Ducati Monster Forum

Alright so '09 is by the boards and 2010 is going to kick its sorry ass  [laugh]  so let's plan an Arkansas trip for the Spring.  The only dates I know I can't go are during Sam's Spring Break, March 15 - 19.

Any interest?  [evil]
 

I'm interested in a 3 day trip

It's been over a year, but it was awesome

(http://catie.smugmug.com/Vacation/Arkansas/Trip-082/379421765_xZhqt-S.jpg)
(http://catie.smugmg.com/Vacation/Arkansas/Trip-086/379421819_ChSRn-S.jpg)

Looking back at this pic, it was so neat to such cool bikes behind my truck

(http://catie.smugmug.com/Vacation/Arkansas/Trip-052/379421530_iLuRa-S.jpg)

I'm hiding.....

(http://catie.smugmug.com/Vacation/Arkansas/Trip-044/379127497_L7CAL-S.jpg)

I'm so ready for another trip there, you schedule it, I'll request off [thumbsup]

I'm in too

Hmmm... Lemme check my schedule.
I seem to have a wee bit o' spare time. Let's go [thumbsup] [moto]

Who's the drunk looking sleepy dude in the hat? There's twenty bucks in it for you if you'll permanently delete that pic... [laugh] Russellville here we come. [thumbsup]

I'll settle for a beer after a good ride in AR.... [thumbsup]  [moto][beer] [drink]

prolly just got hit in the head by a turkey ;D

Russelville?  Don't you mean mountain home, Jasper and eureka?

When we went in '08, we stayed in Russellville

Eureka is far better IMO and at the center of all the best rides with great town atmosphere

so.....you had an Eureka moment?

Alrighty then.  As your friendly Ducati Event Planner/Mutha Hen, I'll wave my normally exorbitant fee in lieu of Guinness; I just want to get that out of the way right up front  [evil]  So, let's start looking at dates in late March, early April.  I think a three day time block is very do-able.  Maybe a fourth day?

For those of you who may be considering this trip for the first time here are a few details from previous DML/DMF Arkansas extravaganzas:

There will be people trailering their bikes and those that will ride the whole way.  Some will leave from DFW and some will meet us once we are at "home base" in Arkansas (at this point location TBA).

Usually our ride days start early and we'll ride 400 miles or so per day. In short, no pun intended, well-padded bicycle shorts are your friend.  And new rubber, dammit (DLS!)

Also consider wearing your best gear.  If you've got track day-leathers, bring it.  You will not be the only one in full leathers  [evil]

And along those lines, I will need your contact information for someone to call in case you go down.  Unpleasant to think about for sure, but I'd rather be prepared.  

Maybe we should look at setting up two ride groups - "Sport" and "Touring."  We've done this on Muenster runs and the format seems workable.  I'll lead Touring if no one else wants to  ;D  Of course since everyone will have a map of the route, you could bust off and do your own thing at your own pace.  Usually though, you'll have company (unless you're RonR or Jester...)  Anyway, it's all good!

I'd also like for one or two people to start thinking about what we need to pack in a Sag Wagon for roadside repairs.

And last but certainly not least; since I'm a complete dolt, I'll need computer help developing a printable map for everyone to have before we head out.



Those are kind of the usual things we do ahead of time.  Sounds kind of rigid and more complicated than it really is but safety is the main thing on these trips  ;)

I'll start working on final ride dates and the route/over nights.

 [moto]

Sounds good to me..   [thumbsup]

jv wants in!

Anyone got trailer space?  ;D

I'm definitely considering this--gotta see about my schedule, tho.

I am interested. Love those Arkansas roads!

i'm happy to drive the tahoe to tow, just don't have a trailer.

I hear that having that emergency contact info can be real handy. ;D

George, don't insult the Busa by trailering it. Trying to hurt it's feelings doesn't help a thing. [laugh]

Have trailer, need a ride though...

so long as I can make this, i got you.

[thumbsup]

Have trailer..........pay up suckas  ;D

Lisa, give me a shout.  I have the Arkansas ride book with TONS of rides and go there two to three times every year also with the Hardley group of "slow-pokes."

Can I join you guys if I bring a Buell?

I have a full size, 8ft bed truck set up to haul 2 bikes.  It's a tight fit for two guys & gear, but works great.

