Fall TWT Arkansas Rally Sept. 2-5

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

:tab Thought I ought to get this posted in it's own post since the original post was mixed with the post about the Spring rally.

TWT Fall Arkansas Rally (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/ARK-090205/index.htm)

:tab Same drill as the Spring Rally basically. Ideally, my GS will be back on the road by then... in an upright position :-P

[garydogwood]

scott, i'll be doing this one. already turned in the vacation at work. wife is glad to get me out of the house for awhile.

question for you and/or others: i would like to carry my bike in my truck to mena, then unload and ride the rest of the way; have any of you ever done something similar? if so, where do you park your vehicle? can you pay a motel a couple dollars a night to park? i'll call around and ask but thought i would see what you all have done before i get too far into it.

gw

[Tourmeister]

:tab Gary, if you just take your truck, you can park it in the lot with all the other cars/trucks. It's no big deal. We usually park all the bikes in one area. If you are pulling a trailer then parking it might be a bit more of a hassle. However, there is a closed restaurant across the little side street where parked last time with no problems.

[garydogwood]

don't know if i explained it clearly. i will only take the truck as far as mena. i want to leave the truck in mena while i ride the bike on up to eureka springs. are you saying a lot of other people will be leaving their trucks / trailers in mena?

i want to leave my truck in a safe place in mena while i'm in eureka springs for 3 days.
gw.

[Tourmeister]

Doh, misunderstood. There have been folks that have done that but I have no idea where they have left their vehicles.

[Tourmeister]

Buzz "hcope1"
Gary "garydogwood"
Kent "kocook"
Scott "Tourmeister"

Who else is coming?

[leeroy]

leeroy in

[Tourmeister]

Cool! Bringing the family again or going solo?


Updated list:
Buzz "hcope1"
Gary "garydogwood"
Kent "kocook"
Keith "leeroy"
Scott "Tourmeister"

[scratch]

Count me in for this one too, Scott. Looks like I'll split a room with Kent.

What kind of temps/weather can we expect up there at that time? Tell us their fall weather arrives about then. It's O.K. if you tell a little white lie. ;-)

[Tourmeister]

The weather will be perfect... ;-)

Buzz "hcope1"
Gary "garydogwood"
Kent "kocook"
Keith "leeroy"
Paul "Scratch"
Scott "Tourmeister"

[scratch]

The weather will be perfect... ;-)


Great! 8-)

Think I'll pack my rainsuit along with some warm and cool-weather gear anyway. What's that old saying - luck favors those who go prepared? Or something like that. :-)

[leeroy]

Scott,
Family will be coming.We will be staying at the Wanderlust rv park.

[kocook]

Somebody bought a RV....whacha git? Gotta gayrog in it? Huh, Leeroy?

[leeroy]

No gayrog Kent. 2000 Allegro Bus 39 feet 330 hp Cummins 920lb/ft Torque six speed Allison tranny Air ride suspension. Just got back from the factory in Alabamy.Had them give it the once over.All is good.

[Tourmeister]

Wow! Will it cost more to drive it there than to just stay in a hotel? :-P

[leeroy]

Depends on the hotel.It sure makes the trip up and back easy.It has a 1200 mile range on one tank of fuel.That means no stops.

[Tourmeister]

That means no stops.

:rofl

You are thinking like a true guy! I would imagine the ladies might have a different view of things ;-)

[Thermalser]

I would like to make this one. Anyone else looking to split a room?

[scratch]

2000 Allegro Bus 39 feet 330 hp Cummins 920lb/ft Torque six speed Allison tranny Air ride suspension.
- then, as he settles into the driver's seat and fires up that bad boy:

"King of the Road, baby! I'm King of the Road!" :mrgreen:

Sounds like you've got a nice rig there. 8-)

[garydogwood]

I would like to make this one. Anyone else looking to split a room?

yes, i would like to split a room. don't know if you remember me but i was on the deer run back in april (red vfr). i was the guy right behind you when the leaping deer appeared.

gw

[Thermalser]

I would like to make this one. Anyone else looking to split a room?

yes, i would like to split a room. don't know if you remember me but i was on the deer run back in april (red vfr). i was the guy right behind you when the leaping deer appeared.

gw

Gary, thanks for the offer but already found a roomy.

Just need to watch out for the leaping hogs on this trip! ;-)

[garydogwood]

i just booked a room at the comfort inn. i'm looking for someone to share the room / cost with if anyone is interested. per the reservation clerk the twt block is booked up but i got the discouted rate if anyone wants to share.

can't believe only 3 weeks away.
gw

[kocook]

Leeroy,
You got wonna 'em aire fold-out awnnins an' a BBQ? We wanna come hang out on yo' front porch an' drink beer or sump'en. You in hi cottin. Yessir, hi cottin. Caint wai'ta see 'er.

[Tourmeister]

Gary, I had ten rooms reserved. Did they say all ten rooms have been taken? If so, I have no idea who has taken them!?

[garydogwood]

scott, the clerk didn't mention the number of rooms - just that there were no more of the TWT blocked rooms available. you may want to give them a call to confirm. maybe they were mistaken (or maybe i am mistaken).

gw.

