Ducati Monster Forum

We're leaving Saturday morning, September 20th, from the Allen Outlet Malls,
returning Monday the 22nd.

Accomodations - Russellville Holiday Inn at I-40

In (Saturday Morning):

CDC
Fastwin
DLS
Newslacker

Maybe:

Swanny

In (Friday Night):

Tommy
BonWilder
Kevin848
Slag

We will have lunch, & Swanny will distribute maps.
Fastwin is bring tools.

Swanny has 4 rooms booked for Sat/Sun night.

What time do you guys want to meet in Allen?  7 AM or 7:30 AM?

Glad that Brian is bringing all the tools. Thanks!  I will bring my tire plug kit.

Who is rooming with who?  I know that Fastwin gets his own room.  I will take a room to myself if you other guys wanna pair up or I can room with someone.

I have the maps printed off and here at the house.

U guys interested in doing a quick 120 mile loop or 60 mile loop once we get to Russellville on Saturday?   Depending on how we feel we might want to consider it.

Tommy and Kevin848, you guys want me to make you a map for meeting up with us on Saturday?  You will really enjoy the ride down.  Maybe you can meet up somewhere along the Talimena trail.

meeting up with you all on the ride up would be awesome, maps very appreciated.  If anyone has any special tools, luggage or gear that they would like to throw in my truck you can meet up with me(west) or kevin (east) in the days prior to leaving. 

Define the partial trip.  I can't get Monday off work, but can do a two dayer.

partial trip for me and kevin is leaving dfw Friday night by trailer and rooming friday and saturday night.  We will ride all day Saturday and Sunday and trailer back Sunday night so we will be able to be back at work Monday morning.

I'm thinking more like an 8:00AM departure. That extra 30 minutes of beauty sleep could mean all the difference in how good I look in my leathers. [laugh] Any thoughts?

You guys are trailering up Friday? You realize we won't be there until late Saturday right? I know I'm not completely "coffee'd" up yet so maybe I'm missing something. Or are you guys just going to buzz around checking out the roads until we get there? That makes sense. More coffee. [coffee] [moto]

sleep in, buzz around town, then head towards you all, about 150 miles or so, join your caravan and head toward Russellville. 


Guys, quit worrying about us, although my IQ is only 131, I can read dates and times [cheeky]

We can leave whenever you guys pick.  I just thought the earlier we leave the less traffic we will hit.  Once you get to Mena the traffic really isn't an issue since we are in BFE Arkansas.  How about we plan on meeting up with the guys heading up Friday night at the Queen Wilimena lodge on the Talimena Trail?  I will work up a map for them on how to get there from Russellville.  We can keep in touch with and always change the meeting point during the day.

Another important note....everyone has fairly new tires with at least half their tire life left?

I have no idea, mine are a lil flat spotted, but I think I'll be fine, especially since I'll have my truck and trailer.  And maybe even a spare moto, depending on what I drive.

Let's see who else likes 8:00AM, I'll let it be democratic and go with the flow. Meeting at Queen Wilimena Lodge is a good idea. Whoever gets there early can hang out, eat, stretch their legs or just go for spins up and down the Scenic Drive killing time. How bad can that be?? [moto]

I agee with part II also. Good or new tires all around! Nothing iffy. If you think your tire can "probably make it" then forget it... get a new one! Look at your tires real close and then double the wear factor you expect. These are all big bikes and it's a high speed run for three straight days. Not saying we are going to ball up rubber on the edges ala Rossi, just saying that the center part of your tire had better be pristine. Flats? Can't help those, no one can. S#@t happens. Look at Scott last trip? Perfectly good Michelin picked up a nail, then we had hell keeping the sucker plugged and aired. Then his valve stem died, rubber rot. Who would have thought he'd have two problems at the same time on the same tire? But 1/2 to 2/3s worn tires are begging for trouble. Flat magnets. End of lecture... :P

Alright.  It is about 120 miles from Russellvillle to the Queen Wilhelmina lodge.  There are some great roads that you guys will love.  Lots of fast sweepers and a couple of really tight technical sections (Hwy 27 just outside of Danville...be careful!).

I will print these maps off today and I will bring them to AMS incase one of you are there for the race watch.

Swanny

I checked. No metal showing. Good to go [thumbsup]

looks like I need a new tire

New tires yesterday. Doing oil change today. Should be good  [thumbsup]

Don't forget me!  [moto]

...anyone bringing chain wax?

Small can of chain lube, no wax.

OK, this is serious and no BS. Weather.com and Accuweather.com have the Russellville forecast at 60-62 lows and low to mid 80s for highs. Very nice! [thumbsup] [moto] After upper 90s to 100+ and humidity I can groove on that kind of forecast. Oh yeah, no rain... keep your fingers crossed. [clap] OK, back to your regularly programed thread full of unserious BS. [laugh]

I have everything ready to go. I even did a test fitting to make sure that all of my stuff would fit in the limited luggage. I still need to buy rain gear, but will have that by Tuesday.

I have had the seal of approval from the babysitter and am all clear for this trip.  As you might expect, I will join Tommy, Kevin, and possibly Slag for the partial version of the trip. [thumbsup] [moto]

I am really glad that you are coming along. I need SOMEONE that I am faster than  [evil]

Even if I do trailer up on Friday, I will till be riding back with the group on Monday.

Glad I can help! [roll] [moto]

I think she's faster [popcorn]

sorry guys.....not trying to be faster than anyone, just trying to increase my skill level through experience and by learning from all you guys who have mucho experience and skill!!    [thumbsup]

SWEET! Glad your going, now we can officially call it a party  [thumbsup]

Does anyone know... do we need to reserve a room or would we be ok to get a room when we get there?

I'm gonna call and get a room today reserved for Friday and Saturday night.  I will have 2 double beds and you can split a 3rd of the bill and have a bed, or you can room with someone else.   ;) Don't worry, if you stay with us, we will behave [thumbsup]

Cool thanks man.

Right on....what he said. [thumbsup]

Is anyone doing a two day / ride only version?

this is gonna get ugly if you all dont start another thread or start PMing each other

Sounds like the Friday Night/Sunday Nighters are trailering...

depending on what I get done at my fab shop this week, I might have room for a 4th bike...........

New to the board here... My name is Jim.

I met up with Patrick at Motopia and he told me about the trip.  I go to Arkansas to ride about every 3 weeks, and I'd love to connect with y'all, if you don't mind a Buell hanging in your ranks.  There's really nothing better than a weekend in Arkansas on a bike you love.  God bless an empty, twisty road with good pavement.

I'd like to connect with those wanting to make an all-day-Sunday ride out of getting back to Dallas from Arkansas.  I go back through magazine mtn, mena, a very special place called Indian Hwy no one seems to know about, and then along the state line in TX.  It's about 550/600 miles. 