I personally don't recommend Eureka.  It's too far away, has way too much Cruiser and RV traffic, and the good roads aren't that close to it.  I generally stay in Clarksville or Fayetteville, with Clarksville the best choice for proximity to fantastic routes and ease of highway in/out.

I'd be happy to lead/co-lead a "quick" pace group one day.  I usually run a 75-85 straight pace, with 2-2.5x corner speed on the 25s and 30s.  400-450 miles is "about right".  I made 10 or 12 trips up there last year -- I know it fairly well.

  :D  O.K. you two out of the pool! 

Anyone else want to sit around and drink beer plan this ride route?  Lunch somewhere in the next couple of days?

Count me in for lunch......And I'm not sure what routes Mr. Buell has but eureka is almost dead center and a flash from MO for more great roads.  Respectfully of course :P
and highways?  [puke]

have one spot on trailer left. 

My thing against Eureka is the sidewalks roll up after 8pm...  What about Hot Springs?  Cruise north on Saturday towards MO.  Stay over night in Russelville Saturday night, then head southwest back towards DFW on Sunday.  If people want to make Monday a travel day then a third night somewhere would be do-able.

It sounds like we've got plenty of trucks and trailers at this point, but we've got a trailer and truck as well  ;D

I agree on the Eureka comments being too "touristi". I used to ride up there a lot 20+ years ago but had way too many good rides on great roads f#@ked up by RVs with lines of 10-20 cars behind them. Russellville is pretty much dead square in the middle of the state. It's also right on I-40 for those who want to trailer up. Mountain View, AR is also nice. It's in the middle of the northern half of the state. My friends stay in some cabins in Mountain View when they do their AR rides. I missed their last one in May 2009 due to torential thunderstorms. I bailed, they went and yes they got pounded by t-storms. Didn't even ride one day they were there, just sat around the cabin staring at each other and the rain. Glad I didn't go. OK and AR can get major t-storms on a daily basis in April and May. I'm talking frog drowning rains. :P We dodged those rains on the April 2008 DMF ride led by Swanny but several of the OK roads were closed due to flooding and we got detoured a bunch.

Maybe Swanny will see this thread and chime in. He's from AR and has ridden damn near every road. Heck, I still have copies of his massive route map collection going back to '07 when I broke my neck. I'll try to dig those out.

I gotta say I'm with "mr buell" considering he rides there frequently and runs my road pace.  And probably doesn't own an ultra classic....

 [laugh]

ZING!

This route is pretty much money.    ;D    There's not a bad road on it, and there's at least 3 you will be talking about for months.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=clarksville,+ar&daddr=ponca,+ar+to:jasper,+ar+to:mt+judea,+ar+to:lurton,+ar+to:magic+springs,+ar+to:marshall,+ar+to:Big+Flat,+ar+to:advance,+ar+to:big+flat,+ar+to:yellville,+ar+to:western+grove,+ar+to:lurton,+ar+to:clarksville,+ar&hl=en&geocode=FXBAHQIdM9Bt-imjV6X2BWvMhzFqdUv0YgxPTg%3BFbOvJQIdbl5v-il5xRqdyJjOhzFIkKPs6Do5qQ%3BFcRwJQId-hVy-imhcY00uTrMhzGPK4J6WaP6qQ%3BFToeJAIdsgN0-ikJDAB1En_OhzGXs_ql8Pm4Vg%3BFUzUIQIdVr9z-ikN4MzLXNPNhzGJnOXNVXypbg%3BFaZ-IgIdThV3-ikBp9q9StnNhzE5O4IyYTaQBA%3BFWTtIwIdFY96-ikdhPY83gDOhzHOi-BzxJmtEQ%3BFdFkJQIdmgV--imTnhjhQ_zRhzEZWWEq07ZBcA%3BFdSvJwIdU1t--ilHHsPx_-PRhzGzDsVsvVLQGg%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=35.81685,-92.88194&sspn=1.164775,2.469177&ie=UTF8&ll=35.848987,-92.881165&spn=1.164318,2.469177&z=9 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=clarksville,+ar&daddr=ponca,+ar+to:jasper,+ar+to:mt+judea,+ar+to:lurton,+ar+to:magic+springs,+ar+to:marshall,+ar+to:Big+Flat,+ar+to:advance,+ar+to:big+flat,+ar+to:yellville,+ar+to:western+grove,+ar+to:lurton,+ar+to:clarksville,+ar&hl=en&geocode=FXBAHQIdM9Bt-imjV6X2BWvMhzFqdUv0YgxPTg%3BFbOvJQIdbl5v-il5xRqdyJjOhzFIkKPs6Do5qQ%3BFcRwJQId-hVy-imhcY00uTrMhzGPK4J6WaP6qQ%3BFToeJAIdsgN0-ikJDAB1En_OhzGXs_ql8Pm4Vg%3BFUzUIQIdVr9z-ikN4MzLXNPNhzGJnOXNVXypbg%3BFaZ-IgIdThV3-ikBp9q9StnNhzE5O4IyYTaQBA%3BFWTtIwIdFY96-ikdhPY83gDOhzHOi-BzxJmtEQ%3BFdFkJQIdmgV--imTnhjhQ_zRhzEZWWEq07ZBcA%3BFdSvJwIdU1t--ilHHsPx_-PRhzGzDsVsvVLQGg%3B%3B%3B%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=35.81685,-92.88194&sspn=1.164775,2.469177&ie=UTF8&ll=35.848987,-92.881165&spn=1.164318,2.469177&z=9)