[VFRJohn]

I just signed up! :chug:

I need a place to sleep - is anyone looking for a roommate? Gary - do you still have half a room available?

John Horn
McKinney

PS - Who wants to ride up from the DFW area?

[garydogwood]

I just signed up! :chug:

I need a place to sleep - is anyone looking for a roommate? Gary - do you still have half a room available?

John Horn
McKinney

PS - Who wants to ride up from the DFW area?

john, yes i do. i met you last night at the twt coffee. i have the red vfr (2005). shoot me a PM and we can finalize. i was planning on trucking my bike up there but may ride if others are riding too.

gw

[Squeaky]

I was planning on trucking my bike up there but may ride if others are riding too.

I've ridden up there while still a fairly new rider, and it really wasn't bad. You guys are already starting a few hours north of where I was coming from, so you're already part-way there.

Make the journey part of the adventure/vacation! Set aside enough time to stop and smell the roses along the way, take lots of pics, and post them up here when you're done!

[garydogwood]

I was planning on trucking my bike up there but may ride if others are riding too.

I've ridden up there while still a fairly new rider, and it really wasn't bad. You guys are already starting a few hours north of where I was coming from, so you're already part-way there.

Make the journey part of the adventure/vacation! Set aside enough time to stop and smell the roses along the way, take lots of pics, and post them up here when you're done!

you are twisting my arm again. :-)
gw

[Thermalser]

I was planning on trucking my bike up there but may ride if others are riding too.

I've ridden up there while still a fairly new rider, and it really wasn't bad. You guys are already starting a few hours north of where I was coming from, so you're already part-way there.

Make the journey part of the adventure/vacation! Set aside enough time to stop and smell the roses along the way, take lots of pics, and post them up here when you're done!

So how was the ride back? :-P

[Squeaky]

So how was the ride back? :-P

Quite comfy with good music, but I can't say the same about the view :nana

[Thermalser]

So how was the ride back? :-P

Quite comfy with good music, but I can't say the same about the view :nana

So I should have pulled the mirror off the passengers side visor, huh. ;-)

[Squeaky]

So I should have pulled the mirror off the passengers side visor, huh. ;-)

:clap
Man, you're quick with the comebacks! Must be the NYer in ya!

[leeroy]

Leeroy,
You got wonna 'em aire fold-out awnnins an' a BBQ? We wanna come hang out on yo' front porch an' drink beer or sump'en. You in hi cottin. Yessir, hi cottin. Caint wai'ta see 'er.



Yessir Kent we got one ah dem der awlins beer drinkin covers. You is welcome anytime.come on over an we can do some whittlin.

[kocook]

Caint wait, Buuh-ba.

[scratch]

I'm starting to hear banjos playing in the background...

;-)

[leeroy]

Just tryin to fit in with the locals.

[Tourmeister]

Buzz "hcope1"
Gary "garydogwood"
John "VFRjohn"
Kent "kocook"
Keith "leeroy"
Paul "Scratch"
Scott "Tourmeister"

[texasred]

Scott,
You may not remember me, but i did the trip last year in Mountain Home. I broke-in my vfr on a county road.

I was wondering if it is too late to get in on this trip.

mitch

i just read the registration form. Got my answer.
I'll talk to "BOSS" and let ya know.

[Tourmeister]

Hey Mitch! Of course I remember you ;-) Plenty of time, hope you can make it up! Looks like there will be a lot of VFR's there!

Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
Paul "Scratch" - Triumph Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

Nothing like a pig leading a pack of wolves... :lol:

[texasred]

The boss said go ahead.
I'm there baby!

[Squeaky]

There's a noticeable lack of estrogen on this trip...

I'm just annoyed that I can't make this one. As it stands now, I can't get that Friday off and we're all working Labor Day at my office... :angryfir:

[Tourmeister]

:tab Are you trailering up again? I am leaning pretty hard towards riding up and will be coming through not too far from you, around the East side of Longview. I would be coming through there sometime around 10:00pm or so. I'll be sticking to the paved roads ;-)

[scratch]

The boss said go ahead.
I'm there baby!

Looking forward to riding with you again, Mitch! 8-)

[texasred]

I probably will ride. i've got about an 1/8" before the tread bars on my Z6's. they will be slick by the time we get back. But i love the long ride up and back.

Ok...I'll meet ya.

Thanks paul, good to hear from ya again.

I just returned from doing a 4 day around Mountain Home. I retraced our roads from last year. Man-oh-Man those roads are great.

Remember that road Scott in Missouri where you traded for john's fz1 and we repeated it a couple of times. Well they have removed the gravel from it. Amazing stretch of pavement! My heart is racing.

[Tourmeister]

Hwy 125 :dude:

[VFRJohn]

:tab I am leaning pretty hard towards riding up and will be coming through not too far from you, around the East side of Longview. I would be coming through there sometime around 10:00pm or so. I'll be sticking to the paved roads ;-)

Scott, did you really mean 10 PM, as in "after dark"?

Garydogwood and I are planning to ride up from McKinney, starting at 0730 AM on Friday. We plan to go up to Talahina OK, take OK-1/AR88 towards Mena, then up AR23.

When would you ride up, and what route? Do you think we could connect with you on the way up?

