SwollenRaccoon
Well-known member
It started about three or four months ago. My co-worker and FJR rider, Jason, and I started talking motorcycles, which we only do when we're having a conversation. "We need to go to Arkansas and ride the Ozarks", says Jason. Being not particularly intelligent, I agreed. Planning commenced, and we invited our friend John (Johnnie, JJ) along on his V-Strom 1000. As far as riding capabilities, when the three of us go out to play, we all ride at virtually the same pace. Slow by some standards, fast by others. We have fun. Enough talk. You mouth-breathers want pictures.
Jason at our first stop, about 197 miles in, at Ames, Iowa.
OK, on to important matters. Kansas City, lunch at Arthur Bryant's. Never been there, but read about it, watched it on television multiple times, and dreamed about it. Pulled pork and sausage (BIG thanks to Jason on the sausage decision). Review? Pulled pork wasn't impressive in any way. Jason's burnt ends were great. The sausage was amazing. I know that I need to do the ribs, since I heard good things about those. The turkey looked good, as did the ham. Whatever I try next time, I WILL be getting the sausage, too. (We stopped there on the way home three days later. Ordered the sausage again. What a great decision.) Here ya go....food ****!
Sunday, rural Arkansas. I don't remember what road this was. Jason and JJ on a one-laned bridge.
Break time.
More food ****! The catfish at Cliff House. Mike, the owner, told us it was the best in Arkansas. Not having ever eaten catfish in Arkansas, I can't argue. I've had catfish in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and maybe a couple of other states, but this was the best I've had yet. Here's the goods. I'd already eaten half of it when I remembered to get the camera.
Here's Jason and JJ on the Cliff House viewing deck.
I've known these guys for quite a few years, and thousands of motorcycle miles. They'd fit right in here...it was like the swallows returning to San Juan Cappucino, or maybe somewhere not quite as sophisticated.
Two very disappointed riders. They were SO looking forward to a bath together.
The ride home Tuesday from Monett was brutal. Low to mid 90s. I was sweating like a whore in church. The only good thing was that we had a strong tailwind for most of the day. Jason said we were averaging around 43 mpg, doing between 80 and 85 mph. Pretty good for a loaded FJR, I guess. About 650 miles for the day, and a 4-day trip total of 1,940 miles. Time for a new rear PR2.
A very big thank you to all of you whom provided road and lodging input for our trip. You were all right on. I could try to provide added pretty words, but suffice to say that the riding was sensational. I won't divulge which roads we took, unless you decide to bribe me with Arthur Bryant's smoked sausage or Cliff House catfish. The pavement was smooth and clean, the weather was dry and warm, and most of the cagers stayed at home, or on other roads. We didn't have enough time to get further east, and try 160 between Doniphan and Alton, but we rode some of 160 further west, heading back to Monett. Interesting road, but a little too much traffic, and a few inconsiderate drivers.
All in all, a fantastic trip, and one I look forward to improving on next time I go there. :yahoo:
Jason at our first stop, about 197 miles in, at Ames, Iowa.
OK, on to important matters. Kansas City, lunch at Arthur Bryant's. Never been there, but read about it, watched it on television multiple times, and dreamed about it. Pulled pork and sausage (BIG thanks to Jason on the sausage decision). Review? Pulled pork wasn't impressive in any way. Jason's burnt ends were great. The sausage was amazing. I know that I need to do the ribs, since I heard good things about those. The turkey looked good, as did the ham. Whatever I try next time, I WILL be getting the sausage, too. (We stopped there on the way home three days later. Ordered the sausage again. What a great decision.) Here ya go....food ****!
Sunday, rural Arkansas. I don't remember what road this was. Jason and JJ on a one-laned bridge.
Break time.
More food ****! The catfish at Cliff House. Mike, the owner, told us it was the best in Arkansas. Not having ever eaten catfish in Arkansas, I can't argue. I've had catfish in Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and maybe a couple of other states, but this was the best I've had yet. Here's the goods. I'd already eaten half of it when I remembered to get the camera.
Here's Jason and JJ on the Cliff House viewing deck.
I've known these guys for quite a few years, and thousands of motorcycle miles. They'd fit right in here...it was like the swallows returning to San Juan Cappucino, or maybe somewhere not quite as sophisticated.
Two very disappointed riders. They were SO looking forward to a bath together.
The ride home Tuesday from Monett was brutal. Low to mid 90s. I was sweating like a whore in church. The only good thing was that we had a strong tailwind for most of the day. Jason said we were averaging around 43 mpg, doing between 80 and 85 mph. Pretty good for a loaded FJR, I guess. About 650 miles for the day, and a 4-day trip total of 1,940 miles. Time for a new rear PR2.
A very big thank you to all of you whom provided road and lodging input for our trip. You were all right on. I could try to provide added pretty words, but suffice to say that the riding was sensational. I won't divulge which roads we took, unless you decide to bribe me with Arthur Bryant's smoked sausage or Cliff House catfish. The pavement was smooth and clean, the weather was dry and warm, and most of the cagers stayed at home, or on other roads. We didn't have enough time to get further east, and try 160 between Doniphan and Alton, but we rode some of 160 further west, heading back to Monett. Interesting road, but a little too much traffic, and a few inconsiderate drivers.
All in all, a fantastic trip, and one I look forward to improving on next time I go there. :yahoo:
