Arkansas - Trip Report

[TX Repsol]

Squidracer and I just returned from another trip to Arkansas - our riding group plans a trip each year, usually on Memorial Day weekend.

This year was a pleasantly small group: six people and five bikes. Bikes included two '07 Repsols (squid and myself), a 600RR, a Kawi 600, and an Aprilia Falco.

Travel accommodations were rather luxurious this year as well. We had two Dodge MegaCab ¾ ton diesels, each sporting in dash DVD players. Needless to say, there weren’t any “are we there yet?” thrown around. Plus, Squidracer's got a nice car hauler to which we mounted eye-bolts and wheel chocks to comfortably carry 4 bikes...

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We tried the hotel thing once and vowed to never do it again. The next year we rented a house for the weekend. That was perfect, but the landlord is no longer renting the house. After that, we discovered the plethora of cabins available for rent in the area.

After trying another place, we found Lookout Mountain Cabins... what a great place!! Lookout Mountain Cabins (http://www.ozarkcabins.com/lmlogcabins/) They have a few nice log cabins complete with kitchens, lots of beds, and a front porches with great views (plus direct access to Hwy 7).

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Breakfast each morning finds us at a small diner a mile or so up the road. This diner literally hangs out over a rather large valley, providing some great views during breakfast. It’s also where we plan the ride for the first half of the day…

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[TX Repsol]

As far as the actual riding goes, it’s hard to find a road in the area that’s less than amazing. After 5 or 6 trips, we definitely have our favorites, but we almost always find one or two new roads each trip. Look at the map below, our favorites are 7, 74, 43, 23, 16, 21, 123, 374, 164, 103 and 215. There are probably others that we ride, but I just included my favorites from memory.

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The roads are impeccable – the pavement’s in great shape. Almost zero imperfections and virtually no potholes. They know how to build ‘em in the mountains! There are almost no significant straight-a-ways. If you’re looking to ride long distance wheelies, this is not the place for you. There were two significant straights where I finally got to stretch the Repsols legs… this thing’s fast! I pegged the throttle for a little bit… looked down and saw 165 as the corner approached and braking began. Damn I love this bike!

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[TX Repsol]

Not only are the roads top-notch, the scenery is actually pretty nice too. We really didn’t see much of it the first two years – we were too busy riding as fast as possible. Since those first trips, we’ve matured a tiny little bit and slowed the speeds to a less mind-blurring pace and actually get a chance to see some of the sights.

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[TX Repsol]

And we’re not the first to discover the area – everywhere you go, you’ll see other bikers. There were abundantly more cruisers than sportbikes; but lo and behold, there was another Repsol roaming the area. We pulled into the gas station in Jasper and there sat an ’05 Repsol. Our friends poked fun at us because we saw another “limited edition” bike, but it was neat to see someone else not afraid to tear it up on the Repsol.

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Well, that's all I've got. I hope some of you are able to make the trip some day - it's actually a great ride. All in all, I spent roughly $230 for the entire trip. That included gas, lodging, food, everything needed for a 3 day riding trip. Not too bad!

Just don't go rent our cabin on Memorial Day weekend!!! :evilgrin:

[TX Repsol]

Geez... all that work and not one single reply.... :sleep::sleep::sleep:


EDIT: Post #250!! Now I'm a real member... no more junior member! Finally, I belong somewhere...

[cowboyadam]

Yeah, Im super jealous, no joke. The roads in IL suck:( and I dont really have the time or the money to go on a trip like this right now, someday....

I would love to get out and ride in some areas like this. It looks like you had a great time. Great job on the post too, Ive been lookin for places to go to ride when I have the time and this helps a lot.

[hondapowered]

Wow thanks for all the info!!!! that was a gorgeous looking ride and the scenary was good too.....:D I hope I can make it out sometime that small cabins and the big mountains with the sharp cliff reminded me of the 3 brothers moutains in rolling river village Jamaica, wow i need a vacation well back to garage cleaning Thanks again for all the nice pics ;)

[TX Repsol]

Yeah, Im super jealous, no joke. The roads in IL suck:( and I don't really have the time or the money to go on a trip like this right now, someday....

The roads in north Texas suck as well, hence the yearly trip to Arkansas. Notice that we only spent roughly $230 each... not too bad really.

[cowboyadam]

The roads in north Texas suck as well, hence the yearly trip to Arkansas. Notice that we only spent roughly $230 each... not too bad really.

It wouldnt be too bad if I could find some people to go with. Not too many sportbikes up here and the ones that are might as well be in the ocean, too many squids. Not really many people that ride these things for what theyre made to do. Just yuppy punks that think doing a wheelie is the coolest thing in the world. lol.

[TX Repsol]

Just yuppy punks that think doing a wheelie is the coolest thing in the world. lol.

Wheelies ARE the coolest thing in the world... well, other than the Repsol, that is. Well, and Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris invented the wheelie.

It wouldnt be too bad if I could find some people to go with.

Sounds like a potential Repsol Forum ride... :D:D

[cowboyadam]

Wheelies ARE the coolest thing in the world... well, other than the Repsol, that is. Well, and Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris invented the wheelie.



Sounds like a potential Repsol Forum ride... :D:D

That sound like a good idea. We would have to get Chuck Norris to come too. You and Chuck could help me with my wheelie skills. :D