Anybody else from DFW want to join in??

[Tourmeister]

:tab Whoops... :oops: That should have been 10:00am :mrgreen: Well, I had planned on a route that is farther East than 71 and Mena. There is always so much heavy traffic on 71 before you ever reach the start of 23. I will cut West of Texarkana, then just North of it and start heading East. Then up Hwy 27 to 10 and 309 up to Ozark where we will then do 23 on up to Eureka Springs. It's a little longer, but there is less traffic and the riding is better.

[VFRJohn]

Scott, that looks interesting.
Do you go thru New Boston - could we meet up with you there?

[Tourmeister]

Yes. I was going to cross over into Arkansas on Hwy 8/41 just North of there. It would be closer to noon by the time I got that far North.

[VFRJohn]

Are you willing to try to rendezvous with Gary and me?

[Tourmeister]

Sure. However, I am not familiar with any landmarks. Where would you propose to meet?

[garydogwood]

Sure. However, I am not familiar with any landmarks. Where would you propose to meet?

if i remember correctly, there is a gas station on the SE quadrant of hwys 8/41 and I30. they have a little restaurant or eating area in there to wait.

gw

[VFRJohn]

if i remember correctly, there is a gas station on the SE quadrant of hwys 8/41 and I30. they have a little restaurant or eating area in there to wait.

gw

Would this be the place...?
http://members.surfbest.net/ontheroad@surfbest.net/photos/newboston.jpg

John

[Tourmeister]

Works for me ;-) Man the internet is cool :dude:

[VFRJohn]

Yeah, it is. I couldn't quite make out the menu, but it looks like they have grilled cheese sandwiches. :mrgreen:

Do you want to name a time to meet there?

It looks like about 1h15m if you take US259 & I30 from Longview to New Boston. That would put you there around 1115a ?

... But, somehow, I don't see you following such an obvious route!! :lol:

What's the best way for us to all get there about the same time, so no one has to sit around too long? I don't have very much experience trying to set this kind of thing up.

[Cagiva 549]

My 2 cents worth 259 is an exclent road not much for curves but very little traffic , and goes all the way to I40 . I usally cut off at Talimena and then get on 23 . SEYA

[Tourmeister]

I'd be up for meeting there at noon.

[VFRJohn]

I'd be up for meeting there at noon.

Done! Noon at "Right Here". :chug:

Ok with you, Gary?

[garydogwood]

ok here but can we make it high noon?
gw

[VFRJohn]

Awl right, Marshall Kane - ifn thet's the way yew want it - High Noon it'll be.

:roll:

[texasred]

Scott,
Where were you thinking about pairing up in the longview area? Its 45 min. from my house, so anywhere is easy for me. Probably the road your taking and I-20.

mitch

[mnapuran]

Gary told me about this ride this morning.... Any more details on the ride out from DFW, etc?

Gary: Did you find a roomie yet? If I decide to go, I will need one! :-)

[Tourmeister]

Mitch, look a few posts back up. We are going to meet at Hwy 8 and I-30 in New Boston at noon.

Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
Mike "mnapuran" - CBR 600 F4
Mitch "texasred" - VFR 800
Paul "Scratch" - Triumph Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

Shaping up to be a good group! Can't wait!

[garydogwood]

Gary told me about this ride this morning.... Any more details on the ride out from DFW, etc?

Gary: Did you find a roomie yet? If I decide to go, I will need one! :-)

mike, vfrjohn and i are leaving mckinney (Racetrac) on friday sept 2 around 7:30 - 8:00 (time may change depending on route). we plan to meet scott and others in new boston at "HI" noon. it is about 135 miles from mckinney to new boston. from new boston, north.

i'm sharing a room with john. you may give the motel a call and see if they have any rooms. better hurry though, being labor day weekend and all. if not at the comfort inn, there are many others in the area (edleweis inn was reasonable price and clean and run by a motorcyclist).

gw

[mnapuran]

New Boston? Isn't that about 60+ miles out of the way? Or is that the point? :-)

Do you guys have a route from there? I'd rather do a more direct route, rather then heading almost due east, then all the way north.

FYI: Roughly 150 miles to New Boston, then 290+ miles from there to Eureka Springs. Versus a more direct NE route which is ~360 miles total

[Tourmeister]

:tab They wanted to meet up with me somewhere along my route. New Boston is where I will be cutting across I-30 coming from the South. After crossing into Arkansas, I will be heading East a bit and then running North. You are right, it is a bit out of the way ;-) Will be close to 550 miles for me! Oh I almost forgot, Stuart will probably be riding up with me. Also, if the weather for Friday looks bad, I will be trailering up and taking a very direct route up through Oklahoma :-P I'll post that up as we get closer and have a better idea about the weather.

[VFRJohn]

New Boston? Isn't that about 60+ miles out of the way? Or is that the point? :-)



That's it! Get a VFR - you won't even notice the difference in distance.
:lol: :lol:

[texasred]

Scott,
You stated before you were going through the Longvew area, I was simply going to catch you as you went thru on the way to New Boston.