I'll slab ride up Friday night, probably stay in Ozark (http://www.ozarkmotel.com/) 'cause it's really clean, nice, right at the start of the pig trail, and a single king is $55.  I kinda like to do my own thing on Saturday -- I have a 650 mile loop that covers the pig trail, 123, push mountain and a couple of other favorites.  I don't mind a small group (2-3 bikes) but more than that starts causing problems with the natives.

Anyway, thanks for letting me crash y'alls forum and hope to catch up with a couple of you.  I love the Ducs... just ain't cool enough to own one!

Don't forget some big Totes covers for the boots!

I need boot covers? When will the madness end  ;D

Weather looks great for the trip  [thumbsup]

Weather here is suppose to be clear and in the low to mid 80's all week!!! Hopefully that will be the case in Ar.

I just hope I get my tires in time.......
Watch, they'll probably show up on Friday  :P

Ordered mine yesterday, fingers crossed  [thumbsup]

Weather for Russellville

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/371567241_YC4jT-M.jpg)

I told you if they get here Fri I'll pull a McKraut and put them around my waist and go to AMS! [thumbsup] [laugh]

You better make an appt... w/ the service bays closed w/ the all the techs at the IndyGP they'll probably be backed up a bit

yeah, I don't know if they will be an option, I called them yesterday to price some rubber and they stated everyone was at Indy...........might have to buy beer and beef jerky..........(or if there is a time crunch Patròn)

I thought that was originally a McKraut idea. I could be wrong.  Anyway, back on topic......sorry.   ;)

ML can get tires. Then you just have to find someone/where to get them mounted.

Well, worst case scenario I will be on a kick ass Monster  [thumbsup]  I can't wait for this trip!

 ;D Have Randy Mount the tires at the Warehome !  Unless ther is some warranty situation with the bike that could be compromised.  Not trying to steer you from AMS but if they cannot accomodate you due to short staff & how much can they make on mounting tires anyway - so if you need the tires do what you have to do !  [moto]  Tires are important since you only get two !

Thanks for the heads up, but hopefully I got it covered  [thumbsup]

Can somone(ahem....zack)  pick up a copy of the maps from Swanny today for me.  I would like a copy of both, the full 3 day ride, and the partial if that is possible.  Thanks again Swanny for the maps.  [thumbsup]

Make sure that before you post you ask these questions:

1)  Will others think I'm being a jerk?   Dunno, probably, everyone has their own opinions (some people like Will Ferrell, some people think he's a jerk.......some people say cubcumbers taste better pickled.....I don't know)

2)  Would I say this in front of my mother? Absolutely

3)  Does this post contribute to the board or add value to this thread?  (http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/confused/confused0024.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net)

4)  Is this post on topic? Should I begin a new thread?  I think so / I don't think so

Well it looks like a big pile of work just got unleashed on me as of 9 PM last night and my group is losing our assistant buyer to another group so I am going to have to bail out on this trip.

Here I sit on my day off at the office with a crap load of stuff to do. [coffee]

Can one of you meet me tomorrow around lunch time and I will drop off the maps to you?  I should get out of meetings around 11:30 so I can meet around noon.  If not tomorrow the next free time I have is Friday at Noon.  Got meetings through lunch on Wednesday and Thursday.

I am really bummed b/c the weather is going to be great and those roads are just awesome.

Swanny

Damn Swanny! :P That sucks on a huge level! Anyway to beat this monster down and still make it?? Hope so. I'll pick up the maps if you want. Just post or PM me when and where and I will be there. Pappasitas (sp?) for lunch?? Just let me know. Giant bummer. >:( [bang] Really sorry.

:( Hopefully something will change. It won't be the same without you...

Swanny, that really sucks...... But I do know the whole work thing being a 6-7 day worker myself.  If I don't work 60-70 hours, I got a break!  Man, if there is anyway you can make it, DO!  I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you yesterday, but I was working. :P  I was looking forward to meeting you on this ride.  All the members here that I value their opinions all really like you, and I know it would be the same for me.  

Is this complete/correct?

In (Saturday Morning):

CDC
Fastwin
DLS
Newslacker

Maybe:

Swanny

In (Friday Night):

Tommy
BonWilder
Kevin848
Slag

I think so.

I do not know if I am going up Friday or Saturday. Should know soon.

custom fabrication being done by my welders as I'm typing.  Looks like I will be able to haul 4 bikes to Arkansas.  2 on trailer, 2 in truck.  Having my welders fab a dual motorcycle tie-down  deal for the F-350.  So slag if you need to go with us, you're welcome to. [thumbsup]

Cool. I will ride up with you guys. Do you have rooms booked? I will need a place to crash that first night.

So, are you trailering or riding?

Is Kevin going Friday night?

Yes

I will trailer up on Friday, and will ride back with you guys on Monday.

Looks like Me, Bonnie, Kevin, and Zack are heading up on Friday night.  Zack will be riding back with you all on Monday though.  I have a room booked for 2 double beds.  I don't know Kevin's plans if he wants one of the beds or not.  So......you are welcome to crash on the floor, or share a double bed with Kevin (how you doin  :o ).  Or you all can share a room.  Doesn't make a shit to me.  The room was 165 bucks for 2 nights.  You all decide if you wanna stay with us, or get your own room.  Kevin will only need a room for Fri and Sat though.....

Hey all-

I'm thinkin' about truckin' up Friday morningish, riding Saturday & Sunday, then driving back Monday.
I'd rather save the pinky for the good stuff in Arkansas ;D

saddle up partner  [thumbsup]

That's prob a really smart move, DLS! [thumbsup]

 ;D It may get whimsical & silly here in the DFWM sandbox & that can be fun (and sometimes maybe over the top) !  The main Forum never ceases to enlighten me however with the most thoughtful riding techniques area around !!  [thumbsup] All y'all riding AR this weekend (since AR has brought trouble to DFWM before) check out Spidey's clear, organized, and extemely important post on the Main Forum - you've heard it before maybe but he went to some trouble to do it better.   

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=10281.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=10281.0)

 8) No bad vibes intended or jinxes allowed  !  If you want a serious Forum though, it doesn't get any more serious than this!  Lisa & Alan really looked after us going to Muenster - y'all look out for each other in AR !!

Excellent info, good read for everyone! [thumbsup] Don't ask me how I know this. :P He hit all the major points. You will have to ask Scott or Billy how they handled my animal attack, I was kinda out of it and have no clue. I would like to know who took my helmet off and when? Don't worry, I won't turn the info over to a Personal Injury attorney! [laugh] I do know the State Trooper who responded had my Joe Rocket leather jacket, my Arai, gloves and boots as well as why carry pistol and personally kept it all until my brother drove up with a trailer two weeks later to get my bike. My brother said the trooper was very helpful and cooperative and met him to hand off all my stuff. Pretty darn nice.