So, here's the deal with Clarksville:

1.  Great roads are *right* there.
2.  It's easy to get to on I-40.  We avoid having to deal with a lot of cruiser/rv traffic that you see in some of the other areas.
3.  It's really a shithole of a town, but it has two nice hotels on I40 (Holiday Inn Express and a Hampton), and there's one "ok" place to eat dinner at.  The town is dry, so trailer in your own after ride beverage.
4.  I have some secret places for Breakfast that are just real treasures on the Sunday ride for when we just want 250 or so miles...

I think my perspective is a bit bias since I only go to AR to ride.  It's other "features" I could care less about, so being in a nicer area, doing "touring" minded things, etc. isn't why I'm there.  If that's not the kind of thing y'all like to do someone warn me so I don't make a total ass of myself!

at least I enjoy the scenery with tunes and creature comforts.   :-*
I'm going to laugh my ass off when I catch you on one.

Doosh, no warning needed.  We are all on the same page.  All about the the twisties, and twisting the wrist.   [moto]

Skrat, just cause I'm as fat as 90% of the badass wild hogs, doesn't mean you'll see my fat ass on one.   8)

How does War Eagle Cavern, Beaver Lake and Pea Ridge down roads like AR 23 (THE PIG TRAIL) southern run to I-40 from Eureka, 12, 127, 71 and 16 to name a few  sound to you old man (that would be you Fastwin)?  Don't forget 160/125 in Southern MO too....rollercoaster.

I would prefer Mountain Home, I hear there are a bunch of cruisers there too.  [laugh]  And speaking of RV's.....when the hell are you guys up there anyway?  I've never been stuck behind one in the 10+ years I've been going yearly.

you'll be on one and when you get it I'll be there taking all the pictures needed.   [moto]

that's a good run but don't forget some of these bikes don't get 90 miles on a tank and "most" will be flogging the shit out of their bikes. 

I've come to not care for 23 because of the traffic on it.  Often we will run a segment of it between 215 and north to 16, but that's about it.

I do love 16, but it doesn't start getting good until you are a good bit east of 23.  My route uses 16 a lot...

I've not been on 127... I assume you are talking about the short connector between 16 and 23?  Looks interesting for sure!

I've also not done the 160/125 stuff, and would love to see it.  I've done a little bit of MO and it was OK, but I've heard too many rave about it to think I've see the best yet.

71 is patrolled to heavily for my taste, and as you approach 40 it's a 4-lane, anyway, so, eh.  

As for the RV traffic, my experience is it's problematic on 23 as you get close to Eureka.

My primary issue with Mountain Home is a base is it's too far away from Dallas.  It's nearly another 4 hours from Clarksville, and you basically end up on the same roads.  My route runs 341 (push mtn) almost getting to Mountain Home.  I've learned to not bother going into town -- that last 5 miles is nothing but traffic and stop light misery.

I've got that sorted.  I've got a buddy with an older 749 with a big dent in the tank... he's bone dry at 104 miles!  Another friend rides up there on a KTM 690 motard -- pretty much the same issue   ;D  I have all the gas stops worked out, and I think the longest stretch is about 95 miles.

