CANCELLED - Arkansas Ducati Adventure

[LYD]

For what it's worth I was thinking of picking up some saddle bags for the VFR so I can serve as the group pack mule.  Just call me Pepe.  I have a tire plug kit with CO2 and can take a few extra tools that people feel uncomfortable leaving home without.  As for gas, well.... I can always pack a hose and let whoever runs out siphon some out of my tank  .  That's my baby, jack of all trades, master of none.  But I have yet to find a bike I love more. 

+1

[muskrat]

You've been "picking up saddle bags" for more than a year. 

[system error]

Right but I keep putting it off b/c I've never needed them.  I would like them but when it's just me I can't justify the cost.  Plus I keep looking for a used pair.  I'm not paying 1k for color matching hard bags, Honda is nuts.  For this ride I'll pick up a good nylon set.

I was wondering how long it would take you to chime in on that by the way.   

[muskrat]

I have no bags.     wait, the Harley has bags and trailer. 

My preference is to find a place to trailer to Talhina and then let us loose.  Anyone know someone north of Durant we could park such junk?

[Cher]

Anyone ever been to Branson, Missouri? Great roads up in Missouri...   

Seriously, I've got two ride routes plotted.  Both have us in northern Arkansas, which in places, is about 40 minutes from Branson.  Might make an interesting overnight stop on one of the three nights we're gone.

Or the other way we could do it is to pick one central Arkansas location and just base out of there for the whole trip...   

And BTW, who's in on this ride?  We're REALLY gonna cover some ground on this one.

[LYD]

I am in!  may have to wait at the intersection, i am in! 

I figure as we get closer, lisa you will tell us if we need reservations or anything like that?

[Cher]

Yep, I'll make the reservations.  Looks like Holiday Inn Express-type hotels for the three over-nights; plenty of 'em and no hassles.

The Cabins and Lodge at Mount Magazine are booked solid - have been for a year.  Fall colors bring folks out in droves to that place.  I guess if we really wanted to stay there we could book it now - for NEXT October 

Plenty of other places to stay along the way, though, so no worries 

[LYD]

cool

[system error]

And BTW, who's in on this ride?  We're REALLY gonna cover some ground on this one.

I'm still in.  Honestly I don't care where or how far we ride.  I have those four days blocked off so just tell me how much I owe for any reservations and point me in the right direction.   

[Duc L'Smart]

Still in... I'll have space on the truck/trailer to haul stuff, people, and/or bikes, so let me know if you are interested

[system error]

Just a FYI, the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) is having their rally in Hatfield, AR (Just south of Mena) on Oct 17 - 21st.  I know nothing of this group (for a reason  ) but I've heard it's a massive rally that we may what to avoid as best we can due to the cluster of bikes. 

[muskrat]

you'll be fine but hit the Talahina early as you can or you'll get stuck at 25 mph instead of the "posted" 45

[Cher]

Just a FYI, the CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association) is having their rally in Hatfield, AR (Just south of Mena) on Oct 17 - 21st.  I know nothing of this group (for a reason  ) but I've heard it's a massive rally that we may what to avoid as best we can due to the cluster of bikes.  

If they're south of Mena, we'll never seem 'em.  Of course there is that odd chance we could be stuck behind the train of them for the 60 miles of Talamina trail, in which case, we're hosed; two passing zones along this stretch of road as I recall.  And I do have empirical evidence to support the fact the No Passing law is well enforced along this lovely stretch of twisty asphalt goodness.  Real pity  

But one thing that may work in our favor is we'll be riding The Trail on Friday morning and Monday afternoon so hopefully we'll miss most of the heavy traffic.

[Cher]

you'll be fine but hit the Talahina early as you can or you'll get stuck at 25 mph instead of the "posted" 45

Talamina Trail is about 3 1/2 hours from McKinney, isn't it?  Only way we'd hit it "early" is if we left town around 4 am.... I was hoping for something more like 9 or 10 

Also, when Sam drove the Talamina trail a couple of weeks ago, I actually had a chance to look at the scenery - nice place up there - and I did notice the speed limit was 55 in most places.

[Cher]

Also one other bit of trivia, Queen Wilhelmina Lodge and Restaurant appears to have burned to the ground  *or* is in the process of one hell of a make-over.  Not much left standing whatever the case