Arkansas byways.

Here's hoping someone can help me out a bit.

Some background: My step-son is 40-ish and rides a H-D Street Glide. We just came back from a group ride of H-D bikes, and my VFR, last weekend down around Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Don't ask. I've got my 1986 FJ1200 running and licensed, so I'm going to let him ride it down south. My wife, Peggy, and I will be hauling the bikes down to Table Rock Lake in our toyhauler and staying there. Steve (step-son) and I are planning to head southeast to Mountain View and ride the roads in the area. The idea is to show him how much more fun a sport-type bike is on the roads down there. He loves corners, unlike most of the group he rides with, so I'd really like to show him a great time.

I've been down south quite a few times, but I'm sure I've missed some real have-to-ride roads. I planned out a 200 mile ride down to Mountain View using my Butler map of the Ozarks. I was just wondering if some of you natives could point out some of the best roads in the area. I know about Push Mountain road, the Pig Trail, the roads up around the Bull Shoals ferry, but some insider information would be great.

Sorry this is so long, but an explanation seemed in order. Thanks for any and all information you can forward. I use Basecamp so if some of you have Garmin maps, that would be super.

 

7 South of Harrison until you get to Jasper is superb.

123 through Mt. Judea is about as good as it gets. 103 North from Clarksville is scenic as well with a couple of uphill switchbacks.

If you go map searching for twisty roads you will find alot, but alot have poor surfaces. Like a lot of 16. Arkansas likes to chip-n-seal.

But those couple are fine, and the travel between them scenic, but be careful of loose gravel on some of them.

 

+1 what Nobody said

 

Thanks. So I should go south on 123 through Mt. Judea rather than south on Hiway 7 from Jasper?

I found Clarksville and 103. Sometimes it's just hard to tell what is paved and what is gravel. I've ended up on gravel a time or two inadvertently. Not such a big deal, but not as much fun as pavement. I know what you mean about chip-and-seal, Missouri loves it too.

 

Oh yeah, I'm from Missouri as well. Sedalia area. We always used to joke about Missouri roads on how they were the worst in the country.

7 south of Jasper is scenic, but not technical. More of a leisurely ride. It is scenic, but no more than other roads nearby.

You really can't go wrong with anything really.

But 123 blows my mind. Can't wait for the VFRD ride there in a month.

 

What do you think of this route for a long day ride: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?authuser=0&authuser=0&hl=en&hl=en&mid=zkwnGnKVplc4.kUDf2X5M9IGE

 

south of Ozark is Mount Magazine also a fun ride somewhat more relaxed.

 

Oh crap forgot to comment on the map, yeah looks good. You hit all the nice roads. Have fun!

 

Thanks, now to get the Yamaha running well.

 

A few weeks back - This Texan (San Antonio) had the pleasure of a 7 day trip thru the Ozarks. Started from the Oklahoma side of Talimena, making our way east towards south Harrison, spending 3 days at The Hub. Thanks to our Butler map - The 3 days allowed us to ride some of the most technical and beautiful roads I have ever ridden. Made our way further north to Montauk Missouri (not as impressive) to wind ourselves back towards Texas. Can't wait to do it again.

 

Man, you gotta love those Butler maps.

 

arkansas

sounds like you kinda enjoyed arkansas. a group of us generally go in the spring then in the fall. we camp in corp of engineer parks and do day rides from the campground.
i see you are from san antonio, i live in helotes, if you need a ride bud, send me an e-mail.
i'm usually pretty busy, it's really hard taking a day off from retirement.
the roads you mentioned are great.

 

Thanks P Flores!

I live just north of the Stone Oak area. Me and about 5 others ride pretty regularly into the hill country and a little track racing at the Harris Hill Raceway in San Marcos. I've never tried camping on a road trip, hotels spoil me. LOL

We regular Hills and Dales Ice House on Wednesday (bike night). We're easy to spot. We're the only sport touring bikes in the sea of Harleys.

j

 

i may show wednesday. i'll be on a 2007 vfr red/white/ blue or charcoal grey dr 650. what time do you show?

 

http://www.arkansas.com/motorcycling/

 

We aren't in Arkansas anymore, Dorothy.

 

thats "Kansas" toto. you been makin smoke with the wizard haven't you???

 

Thanks.. Can you help with another question? Why is the yellow brick road yellow? I think all those midgets had something to do with it.

 

so Elton John would have a theme for a song. duh!!!

 

Thanks, I didn't know that Elton John and Bernie Taupin were midgets. They looked taller. Probably those platform heels, tall hats and the optical illusion of those long feathered boas..

Elton is getting a little porky of late. I saw him in Houston in his prime. Hell of a showman and the show was flawless. None of the usual diva and fashionably late crap. Opening act? Sha-Na-Na..

BTW. VFR 777 is a harleydood who hangs oot at Kansas leather bars..

I just call him Dorothy. LOL