You can make it -- one of the big keys on the Ducs is to sit on the bike while filling, and when it reaches the neck, keep filling -- it will hold another 1/3rd gallon or so...

when i'm on the gas on my bike pretty good, i get just barely over 100 right now. cv mikunis suck for power and for gas mileage.

any chance of an easter weekend, or is that a no-go? I got that time wide-open

not a chance for me on that one or I'll have to drag along the wife and she's NOT ready for dem dir rodes.

Me too... :)

I was able to get 100 on the 1098s with very aggressive riding

I remember your gas mileage probs and Zachs. We damn near ran you out of gas one time in AR and had to slab it back to Russellville for the night.

The only reason to go to AR is for the roads. Nice folks and some good food but it's all about the roads. Hill Country is all well and good but it's too damn crowded. I'll take AR everytime. Besides, the roads in AR are like billiard tables! We should get their crews down here and pave our shitty roads! All this talk is getting me amped up. Nothing like a 13 degree night to be thinking about a spring AR strafing run! [thumbsup] [moto]

Hope I can make this. Due to the turkey mafia hit out on me I'll me hanging out at the back of the pack. Just saying... ;D

I'll run sweep so we don't leave old timers to rust in the countless "retirement" communities we pass.  I'd hate for them to think you're a member.

What you talkin' about Willis? Are you suggesting I join a retirement community? [laugh]

I think it's funny that he's suggesting the two of you run in the same group...

nope, he offered to ride in the back of the pack and since I live there with you crazy speed demonds I figured I'd give him company and protection from the "old fart" patrol that cruises the AR roads looking for people just like him.

not everyone is immune to 100 mph crashes like you.  been down at 90 mph and I WILL NOT be back in the hospital for a week like last time. 

Muskrat?

yeah me, back during my impervious to accident days in college. 

You can call me Hammer, cause I'm 2 legit...2 legit 2 quit [cheeky]

now we know what you wear on your "off" days.  ;D

back to AR.  It seems all my trailer spots are taken now.

For my part I wont be riding 400 miles in a day because I may run out of daylight at my speeds.  [laugh] But no need to worry I know my way around and can loop back anytime.

Well I just hope you, Jim & Lisa figure out the where and when so we can actually start planning rides and rooms.  [moto]

I'm good for any weekend in March.  Considering ECR doesn't have any member days in March, I may be in AR every weekend.

How about Motopia in the a.m. for coffee and Arkansas route planning?  ;D

And if I weren't "leading" the "Touring" group, I'd be riding sweep!  Bb-keck, b-keck

Yeah, so what?  [laugh]

Mutha

Wow, this thread is up to 4 pages already? If we can't agree on which town to stay in how in the world will we ever agree on the routes?? [laugh] Then there is where, when and what to eat?? [bang] [cheeky]

I've got a project tomorrow to work on, but I can meet in the morning.  I think Motopia opens around 8 on Sunday...

Going to miss the meeting, but my 2cents are: Available to drive a 4dr tahoe and tow a trailer. Room for me +3 in the car with gear. Can bring tools and my limited experience with 2Vs.

i have 3 day weekends this spring, starting on thursday afternoons through Sunday. Good any weekend. Can't do late April.

Experience tells me these things:

1.  Stay in Clarksville.  It's easy/close to get to, and it's right on the best roads.  It's best for those riding up because there's good twisties all the way there, and it's best for those trailering because it's right off I-40 and a shorter drive.  There's one OK place to get dinner called the Pasta Grill.  There's two completely reasonable hotels, a Holiday Inn Express and a Hampton.  Both are clean, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive, and right next door to each other and "93" gas.

2.  Plan lunch dynamically.  For the most part, all the places suck, so it's just a matter of what time you are rolling into what part of the route.  I know a handful of places from the Cliff House, to the Oark Diner, Jasper diner, to BBQ near Push mountain, to Anglers, etc... Just go with the flow.  If you need nightlife, *hands down* Fayetteville is the best, but that's a whole new hassle in making sure you aren't there on a college event weekend.

