Fall Colors Tour of Ark. & Mo. Oct. 14-17th

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

:tab I will be running a tour of North central Arkansas and South central Missouri in mid October. We will be basing out of Mountain Home for the weekend. We will be riding in the Mark Twain National Forest, Push Mountain Rd., and a ton of just incredible little twisty country roads. At this time of the year, the fall colors are incredible and the temperatures wonderfully cool.

For all the details and registration...
Fall Colors Tour (http://backroadmotorcycletours.com/05-EVENTS/ARK-101405/register.htm)

Because this is a tour, there is a 10 person limit. The fee includes the hotel.

THE DEADLINE TO PAY AND REGISTER IS SEPT. 14TH!!

:tab As usual, if there are any questions, please post them here.

And now... a few teasers to get your drooling... ;-)


http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101703ArkMo/DSC00959.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101703ArkMo/DSC00960.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101703ArkMo/DSC00970.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101703ArkMo/DSC00978.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101703ArkMo/DSC00981.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101504ArkMo/DSC02663.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101504ArkMo/DSC02675.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101504ArkMo/DSC02682.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/101504ArkMo/DSC02719.JPG

[STrider]

Your purchase from Backroad Motorcycle Tours is complete

Woo-hoo!! I'm in!! TM, what is the status of room on the trailer, if it's going?

If it's not going or if the available slots are spoken for, I will have room (& be looking) for 1 person, their bike, & gear to split fuel costs on the way up & back.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Right now, I am the only one going up with the trailer.

[mnapuran]

I'm a bit confused... $230 for single occupancy, and $280 for double? So for two people to register and get the hotel, it's $280 total?

[Tourmeister]

:tab The $280 assumes both people will be riding. If your wife comes and does not go riding with us, then it is the $230. If you split a room with another rider, the two of you split the $280 cost. I charge per rider/passenger, so the tour "fee" portion stays the same whether you share a room or not. The hotel percentage stays the same. I don't make anything off the hotel part. The cost is basically the same as the rallies but with the hotel tacked on and I do all the reservations.

[JR]

Be sure to include AR 23 between Waldron and Eureka Springs... Yesss... #1 good riding road....

JR
(aka The Ancient Curmudgeon)

[Hood Ornament]

Any off road stuff mapped?

[Tourmeister]

Sorry Albie ;-) Street only.

Grumpy, we did 23 several times this last weekend when we were up there for the Eureka Springs rally. It is a great road! This trip we will be farther East in Mountain Home and won't be getting that far back to the West.

[mnapuran]

I'm gonna see if I can make this one.... limited to 10 though :-(

If I go, I'd get back on my kids b-day... so we'll see.

[cv_rider]

Scott,

I'd like to sign up / register for this tour. I see from your post and tour site that the group is limited to 10. However, I don't see anything indicating how many or whom has registered to participate. Are any spaces still available? If yes, how many?

Are any of those currently registered riding or trailiering up from Dallas?

[Tourmeister]

:tab So far, I have ONE person that has actually paid. There are two more that say they are going and I have no reason to doubt them. So there are still seven slots available. I REALLY do need to know by Sept 14th as this is when I have to cancel outstanding hotel rooms. If I beg and plead, I might get another week from them, but with groups they usually hold to the 30 days.

[kocook]

Wish I could join you, but am committed to this:
http://www.harvestmoonregatta.com/

[STrider]

Wish I could join you, but am committed to this:
http://www.harvestmoonregatta.com/

Ok, Kent has an excuse. Everybody else, c'mon, make this happen!!!

(shameless bump)

[vfrhugh]

I'm in! My wife is going with me as a non rider. If anyone else's spouse goes along they will have someone to go shoping with.

[Tourmeister]

Okay so two paid ;-) We still need four more!

[cv_rider]

I'm in! Registered & paypal'd this morning.

[Tourmeister]

Okay, we now have 5 people. Hugh, is your friend coming? That would be all we need.

Attending:
STrider
CV_rider & wife
VFRHugh
Mhutch

[cv_rider]

Scott,

Unless you know something that I don't, my wife isn't coming on this trip. Perhaps you confused me with VFRHugh.

There must be at least one more that want's to go. Have they not seen those pics at the beginning of this thread?

I'm willing to split a room / cost with somebody as I registered for a single occupancy.

[vfrhugh]

Scott,
My buddy is still out of town so I haven't talked to him directly yet. It doesn't lood good though as he will be ariving in Houston the Thursday before the ride from Singapore. He will be in town for a couple of weeks starting this Saturday so I'll see if I can talk him into loading up before his next trip.
Hugh

[Tourmeister]

:tab Chuck, my bad, for some reason I had it in my head that you registered for both of you. So...