One thing I think the guy could have added is to make sure people in the group have your emergency contact info. Very important. Also, make sure those same people have any medical info/problems that EMS or the doctors should know about. I certainly wasn't in any condition to be giving out Jen's cell phone number. But I had already made sure that Scott and Billy had it. [thumbsup]

In that light, if anyone making this trip wants to PM me their contact info please do and I will send you mine in return. [popcorn]

OK, one of you out there has not been making the appropriate sacrifices to the weather gods!! >:( Saturday's forecast now has rain all over Arkansas. Hope like heck it's wrong! Double checking all my rain gear just in case! [thumbsup]

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USAR0495?dayNum=3

I'm ready !!!


(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/20567718/334928881.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/20567718/334928891.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/20567718/334928922.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/20567718/334928927.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/20567718/334928909.jpg)
(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/20567718/334928918.jpg)

Nice, looks good and solid. The welders did a good job on short notice. [thumbsup]

How accurate are the weather forecasts in AR; better than the "look out the window" or "go outside" forecasts here in Dallas?

I sold my textile suit with included matching raingear months ago... Any recommendations on short notice?

I didn't see much rain... I think you'll be fine [thumbsup]

If there is any more than "not much rain".....I will be in the hotel - drinking! [drink] [thumbsup]

Hit up Moto Liberty for a two piece rain suit. I think mine is a Dry Rider. Those Totes shoe covers have worked for me and I have been using them for decades. Not the same ones, just the brand. Got some bigger ones a year or two ago to fit over my Sidi boots. My theory is if you take it you won't need it. [thumbsup]

Anyway, the rainy forecast was just on the Weather.com site and it just appeared today. The Accuweather.com site still showed clear the entire time. All we can do is watch and plan ahead. Shouldn't be a major problem if it happens at all. Theoretically it would only be in Arkansas and that would come in the last half of the first day. Not a total buzzkill. [moto]

On a completely different note. I think I mentioned this in an earlier post, the Scenic Drive from Talihena, OK to Mena, AR is an awesome 52 mile point to point race track. Really nice sweeping high speed turns. It does have two tight sections that will take you off guard. Please mind the speed limit signs when entering turns. When it says 20mph it means it!! After miles and miles of 80+mph sweepers the slow ones can really suck you in. I've had two friends crash in those sections for those same reasons. Lulled into not believing the slow speed limit signs.

 I have actually rocked that ride in the past at supersonic speed and have never even passed a car traveling in my direction on the entire road. But this weekend will be different. I have ridden that road since 1980/1981 (can't remember which :P) and weekends in the fall it can be heavily traveled by bikes and cars. Especially bikes. Sometimes very large groups of touring types, Harley baggers and Goldwings and they want to travel at about 20-40mph. It can be a real pain in the ass to be stuck behind 20-30+ bikes in a pack that stretches out a half mile and they don't like being passed by Rossi replicas. They will not move over or wave you past.

I stopped going up there on weekends just for that reason, especially in the spring and fall, both obviously good times of the year to go. Weekdays it's dead, zero traffic, nada. Not saying Saturday could suck, no way, just warning you guys to watch out for large groups of 2 wheeled land yachts. I have even caught myself making some real iffy passes in the past out of pure frustration. Nothing like riding 200+ miles to get up there and watching your favorite twisty road pass by you at 30mph while being stuck behind an impenetrable wall of touring bikes. It's easy to get pissed and do dumb stuff.

Lastly (thank God, when will he ever end!!) cops. They only patrol the Scenic Drive on weekends, Friday-Sunday. Had a LeFlore Co. Sheriff Deputy tell me that in person... as he wrote me a warning ticket. And after the April ride we now know it costs you $251 if you get caught passing anyone. Yep, it's a park road and it's double striped for 52 miles! Speed limit 55mph max. Be careful and watchful. They mean business on the weekends. Coming home Monday will be a piece of cake. No prob.

There, it's over now. Wasn't that bad was it? [laugh]

There will be cops on that road on Sat/Sun.  These cruiser types WILL call you in if you pass them because they think everyone should ride a motorcycle as if they don't know how, I guess.  I ride that road a lot, and on the weekends, YOU WILL GET A TICKET if you are stupid.

On the good curves, I think it's generally safe to run about 70, which puts you at 2x of the 35ers, and approaching fun speeds. I see the LEO in the strights just over a hill and tucked in the trees.  Just back off the throttle on a turn exit and you should be OK.

The road is still fun at the posted speed limit.  Set your bike at 60.  No matter what the road does, don't slow down.  You will need to be very talented to do this.  (I certainly can't do it!)

Baby is getting new shoes today... I'm ready.

I should be good bun wise. I've stared at my Avon Storms a lot but they really have just the April AR trip on them and a few hundred miles in the DFW area. They only got 238 on them on the May '07 AR trip. That's what the odo read when my brother trailered it back. :P They wear well but I can see the rear being pretty worn in the middle at the end of this one. When those fat 190s get flat in the middle it does make the transition to the sides a little abrupt leaning into turns.

Hey, before I forget about it (don't worry, this will be short), let's meet at the Allen Outlet Mall at 8:00AM on Saturday. It was never really decided in earlier posts and no one responded to my 8:00AM suggestion then. I guess this now only applies to Scott, Charles, Patrick and myself.

Also, I only got a response from Zach regarding the emergency contact info exchange. Scott, I have lost your # but I don't have Steph's either. Charles I think I have yours. Kevin, Patrick... anyone?

 [thumbsup] Fastwin and everyone - I REALLY liked Spidey's suggestion that you create a dial section on your cell phone called :

IN CASE EMERGENCY  ICE

Apparently LEO's & Emergency Responders look for this in phones - & it eliminates guessing on their part as to who to call ( i.e. is that the wife or GF listed under "babe" on the cell directory ).  Put all the emergency #'s in there in order to call ( ex: wife cell, wife work, home, sister in town, MD, etc ). 

Also Spidey & most safety courses say keep your cell phone with you & reachable ( NOT IN TANKBAG ) so if you & bike are separated - you can still get to your phone!  I know y'all know all this - just a friendly reminder !  [thumbsup]

Thanks guys. Got some contact info from Kevin and Patrick. [thumbsup]

So, does any of the "trailer up" crowd have any meet up time ideas on Saturday. I think it was discussed earlier in the thread that we meet up at the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge on the AR side of the Scenic Drive.

http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/default.asp


It's a good meeting spot, nice food and a view. I believe we hit the lodge for lunch on the April ride around noon-1:00pm. I think. Swanny, Scott, Alan... you guys remember anything like that? It all depends on everyone having no problems obviously. I have Zach and Kevin's cell numbers if the "ride up" group is running real late. I'll send you two a PM with my cell number. Not trying to be Mr. Ride Leader here, just trying to get some discussion going and some ideas out there.