Mitch

[Tourmeister]

Oh yeah... Yes, I will still be going around Longview ;-) Got a satellite pic of a place you'd like to meet? I was planning on running FM 450 up towards the Lake O The Pines. I can't recall the exact route, it's on my computer at home. I'll check it this evening and get back to you.

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

:tab Okay, I need to know who has reserved a room at the Comfort Inn and what name was used for the reservation. It would appear that they were not putting people in my original block. NINE of the of the original ten rooms are still open. So once I know who has a room, we will get them moved into our block and make sure they are getting the correct group rate.

:tab I need this info asap!!

[texasred]

I have a room there.

Under Mitch Campbell

[Soloman]

Alright, I've finally been able to the appropriate arrangements and I'll be joining you.

Mnapuran (Mike) if your still looking to share a room with someone I'd be happy to do so.

Gary, If you don't mind I'll ride up with and everyone else. You can't have a bunch of red Hondas riding together, a little cursed copper ought to brighten things up.

Jason

[Soloman]

Oh yeah, I did book a room already outside of the group as the gentleman on the phone was bit confused about the whole thing. :roll:

[garydogwood]

scott, i believe i posted several weeks ago about the motel saying the TWT rooms were all booked when i made my reservation. this was an august 11 post. they went ahead and gave me a room at the TWT rate (since i'm over 50 and member or HRCA, etc..). the reservation is in my name. i thought it strange at the time and i believe i notified you about it..

gw

[mnapuran]

Soloman: So you have a room reserved already? If so, I wont worry about reserving, and plan on sharing with ya :-)

You gonna be at the Thurs nite coffe shop?

[garydogwood]

Gary, If you don't mind I'll ride up with and everyone else. You can't have a bunch of red Hondas riding together, a little cursed copper ought to brighten things up.

Jason

that would be great; i beleive that is 4 of us now leaving from DFW. that will make it 2 red, 1 yellow and 1 copper. man, am i looking forward to this!!!

gw

[Soloman]

Mnapuran, I do indeed have a room reserved so no need to worry. I will be out there this Thursday evening.

Now it's time for me to figure out how I'm going to carry my stuff up there with me. It's looking more and more like an old duffel bag strapped to the back (boy do I now miss my ST2 with those hard bags).

jason

[Tourmeister]

:tab Yeah, the hotel staff aren't real up to snuff on doing the one thing they need to be able to do, make reservations :roll: Those of you that have already made a reservation, please call the hotel and tell them you are in the Two Wheeled Texans group and should be in our block of rooms. They are under my name and the TWT name, but should be reserved under your name. Before I head up there, I will release any unused rooms.

Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
Jason "Soloman" - SV1000S
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
Mike "mnapuran" - CBR 600 F4
Mitch "texasred" - VFR 800
Paul "Scratch" - Triumph Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

[mnapuran]

Cool.... yea, I just ordered a medium sized tank bag (didn't have any tank bag yet), for the smaller items... and I think I'm gonna order a Nelson Rigg tail bag (http://www.nelsonrigg.com/products/fibertech/paypal/exp200.htm) tomorrow. I *might* order the Saddle Bags (http://www.nelsonrigg.com/products/fibertech/paypal/ssb500.htm) too.

I picked up a tire repair kit today too.... 8-)

Mnapuran, I do indeed have a room reserved so no need to worry. I will be out there this Thursday evening.

Now it's time for me to figure out how I'm going to carry my stuff up there with me. It's looking more and more like an old duffel bag strapped to the back (boy do I now miss my ST2 with those hard bags).

jason

[garydogwood]

I picked up a tire repair kit today too.... 8-)



oh good, i'm riding with you.
gw

[VFRJohn]

I picked up a tire repair kit today too.... 8-)



FWIW - I will bring a little 12v air compressor.

Together, maybe we can ward off the flat tire gremlins. ;-)

Now, if someone will bring some Lemon Pledge, perhaps we can keep the plastic scuffing gremlins away, as well. :lol:

[garydogwood]

Now, if someone will bring some Lemon Pledge, perhaps we can keep the plastic scuffing gremlins away, as well. :lol:

i never leave home without Plexus and a micro rag so we're covered there.

gw

[hcope1]

Scott,
I got my "regular" room. $89 per weekend nite. Should I call and demand the TWT rate? :huh:

[garydogwood]

Scott,
I got my "regular" room. $89 per weekend nite. Should I call and demand the TWT rate? :huh:

the motel told me $89 was the TWT rate. :-?
gw

[kocook]

I moved my reservation to the TWTex block of rooms and got the discount (about $10/night).

[scratch]

Now, if someone will bring some Lemon Pledge, perhaps we can keep the plastic scuffing gremlins away, as well. :lol:

Got it covered! :mrgreen:

[mnapuran]

So... any updates? Anyone else joining us?! ;-)

[letsride]

I might go, will head out of Allen Tx Friday 8AM through Bonham to Arthur City to Antlers to Talihina to Mena to Pencil Bluff to Story to Havana to MM to Paris to Ozark to Eureka Springs. 10 hours of minimal traffic/heat with only 30 miles of "non twisties".

[letsride]

I'm a newbie to the site. What hotel in Eureka Springs?