3.  A couple of routes are typical.  Maybe a Friday afternoon, a full day Saturday, and a 2/3rds day Sunday.  1x corner riders simply aren't going to get 400 of the tightest stuff done in a day, so let's be smart about it.  I'd rather ride 320-350, wait a little bit at the stops, and make sure everyone has a good time than stretch someone out to the point of crashing.  

4.  Be really flexible on dates.  We pick a date, then start watching weather.  Make the call on Thursday night or Friday morning before driving up.  Any sooner and the forecast for Saturday is uselessly inaccurate.  Be prepared to punt and ride the next weekend, or get really wet.  March is seriously testy up there.  There should be one good weekend, but that might be it.  In '09, we had a FANTASTIC trip up there in mid-march, and it was May before AR came out of the freeze again.


Basically, it's simple:

Pick a town, go when it looks dry, anything north of 40 and west of mid-state is fantastic.  Don't miss 123 or 341.

I really like points 3 and 4. [thumbsup] The sun goes down sooner than you think in March and early April. Four hundred miles of twisty roads is a work out and a time consumer. Even 300 miles of twisties is a GREAT day of riding any way you put it! DMF/Arkansas rides have had a mild curse when it comes to crashes (and wild animal attacks! [laugh]). A really long day of mile after mile of unfamiliar, twisty roads is a recipe for disaster for someone/anyone who is tired, sore and feels it necessary to keep up with faster riders and beat sundown. Just saying 400 a day may be optimistic.

I also like the flexibilty of dates. I usually have a "go date" and "back up date" due to the previously mentioned weather issues in OK and AR. I'm glad I backed out of my friend's ride last May due to all the rain. Hearing their after action report made me know it was the right thing to do. Why waste several days of riding the best roads in a 300 mile radius of DFW with it dumping rain on you the whole way? You might lose person or two going with the "back up date" but you might also gain a few riders who couldn't make the original "go date". And you would miss the nasty weather that made you go to plan B to begin with.

Food for thought. [popcorn] 

300 miles a day leaves enough time to do the tourist things jdugger loves doing. 

Alrighty then, let's shoot for a 9 a.m. planning session at Motopia tomorrow, Sunday the 9th [thumbsup]  I'd like to get a route set up at least.  Dates, with alternates, we can set later. 

Please try to make it if you can tomorrow for the planning - it will be beneficial in making a great Arkansas weekend even better!

No offense but I will pass, too early on a weekend (not for an actual ride) and I didn't think they would accomodate non members. Am I wrong? It's a sleep in day for me but then again you don't need my input. Plan it, if it works I will go. All of AR is good for me! If not I'll go on my own when I can. That's worked for me since 1980. [thumbsup] [moto]

I'd like for you to go if you can; no worries on the non-member part of it [thumbsup]  Time tomorrow is flexible...

9a works great for me.  I can provide Google maps for suggested ride-up/back routes as well, though I will personally trailer.  In 08, I made something like 15 trips to Arkansas, and all were ride up. 

Motopia:  Yes, it's a private club, but to my knowledge we have *NEVER* turned a non-member away, and guests are always welcome with any member.

9 a.m. then  ;D

Motopia to Hotel-in-Clarksville route.  This has some really fun roads on it including Indian Hwy, 27 and Magazine Mountain.  be real careful of the Mena/Talihina parkway on Sunday coming home since it's heavily patrolled and has a very low speed limit.