Sounds good to me  [thumbsup] We probably need someone with your age and experience to lead us  ;D ;D

+1

My problem is that I don't have the maps of the ride so I don't know where we are going and even if I did I can't read them in the clear map pocket of my tank bag. At least not without stopping, taking off my helmet and putting on my reading glasses. That's what happens when you have age and experience! [bang] [laugh] Scott probably has ridden on some of these roads with Swanny before. I went back to the motel with Swanny and Rich to help take care of Rich and his bike in April so I'm not sure if we are repeating some of those roads or not. Good question for Scott.

I haven't seen the maps either. I think that as long as we head in that general direction we will be fine. If there is any cell service I can use the Telenav GPS service on my blackberry. Btw, the Allen Outlet mall is pretty big, are we meeting somewhere specific at 8? (Consider this my vote for 8am!).  ;)

hey gang-

well, ummm, errrr.... I'm 99.9% good to go, but that last little .1% is going to ground me I'm afraid :(
Hate to bail, but there's no way I'm going to be able to get what's left of my pinky in a glove & enjoy the ride.

Brain I'll get the maps to you somehow.
P- the mall is dead at 8, meet in the middle, look for other ducs ;)

damn. y'all have fun. lots of photos [thumbsup]

Dude, just apply some rubber cement where the nail is supposed to be and cut out that finger on your glove if it chafes too much... that part is probably missing from yours anyway.  ;)

Last time we just met up in the middle of the parking lot. Never had been there before so I just wandered into the main lot in the center of the mall. We were the only living creatures there at that time of day so it wasn't a problem.

Getting to The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is no problem. Just don't know about Sunday's planned route. Going up we can do the Swanny route which is going up 75/69 through Sherman/Denison, Durant,OK. Atoka,OK then east on Hwy 43 at Stringtown,OK. That hooks up with Hwy 271 that leads to Talihina,OK which is where the Scenic Drive starts. That's about 100 miles of slab until we peel off at 43. Boring? Yes, but good on time.

I have an alternative route. Peels off on 121 towards Bonham, then goes east to Paris. Then north to Hugo,OK , quick jaunt on the Indian Nation Turnpike, the first tollbooths are at Antlers,OK (which is the last thing I remember before the turkey attack :P). From Antlers it's 271 to Clayton,OK then next is Talihina. I really can't say which is quicker. I try to pay no attention to the time on rides like this. That's one of the reasons for going. But we are meeting the other half of the group on Saturday along the way so time is a factor.

Take a look at the maps of the routes I described and ya'll tell me what interests you. No biggie. All roads lead to Queen Wilhelmina!!! [thumbsup] [moto] See ya'll at 8:00.

So the new tally is?

In:
Tommy
Bonwilder
Kevin
Slag
Newslacker
Fastwin

Maybe:
cdc

Out:
Scott
Swanny

Is this right?

first and foremost, Scott, dude that sucks !!!

Second I have the route swanny printed us and we will meet you all at the queen lodge.  I will try and plot the Sunday trip on the computer an sync it to my iPhone.....wish me luck [cheeky]

we will be fine, we have paper maps and iPhones, which I Velcro to my bars and can get turn by turn info on it.......and I can read it while riding.  Just not the safest thing to do, but it worked great on our last ride.

Don't forget ***!

I put *** as a maybe due to a post in the westies dinner thread.

Hate to hear it Scott, but the health of the pinky comes first. Youll be missed bro.

I have the maps as well, however that does not mean in any way shape or form I'm riding in any other spot but dead last  [laugh]. We will figure it out!

*** we are counting on you man!  [thumbsup]

So far so good.

cdc

100+ miles of slab?  I can't let you guys do this.

Recommended route:
ANNA, TX TO MENA, AR

FROM INTERSECTION OF US75 & FM455(north of Dallas):
EAST ON FM455 TO ANNA & TX5
LEFT ON 5 TO FM2862
RIGHT ON 2862 THRU WESTMINSTER TO TX121
LEFT ON 121 THRU TRENTON TO RANDOLPH & TX11
LEFT ON 11 TO FM3297
RIGHT ON 3297 TO FM898
RIGHT ON 898 THRU OAKLAND TO IVANHOE & FM273
STRAIGHT ON 273 THRU TELEPHONE TO MONKSTOWN & FM100
LEFT ON 100 TO FM79
RIGHT ON 79 THRU DIRECT TO FM197
LEFT ON 197 THRU CHICOTA TO ARTHUR CITY & US271
LEFT ON 271 THRU ANTLERS TO OK144
RIGHT ON 144 THRU NASHOBA TO HONOBIA & INDIAN HWY
LEFT ON INDIAN HWY TO US271
RIGHT ON 271 THRU TALIHINA TO OK1 (TALIMENA DRIVE)
RIGHT ON 1 WHICH BECOMES AR88 TO MENA & US59
LEFT ON 59 FOR APPROX. 1 MILE TO LIMETREE INN (ON LEFT NEXT TO WAL-MART)


Indian Hwy is NOT a turnpike.  It will appear as an unimproved road on the maps.  It's, in fact, a yellow line highway, and it twists through the mountains.  Best 15 miles of your life, but be aware it's got some real surprises.  (Decreasing radius turns and some blind curves with gravel in them from time to time.)

Just say no to slab.  

OK folks, I think we are done here. I meet whoever the hell shows up on Saturday at 8:00Am at the Allen Outlet Mall parking lot. You have had plenty of opportunites to chime in. Shortly after 8:00AM we are gone, even if it's by myself. [cheeky] For those that do show, we'll decide on the spot how to ride up. I'm still thinking Swanny's version, although boring for a while, is the best time-wise. We'll find our way back to the Russellville Holiday Inn. One way or the other.

Hope someone brings a digital camera since I don't own one. No pics then it didn't happen, right?  I'll bring Swanny's maps from April and maybe from May 2007 so we have something to look at over beers Saturday night. I'm sure we can hash out a really nice ride on Sunday. How can you go wrong up there? Adios, see you Saturday at the Mall or else. [moto]

Have a great trip!

I have never been on this ride and don't know Arkansas. 

I'll be upfront and say, I am not a morning person.  This 8 AM meet up will be difficult for me since I will be coming from southwest FW.  Since I am not a punctual person, I have never held it against anyone who leaves at the appointed time with out me.  It's the price I have to pay. 

How about I meet all of you on Saturday at the hotel/motel whereever that maybe.  Unfortunately, I don't have a map of the trip and I don't even know how far the place is and how long it will take to get there.  I might score a copy of the map today from Zack. 

That's the best I can promise at this point. 

cdc

***: I have the map copies ready for you

Fastwin:
Just give us an approx time when we are to meet you. It is 120 miles from the hotel to Wilhelmina State Park, so we will need a few hours notice.

Hey Brian- I've got 3 copies of Swanny's maps (I gave several copies to Kevin the other day).
I'll will get them to you one way or the other by EOD. You will not be mapless ;D

you should physically show him how to get there  [moto]

I would if I could,  my friend... Talk to the Pinky ;D

Hey Pinky,

Screw you!

