2.5 out of 3 ain't bad...

[hppants]

I recently had a hoot with around 15 others in the Ozark Mountains. My good friend Loki and I planned to make this trip, and on a whim, we started a thread on the Nighthawk Forum to see if anyone else was interested. To our pleasant surprise, the offer was very well received as we were represented by friends from Michigan, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Indiana. I extended the invite to a couple of my local ST1300 riding friends, and before you can say “HEE HAW!!”, we’ve got ourselves a bonified rally!
An Arkansas Ozark motorcycle camping adventure is starting to be a regular “Spring Thing” for me. And who could blame me? It’s got the Biker’s Triology – Good Riding, Good Food, and Good Weather.
Well…. 2 and a ½ out of 3 ain’t that bad.
The weather had its ups and downs. Friday and Saturday, the weather was pretty rotten, but we still managed to enjoy it. A couple of us coming in from horrendous thunderstorms decided to turn back. Disappointed, we understood their rationale and pledged to catch up with them another time. By Sunday morning though, it turned gorgeous and everyone was real glad they decided to stick it out. For the most part it was mid 40’s in the morning, warming up to the 70s during the day, with tolerable winds.
All told it was about 1900 miles over 6 days for me and my south Louisiana friends. As I get more experienced with motorcycle camping, I’ve learned not to over plan things. Rather, its much better to save some room for unannounced adventure. It’s hard to explain, but for a planner like me, the unknowing is very stimulating. I find myself getting excited about what’s ahead, even though I have no clue what that might be. For me, motorcycle zen is a very real thing.
I hope you enjoy the pics.

Day 1 – Thursday
In typical fashion, the real world got the message that I was leaving a tad late. A “can’t miss” meeting was scheduled for 9:00 am, so I rode the bike packed to work and immediately upon the conclusion of that meeting, I declared “OUT” and rode to the usual gas station that Mike and I meet at. The plan is to meet John along the way, and Loki at the campground.
She’s ready to go….

Cheap, but we ain’t worried ‘bout no stinkin gas prices now!

Mike’s always on time and ready to go - 97,000 miles on this ’04 ST1300

We hit the I-10 slab for about 40 miles and soon, we are on the backroads. We stopped at the Poute Coupee Parish Museum at False River to look around.
https://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/louisiana/ptc.htm
False River is a sealed oxbow of the Mississippi River – water looks nice this morning.

It’s way before lunch time, but what the hell, we are on vacation.

You say Honda, I say Yamaha!

Back on the road, we crossed the river at St. Francisville and start wandering generally northeast. We end up in the map dot town of Bude, MS at lunch time. Mike’s method for restaurants is very simple, yet very effective – go to the center of the town and look for the most cars/trucks. Eat there. Here’s where that ended for today:

Pretty good…

After lunch, we road a short distance to Meadville, MS; where we are supposed to meet John. Take us to the promised land, oh fearless leader!

Uh Pants…. this ride report stuff is kind of cool, but watch where you are going, man.

For whatever reason, John called and decided to ride straight to the campsite. So we’ll just catch up with him later. For us, the day’s still young, so why not enjoy it? I can’t remember where this is, but I thought the courthouse looked different.

We continue generally north to the town of Port Gibson, MS – known as “The Town Too Beautiful To Burn”, a phrase coined from the Civil War days.

Seems our tour guide has an important point to make….

Oops – my bad. He’s just mimicking the local religious establishment.

Unusual steeple …

Now heading toward the Natchez Trace, we are enjoying this beautiful Spring day.

We decided to spend the first night at the Rocky Springs campsite on mile post 54 of the trace.
https://www.nps.gov/natt/rocky-springs-trail.htm
As previously mentioned, John is already there and he’s made a new friend – George.

Seems George has been traveling on his bicycle for almost a month and over 2000 miles. A retired school teacher, George started in Albuquerque, NM. John and George met at the beer store and he decided to camp with us. Well – George needed someone to carry his beer and I guess he killed 2 birds with 1 stone. No worries – it’s all good! We setup camp and Mike decided to stretch his legs around the campground…

…while I got dinner going. Ya’ll should know by now with Pants, we ain’t gonna go hungry.