[Tourmeister]

Comfort Inn at Hwy 23 and US 62 as you come into town from the South on Hwy 23. See the first post for the info on the ride and registration.

Be sure to tell them to put you in the TWT block of rooms!! ;-)

And welcome to the site :chug:

[mnapuran]

I might go, will head out of Allen Tx Friday 8AM through Bonham to Arthur City to Antlers to Talihina to Mena to Pencil Bluff to Story to Havana to MM to Paris to Ozark to Eureka Springs. 10 hours of minimal traffic/heat with only 30 miles of "non twisties".

Why not ride with the rest of us DFW'ers instead?

[letsride]

Thanks Tourmeister. Mnapuran, what route are the DFW'ers taking?
EDIT: Just saw that you guys are slabbing it. I prefer the twisty route, see you there.

[garydogwood]

you know, i like Letsride's route better. i sent a PM to VFRJOHN asking is we might consider changing our route and meeting scott in mena instead.
what do you think?
gw

[Soloman]

GW,

I'm 100% indifferent in terms of the route. As far as total time, my longest day so far on the SV was around 12 hours in rain and some snow so 10 hours in a little heat should be a cake walk.

Jason

[mnapuran]

I'm open on the route as well... I'd obviouslly prefer shorter miles, and more twisties :-)

[mnapuran]

Oh.. something else! Who in our group is gonna get one of these?! (https://www.star-traxx.com/default.asp) :-)

[Tourmeister]

We could also just meet in Eureka Springs ;-)

Mitch, I will be coming up through Crockett, Rusk, Henderson, and then Longview. Any place in particular you want to try to hook up? It is about 160 miles for me to reach Longview so we should be there 9:30-10:00am. We'll be at Hwy 149/US 259 and I-20.

[garydogwood]

We could also just meet in Eureka Springs ;-)


yea, we are gonna be looking at scotts behind for two full days. can we really stand any more than that? :-)
gw

[letsride]

If you guys want, we could go as a group. The full route is ~470 miles (with 5 gas stops) and can be shortened if needed. Lunch will be around 1:30 at the Lodge. ETA Eureka Springs 6PM (+-1 hr)

Meet at Loves gas station SE corner of 75/455 in Anna
Stands up at 8AM sharp Friday 9/2

[garydogwood]

i got a message back from vfrjohn. i believe we will stick to the original plan. we don't necessarily have to take I30; since we meet scott at noon, we have time to take some less straight roads to new boston.

letsride, our plan is to leave the racetrac in mckinney (380 / 75) around 8:00. you are welcome to join us. i'll meet up with you tonight at the coffee shop.

gw

[letsride]

8-) Sounds like a plan to me. See you guys Fri.

[Soloman]

Well I was certainly planning on seeing some of you this evening at the coffee shop, but a severe muscle pull in my arm has put a stop to my riding. It's gotten worse over the past two days so now I'm down to doing next to nothing that involves moving my right arm. All had better be well in 7 days!

[mnapuran]

Well I was certainly planning on seeing some of you this evening at the coffee shop, but a severe muscle pull in my arm has put a stop to my riding. It's gotten worse over the past two days so now I'm down to doing next to nothing that involves moving my right arm. All had better be well in 7 days!

No doubt! Put that in a brace... and get into the doc if you need to... can't have my roomie operating that poorly :lol:

[Soloman]

You got that right, it's currently wrapped with a heat wrap and ace bandage. It got so bad this afternoon I could barely lift my arm from my side without extreme pain. Hopefully I'll be good to go by this Sunday and head out for a short ride or something before next Friday. As far as I'm concerned I'll be riding and riding at 100% by next Friday :-D

[texasred]

Sounds good Scott.
I'm not sure what is at the intersection of 259/149 and I-20, but lets say the southeast corner for now. You will be easy to spot being the tallest ride in east texas.

[letsride]

Got a regular room for Friday but have to move to a jacuzzi equipped one for Sat. If anyone wants to cancel their reservation, please let me know before you cancel so I can claim it. Thanks.

[Tourmeister]

Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
Jason "Soloman" - SV1000S
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
?? "Letsride" - ZX10R or DL650?
Mike "mnapuran" - CBR 600 F4
Mitch "texasred" - VFR 800
Paul "Scratch" - Triumph Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

[letsride]

Faisal "letsride"-(will decide Thursday night)

[Tourmeister]

Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
Jason "Soloman" - SV1000S
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
Faisal "letsride"- (will decide Thursday night)
Mike "mnapuran" - CBR 600 F4
Mitch "texasred" - VFR 800
Paul "Scratch" - Triumph Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

[letsride]

8-) Sounds like a plan to me. See you guys Fri.
Clarification: I'll say hello Friday morning then head NNE.

[Tourmeister]

Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
Jason "Soloman" - SV1000S
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
Faisal "letsride"- (will decide Thursday night)
Mike "mnapuran" - CBR 600 F4
Mitch "texasred" - VFR 800
Paul "Scratch" - Triumph Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS or something else...
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

[mnapuran]

So who in the DFW group is working on our route? Maybe we should get together one night early this week and try and plan it out?

Be nice to get everyone (that has a GPS) a copy of the route before we leave.

[garydogwood]

So who in the DFW group is working on our route? Maybe we should get together one night early this week and try and plan it out?