I am really upset that you cannot make the trip, but I understand that it is best for your health and wellbeing.

Maybe Pinky should get his own screen name and avatar? He probably wouldn't post much unless he got his buddies to type for him.  [laugh]

Hey guys, have a great trip!!  [moto]

Zach,

Now that I've had some coffee and had time to think, why don't we shoot for 1:00pm at the Lodge. It's just 13 miles form Mena, AR if that helps you map/planning wise. I think if we leave Allen by 8:00 something that should give us damn near 5 hours to get there. We should only have to stop twice for gas in theory. I think we stopped in Atoka, OK and then in Talihena, OK before we hit the Scenic Drive. Swanny's S4RS gas tank was the monitor for when to gas. Should be same for Patrick.

Hey if we are early I could kill the time just riding back and forth on the 13 mile section to Mena and back! I have Zach and Kevin's cells and I PM'd you guys with mine. Hope you got it. Tommy's would be nice to have since he can hear it while he rides. I will call (if I can, depending on cell coverage) if we are late or if there is a problem. If we are early we will just tell you about when you get there!

Again, 1:00pm sounds OK. That way you can sleep in, have breakfast and cruise to the Lodge. [moto] [thumbsup] Does that sound good to you guys?

If you are looking for us on the road I'll be on the silver/black Busa wearing a two piece Joe Rocket Corona Racing suit with Arai silver Edwards rep. helmet. Can't miss the Ducatis!

Scott,

I probably don't need the maps if the trailer up crew has them. Won't need them for the ride up or back home as much as for Sunday's spin. Sounds like we are covered. Sorry you are missing this one.

I don't do mornings either. But if I can meet Kevin at 7:30AM on a Sunday at AMS for Tommy's ride I can do anything! Sounds like just me and Patrick at the outlet mall at 8:00. We'll chill for a while in hopes that you make it. But by 8:30 at the latest we will need to head out. If you make it we will have to get you topped up on petrol. I know it's a damn good stretch from your house to Allen! Go to bed now and set the timer on the coffee for 5:00AM!! [coffee] [moto] [thumbsup]

Didn't you read the rules? NO WHINING! Ducati up, dood. Pack tonight, set your alarm, haul @$$ [thumbsup]

F  [evil]  [evil] King rules.



Brian, you can be sure I'll be doing the best I can.  BTW, I don't have your cell number.  Could you PM me your number and a description of your route to Arkansas?

Thanks,

cdc

 Have fun!
 Updates would be great ;)


 [popcorn]

Just to make sure that I understand, 1pm Saturday at the Wilhelmina State Park Lodge?

just got the maps from catie.  thanks!

now i have an idea about what needs to be done. 

need to talk to Brian.

cdc

Ten four good buddie. Roger wilco. Is that good for you guys?

cdc... PM sent.

Sounds good here.

I need to stop looking at the damn weather websites. Now they are moving rain chances to Sunday. >:(

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USAR0495?dayNum=2

Accuweather.com stills shows no rain and just a sun/cloud mix... I like their forecast better so I'll stop looking at the other one. [thumbsup]

I'm packed and ready to go. 8 AM sharp at the outlet mall.

My bike's theoretical range is about 155 miles @ 75-80mph (44mpg - historical, 3.6 gal tank). Light comes on at 110, I get nervous around 125. :)

Anyone in the Friday crew made it up there yet?

ha! We are still in Frisco

That sounds good Patrick. We'll gas up on you. Heck, I like to get off and stretch around then anyway. No good reason to push it gas mileage-wise. Again, I figure two stops from Allen to the Lodge. We'll all top up in Mena, AR and head to Russellville. [thumbsup] [moto] [drink]

Ah, it's 8:30 and you are still in Frisco? Who's running this show? [laugh] [cheeky] Hopefully you will be in Arkansas by tomorrow? [clap] [bacon] Ya'll be careful, travel safe. See you around 1:00ish ... hopefully! Really looking forward to this. The mind and body really needs this bad. [bang] All good no bad. Get your good kharma going people! ;D

Godspeed fellas.  [thumbsup] [moto]

I'm up, ready to get this party started.

Brian, I don't have your cell phone but you should have mine. Charles has it just in case. I'm notorious for getting lost / not finding what I'm looking for.

We made it! Rolled in around 2:30.

You guys have a safe ride over. See you at 1:00  [moto]

http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=34.792244&lon=-93.643656&zoom=11&q1=2407%20north%20arkansas%20rd%20Russellville%2C%20Arkansas&q2=Mena%2C%20AR&w0=34.78392641075967%2C-94.09100581787109

Stay on AR 27 all the way down to 88....much better roads than the route above.

Swanny

Thanks man!

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=2407+N+Arkansas+Ave,+Russellville,+AR+72802&daddr=AR-27+to:AR-298%2FAR-88+to:34.586867,-94.031982+to:mena,+ar&hl=en&geocode=%3BFVRWFwIdru1u-g%3BFYThEAIdjkJs-g%3B%3B&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=11&via=1,2,3&sll=34.601563,-93.906326&sspn=0.272423,0.615234&ie=UTF8&ll=34.588563,-94.062881&spn=0.272465,0.615234&z=11

[Jewish mother voice=ON]

So what, you don't think to call us, you don't post. We've been worried sick. Don't worry about us; go off and have your fun. I told your father you'd forget all about us when you left the nest.

[Jewish mother voice=OFF]

 [laugh]   hehehe!!

I'm looking forward to hearing from them too  [thumbsup]

Any word?!?

Media blackout, maybe?  :P

Heading home in a few hours. Amazing trip!

Sorry....too busy riding to post!  The roads were unfreakin believable!  Tommy, Kevin, and I made it home in the very early am......hope the rest of you guys have an awesome day and be safe! Let us know when you make it home! [thumbsup] [moto]

What??? Scott, can help mentor in this area. I think the man posts while dragging knees around mountain twisties.  [laugh]

Can't wait to hear about it and see pic's  [thumbsup]

pulled into the driveway at 3:30 am made it to work by 6:50 am  :P

Glad the first wave made it home [thumbsup]

Looking forward to photos & war stories ;D

3 drops (one twice  :P ) one broken lever, one speeding ticket and one old dude on a Busa with a hellacious cut on his arm  [puke]

Good ride though!!!  [thumbsup]  [moto]

 :( :o >:( ??? :P  :'(

ummm, WHAT?!?!?!?!?

Brian was helping me strap down the 1098 in the back of my truck and he ran his arm across the license plate.  No worries, he had Charles and Bonnie there to help him out.  I think he folded the skin back a good inch

:o That had to hurt :( Hope he's OK.

I should never have let you kids go to AR without me... [roll]

+1    no stiches? I know he's tough but he does bleed - doesnt he??  :-\


Any good video?  I must go next time!!!   [moto]

I took the vid cam, but never even turned it on.  :P

Zack should have decent video! and pics too!