:tab We have four people paid and going... I will call the hotel tomorrow and see if they will let me extend the deadline a week or so. I really want to make this trip as it is an awesome time to be riding in that area, cool weather and the trees are beautiful.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Okay, we still have some time. I spoke with the hotel and they have agreed to let me go another two weeks before I have to release the unused rooms. So if anyone is interested, please let us know. We need two more people. Also, anyone from the Houston area that is going that may be interested in trailering up, please let me know. I still have a few spots left on my trailer and in the truck.

[Gilk51]

So, us procrastinators might still have a little time to decide? :rolleyes:

[Tourmeister]

Okay, so time is now running out. Do we have any more last minute takers?

[Latech70]

Wish I could go, but I've got a prior engagement that weekend. I love that area. I don't know if it's on the list of roads to ride or not, but Hwy 76 in southern MO that runs between Hwy 13 and 112 is a really nice stretch of road. The section from Cape Fair on to the west was just paved last year sometime, I think. Lots of curves with 30 - 40 mph ratings and fun little elevation changes. I absolutely loved it when I rode it in June of '04 when I was up that way for the ST.N National meet. :bigokay:

[Latech70]

Any off road stuff mapped?

Unfortunately, it's now sold out, but this would be a fun ride if you're looking for some off-road adventure:

http://www.ozarkdualsport.com/

BTW, thanks for pointing me over here to the Two Wheeled Texans, Hood Ornament. ;)

[Gilk51]

I want to verify some details since it might be a tight schedule on Friday night to link up but Susan and I would like to go.

I'll send you a PM.

Oh well, looks like we got the wrong impression about this ride. We'll wait for another time. Ya'll have fun.

[hcope1]

Scott


I booked a room. Now I'll be tracking the weather. She took my credit card for one of your rooms. Let me know if that's not OK. She also said I could cancel up to the 14th.

[STrider]

Hey TM, what's our status now?

[Tourmeister]

Updated List:

Buzz "Hcope1" if the weather is perfect :roll: - not Paid
STrider - Paid
CV_rider - Paid
VFRHugh - Paid
Mhutch - Paid
Soloman - Payment pending

So things are kind of hinging on our fairweather rider :-P

This reminds me, bring good wet and cold weather gear. In years past it has been absolutely beautiful and also wet and cold. You just never know this time of year. Either way, it is a blast.

[Soloman]

Scott, payment and paperwork sent today for both this one and the hill country ride. Hopefully I'll be able to use my heated jacket again, I thought once I left Michigan I wouldn't use it again. My mesh jacket and gerbring should take down into 40's, while my joe rocket, gerbring, and a long underwear shirt have taken me down into the mid 20's.

[leeroy]

Scott,
Check is in the mail.

[Tourmeister]

Hmmm... I seem to have this recurring issue with forgetting about you :scratch :nana

[Tourmeister]

Okay, so now that Leeroy has jarred my pathetic memory...

Here is the new list.

Buzz "Hcope1" if the weather is perfect - not Paid
STrider - Paid
CV_rider - Paid
VFRHugh - Paid
Leeroy - Payment pending
Mhutch - Paid
Soloman - Payment pending

So that gives us the six we need even if Buzz wusses out on us because of the weather ;-)

Now remind me who I am splitting a room with and who is coming on the trailer with me besides Leeroy? :confused:

[STrider]

mhutch & myself were both eyeing trailer spots.

[budzrex]

You guys will like the weather its getting nice never got out
of the 70's today and was 55 this morning

[vfrhugh]

I have one space on my trailer if anyone needs it. I’m leaving Baytown after work Thursday the 13th and spending the night in Nacogdoches. My youngest is attending SFASU there. I could meet someone in either place. Looking at my route, I will also be going through Marshall sometime Friday morning.

Hugh

[Tourmeister]

:tab Hugh and Chuck, when you get to the hotel and check in, just give them my name. They should not need a credit card or anything from you. We (Matt, Mike, Keith and myself) should be arriving around 5-6pm just in time for dinner.

[Soloman]

uh...I'll be arriving sometime after dinner. Most likely I'll be leaving sometime between 2-3:00 and should be arriving sometime around 11:00. That should be just in time for a midnight snack.

[cv_rider]

Thanks Scott. I plan to arrive between 5p - 6p too. If you leave for dinner before I get there, leave me a note with where you decided to go and time. I'll meet up with you there if I arrive in time.

[leeroy]

Do not worry Scott will call you in your room!

[Tourmeister]

Yeah, we'll be eating at the Taco Cabana too ;-)

[hcope1]

Scott,

It seems that the long range forecast says 71-74 degrees, sunny with a 10% chance of rain. While I'm still a little worried about that forecast for rain, I think I'm going to chance it. I still have to call and make sure the fall follage will be at it's peak, but assuming that will be the case, I plan to arrive in Mtn. Home around 1 PM. Can you tell me a short (100 -150 mile) loop from the hotel?

Do you want me to PayPal or just pay at the door?:confused:

Is 71 degrees too cold to ride??? My bones are getting more and more brittle ! I know. I'll sit on the bike in the garage with a couple of HUGE fans blowing on me and see it I can stand it.:bigokay:

[Tourmeister]

Think of it as a 90% chance of perfect weather ;-)

I'll get back to you on the loop and payment method.