Be nice to get everyone (that has a GPS) a copy of the route before we leave.

once we meet up with scott, i'm just playing follow the leader. from here to new boston we do need to get things finalized. let's get with vfrjohn tues or wed and get our route down. maybe we can meet over dinner someplace centralized.

gw

[mnapuran]

Ah... thought we were going to check on a more direct route as an option as well?

[VFRJohn]

Ah... thought we were going to check on a more direct route as an option as well?

Oh, Mike - Forgot to tell you. Gary and I took a vote... Gary had 3 votes, and I had 2. You didn't vote, since we forgot to invite you. It was 4 to 1 in favor of riding up with Scott from New Boston.

:mrgreen:

We're now thinking about a route to avoid the freeway between McKinney & New Boston.

(BTW I think we all are plannning to get together to discuss all this Tuesday 7PM at Cafe Brazil in McKinney - El Dorado Blvd just west of Central.)

John

[Tourmeister]

:tab I would like to ask everyone to please fill out the registration and waiver forms and bring them up with you. This saves a LOT of time before the ride on Saturday morning. You can find both in HTML or PDF format at the bottom of this page:

Registration Info (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/ARK-090205/register.htm)

Thanks

[VFRJohn]

NWS Forecast for Eureka Springs - so far...

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low near 66.

Sunday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 83.

[bowillyard]

My wife is going out of town on business, so now I am home alone for the Labor Day Weekend. Are there any rooms left at the hotel? Is it too late for me to try to tag along?

Thanks
Bo

[Soloman]

When I made my reservation a week and a half ago they had plenty of room available. I believe you're able to sign up until Sat. morning, so no it's not to late.

[bowillyard]

Yes, they do have rooms. I will be joining you. Are the DFW folks leaving from Race Track in Mc Kinney? What time Friday?

Thanks
Bo :chug:

[scratch]

Good to have you along for the ride, Bo! Can't wait to see and hear an '05 Sprint in action. 8-)

[bowillyard]

She is a very capable machine, the problem is that the rider (that would be me) is not as capable, so you may have to be going very slow if you want to hear her. 8-)

I will try to keep up but probably not too hard, It takes me a couple of days to get into a rhythm then it's time to come back to Dallas and start dodging cages again, completely different type of riding.

But I am ready to go relax and let the bike do what she likes, and go along for the ride. 8-)

I hope that I can keep up long enough to hear your RS.

[scratch]

Ride the pace that you're comfortable with, Bo. We can gun our motors in the motel parking lot! :twisted: ;-)

[Tourmeister]

Bo "Bowillyard" - Sprint ST
Buzz "hcope1" - VFR800
Gary "garydogwood" - VFR800
Jason "Soloman" - SV1000S
John "VFRjohn" - VFR800
Kent "kocook" - BMW R1100RS
Keith "leeroy" - VFR800
Faisal "letsride"- (will decide Thursday night)
Mike "mnapuran" - CBR 600 F4
Mitch "texasred" - VFR 800
Paul "Scratch" - Sprint RS
Scott "Tourmeister" - BMW R1150GS or ST 1300
Stuart "Thermalser" - Yamaha FZ1

[Squeaky]

Looks like you boys will be having some spirited fun up there! No women or children along to keep you in line, so just make sure to watch out for each other.

Be safe, and keep the shiny side up!

[letsride]

Tourmeister, put me down for the DL-650. The ZX will need nu rubber + oil and I'm not in the mood to wrench this week. Sure wish someone was bringing a DL-1000 (ya hear Squeaky), I'm dying for a test ride on the big brother.

[Squeaky]

Sure wish someone was bringing a DL-1000 (ya hear Squeaky), I'm dying for a test ride on the big brother.

It would be a mighty expensive test ride... I'd need to cover my room, gas, a day or two off from work... :roll:

[letsride]

Peanuts Squeaky peanuts compared to the moto heaven that awaits in 4 days time.

[mnapuran]

Hey Tourmeister, do you have GPS routes or anything for the rides we will do once up there? Or even the route from New Boston up to the hotel? I wanna get the right maps, etc loaded into the ol GPS :-D

[mnapuran]

(BTW I think we all are plannning to get together to discuss all this Tuesday 7PM at Cafe Brazil in McKinney - El Dorado Blvd just west of Central.)

John

I plan on being there... anyone else? Soloman?

[Soloman]

yep, I'll find my way up there.

[Tourmeister]

:tab I will have paper maps available and route descriptions for the two days of the actual rally. If I do GPS routes, they will be straightline point to point routes, not the kind that follow the roads.

[mnapuran]

:tab I will have paper maps available and route descriptions for the two days of the actual rally. If I do GPS routes, they will be straightline point to point routes, not the kind that follow the roads.

Odd... why not provide the actualy ride routes? If nothing else, I'd like to know our route from New Boston up.

If you'd like, you can get me the map/routes and I can make the GPS files.

[Tourmeister]

:tab The rally is only Saturday and Sunday. The routes up and back are up to individuals to work out on their own since everyone comes from different places. So I generally don't go to the trouble to send out routes for the up and back. However, I think I have my up route setup for the GPS and I'll try to email it to you.