Glad to hear first group is back safe and sound.  [thumbsup]

Waiting on the others still.

Those roads out there are great aren't they!

What happend on the drops?

ratchet strap mis-hap (before we left DFW), loose gravel and front brake (lost the shifter in the first 100 miles and she still rode faster than I could......watch out for this one @ Oct track day, my guess is a few people will be lapped), and Oh shit that person in front isn't moving......stoppie gone wrong??

Things I learned on the Arkansas trip:
1. never attempt to tighten a ratchet strap on a 1098 while not having someone hold it.
2. lots of things about slag that I can't repeat here
3. Charles really can't hear me
4. license plates are dangerous
5. My wife has twice the skill level as me  [bang]
6. take advantage of filling up everytime you pull into a gas station
7. some towns don't have gas stations
8. If you pass a state trooper while speeding and don't pull over even though you don't see his lights before you go around the next corner, you are evading  [roll]
9. 29 mph over costs $180
10. When you hand a officer your insurance card and he reads (out loud) 2007 Ducati, he will then ask you...."is this one of those new models?"  How do you answer that with a straight face?
11. Flavor Flav has a twin brother working at the Holiday Inn Russellville
12. I think Slag actually practiced how to squeal like a pig prior to our trip
13. Cruisers are not dirt bikes
14. Brian can carve corners better on a Busa with bags than I can on a 1098
15. Patrick can ride in a completely upright position and never flinch, move around or tuck, and has better lines and speed in the corners than me
16. A free breakfast costs 2 dollars (or $15 if you're an idiot)
17. I can say about 100 more things, but the biggest one is you all should have been there!

Which bike did Bonnie ride?  What are your impressions of the 1098 after the trip?

Hey dosgatos, it sounds like you met some of the Westside folks.  Make a new post and introduce yourself there.   [thumbsup]

She rode the PS as usual, that's pretty much her fav bike, and she handles it really well.  I'm not kidding when I say that if she wanted too, she could take off and leave me.  We would drop into a 35 mph twistie section at like 65-70 mph and I would find myself thinking, "man, I'm glad we're not doing 75!"  All the while, Bonnie's about to run into me b/c she's expecting me to power through quicker.  I was running brand new Pilot Power 2ct's and she had stock pir's (the not so sticky, stock tubed ones) and was better planted than me.
The 1098 is fast fast fast, but I find myself fighting it constantly in the corners.  Sometimes I'll go into a corner and feel like it wants dive in faster than I want, but other times I feel like I'm gonna drift off the road like it wont stick the corner, and I'm not even riding it at half of its capabilities.  I just really found myself struggling to keep up with Brian's Busa in the corners..........no bueno.  I need it to have new springs, and for it to be set up for me and my weight.  Then I need to do a track day and get over the mental issues that I cant handle lower speed corners.  Then after all that, I need more skills and experience.  [thumbsup]

Good to see you made it over, That was me on the 1098 and Bonwilder on the PS.  Jim and Lyndy were on the SC1000 and M600.  We just got back from AR.......great roads!  You just missed a local Sunday run with Jim and Lyndy.  We will keep you posted for rides!  I'll send you a personal message if I don't see you posting on one of our Sunday ride threads  [thumbsup]  Also, every other Thursday, us "westies" and some east siders meet up for dinner at around 6:30-7:00.  Post up!  [moto]

Dosgatos,

Howdy!   I'm one of the four you met in Burleson.  It was me (Jim), Lyndy, Bonnie, and Tommy.

I tried to email you this weekend but the address that I wrote down bounced back.  I guess I messed up!  Nevertheless, it's good to see you here.  I'll send you a PM to get your correct email address.  Some of us rode this Sunday and I was trying to invite you along.  We may do it again next Sunday.

Tommy, sounds like a suspension set up would benefit you a lot.

yepper.......been saying I was gonna buy new springs for a while now.......

RT forks and TTX shock?

no.....just gonna replace stock springs for a beefier setup
I figure I'm right around 265 +/-  5 lbs fully geared
RichD gave me a contact for a guy in Asheville, NC and he quoted me like $225 for the the new springs for my bike.  I just need to buy them and pay someone to install them and set it up for me  :P

Just got to home base a few minutes ago. 1,108 mile on the clock. [thumbsup] Too tired to say any more. Must have liquor, shower and gaping wound dressing changed before I say anything else. [laugh] [drink] [bacon] I will say this, anyone who missed this should be ashamed and really feel bad. ;D Awesome time, awesome roads and awesome friends. Beats the hell out of staying at home and doing yardwork! [moto] Later dudes and dudettes! Patrick, Charles and Zach... chime in and let us know you got home safe!

I can't feel my knees.

Even if you can't feel them that means you made it home OK. [thumbsup] Wait about 25 years and see how they feel after that ride! [laugh] [bang] [bacon] Then we can talk!! [laugh] [moto]

So I guess we're waiting on Patrick and *** to chime in and let us know they're home safe.

Glad you & FastWin made it home (more or less) safe [thumbsup]

Talked to ***. He made it home.

I made it home safe.

I was taking care of stuff, like getting the corpses cleaned off the bike and my gear before they became permanent.

Most excellent [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

I have HOURS of video to sift through, and hundreds of pics. I will post some up tomorrow.

I'm glad everyone made it home safely, good times  [moto]

Apparently no one gives a shit that I am home alive. Nice welcome home. Can I please go back to Arkansas now? [bang]

Brian,

Thanks for being our cow catcher.

ahem...

Jeez Tommy, we've been through this recently on another thread several weeks ago. Someone wanted to know who in the DFW area could help with suspension setup and spring/revalve work. Ooops, just hit me: Piper Performance. Do a google search on  them. They are in Tarrant County and not only do they specialze in suspension work they do other mod/work too. I'd love to steer you Randy's way at Scott's warehome but Piper may be much more convenient for you. Screw motor mods and other high horsepower crap... all those in the know (not me...) say getting your frame, suspension and tires sorted out are 95% of the program. Heck, I cant use all the HP my bikes put out. No way. If I was smart I would do track days and get my boingers set up for me and my style. But then who out there said I was ever smart? ??? Accident prone, yes. Smart, no. [laugh]

+1

do it

Glad you guys made it home!   Charles, where are you?  Brian, how's the arm?  Thanks for a great trip guys....ya'll get some rest today! [thumbsup]

We hardly ever changed our running order on this trip. I have 3 hours of video of Bonnie, and you never get to see cdc.

great.

 [popcorn] +1  [popcorn]

 [popcorn]


cdc

DUH???  [moto]

cdc

That's what I get for running sweep. :'(

cdc

Too bad we didn't get big bird on camera...

or maybe I wasn't even there.....

cdc

 ;D ;D ;D

cdc

I have pictures  ;D

Really, I see no pictures.

