much devoted to north-central and north-west AR…Kathy and Arild Mellembakken already are hosting two Buellers coming up to stay with them from Louisiana and they are going to show these guys the local roads…They’re place is near Franklin AR and about fifty miles from the “AR Gap” aka Push Mountain Road or 341…These guys are great and ride two up (as in two up track days) on a 929 that is about to become a 1000RR if Arild has his way with the wee one…If you guys stay with them be sure to try some of the “nummy stuff”… http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/AR-Gap/ There is a motorcycle only motel, campgound and restaurant very near Eureka Springs AR called Iron Horse Stables…I’ve stayed with them almost every time down there and they are very good people…Bill even has some hand-out maps of the good local roads…Just remember to combine about two of his routes to make one good Buell route as he has to cater to the cruiser crowd… http://www.ironhorsestables.com/ Maybe John can think of more… I’ll let you know later in the week but don’t be surprised if I show up… See Ya! Bob   Blake Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 01:10 am:        The Iron Horse Stables sounds good, but we are wanting to be a bit more South and East. It's looking like Russellville or Clarksville, probably Lake Dardanelle State Park. Thanks for the listing of roads. I've been on many of the ones you list but not all. Thanks. Blake   Loki Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 01:15 am:        Blake, I am keeping saturday clear, so as I can meet up with you all. Just getting some minor stuff sorted out on the S1.   Bradj Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 10:51 am:        Blake, You might want to check here for weather info... a local tv station's website. They list forecasts for the River Valley (Clarksville/Russellville are) and NW Arkansas, where I assume you will doing most of your riding. http://www.thehometownchannel.com/index.html Looks like you are going to have some good weather with highs in the upper 70's / lower 80's and lows in the 40's. At this point the chances of rain have been taken out for Saturday and are slight for Sunday. This of course, could change between now and then. Forecasts beyond three days don't seem to be all that reliable around here. We are having our obligatory second week in April cold spell right now...may even see a few flakes tonight in some areas. Back to more normal Springtime temps Wednesday. Quite a weekend for riding. A group of local sportbike / dual sporters (AR Gap and HSTA) are having a rally in Mena this weekend also. Let me know if I can help "make your stay in Arkansas a more pleasant one" as they say.... Brad   Skully Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 01:09 pm:        Thanks for your help Brad and Racerboy. See you there? Keith   Racerboy Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 02:08 pm:        Yea guys, I am going to try and make it down...My father had a bit of heart problem Sat evening and spent the weekend in the hospital but is being discharged today...So I'll have to see how this week goes and if I can be certain my sister will be available for him next weekend...If it changes from Lake Dardanelle State Park please let us know... Thanks, Bob   Racerboy Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 04:29 pm:        Here's the link on the HSTA rally at Mena...The deal is when you first join HSTA you get one free rally so if you joined at T16 in Mena you would receive that rally free...There is camping available there...Take a look at the other rallies scheduled and you will see there are quite a few in AR and southern MO...But even more important, there are two each year in TX... T16 at Mena: http://www.hpnt.net/T/T-16/t-info.htm HSTA NAtional Site http://www.ridehsta.com/ Note that this is an "all brand" club and they are serious about that..Recently most, if not all, references to "Honda" has been removed from web site pages and literature, except where historically necessary... Bob   Caveman Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 05:12 pm:        If you boys happen to come around the Fayetteville area either on the way down, or back, I am the General Manager of the local HOOTERS, and while I can't discount beer, I probably could slide a few plates of Hot Wings your direction. Maybe even a cutie to serve them up! Hwy 16 out of Fayetteville meets up with the Pig Trail (hwy23) going south to 40 east. Is a great ride, some 10mph (marked) switchbacks, takes you by the Mulberry river campgronds and 'floater' areas. Would be great to see a few more Buells in the parking lot, other than just mine... Jim   Racerboy Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 07:57 pm:        Brad...Like I said, it is an all brand club...But as they say "Sport Touring" is their middle name...When working the HSTA booth at the motorcycle shows within a matter of minutes of meeting a rider you can tell if they are a HSTA fit or not...We have several Harley's that ride regularly with us but these guys are riders and don't mind no alcohol (until the end of the day) and 350+ mile days so they fit in nicely...But, sadly, the ride we choose seems to stamp us somehow in some peoples minds...I just don't put up with that bull coming from any direction...Look to the rider, not the ride... As far as the loud pipe thing, Pumpkin, my S3T is about as loud as they get without being straight pipes and I don't get too many comments simply because I don't sit in parking lots and at stops blipping the throttle...But I love the sound in the twisties and I have more than one HSTA'er tell me they do too... See Ya! Bob   Bradj Posted on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 08:53 pm:        Ooops! I just read in an off-list email that you guys are going to Petit Jean instead of Lake Daradanelle? In the words of the famous Emily Lattela.... Oh...never mind. There used to be an antique car museum up on "Petty Jean" Mountain as the locals call it. I assume it is still there. You might want to check it out if you have time and are interested in that sort of thing. Hope you guys have a great time! If you run into trouble, my info is good on the Rider Assistance thread. Don't hesitate to call if you need help. Even though I'm a Bueller once removed, I consider folks here friends I would be honored to help out, if needed. Brad   Blake Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 05:33 am:        Yes. We have camped at Petite Jean before. Outstanding twisty road going up and down the mountain to the campsite. A bit more South than we would like, but a great campsite for sure. Thanks all for your advice. I sure am glad we are not mixing with the Bass tourny at Dardanelle. We sure dodged a bullet on that one. We'd camped there once before and found it to be a bit more urban than desired. Not to mention the hungry mosquitos. We'll be passing through Mena on our way up and back home too most likely. None of us are much into big bike rallies, but it will be nice to see fellow sport bikers on the road on the way home. Jim, your offer is darn hard to resist, I'm a BIG fan of Hooters and their wings, but unfortunately Fayetteville is probably further East than we will venture. Brian, will be great to see you again. I want to hear more of your stories about those MOAB pics and other such cool stuff. Thanks again to all for the great advice and scouting info.. Blake (look for the bikes with TX plates)   Loki Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 09:16 am:        Blake, We will see what comes about. Looking forward to catching up. Hell the last time I still had the M2, now I has the S1. send me a cell# so as I can find you all on sat morn. B   Bradj Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 12:23 pm:        Blake, If you call Petty Jean "Petite Jean" your gonna get laughed at or worse...with those Texas plates. I made the mistake of referring to Mount Judy as "Mount Judea." I got a pass since I'm local...but they were damn suspiscious. edited by bradj on April 13, 2004   Blake Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 08:27 pm:        Bryan, You have email. Brad, Yeah, damn French chick!   Caveman Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 11:41 pm:        Blake, Coming from TX to Petit Jean, you would have to pass south of me somewhere... I-40 / Ft. Smith is just a short hour south of me... ...50 piece, hot, ranch, a Honey to serve the beer... wish I could tag along, but it's on a bad weekend. jim