 

[hppants]

Loki showed up right on time for dinner. After we ate, around the campfire, we were treated to some great story telling, folklore, and of course, the pre-requisite adult beverages. George noted that he thought 25 plus days into his trip, this was his best night so far! That guy was a lot of fun.

Then it was off to bed. Pretty cool start for the trip.

Day 2 – Friday

As usual, the bird wake me up and while the light is dim, I walked around to take a few pictures.

We got the go-go juice started.

And we feasted on Loki’s famous camp eggs!

George took off on his solitary adventure while we packed up the bikes…

… and then hit the paved trail. I have no clue what roads we were riding. Mike was leading and I trusted that he either knew where he was going, or was going to fake it proper. But the riding was good fun none the less. Hang tight my friend, the twisties are forthcoming…

John seems to be happier than a pig in slop!

We are not in the swamp anymore!

At one point, Mike lead us a little too far off the beaten path, so we doubled back around. I could care less – it’s all good and I’m having a blast.

Planned or otherwise, Mike lead us to this place.

https://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipvertypt.aspx

I’ve always wanted to visit this place, which is the largest pre-historic settlement in North America.

I didn’t realize that John is quite knowledgeable of indigenous people, as he told us some interesting things.

We looked around the museum a little while.

There was some amazing artifacts there.

Then we decided to ride over to Mound A, a ceremonial site, and walk around.

(John) “Now Mike, if you feather the clutch just right, you can wheelie an ST1300.”
(Mike) “I’ll just have to take your word for it…”

We’ve decided that this will be our band’s “Album Shot”. Unanimously elected, Loki is going to be our drummer.

We gassed up and continued north into Arkansas, where the clouds started getting much darker. We took a quick look at the radar and decided to stop for lunch. We’ll have fried chicken, please. And throw in a side of fried corn too. Next week, we can worry about our health.

After lunch, we managed to dodge most of the rain around us. Everyone packed appropriate gear, and even though the roads were soggy, all of us were dry. I don’t like riding in the rain, but I was very content to just enjoy the day.

Late in the afternoon, we arrived at Home Sweet Home

https://www.harrisonvillagervpark.com/

 

[hppants]

This is not my typical preferred campground. It’s right on a busy highway just on the outskirts of Harrison, Arkansas. However, the management was very accommodating; it had clean restrooms and bath house, laundry, wi-fi, etc. Even though I prefer much more primitive accommodations, I picked this place to rally because I didn’t want the others to be disappointed in the facilities.

So under the sprinkle, we setup camp and a tarp over the picnic table to settle in. Some had already arrived, while still others were trickling in.

The weather was pretty crappy to cook outside, so instead most of us rode to this place, which was suggested.

CJBear is caught stuffing his face. Wow – shocker.

While we were eating, our friends from Michigan that trailered down brought these two huge tents. We used 1 as a garage and the other as a picnic area. It was great.

Since it was kind of wet, I didn’t take any pictures of the Friday night festivities, but we enjoyed each other’s company under the gazebo, before turning in to the pitter patter of the drizzle on our tents roofs.

Day 3 – Saturday.

Many of us had a rough night. The rain got real strong about 3:00 am and I was awoken by the lightening and it was about 3:30 when I realized that I forgot to run additional tethers on my rain fly. The rain lightened for about 10 minute, which was just enough time for me to make an emergency repair.

Still yet – others had it much worse. Designflaw’s “Papa Bear, Momma Bear, and Baby Bear” setup leaked like a sieve and I’m told he slept in the laundry room.

However our spirits were not broken and we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of eggs, bagels, and coffee while keeping our eye on the weather.

That was followed by lunch….

After lunch, it was apparent that the rain was not going to stop, so many of us decided to ride anyway. Here’s a shot of Designflaw’s ’06 FJR with a wicked stripe kit on it.

We gassed up at this station with a very provacative name…

And for better or worse, we hit the twisties. I gotta admit that I’ve had better rides. I can’t help it – ever since I fell on wet pavement some time ago, I’m paranoid about riding twisties in the rain. I feel like I’m on ice skates. None the less, I’m going slow, but I’m going anyway.

