Entering the Ozark National Forest on Hwy 14 near Fifty-Six. I realized that I hadn't posted here for awhile, and that's due to a busy garage schedule...and a recent break in the amazing mountains of Arkansas.
Every year at this time Patti and I take a week off for horseback riding at a guest ranch in Colorado, but this year they faced advancing wildfires and mandatory evacuation orders. But we still needed a break from this confined lifestyle we all find ourselves in, and managed to find last-minute accommodations at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near the little town of Jasper, AR. This turned out to be a great change of direction, as we were able to trailer our Victory Cross Country Tour on the 660-mile drive, therefore combining Patti's horseback riding passion with another favorite, motorcycling some of the best roads in America.
We began with two full days on the bike, searching out some hidden gems amongst the more well-known byways in northwest Arkansas — the popular Hwy 7, along with Hwys 21, 14, 16, 327 and 74, along which the ranch itself is located. These scenic and twisted ribbons of well-maintained asphalt wind their way over and around never-ending hills and valleys, borne of ancient geological uplifting and subsequent drainage erosion. National Forest designation has helped preserve the natural landscapes and the state actively promotes motorcycling. Even so, during this first week in October the roads were light with traffic and the weather cool, sunny and dry with the blanket of trees just beginning their autumn color change. We hit the rider's jackpot, and everyone we met was friendly, happy and helpful...and don't forget the great BBQ!
The next two days were spent sampling some of the ranch activities — horseback riding throughout the canyon, shooting, zip-lining, hiking and even trying our luck at rock climbing, something the ranch and this entire region is justifiably famous for. What a great destination.
Click on an image to enlarge; clockwise from upper left:
Grandpa poses in front of Grandpa's Flea Market in Kingston.
A rare stretch of straight pavement; Hwy 221, aka Racetrack Road, southwest of Berryville.
An awesome early dinner in Eureka Springs.
Taking a butt-break at a pullout along Hwy 74, south of Huntsville.
Every year at this time Patti and I take a week off for horseback riding at a guest ranch in Colorado, but this year they faced advancing wildfires and mandatory evacuation orders. But we still needed a break from this confined lifestyle we all find ourselves in, and managed to find last-minute accommodations at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch near the little town of Jasper, AR. This turned out to be a great change of direction, as we were able to trailer our Victory Cross Country Tour on the 660-mile drive, therefore combining Patti's horseback riding passion with another favorite, motorcycling some of the best roads in America.
We began with two full days on the bike, searching out some hidden gems amongst the more well-known byways in northwest Arkansas — the popular Hwy 7, along with Hwys 21, 14, 16, 327 and 74, along which the ranch itself is located. These scenic and twisted ribbons of well-maintained asphalt wind their way over and around never-ending hills and valleys, borne of ancient geological uplifting and subsequent drainage erosion. National Forest designation has helped preserve the natural landscapes and the state actively promotes motorcycling. Even so, during this first week in October the roads were light with traffic and the weather cool, sunny and dry with the blanket of trees just beginning their autumn color change. We hit the rider's jackpot, and everyone we met was friendly, happy and helpful...and don't forget the great BBQ!
The next two days were spent sampling some of the ranch activities — horseback riding throughout the canyon, shooting, zip-lining, hiking and even trying our luck at rock climbing, something the ranch and this entire region is justifiably famous for. What a great destination.
Click on an image to enlarge; clockwise from upper left:
Grandpa poses in front of Grandpa's Flea Market in Kingston.
A rare stretch of straight pavement; Hwy 221, aka Racetrack Road, southwest of Berryville.
An awesome early dinner in Eureka Springs.
Taking a butt-break at a pullout along Hwy 74, south of Huntsville.
Clockwise from upper left:
Patti and friends.
The quickest way down the mountain; one wild zip-line.
Morning coffee at our cabin.
Patti makes it look easy.
Patti and friends.
The quickest way down the mountain; one wild zip-line.
Morning coffee at our cabin.
Patti makes it look easy.
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