It might look long, but it's not really.  It's a full day's ride, for sure, but the entire Texas part has hardly a curve at all, and most of the Oklahoma roads, Indian excluded, are pleasant, but not technical and it's easy to maintain pace.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Motopia,+Dallas,+tx&daddr=2207+N+Center+St,+Bonham,+TX+to:Ivanhoe,+TX+to:Monkstown,+TX+to:Arthur+City,+TX+to:US-271+to:Indian+Trail+to:Talihina,+OK+to:OK-1%2FUS-271+to:OK-1%2FTalimena+Scenic+Dr+to:OK-1%2FTalimena+Scenic+Dr+to:AR-88%2FSkyline+Dr+to:Ink,+AR+to:Gibbs,+AR+to:Story,+AR+to:AR-309+to:35.180824,-93.589783+to:Paris,+AR+to:2502+WEST+CLARK+ROAD+Clarksville,+AR&hl=en&geocode=Fc-z9AEdgRc7-iGEbLNVzm9NoA%3B%3B%3B%3B%3BFZdhCAIdht1M-g%3BFR31DgIdSWpX-g%3B%3BFc3xEgIdHxVX-g%3BFSSuEQIdYZtb-g%3BFYhJEQIddiBd-g%3BFWsSEQIdv8Rg-g%3B%3B%3B%3BFSnZFwIdhM1s-g%3B%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=15&mrsp=16&sz=13&via=16&sll=35.163986,-93.574505&sspn=0.073395,0.153809&ie=UTF8&ll=34.678394,-94.202271&spn=2.362423,4.938354&z=8 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Motopia,+Dallas,+tx&daddr=2207+N+Center+St,+Bonham,+TX+to:Ivanhoe,+TX+to:Monkstown,+TX+to:Arthur+City,+TX+to:US-271+to:Indian+Trail+to:Talihina,+OK+to:OK-1%2FUS-271+to:OK-1%2FTalimena+Scenic+Dr+to:OK-1%2FTalimena+Scenic+Dr+to:AR-88%2FSkyline+Dr+to:Ink,+AR+to:Gibbs,+AR+to:Story,+AR+to:AR-309+to:35.180824,-93.589783+to:Paris,+AR+to:2502+WEST+CLARK+ROAD+Clarksville,+AR&hl=en&geocode=Fc-z9AEdgRc7-iGEbLNVzm9NoA%3B%3B%3B%3B%3BFZdhCAIdht1M-g%3BFR31DgIdSWpX-g%3B%3BFc3xEgIdHxVX-g%3BFSSuEQIdYZtb-g%3BFYhJEQIddiBd-g%3BFWsSEQIdv8Rg-g%3B%3B%3B%3BFSnZFwIdhM1s-g%3B%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=15&mrsp=16&sz=13&via=16&sll=35.163986,-93.574505&sspn=0.073395,0.153809&ie=UTF8&ll=34.678394,-94.202271&spn=2.362423,4.938354&z=8)

Local LeFlore County law enforcement told me they only patrol the Talimena Scenic Drive on weekends, Fri.-Sunday. Not on weekdays. I was once responsible for an armed road block by Park Rangers. [bang] It was an expensive ticket. All 52 miles of that road is double yellow striped and has a 55mph max speed limit. Don't ask me how I know. During the "ticket experience" I was told that the Rangers were given orders to shut down the high speed motorcycle nonsense. Which translates to heavy weekend patrols and no sense of humor. Just saying... There's a reason I never had any trouble for 25 years. I always went on weekdays.

Yea, the Talihina thing is kind of a sad loss.  It's not totally double yellow, but mostly -- there are a couple of passing zones, but not many.  If you do pass, though, the Harley types can and do call you in.  It's sort of a sad state of affairs, but I guess the jealously of not knowing how to ride very well is making sure no one else gets to, either.

The irony in all of it is the road actually isn't that good.  It's mostly up and down, and there aren't really that many good corners on it except right around the 259 intersection and at the Arkansas end of it.

The LeFlore guys are real douche bags, too.  I had one pull me over for 65 in a... get this... 65.  You know the twisties about 10 miles south of the parkway on 259, the marked 30 uphill set?  This guy proceeded to read me the riot act about irresponsible behavior and how he was a motorcycle instructor, and how leaning the bike over reduces contact patch, etc.  Basically, he gave me lecture about every common misunderstanding regarding how to ride a motorcycle well there is.  And you know what, I wasn't even breaking the law.

What an ass that guy was.

wait, what?

I'm sorry I missed the planning meeting this morning, but I certainly do want to go and can drive/tow, and I'm not too picky on the route(s). I think I would fall somewhere near the back of the sport pack (i'm no rossi and am well aware of it, especially on unfamiliar roads).

Sad state of affairs you think that Harley types as you call them are jealous of you and your riding abilities.  [laugh]  Being a HARLEY rider myself and knowing a few THOUSAND more HARLEY riders than you I can tell you NO ONE is calling you in because of your antics on the trail, I have yet to meet that person who gives a shit how you ride and especially those Harley riders.  Your life your bike your problem.  You obviously either were told that by the cop or acted in such a manner on the trail that they called you in for almost running someone over (whatever the issue I could care less)......PLUS, NEVER EVER EVER split a riding group or they will chase you down (not a threat but a fact) and it aint pretty.  If they let you in then go for it but just because you can go faster doesn't give you or anyone else the excuse to barrel through at warp speed.  Or maybe, just maybe you got that one guy who simply hates sport bikes but even so that does not give you a base to compare all of the slow and easy riding folks out there.   Composure in a riding group is just as important as knowing how to control your bike.  I've seen too many sport bike groups have no respect for either lane provisions, traffic or speed.....and cruisers.

