Heading to Arkansas Oct 17-20th, Wanna come?

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

:tab Okay, I need two more people that want to spend a weekend in Arkansas and Southern Missouri. We will leave from Huntsville Friday morning of the 17th. Ride two full days in Arkansas and Missouri, then return on Monday the 20th. Right now there are two of us planning to go. I we get two more, I can trailer four bikes up to Hot Springs. We'll then ride up to Ava, Missouri to stay with a fellow VFR rider for Fri/Sat/Sun nights. We'll ride back to Hot Springs on Monday, load the bikes and head home in the truck. Your expenses will be food, splitting the diesel, and your bike gas. Lodging is free (although we'll by our bud dinner no doubt!).

:tab Anyone... Anyone...?

Adios,

[buck000]

Good lord, you keep doing this, and you'll have to rename the site to twark.com :)

I'd LOVE to go, but I think I'm gonna get re-employed by the 6th, yay.

[Tourmeister]

Good lord, you keep doing this, and you'll have to rename the site to twark.com

:lol:

Well... If Texas had roads as incredible as Arkansas's then we'd be in business! At least this time we will be heading into Missouri!

Adios,

[leadwolf]

OK...Here's the deal. I might not be able to make the Hill Country Ride after all; however, I may be able to make this ride. Obviously, we would be staying at Garrel's house up north. Who is signed up to go?

If I can make this one, I may just ride up to Hotsprings and meet you guys. Are you spending the night in Hot Springs or are you going to hop on the bike immediately and head out?

Later,
http://www.firstdayhome.com/larrysig.jpg
Grapevine, TX

[Tourmeister]

Hey Larry,

:tab Don't sweat the Hill Country ride. What I am thinking is that we may just trailer the whole way. That way you can get in some good napping ;-) Just don't forget to bring a pillow this time :-P Seriously, the drive will be about 12-13 hrs if we come through Dallas on I-45 to I-30, and that does not include coming over to your side of the metromess to get you. I don't know that I can get away Thursday evening and come up to your place like last week, but that would be better. Still makes for one heck of a long drive on the way back though :-| I am waiting to hear back from another friend in Arlington and he has a trailer. If he goes, the two of you might be able to ride up together. There is also the possibility that we could hook up in Texarkana, load you onto the trailer and then keep going.

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

:tab Well, if you decide to go with us Larry, we have four people. My friend Bill from Arlington is a go. I will check with him to see if he wants to trailer up on his own or meet up with us. Personally, I'd like to have four people and bikes in the truck and trailer to spread out the cost of the diesel. As you know from last weekend's trip, the diesel can get expensive. For this trip, it is likely to be the largest expense. Garrell is arranging for food for each night, drinks, and air mattresses. More details to follow as things form up.

Adios,

[leadwolf]

Thanks Scott. I won't bother you guys with picking me up this time as I felt bad for you having to go out of your way on the way home. I am probably going to borrow a neighbor's trailer and just meet you guys in Ava. This will save you about 3 to 4 hours of drive time. I'll let you know as time gets closer.

If I make this trip, then I sure won't make the Hill Country Ride. If that happens, just keep what I owe you from the last trip (plus PayPal fee) and either PayPal me the rest back or just pay me cash next time we meet.

Later,
http://www.firstdayhome.com/larrysig.jpg

[Tourmeister]

Hey Larry,

:tab Did you get the info I sent about Bill Joye? He has a trailer and is willing to take you along.

Adios,

[leadwolf]

Got the info and will call him Monday to work out the details. Thanks for hooking us up.

Larry Johnson

[leadwolf]

Tourmeister,

I called Bill and we will be hooking up and trailering to Hot Springs Thursday night. We will spend the night and ride up to Ava Friday morning. Monday, we'll ride back to Hotsprings and trailer home.

Thanks for getting us together. I was going to borrow a trailer and trailer all 531 miles to Ava. This is much better.

BTW...just ordered a new Pilot Road for the rear. I'll be good to go once I get up there.