If you're worried about being cold, just ride the big toaster :-P

[Tourmeister]

Here is the new list.

Buzz "Hcope1" if the weather is perfect - not Paid
STrider - Paid
CV_rider - Paid
VFRHugh - Paid
Leeroy - Paid
Mhutch - Paid
Soloman - Paid

Anyone want Garmin GPS files for the routes? I'll print out text descriptions of the routes and maps.

Keith, you must focus on not losing the guy in front of you :-P

[hcope1]

I want Garmin GPS files. I want printed directions. I want maps. And I wouldn't mind a "Tour On Tape" that I could listen to while riding in the rear with Keith!:bigokay:

[scratch]

I want Garmin GPS files. I want printed directions. I want maps. And I wouldn't mind a "Tour On Tape" that I could listen to while riding in the rear with Keith!:bigokay:
How 'bout having some Vestal Virgins go before you, strumming their lyres and casting rose petals in your path? Sheesh! :rofl

[Soloman]

Wow, I'd ride in the back to see that. Although I'm not sure how happy I'd be riding on a road covered in rose petals.

[hcope1]

How 'bout having some Vestal Virgins go before you, strumming their lyres and casting rose petals in your path? Sheesh! :rofl

Paul,

EXCELLENT IDEA!!! They probably wouldn't slow down my riding that much either.:sleep:

[Thermalser]

Keith, you must focus on not losing the guy in front of you :-P

That's right Keith, I wont be up there this time to gather up the lost sheep! :-P

[scratch]

That's right Keith, I wont be up there this time to gather up the lost sheep! :-P

- or fallen sheep. :oops: :-)

[leeroy]

Maybe Scott can remember I am on this tour long enough to give me a map this time.this is a tour not a rally.I expect to be pampered accordingly!Stop all this talk about sheep.I am from the country and it makes me miss my first girlfriend.

[leeroy]

Where are you at mnapuran? I was following you when I got lost.Step up and take the heat.

[vfrhugh]

Send the routes and text. I still use my old Garmin GPS III. If the route won't load I’ll just put it in Mapsource manually.


Here is the new list.

Buzz "Hcope1" if the weather is perfect - not Paid
STrider - Paid
CV_rider - Paid
VFRHugh - Paid
Leeroy - Paid
Mhutch - Paid
Soloman - Paid

Anyone want Garmin GPS files for the routes? I'll print out text descriptions of the routes and maps.

Keith, you must focus on not losing the guy in front of you :-P

[mnapuran]

Where are you at mnapuran? I was following you when I got lost.Step up and take the heat.

Huh? Me? How did I get pulled into this? Did I miss something? :shrug:

[Gilk51]

Huh? Me? How did I get pulled into this? Did I miss something? :shrug:
You must just look guilty... :roll:

[Tourmeister]

Okay, some last minute stuff:

:tab While I am sure the weather will be perfect since Buzz has decided to come, there is always the possiblity of it getting cold and/or wet.

:tab You will also want a clear visor. Given the shortness of the days now, there is always a good chance we will be caught out after dark or near dark on the tail end of the days' riding. Doing twisties in the dark while watching for deer and wearing a tinted visor is not a good idea ;-)

:tab For those of you coming up to my place on Thursday, don't eat before you get here. We'll go out and grab dinner after we get the bikes loaded. We don't want everyone bending over and grunting on full stomachs... :-|

:tab I fI think of anything else, I'll post it up here.

[vfrhugh]

That's what I'm talking about!!
http://home.houston.rr.com/howellext/arkansas.jpg

[Tourmeister]

Another thing:

Many of the gas stations in Arkansas and Missouri DO NOT take credit cards, so you will want to carry some cash just in case. Even those that do take cards, most don't have pay at the pump :roll:

[Gilk51]

Many of the gas stations in Arkansas and Missouri DO NOT take credit cards,
But they DO still take the beaver pelts in trade, right? :-P

[hcope1]

Okay, some last minute stuff:
.

Whoa there! I didn't see anything about cold and wet. And what's this riding after dark stuff? :shame:

[Soloman]

And what's this riding after dark stuff? :shame:

Well since you missed our Tuesday day and night ride in NC, we'll have to make up for it here. We didn't get back to Franklin until around 10. Taking 28 S from Highlands to Franklin the dark sure was fun.

[Tourmeister]

Well... if you don't lag too far behind, we should make it back before dark :nana

[Tourmeister]

Well, so I had thread in the story telling section with all my pictures, and I split out all the after trip posts made after we got back, then I merged them to make one new thread for all the reports... and then some how I !@#$% deleted the report thread with everyone's comments :headbang: Sorry. Now I have to repost all those pics :roll:

[Tourmeister]

And here is the new thread with pics and reports...

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5818