[Thermalser]

Hey Scott, I'm going to bail out on riding up. I've got relatively soft rubber on the FZ right now, don't want to cook 'em in transit!

I will instead load up the trailer, along with Paul and Kent, grab a big fluffy pillow and nap in the back of Kent's F150 on the 10 hr drive up. :sleep:

Call me a whimp, I can take it! 8-)

[scratch]

Call me a whimp, I can take it! 8-)

Can't, 'cause it would be a tad hypocritical of me. :mrgreen:

Anyway, are we really wimps or just being sensible? ;-)

[hcope1]

Scott,

It's looking like the only throttle I'll be twisting this weekend will be on my trusty chainsaw. :angryfir: The damage around here is amazing. I really feel for those on the coast. I'll know for sure by this afternoon. If anyone still needs a room at the Comfort Inn, PM me and I can arrange for the transfer. I'll cancel tomorrow AM if I can't go.

In case the power is still out, call at (205) 567-2022

[scratch]

Buzz, hope things aren't too bad there in Birmingham. The damage being found in the wake of Katrina looks very serious.

[Tourmeister]

Stuart... wimp :-P

Buzz... Hope you can make it, but obviously taking care of the homestead takes priority!

[letsride]

Buzz, pm sent.

[budzrex]

Scott, if you guys get a chance give me a ring on Friday I will be working
in Mena and will try to hook up with you guys for part of your ride

[Tourmeister]

We won't be coming up via Mena. We are heading further East before that and going up 27 then doing Magazine Mountain.

[mnapuran]

I'm debating doing the trip at this point.... I'm still 80% in, but I have some things to think about.

Spent money on new luggage for it, put a new rear tire on today, changed the oil (Honda HP synthetic), and cleaned and lubed chain.

However... I started getting a bit sick on Monday, and still not feeling great.

And then today... About an hour ago, I laid the bike down :-(

Turning out onto main road from a stop... doing maybe 5-8mph.... Rear tire (slick!) went out from under me, and I couldnt catch it

Bike went down on the right side... didn't even really throttle it... I think I might have gotten chain lube on it though.

Brake handle is WAY bent.... 3 new good stratches on the body work, scratched my exhaust
and small tears on brand new luggage :-(

[letsride]

We won't be coming up via Mena. We are heading further East before that and going up 27 then doing Magazine Mountain.

Albie (hood ornament) + myself will be going through Mena around 2PM heading out on 88 to 27 then same way as you peeps to Eureka Springs.

Mnapuran, were you on the new tire? they are slick as snot until scrubbed in good.

[garydogwood]

mike, don't back out. you'll regret it. i know you are feeling bad about dropping the bike but it's really nothing to cancel a great trip over.

don't tell anyone, but last summer i dropped my SV twice in one day in different parking lots.

it happens.

gw

[Tourmeister]

:tab Get well. Replace the lever. Don't sweat the scratches. Come ride with us and those things won't matter so much anymore. You'll have a blast and wonder why you thought about not coming ;-) I certainly won't be teasing you about a few scratches on your bike :angel:

[mnapuran]

Thanks guys... here are pics from todays work (http://mike.napurano.com/album/listpics.asp?dir=misc%5CCBR600F2%5C2005%2D08%2D31+ Tire%2DChain%2DEtc), and here are pics from the damage (http://mike.napurano.com/album/listpics.asp?dir=misc%5CCBR600F2%5C2005%2D08%2D31+ damage)

[scratch]

Mike, you could probably bend the brake lever back by putting it in a vise and heating it up with a propane torch. It might take a while to get it up to the proper temperature to work the metal, but after heating it steadily for a couple of minutes give it a good whack with a hammer or mallet every 5 - 10 seconds thereafter to test the softness of the lever. You don't want to apply too much heat because aluminum goes from soft to fully melted very fast. The range of temperature in which you can re-bend it will be quite narrow. Even if you mess it up, you still won't be out anything, so long as you already had the tools on hand.

BTW, I learned all this by practicing on a clutch lever I broke trying to bend it back first without heating it up. :roll: Still, I got some good experience out of the exercise by working with the broken section. Live and learn. ;-)

[Hood Ornament]

Mike, just run over to Cycle Gear and get a replacement lever. Probably not more then $15.

Like Faisal said, I'll be joining ya'll.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Or you could head to Cycle Gear and pick one up for about $15. I'm far too lazy to do all that other stuff when I can just throw a few bucks at it. Of course, if you don't have the few bucks....

[Soloman]

Mike, I too put a new tire on today after considerable time spent looking at my current front I determined it probably couldn't handle 2000 more miles. That would have taken the front to 9,500. So I now have a new 208 front to match the rear and wow the bike seems to track better and turn quicker. You should definitely join us, it will much better riding then we typically do on the weekends.

[mnapuran]

Yup... back up to 95% at this point on going ;-)

As for the lever... I had already hit Cycle Gear, and the Honda dealer... neither had the part.

Luckilly my friend that runs the racing department at Lockhart Philips is overnighting me one, so I should have it by 10:30am :-)

Oh... also got the Stebel air horn on tonight as well ;-)

[VFRJohn]

Oh... also got the Stebel air horn on tonight as well ;-)

Yikes - this I've got to hear!