Thanks for starting my morning off to a great start because I'm less a rider than you for owning a Harley, and for that matter my cruiser riding group as well.  Classy comparison.  I'll know go practice my riding skills so I can be an equal one day....as if I cared to be in the first place.

dax has been watching too much SoA again...   [cheeky]

which by the way, i just finished season 1. when does season 2 come out? very entertaining. sopranos on wheels.

have I?  did SAMCRO tell you so?  :o
call you Dad too to let him know.

Im slow lately...   SAMCRO?

Sons of Anarchy show.  It's their "group" that they refer to throughout.

Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original

I've been called in twice by cruiser riders on the Mena trail, at least that's what the cop at the end that pulled me over told me  :)  Let me throw some Gold Wings in with that cruiser crowd while I'm slinging stereotypes.

In both cases, I simply did pass.  Not aggressively, not on a corner, but just came up on them, and politely went around, even waved!  (as I always do when passing)  Mr Officer pulled me over and then started asking questions citing being called in by other riders on the trail.

Seriously!

I sure wish everyone would just keep to themselves -- that would be the perfect riding world.  Where slower riders let faster ones through, and everyone just rode their own ride.  Unfortunately, that's not the case.

More than a few times in Arkansas and Oklahoma, I've come up on HUGE groups of cruisers and they will try to deliberately block the road, even in passing zones.  80% of them are just fine -- I come up, they wave me by at a safe place, and I ride on (and wave!).  About 20% will actively try to enforce their idea of appropriate corner speed.  I'll be polite for a couple of corners, but if they keep that stuff up or do things like blocking the straights, I absolutely can, will and do stuff a rude jerk for acting like that.

It's really no different than someone in a farm truck blocking the whole road by driving down the center.  Being polite works both ways. 

Farm trucks have every right to block the whole damn road; we all like to eat and for efficiency the equipment must be enormous. That's just part of country life.

Perhaps you've come across some anomaly but I've never experienced a situation where somebody blocked me from passing. That would require weaving back and forth from shoulder to shoulder, and would garner them a night in the hoosegow. Just sayin, something seems amiss in your recount...

What the cruiser guys do is spread out in a 2x2 abreast and block the whole lane, and then in the straights, I've actually had them spread out across the road if there's no on-coming.

I'm actually shocked you haven't seen this kind of thing.  It happens frequently enough in AR we often have a pre-ride discussion about how the leader will get around cruiser groups.

I don't doubt there's some enormously bad behavior going on with some sportbike groups and it rubs off for everyone with clips on.  I really, really try to be polite and pass with good, safe space around, not in a corner, etc.  But, I'm also not going to wait 10-12 miles for a passing zone to come up when there's plenty of clear to be able to do it safely.

As for the farmers, I was talking more about the ones that "straighten out the turns" and are always left of center as a function of lazy driving, not necessarily an inability to properly operate the vehicle.

If a long group or riders didn't let me by at the next straight or 2, I'd "split their train.  And if they thought they could catch up to me down the road.....Ha! let them.  I got 260 lbs of pissed off white boy they could talk to.  But something tells me if they were to find me at the end of the run, all they would want to do is my taxes or something like that.  

or schedule your next root canal.

They won't catch you, and most likely can't.  I've followed enough friends on Wings and Cruisers to know they reach the mechanical limits of the machines at surprisingly low corner speeds.  Wide, low, comfortable pegs mean less cornering clearance, and a lot of cruisers will start soft-touching just above 20 degrees.  Soft, smooth suspensions mean cornering load takes away even more clearance.

On the street, we are probably "having a good time in the mountains" about 30-35 degrees of lean angle, so it really is a pretty marked difference.  Throw in the drastically shorter wheelbase (less lean angle for a given radius/speed), and you are really talking about a huge speed difference on a twisty road.

I would be shocked.