Larry Johnson

[Tourmeister]

Awesome Larry! I just confirmed that Doug Smith will be going with us. He's the guy with the red/white painted Vtec on the VFRDiscussion.com site. I know you have seen it! Amazing paint job!! He'll be trailering up with us. Now I just need one more person and we are set, hehe.

[FotoMoto]

Do you mean this bike? :-D
http://community.webshots.com/photo/82969663/82970223JVMpiI

What do you think the temps will be like? Altitudes? This south texas boy has got to prepare!

[Tourmeister]

:tab Ah yes... that would be the one I was thinking of ;-) I'm guessing cold to mildly cool. It has been in the low 60's here in the mornings and maybe mid 70's during the day. The trip is still two weeks away low fifties during the day would not be a surprise. I will be taking my cold weather stuff just to be safe. I hate being cold.

Adios,

[VFRinAustin]

Do you mean this bike? :-D
http://community.webshots.com/photo/82969663/82970223JVMpiI

What do you think the temps will be like? Altitudes? This south texas boy has got to prepare!

8) Ive seen that viffer online, man would I love to see it in the flesh. Sounds like you guys are going to be having a great ride. I would love to join in but am going to Ireland next week on business and need to come home and spend some q-time with the wife when I get back.

Have a few on me though would ya boys :chug: (I will in have a few pints of the mud in Dublin)

[inigo montoya]

Hey guys, man that sounds like a blast. Would really love to get out of town. My wife was not terribly receptive to the idea last night, but begging and pleading might work. Is the spot still open? Commuting on the bike is starting to show on the tires, but there is still plenty of tread left on the sides! Maybe I can get rid of these chicken strips.

[Tourmeister]

Howdy!

:tab There is still one slot open. If the center of your tires are anywhere near the wear bars, you may want to replace them before going. We had two different bikes on the last trip that had tire issues because we were trying to get more miles out of them. The same thing occured on a trip in early June with another rider. The twisties there are quite different than the ones here and they demand a lot more out of a tire.

:tab Beg... you won't regret it ;-)

Adios,

[leadwolf]

I'll concur with Scott on the tire issue. I knew I had plenty of tire left, but was amazed at how fast it disappeared in the twisties. I was the lucky recepient of a newly used front tire thanks to Scott after only our first day of riding. I will guess that I could have gotten another 1k miles out of the front here in TX. It was toast after around 150-175 miles.

I am putting on new tires for this trip. I will not be denied lean angles due to my ignorance again.

See you guys soon.

Larry Johnson

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately I think it is a bust for me. My wife has some school function, early xmas party type thing that she won't let me out of. I actually have some flexibility at work right now so maybe next time. I'm kind bummed have never been to that area and really need to get out of boring, flat Houston for a while.

[Tourmeister]

Was that last poster Inigo? If so, bummer to hear it dude. Totally understand though.

[inigo montoya]

Yes, that was me. I sneak on at work sometimes...ssshh don't tell. I hope to catch ya'll on the next one.

[FotoMoto]

I'll concur with Scott on the tire issue. I knew I had plenty of tire left, but was amazed at how fast it disappeared in the twisties.


OK, you guys got me concerned enough that I just ordered a new 208 front (back 220 has about 1k on it) with expedited shipping. I was hoping to wear them out together (2nd rear) but I also have to factor in an additional 600+ mile roundtrip interstate drone to Huntsville.

On my last trip, the final 800 miles or so was on a shagged rear starting to show cords; NOT fun.

[Tourmeister]

Howdy,

I have laid out some suggested routes for this coming weekend. Take a look. Comments welcome.

Proposed Routes (http://www.backroadmotorcycletours.com/TRIPS/ARKMO-101703/routes.htm)

Adios,

[FotoMoto]

I hope I'm not jinxing this but man the weather forecasts are looking really, really good for the whole thing. Should I really tempt fate and not pack rain gear? <jk>

[Tourmeister]

GOOD GRIEF!!!

:tab Never mention the possibility of good weather!! Always moan about how bad it looks like it will be ;-) Plan for the worst. The trees will suck, the dogs will be playing in the roads, the squirrels will be suicidal, blah blah blah... hehe...