Until we see them *** simply does not exist.  ;)

There are no bad roads in Arkansas. It has been proven. [thumbsup] Patrick and I had a semi boring ride up with cdc in tow about 15-30 minutes behind us. He left DFW after us but was catching up during our gas stops. The plan was to meet everyone at the Lodge on the Scenic Drive anyway at lunch on Saturday. Pleasant surprise was that the Scenic Drive had very little traffic and no officers. [clap] We met a real nice Multisrada owner from Shreveport at the Lodge. He was blown away by all the Ducs. He said that there weren't that many in all of Shreveport! He had a TriColore 1098 too.

Didn't stick to Route Master Swanny's ride on Sunday. Just picked some roads heading North and made a nice big loop and they were all awesome. Traffic wasn't too bad, could have been much worse. We tried to make "group passes" so we had to wait a little longer to clear the slow pokes but I think it worked out OK. Best to stay together if the group isn't too big. Hope no one minded.

Had a BUNCH of heavy (and I do mean heavy) fog at times but other than dampening the face shield it didn't effect the road conditions too much. Had to respect the possibility of wet pavement but it didn't slow us down more than a couple of percent off the group pace. Actually the fog enhanced the natural beauty of the ride. Nice, kinda cool spooky feeling to it. Did hit one stretch of some light rain on the last quarter of the ride but thankfully it was light and lasted only 15-20 minutes. Wasn't worth stopping for rain gear. We dried out by the time we got back to the motel.

Nice long day for those that rode home on Monday. Good time on the Scenic Drive as well as the curvy roads that preceeded it. Weekdays on those roads just rock! No traffic at all. Clear sunny day, no traffic and great roads... can't be beat. Got pretty boring after Talihena, OK but it always has been. Just 400+ miles of 80mph cruising from the motel to home. No cops, no problems, no tire trouble... just me getting everyone lost the mandatory 3-4 times over the weekend. Typical. :P Hey, but they were "minor losts" not "major losts"... it's an improvement. You know it was a great, successful trip if the biggest disappointment was finding out the only bar in town closed early on Sunday night. >:( We offered to open it up and serve ourselves but they were not interested. Buzzkills.

I had a great time with everyone and cannot wait for the next run! Can't wait to see Zach's Scenic Drive video from yesterday too!!

They are if you put the letters GS in the bike's name!! It's still like wearing ice skates on wet cement but it's dignified!   [laugh]

Really enjoyed the Arky learnin' list Tommy except #17  >:( CAUSE I'm envious enough already !! Shoulda been there & done that !!  [bacon]  [bacon]

Does anyone know why my screen shows Cyclone's post being posted at 5:53PM this afternoon? On the main thread screen it shows his post as the correct 11:53AM. My post here shows 11:59AM (as it should) on the main thread screen but it shows as 5:59PM if I click on it as "last post" on this thread??? Puzzling evidence??

Anyway, Tommy's reference is to some local metric cruiser rider we were following in the rain on Saturday (shorts, tank top and no helmet... :P) and all of the sudden he exits the road... fast. I thought he was pulling into a driveway that I wasn't able to see. But there was no driveway, he just shut it down and turned a hard right off the road facing downhill on a steep angle staring back at his rear wheel! I was right behind him and I saw nothing wrong and nothing had happened to him on the road. But there was no way he was ever going to get that heavy cruiser back up out of that wet ditch and onto the road! He just could have easily come to a stop on the small paved shoulder and everyone would have cleared him. It was on a straight, not in a turn. He's probably still stuck there!! Weird. :P

Maybe Cyclone's time setting is off?

Never mind... They must be having problems with the server transition :P

+1

I'm having Jeff Nash put some stiffer springs in the front forks, & check the suspension settings all around.
Oh, & dynotune the bike with the new FULL TERMI EXHAUST [thumbsup] ;D






Oooooohhhhhhh, THREADJACK [evil]

Not really a threadjack... just a minor, semi related diversion. ;D

That's a good plan Tommy whoever you go with. Getting your bike set up right for your weight, riding style, etc. can produce volumes of good riding feedback from your bike. Which always makes for a happy rider. Heck, even my Battlestar Gallactica of a bike worked a lot better on Sunday without the anvil of a duffle bag strapped up high on the back seat. Wish I could have junked the heavy weight tank bag too but it had all the tire repair goodies, rain suit and a couple of cinder blocks in there just for fun. Tuning that battleship for corner carving is like putting lipstick on a pig but every little bit helps. Especially on a bike like your 1098S. That baby is born to carve and haul butt. Hope you get it sorted to your liking! [moto]

All in all, that was a great trip.  One long conversation with the LEO and some bikes with cosmetic damages from accidental drops but no one hurt from crashes was the total of in the incident report.  Slow moving cars and motorcycles were the negatives of the ride.  But the roads were well paved and maintained.  The views from the roads if you had time to look up and around were spectacular.

With Brian running point and me running sweep, the young-uns in between were well behaved.  Brian had the discipline to choose passing opportunities safely for everyone and remembering to slow down when entering towns so as not to upset locals.  Me, on the otherhand, I held back so I could look around and not worry about running into someone ahead of me or slowing down anyone behind.  Just perfect! 

OK, I admit, I almost did run into Zack a couple of times when I was in too high of a gear and had less engine braking than I needed, my bad.  He did not know it so he wasn't bothered by it.  I learned that being in 3rd and 4th gear worked best and 5th was too high (too little engine braking) even if the motor had enough grunt to pull with that gear.  Being the last one let me hang back and try different things and on my bike, the trusty and reliable yellow ST4S and oldest of the bikes.  She ran perfect with only one, well two hiccups, hard shifting and hard starting on the last day.

Yes, I know what Tommi did and he knows that I know.  ;D

cdc

dooood!!  sssshhhhhhhhh!!!!!! 

Are your old eyes playiing tricks on you?  Can see the straights like I can........ [popcorn]

Sounds to me like I was holding up traffic  [bang] Please accept my humble apology  ;D [beer]

It seemed like either you or Patrick were behind me 99% of the time and I never noticed anyone having trouble hanging with the old fart. At times I was wondering if the pace might have been a little slow for ya'll. I know Patrick didn't like 90-100mph on the slab for extended periods due to no fairing and head buffeting. I can relate to that! But I just kept it dialed in on auto pilot speed and figured if folks wanted to get more frisky they would blow by me. Either that or they let me hang out front running "point" so I'd get all the tickets! [laugh] " No officer, I don't know any of those other riders who didn't stop." [bang] [leo] I never saw any struggling... just nothing but fun! [moto]

+ 1,000,000,000,000,000  [thumbsup]

BTW, thanks for leading!

CHARLES, THANKS FOR RIDING SWEEP! (that's not yelling, merely talking loud so Chuck can hear me)

Brian is the perfect cow catcher. He takes hits like no one else and comes back for more and rides a Busa so the rest of us on Ducati's can honestly claim he must have nothing to do with the rest of the group if we get pulled over.

that was a straight!?! hmm.  [roll]

Next time follow Bonnie and learn.


