Okay, so I am bored... looking at NCR/SCR Rally routes

[glwilson]

Okay, so I am bored. Temps are dropping to single-digits outside and there are at least 3-months till riding again. It sucks... believe me...

Last April I rode some great roads about 60-70 miles west of Mountain Home. Some of these were recommended by the local riders; to which I appreciated their help.

I plan on making a few long rides to that area while there in June. From Mountain Home, AR, this particular ride will be an all-day ride given its terrain, twists, and turns.

This particular route includes some of the roads I rode last April. Anyway, here is the link to the route I am thinking about. Keep in mind, it is only the beginning of January... there is plenty of time to look at many more options.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=U...qGRz-g&t=m&z=9

In Arkansas, one would have to work extremely hard to find a bad road to ride.

[Farmer522]

starting to look fun

[Framer]

I spent 4 days in Eureka Springs last June. We road everything between 23 and 123 from Missouri to I40. I can't wait to get back. 123 from Hagarville to Mt Judea was my favorite.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Framer

I spent 4 days in Eureka Springs last June. We road everything between 23 and 123 from Missouri to I40. I can't wait to get back. 123 from Hagarville to Mt Judea was my favorite.

I also rode 123 when there and would agree... it was great ride.

[BudMan]

We plan on having several group rides and some suggested routes at the rally.
Or like you, everyone is welcome to do their own thing.

[ponch]

Just as important is where are you stopping to eat?

[Framer]

Originally Posted by ponch

Just as important is where are you stopping to eat?

What he said

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by BudMan

We plan on having several group rides and some suggested routes at the rally.
Or like you, everyone is welcome to do their own thing.

I knew you were. I was merely looking around the area to see what is there.

Originally Posted by ponch

Just as important is where are you stopping to eat?

I usually eat when I see a place to do so when I am hungry. If not... I keep riding.

[GIBBY]

Looks like a great route Greg, I hope everyone gets in a lot of counter steering practice before the rally!

[hullster]

For all of you out there who can't ride do to the weather, tomorrows ride will be for you... I'll make sure I log at least 100 miles, bar any unfortunate whatever's.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by hullster

For all of you out there who can't ride do to the weather, tomorrows ride will be for you... I'll make sure I log at least 100 miles, bar any unfortunate whatever's.

[ponch]

Greg:

Here's an article where the riders traverse some familiar areas for you are others: http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/01...src=SOC&dom=fb

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by ponch

Greg:

Here's an article where the riders traverse some familiar areas for you are others: http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/01...src=SOC&dom=fb

Nice article. Yeah... I have been to, at least once, every spot they mentioned.

If found it odd the one guy is from Wisconsin; however chose to ride where he did. Seems they could have done their homework and have ridden even better roads in the areas they traversed getting to La Crosse. Seems they took the most typical routes possible without giving it any thought. Oh well... each to their own, I guess.

On a small note; a comment was made stating wider-bars make slow maneuvers more difficult. Ummm... not so sure I would agree with the statement at all. Wider bars gives you more leverage to maneuver at slower speeds on a heavy bike. I am sure a debate could ensue on the subject; but I will disagree with his comment.

He gave the overall nod to Indian on the comparison between the two bikes. Not sure a Street Glide and the Chieftain are two bikes that should be compared. The Chieftain is closer to the Ultra than the SG (IMHO).

I assume they thought the comparison was correct due to the fact the SG doesn't have a trunk (like the Chieftain). There is a difference in the way a SG rides/handles compared to an Ultra -- no doubt; and I still believe they should have compared the Ultra to the Chieftain. That comparison would have held more interest to me.

I am not surprised the nod was given to the Indian though. As I mentioned, if the Chieftain had come with a trunk, they might possibly have sold another one this winter. I assume Polaris has heard the message quite loud and clear they screwed-up when not offering a trunk option. I would have little doubt 2015's will have a trunk as an option. I believe I know of someone that will buy it as soon as they do (not me, but another member on here).

[ponch]

From everything I have read, they are pitching it against the SG because that's HD's most popular model in the US. I have made the same comments myself and was told by a moto-journo that the Chieftain is not comparable to the Ultra because that is not the intended audience. OK. I'll also say that Peter Egan must have ridden on some very smooth roads. 2" of travel run out pretty quick on less than smooth pavement.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by ponch

From everything I have read, they are pitching it against the SG because that's HD's most popular model in the US. I have made the same comments myself and was told by a moto-journo that the Chieftain is not comparable to the Ultra because that is not the intended audience. OK. I'll also say that Peter Egan must have ridden on some very smooth roads. 2" of travel run out pretty quick on less than smooth pavement.

That still doesn't make sense just because one is popular and one isn't as much. Geez...

Based simply on how a rider sits on the bikes, the Chieftain and Ultra are far more similar (more upright and tight). Whereas the SG rider positioning is entirely different (more sprawled-out). However, it doesn't matter one way or the other -- these journalists are going to do whatever the assignment is.

I am not sure what you meant or referenced about the 2" of suspension travel. More info?....

The roads they were on are about as smooth as an average road is. Only on the back-crevices of twisted roads will you run into condition problems from the constant effects of freezing and thawing.