Adios,

[irondawg]

Are you sure you want to say there's going to be bad weather. I recall a comment I made, 'If I gotta put the rain gear on it better rain!' And we got soaked for 2 or 3 hours.

[FotoMoto]

OK then,

I've heard that all the roads have been torn up for resurfacing AND there is a national convention of highway patrol meeting there who are holding a working seminar titled "Efficient speed traps and how to use them". :-)

[Tourmeister]

Thank goodness!! All the LEO will be at the convention!! :twisted:

[FotoMoto]

Well the karma is high as everything seems to be coming together.

My new front arrived this morning after I ordered it friday afternoon from: http://www.dmtaonline.com/ only $10 more with express shipping. Thumbs up! I should have it mounted tomorrow afternoon and break it in on the way to huntsville thursday.

Since I now might be able to leave earlier, do you have any suggestions for a more "pleasant" route to your casa besides the **** houston metro?

[Tourmeister]

Do you have all day to waste getting here?

[FotoMoto]

Probably just the afternoon, not looking for a mini-tour just something fun and non-interstate to bypass houston.

[Tourmeister]

:tab Let me work on it and I'll get something posted up tonight. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of fun stuff West of Houston that runs in the North/South directions. Once you reach the
Northwest area, it gets a little better.

Adios,

[Tourmeister]

Howdy Doug,

:tab Okay. In the interest of balancing some fun roads with making time as well, here is a route I think you would enjoy.

US 77 North to LaGrange
Hwy 159 East to Fayetteville
FM 1291 East to FM 109
FM 109 North to New Ulm
FM 1094 East to FM 949
FM 949 East (left) to FM 2429
FM 2429 North to Hwy 36
Hwy 36 North to Bellville
FM 1456 North to FM 1371
FM 1371 North to US 290
US 290 West to FM 1155 at Chappell Hill
FM 1155 North to Hwy 105
Hwy 105 East through Navasota
:tab Go straight under Hwy 6 and 105 becomes Hwy 90 to Anderson
At Anderson FM 2819 East
:tab Big left turn in town, this peels off on right at start of turn
:tab across from gas station on the left.
FM 2819 East (Stay left at "Y") to FM 1486
FM 1486 North to FM 149 at Richards
:tab Go right on FM 149, watch for sharp left, then sharp right over tracks
FM 149 East to FM 1791
:tab If you have time, run FM 149 down to Montgomery and then come
:tab back up to FM 1791, it's a really nice road, freshly paved. Watch
:tab your speed in Montgomery!
FM 1791 North to Hwy 30
Hwy 30 East into Huntsville

:tab At first light on edge of town, Post office will be on your left, go right at the light (Vet Memorial Blvd.) behind the shopping mall, go to second stop sign and turn left. Go over big hill and cross over I-45 on over pass to flashing red light. Go straight, this is Ave. S. It immediately bends left. Go through one stop sign a few blocks up. You'll then start heading down hill. At bottom of hill, few hundred yards or so, turn right on 20th street. WATCH FOR LOOSE GRAVEL!! We are up on the left about one hundred feet with FOR SALE sign in yard.

1922 20th St.
Huntsville, Tx. 77340

Park in the road and make sure your bike has its' weight on the kickstand! If you get here before 5:00pm, call me at work at 800-887-1258. Takes me about 15 minutes to get home. Buss me if you have questions.

Adios,

[FotoMoto]

The list of "honey-do's" was longer than anticipated so I'll be heading out right after lunch. Thanks for the excursion suggestions, it will take me through an area near and dear to my childhood. See you guys this evening. If you need me, call my cell and leave a voice mail as I'll try to check it at all gas stops.

[Tourmeister]

Do we have your cell number?

Adios,

[FotoMoto]

FM 1291 East to FM 109

I really like 1291 has it had several tight left/right combo's. I rode it again twice on my return trip. I only have the occasional high speed sweeper here so "tight" stuff is a lot of fun for me.

[FotoMoto]

A quick tour report via pictures of our Arkansas/Missouri ride can be seen here:

http://community.webshots.com/user/wdsmithtamuk

All's I can say is: "you guys missed out!".

[FotoMoto]

DVD's are being burned as I speak. Email me your addresses.