Eh?  Speak up boy!  no sense mumbling when ya got sumpthin' to say.



Actually, everyone bunched up in front of you and I was in 5th gear when I rolled off the throttle and had to add l' brake while already begining my turn, quite the a** pucker moment if I have to say so myself. 

I figured out that if I just left it in 4th gear, I had just the right engine braking in most situations.  Holding 3rd gear for when the roads where tight and/or uphill after the turns.  Live and learn!

cdc

Yeah I thought about that angle if questioned by an officer during a stop. Me: "No sir, don't know 'em. Just a bunch of Ducati riders I ran down and passed. They were going kinda slow. Don't know a thing about them." Officer: "Well, I find that a little hard to believe with you wearing that Ducati Advanced Motorsport t-shirt and all! Hmmm, license and insurance paperwork if you don't mind." [leo] [bang] [laugh]

Wish I had a cow catcher for that nice sized white tail doe vs motorcycle interface! Mmmm, venison at 80mph!! Wish Zach got that on tape! Maybe my new line of work should be a wild animal hunting guide since I seem to have found my niche! [thumbsup]

"Yes Officer, kicked some butt and took shirts too.  The one I'm wearing came from the guy in yellow looking lost in the back somewhere"   ;D ;D ;D

BTW, why was it that a Black 1098S and a 'Busa decided to take off at 162 MPH on the turnpike?   responsible riding?  whoosh out the window! 

cdc

I have NO idea what you are talking about...

OOH KAY.  What about the 'Busa Boy, what does he have to say?

cdc

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379098250_ExsY4-M.jpg)

TEASE!!

 [popcorn]

More tomorrow.  Going to bed now... ;D

Well, maybe one more...

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379127497_L7CAL-M.jpg)

LOL  [laugh]  [laugh]  [laugh]  [laugh]

 [popcorn]

I told you you wouldn't be able to see me...........




believe it or not, I asked him to take that pic..........

I was perfectly responsible. I backed out at a very safe 156-157mph. After all I was carrying luggage and had a full tank bag. One must consider those things in order to be safe... and responsible. Sort of.  :P Actually, my personal Bonneville was just down the road a bit. I've buried the tach on that section with less cargo many times. Did I just say that? :-X Hey, what can I say? Even at my age there is still a little squid in me. Only smarter and more calculating. I guess that's why I have lasted this long. [laugh] [moto]

Tommy, you and I obviously need to get some cool shades!! 8)

And hey, is Zach practicing getting his hands handcuffed in case of arrest for excessive speed/reckless driving?? He's got the whole "hands behind the back" thing going for him!!! [leo] [laugh]

i was just thinking the same thing, but then i started looking at what cool was..............i think I'm good. 

Oh yeah. You're good girl! [thumbsup] It's just you're hubby and the old dude that are out of fashion. I have an excuse but what is Tommy's? [laugh] [bacon]

Brian,

How's the arm?

cdc

Sorry - mess up at our house - Tommy posted that line and didn't realize he was logged in under my name!?  [roll] Tommy's the one who thinks he's cool!  I was just thinking how lucky am I to be the only girl to hang out with such a smokin hot group of men!  Thanks for letting me tag along guys! ;)

Now I need to go check and see what else he posted under my name........I feel a little scared. [laugh]

I would be scared too if I had to hang out with a group like that!! [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

SNOW WHITE
& the six hooligans of the appocalypse ?   [laugh]

It's OK, no gangrene yet. Can't be too careful, never know where that inspection sticker plate has been!! [laugh]

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379420924_LvNQ9-M.jpg)

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421819_ChSRn-M.jpg)

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421866_UGCTX-M.jpg)

Waiting for Tommy to finish his conversation with John Q. Law

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421703_iPtmn-M.jpg)

Still waiting...



(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421637_24Ffg-M.jpg)

He Returns!!

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421765_xZhqt-M.jpg)

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421927_sDZRH-M.jpg)

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421975_uDeiR-M.jpg)

Harley riders. What more can be said.

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421478_c7yrW-M.jpg)

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379420833_M3i29-M.jpg)


Posing

(http://catie.smugmug.com/photos/379421315_am2Qp-M.jpg)

Here are more pics. I do not have them all loaded yet  [thumbsup]

Click Me (http://catie.smugmug.com/gallery/6045195_KzdaV#379421315_am2Qp)

Nice Trailer [thumbsup]

 [roll] Chat & Scat - my new motto !  Trip was real - there are pictures !  Was that breakfast ?  Gotta scat !  [laugh]

That first shot on Zach's post is my favorite. Not two minutes after we noticed the No Parking sign and took the pic a local Marshall in his marked squad car pulled up and stopped. Figured we would all get parking tickets in a town with a population of about 500 people!! Luckily he didn't do anything but give me IZ_ directions to a gas station.

Now the second photo is a graphic representation of what I looked like for the duration of the trip. Totally wasted and drunk the entire time, three sheets to the wind! Don't drink and ride? What nonsense! Hey, watch me do this! [drink] [coffee] [moto] [laugh]

Please refrain from posting pictures of that guy in the red jacket... he is really bringing down the group average.

I did as you asked and kept the pics to a minimum. I had to post one to prove that you were there  [thumbsup]

Thank you sir  [thumbsup]

I think the next AR trip will definitely need adult supervision ;D

Oh... we had an adult there

.......and what the hell is he looking at?



dood, next time just ask ;)




(http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL363/7371556/19880304/335894585.jpg)

I know you weren't talking about me, not with my childish behavior. ;D

..........this post should be on the bs thread........

 [laugh]

Just thinking... this time last week I was strafing beautiful curvy roads with friends in really cool foggy weather blanketing a gorgeous country side, this Sunday I am drinking coffee typing this. Some how it's just not the same. [moto] [thumbsup] [coffee]

......not the same at all.....I'm feeling the same way over here.

I'm glad you all had a great and safe time in AR! Great roads up there! I was through there with my Stepdad a whle ago on one trip and up thru rt 23 one misty night when it was about 40F on my way to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Sure would like to do it again sometime in the daytime. I would've liked to have gone, but my kitchen passes were used up at Indy the week before. Can someone post the actual roads you all were on? Where is the pic of the five-o writing the ticket?
Steve

Hungover?!?! ;D

travel scrabble?

Steve-o,

I have the map of the routes we took.  I'll make you a copy.  If you are going there while I'm OOT next week you can borrow my copy. 

As for the ticket, the five-0 pulled over a fleeing red 1098 with Tommy on board.  The rest of his group decided wisely to ignore him and carry on which saved them from the same ticket that Tommy (now known as Clyde) got when he was finally brought down in a hail of gunfire. ;D 

I must admit that I embellished a little but the story sounds better that way.  [moto]

cdc