Before the Rally

[paul]

Yeah, I know it's plenty early, but I'm going to throw this out now just to give plenty of time for planning, thinking about it and/or making vacation plans. I doubt if we're the only ones thinking this, but Kelli and I are planning to leave here the 21st Saturday morning and take the long way to the rally. We're in far north Houston. I don't even know what route that will be exactly, but would like to see some new roads before actually getting to the meet. This will give us at least a full 3 days, and technicly 4 days to lazily wind our way to the rally.

Anyone in the area or basicly between us and the rally that's thinking the same way, let me know. Maybe we can spend a few days on the road on the way to the meet up. If not, I'd still love to hear about any special places, say, along the OK. / ARK. border, and north of both states. Thanks.

[watchman]

Be sure to do the Talimena Skyway ( Talihina OK to Mena AR ). Coming north from there is the Pig Trail ( Hwy 23 ) from Ozark, AR. to Eureka Springs. Or go east to Mount Magazine down by Paris AR it is on the way and is a great ride. Mt. Nebo just out side of Russellville is fun. From there come north on Hwy 7 and take a side trip on Hwy 123 over Mt. Judea. Hard to find a bad ride in NW Arkansas.

[BudMan]

You might consider stopping at Old Washington State Park.
It's a few miles north of Hope on U.S. 278.

[paul]

Thanks Watchman, I apreciate the input. Haven't done 123, but we have traveled 7 from Missouri past Hot Springs. We honeymooned on Mt. Nebo. When we got there, it was dark and raining and I had no idea what it was. Had to pull my Heavy toy hauler up the hill. Turned out to be a great week, but I had my doubts about getting to the top that first night. Love the Talimena run. Last time we were there fog so thick all that you could seed was the guy's lights ahead of you. and that, not so good.

Thanks, Dave, we haven't been there. It looks real nice. I just want to catch some new scenery on the way to the ralley. We will have3 -4 extra days.

[Framer]

I have to second 123 it's a great ride. We started in Hagarville and went to Mt. Judea. One of the best part of 123 is there's no 18 wheelers. I just hate going around a corner and looking up and there's a big rig heading right at you. Here's a pic somewhere between Hagarville and highway 7

[BudMan]

That's at Haw Creek. 123 between Hwy 7 and Mt. Judea (pronounced Judy) is more traveled by riders
but I think the the section between Hagarville and Pelsor is the best part of 123.
.

[BudMan]

You might also consider AR 21.
Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway

You've been on AR 7 before so you know the ride from Jessieville to Ola is a great ride.
Or take AR 27 from Mt. Ida to Danville. Then 10 west to Havana.
Then like Jim suggested ride 309 up Mt. Magazine. Be sure to stop at the lodge.
Then catch 22 east in Paris to Midway. 109 will get you across the river to Clarksville.
From there you can take 21 or 123.

[paul]

We got to within a stones throw of Mt. Magazine, but didn't go. At that point, we had traveled a ways on mostly straight, flat roads doing some exploring. But, it was getting late, and it was that miserable hot summer. So, we went back to camp. I remember seeing the sign for 123, but I really wanted to get back for some relief from the heat. We got burnt to a crisp that year. I can still remember riding way to the right of the road just to catch whatever shade was available. David, I really dig those old bridges. Nice picture. Thanks again Dave.. Looks like I've got some planning to do.

[paul]

Just a bump, anyone riding out of Houston or surrounding areas going to the Ralley and thinking about leaving like the weekend before and taking the long way there?

[petenomad]

Not riding out of Houston. Thinking of touring TN - maybe hitting Cherohala Skyway, the Dragon, and the Snake "on the way". This is still in the early planning stages right now. Ann wants to ride her own bike in this area. We did this (all but the Snake) at the Maggie Valley Rally a couple years ago, but she was riding back seat then.

Current plan allows for a day and a half in Nashville and a split day in Memphis, but that is subject to change.

[paul]

Thanks for the info. I haven't firmed up a route yet, either, just gathering intel.

[paul]

Well, I've worked out the schedule and route we're taking. Saturday, the 21st, we'll leave a little early and head to Antlers for our first night. From there on Sunday, we'll take the scenic route through Arkansas to Eureka Springs. I want to hit a number of good roads up, so our route, when seen on the map looks something like a drunken Diogonese who's lantern went out. We'll spend the night in Eureka, then wind our way up and down the map toward Mountain View on Monday. My plan is to hit 309, 123, 23, 16, and various other side roads. See Ya'll Soon. Everybody have a safe trip.

[Framer]

It sounds like your going to have a great ride before the rally even starts. Be safe I'll see you there Monday.

[petenomad]

Cool. Have fun. We will enjoy some nice roads through TN and southern states on the way.

[paul]

Thanks David. Yeah, see you guys when we get there. I just couldn't resist the oportunity to get in a few extra days. David, did you convince your wife to join you this trip? Like to meet you both, Kelli and I would.