Loki and CJBear would care less – they are ripping those roads very well.

We took Hwy 74 generally west to the Boxley vally, where Elk are often sited.

We didn’t spot any, so we turned north on Hwy23 (aka “The Pig Trail”) to Eureka Springs, and then continued north to Hwy 187, where we found this neat suspension bridge. Hang on guys – I’m coming!

This thing bounced and creeked as we crossed it.

From there, we rode hwy 62 back to Harrison, where in route to the campground, we made 1 important stop.

The rain had lightened up, and I cooked some hamburgers for a few of us that evening, while the others went out for steak. After dinner, more camaraderie.

Apparently, Nick was told that he may only have 1 drink…

I hit my tequila stash pretty hard and from the looks of everyone else, suffice it to say … there was no pain. Another good day.

Day 4 – Sunday
Much better night all around. Despite at least 10 stakes holding it down, for some reason, my tent was spinning for quite a while. None the less, the rain has now stopped, and after breakfast and coffee, the first order of business is a group photo. Designflaw had t-shirts made for us, and while this picture looks pretty good….

…I like this one much better.

After the photo, it was time to ride. Today’s goal – PIE!!!! We agree to split into a fast group and a slow group. Each group will take the same route and we hope to meet at the same place for lunch. It worked out perfectly. We found each other along the route and enjoyed the day together. The faster riders got to hang it out without worrying about being held up. And the slower riders got to enjoy their own pace as well.

Pants could have went either way, but since the weather was absolutely perfect, I chose the fast group. We stopped at this Buffalo River crossing at Hasty.

Then we got on Hwy 123 heading south, which is arguably the best m/c road in the Ozarks. I was riding like a bat out of hell trying to keep up with Loki and CjBear on their much lighter nighthawks. What a freaking blast!!

Mike – you ain’t getting too old for this, buddy!

 

[hppants]

Along the way we caught up with the other group.

And we kept leapfrogging each other as we enjoyed our own ride. It was really good.
The views are not disappointing either – this is a day that dreams are made of.
….from the bridge crossing at Haw Crreek.

If you can’t get into this, sell the bike - period.

We pulled into Haw Creek Falls and stopped. Loki and I camped here last Fall, but there was no water crossing the entrance road at that time. Regardless, that didn’t stop my fearless friend.

Who knew the nighthawk makes a decent dual sport?

CjBear decided to give it a go.

Even Halcon traversed the creek on his 700s.

Shortly thereafter, we rolled into Clarksville, turned north, and found the Oark General Store. Mike, Loki, and I have been here several times and the food is most excellent.

While waiting on our food, Mike danced with a milk jug.

Good ole southern cooking – can’t beat it!

But the real treat at the Oark Store is – PIE!!! Way to go Jennifer – ice cream does it right.

Someone chose the oatmeal pie.

For Pants, Blueberry was the right choice.

Now maybe you won’t ride 250 miles for a piece of pie, but I argue… hey… don’t knock it until you try it!

After lunch, we geared up and did more of this.

And a whole crap load of this!

I don’t know – we went North, then East, then South….

In the Ozarks, it’s all good.

Sunday was a riding day that I’ll not soon forget. We had the triology, and we knew it.

Sunday night we went to the steak house as a group to sip a few brews and reminisce about our great adventure. Then it was back to the campground for more lies and solutions to the world’s problems.

I’m in it now. I’ve found my zen. The real world can suck it, baby.

Day 5 – Monday.
Everyone has a different agenda. Loki and John will burn it home separately in totally different directions, but in an amazing coincidence, will find each other at some gas station along the way. The Michigan, Kentucky, and Missouri gangs will head home too.

Mike and I decided that this was too much fun to ride 600 miles home. So we call the office and tell them we won’t be in until Wednesday. So we load up the bikes and start heading South. Our first stop is here:

https://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/hiking/trail-detail.aspx?trail_id=113&type=H

I’ve been eating for 4 days straight and a little walk in the wood is just what Pants needs.

So we pack some horse food and start walking.