Hope you can come, Mike. Riding in Arkansas will definitely be more fun than falling over (don't ask how I know!) :oops:

John

[budzrex]

I will keep an eye out for you guys. I will be in Mena in the morning then over to Ozark and down across Magazine over to 7 through Ola then to the house

[mnapuran]

You locals gonna try and make the coffee place tomorrow night too? I was thinking about it... but would need to leave around 8pm.

[mnapuran]

Oh.. a few other questions/comments.

Who is wearing what to ride? Leathers? Textiles? Mesh?

Also, I was looking at Scott's route from New Boston to Eureka Springs, and it says it's ~312 miles, with travel time of ~8 hours. That would put us in pretty darn late on Friday night if we meet up at noon'ish, then also maybe eat.

The more I think about it... the more I want to ride a more direct route up. I'm not necessariilly saying take major highways the whole way from Dallas (~350 miles TOTAL) but perhaps a compromise?

After the crap that's happened in the past few days... don't think I can handle a really long day on the rode like that when I dont "need" to. :oops:

[VFRJohn]

Mike, the DFW Group I route will be about 450 miles, total. When we get there will depend on our average velocity, but I expect it will be around 6:30 or 7:00.

Scott may or may not have corrected his route plot for driving speed. I doubt it will take us 8 hours from New Boston. Scott - comment?

You could check with DFW Group II (i.e., LETSRIDE) to see if their route will be shorter or not. I suspect it may be a bit "brisker". (I happen to know he has a Valentine-1, and isn't afraid to use it!) ;-)

Bring your Advil!!

[VFRJohn]

Oh.. a few other questions/comments.

Who is wearing what to ride? Leathers? Textiles? Mesh?


Mike, I'm planning to wear a mesh jacket, leather pants, & carry a nylon jacket to wear with the mesh in the mornings if needed. Also will carry my new swamp cooler vest!

John

[Hood Ornament]

I'll probably wear textile pants and a mesh jacket. Still gonna be in the upper 80's bumping 90 there.

It's a haul up to Eureka Springs no matter how you do it. I prefer doing the twistee as possible route even if it's 2 or 3 times as many miles. Droning along on slab just plain sucks.

[Hood Ornament]

Mike, the DFW Group I route will be about 450 miles, total. When we get there will depend on our average velocity, but I expect it will be around 6:30 or 7:00.

Scott may or may not have corrected his route plot for driving speed. I doubt it will take us 8 hours from New Boston. Scott - comment?

You could check with DFW Group II (i.e., LETSRIDE) to see if their route will be shorter or not. I suspect it may be a bit "brisker". (I happen to know he has a Valentine-1, and isn't afraid to use it!) ;-)

Bring your Advil!!

It won't be shorter, and it will be brisk. Then again, we're gonna be riding those overgrown dirt bikes. It's not like those things are fast. ;-)

[Soloman]

Just my usual dianese mesh jacket and joe rocket textile pants. As Hood Ornament mentioned the high shouldn't be much more than 10 degrees cooler up there, but the mornings will be down right great riding weather and still not to cold for mesh.

I won't be headed up to the coffee house tomorrow. I have all the stuff I normally do on the weekend around there I need to get accomplished tomorrow night. Therefore I'll see everyone Friday morning.

[letsride]

I'll wear a stitch. Our route is about 40 miles longer than DFW crew#1 but it is all twisty no freeway. Since Albie's accompanying, we'll have to adventure (dirt) it a lil bit around Hanobi and Ozark before entering Eureka Springs just about dinner time.

[Hood Ornament]

I'll wear a stitch. Our route is about 40 miles longer than DFW crew#1 but it is all twisty no freeway. Since Albie's accompanying, we'll have to adventure (dirt) it a lil bit around Hanobi and Ozark before entering Eureka Springs just about dinner time.

[Tourmeister]

:tab It should be about a twelve hour day for me. I plan to leave here at 7:00am. Depending on the pace I should be in Eureka between 6:00-7:00pm. While my route is not quite as direct, there should be much less traffic on the roads I am taking. 71 just plain sucks.

:tab The GS lives!! It won't be pretty, but it will be roadworthy!

[garydogwood]

Oh.. a few other questions/comments.

Who is wearing what to ride? Leathers? Textiles? Mesh?


Mike, I'm planning to wear a mesh jacket, leather pants, & carry a nylon jacket to wear with the mesh in the mornings if needed. Also will carry my new swamp cooler vest!

John

i'm so glad you posted that. it would be sooo embarassing if we showed up wearing the same thing. :lol: :lol:
gw

[leeroy]

We are leaving now 5:40 pm thurs. see ya up there.Campsite # 57 Wanderlust rv park 468 passion play road. about three miles from the Comfort inn. 512 413 6816 if you need to reach me.

[Tourmeister]

For those with a Garmin GPS and still awake... or up early :-P

GPS routes for Sat & Sun (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/ARK-090205/Arkroutes.gdb)

You'll need to right click and save as.

[Tourmeister]

Here are the reports and pics:

http://www.twtex.com/viewtopic.php?t=6147

Adios,