Almost all of us are packing now, and assault, in particular if he leaves his gloves on, is absolutely an appropriate use of a concealed handgun.

Cruisers may be slow, but they ain't stupid, and NO ONE wants a gun fight in the mountains.  I'd actually be shocked if his own pals didn't shoot him first before I had too.

If any of my buddies tried a stunt like that I'd do everything possible to make him stop.  I figure, if he doesn't, he's dead anyway, and perhaps all of are when the entirety of both rides draws high capacity Kimbers, H&Ks, and who knows what else and unloads.

uh, wat?

it was a joke about dentists, chief. and your stereotyping riders and their machines is going beyond absurd. Apparently you need a good reminding that goldwings are just steroid injected sport bikes:

deals gap on a goldwing/gl1800 by yellow wolf dragons tail (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo#normal)

i see we have digressed to internet dick-measuring, citing gun fights in the "mountains of arkansas" (which, of course, do not exist. perhaps you mean "hills").

That's a very special gold wing with some major suspension upgrades  :)  He put race tech superbike valving and much stiffer springs in the forks, and did some work that I don't remember to the shock, too  Yellow Wolf is amazing.  If you listen to the video, he's also grinding that bike like mad.  Apparently, he even ground the trim off his tail bags!  

No digression... just saying, I don't think anyone is going to commit felony assault and punch someone's teeth out for splitting their group.  It's not smart, and wouldn't ultimately benefit anyone, and it's potentially VERY dangerous.  You started this big about getting punched :)

felony assault takes more than a punch to the teeth. furthermore, i said scheduling a root canal, read again, the joke is that they are CPA's, Dentists, Lawyers, and Doctors now, not surly bikers of the movies.

gotcha -- my bad.

You will get caught no matter how fast you ride!  You will either lose it in a turn or when you gas up, BUT you will get caught.   It's sad actually that you think you own the road.  [laugh]

Everyones day comes to them in time.  you are not inmune but a mere mortal like all of us.   

Uh....cant we just sacrifice Muskrat to the Cruiser Gods before we start our ride and then all will be good?

only if we can be rewarded with moonpies and rc cola.

double decker moonpies [thumbsup]

i buy 'em by the case, and prefer to enjoy them southern-duo style (with the rc cola if available). apparently they have come up with a peanut butter innards version, replacing the mallowy goodness. i have sampled it, and it was agreeable, but not superior to the double decker. also, the mint/cookie moonpie creation tastes like those little thin-mint things the girlscouts sell. by the way, apparently they are taking orders now, i have been informed by the spouse that we have ordered some. fine with me.

in other news, its damn near snack time.

We my friend, are going to get along just fine  [bacon]

i should also add that i'm a fan of goo-goo clusters.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/82/GooGoo_Cluster_-_GooGoo_Supreme.jpg/250px-GooGoo_Cluster_-_GooGoo_Supreme.jpg)

I will bring snacking supplies to the next group event, whatever it may be.

So there's this dessert I've found to be relatively common in AR, but had not heard of before riding there much.  It's called "Company's Comin'" pie.  Basically, it's a sort of cool-whip, pineapple mess that's apparently quite popular.

A bud ordered it once... when served, it looks like someone put Casper in a food processor and poured it on a saucer!

For some reason the moon pie reference made me think of this.

All I heard was moonpie.... 8)

more difficult than you think T.  Tell me, do you still love mother nature despite what it did to you?

Help me out,that went over my head

Another good thread in the dumpster. [laugh]

 [coffee]  it will come to you.

Muskrat started it  8)

I did?  I should have never answered Fastwin's pm...... [bang]

FYI......proper riding formation is staggered 2x2.  How dare those riders.  [bang]
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=proper+motorcycle+riding+formation&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=e8d6ef47431c6a4a (http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=proper+motorcycle+riding+formation&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=e8d6ef47431c6a4a)

Indeed it can be.

Supporting your point, I cut this Gem from Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine:  http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/group_motorcycle_safety/index.html (http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/group_motorcycle_safety/index.html)

[thumbsup]

and as he stated in the very beginning.........."Personally, I'm not a fan of group motorcycle rides. Riding with a bunch of other motorcyclists slows you down, rearranges the rhythm of riding, and gets in the way of the independence that is at the heart of why I ride."

This trip is a group ride.