Very soon, we spot the natural bridge and start exploring.

We continue on the trail to a rolling creek.

We found a bunch of small holes in the rock to explore as well.

What a fun trail.

We walked the rest of the trail, taking wonder at the beautiful sights.

After the hike, we continue south on Hwy 16 and 7 back to Clarksville (great riding).

Then we crossed the interstate, stopped in Paris, AR for lunch, and then ran up Mount Magazine to cool off. Up here, some of the trees haven’t even budded yet
.

I was wondering when Mike was gonna break out the signature pose!

What a great trip.

Now it’s getting well into the afternoon, so we ride a bit more direct as we are planning to stay at Lake DeGrey State Park:

https://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/camping/state-parks/detail.aspx?park=19

But we find the campground too “RV-ish”, so while trying to re-group, we stopped at the liquor store. There, we asked the clerk for some help, and he suggested we try the Iron Mountain ACOE campground:

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/Iron_Mountain/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73222

It was fantastic – hot shower and we have the entire campground to ourselves. By then, it’s getting late, so we pitched our tents.

We spoked a few deer on the way into the campground and for Pants, that’s where I usually draw the line. So we decided to eat whatever we had with us.

And we called it an early night.

Day 6 – Tuesday

Today is my last day. I can’t complain – shoot, in two weeks, I ride to the Great Smokey Mountains to tame The Dragon for the 4th year in a row. I wish I could do this full time, but not yet, so we pack up and return to the real world. As we pull out relatively early, Lake DeGrey is very peaceful

I didn’t take another picture. The last 300 miles home were pretty uneventful, as I spent much of the day dreaming about my latest adventure, and the friends I met both old and new.

I can’t tell you how blessed and thankful I am to have an opportunity to do this. I do realize that many people live their whole lives and never get to see anything. Friends, if you are reading this wondering how you might pull this kind of adventure off – trust me, you can. Just buy a tent, load the bike, and go find yourself. I promise you won’t regret it.

I am not dreaming about my life.

I am living my dreams….

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Wonderful pictures and report!!

Thanks!!

 

[Full House]

Wow what a great ride, almost seemed like I was there with you, great pictures and write up!

 

[Johnny_dk]

Thanks for the great write up, marvelois foto's and i will be on those kind of roads and vacation when i is coming to amerika..Thanks a lot

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Very good Pants. I obviously wish I could have been there, but working for a living is kind of a priority right now. I appreciate the pics and am happy to see Mike and John both having a good time.

 

[majicmaker]

Awesome!

 

[Fontanaman]

Great report and photos. Thanks for sharing. Say what you will about those ST1300's but their reliability is first rate. My buddy has as 2003 with 130k miles without problems, less a rear wheel bearing about 20k miles ago.

 

[escapefjrtist]

You weave a great tale 'pants...thanks for taking us along.

--G

 

[Hudson]

Nice pix and stories.

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

Looks like a terrific time was had by all!!!

 

[TripperMike]

Wow what a great outing. Thanks for sharing with us Pants.

 

[kolonial72]

Pants, that report was very enjoyable. My favorite part was the quote, "If you can’t get into this, sell the bike - period." Hope you don't mind if I use that.

 

[hppants]

Thank you for reading my report:

Johnny_DK - by all means, include the southeast in your plans to tour our country. Be forewarned though - from June to September, it can be a scorcher.

R/H - would have been nice to have you with us. Just get a tent and a bag and come with us, and bring your dad for heaven's sake! My 2-part guarantee still stands... we will eat like Kings and we will find adventure.... or your money back.... guaranteed!

Fontanaman - I totally concur. I poke a bit at Mike, John, and R/H for riding their hippos, but in all seriousness, I really like the ST1300 and freely admit that there are some parts of that bike I like better than mine.

Kolonial - My sarcastic and cheeky quips are public domain. I'm sure you will get what you paid for.....

Stay thirsty, my friends....

 

[dcarver]

Nice! Shows to go fun is where you find it.

You coulda given up when it started raining.

or saw deer.

or smelled hppants farts.

But you didn't and had a GREAT time, yes?

wooHoo!