vacation time a-comin'

[watchman]

Three weeks from today we are heading south. Destination still unknown. We have thought about riding the Natchez Trace Parkway. Cruising down into Louisiana. Or just puttering around in north central Arkansas. I guess we could do some of all three as long as we are back in Eureka Springs on the 7th. I do know I want to ride hwy 341 north of Mtn. View, AR on the way to ES. And I know the Natchez Trace would be prettier during the fall when the trees are turning color. We are definitely looking for some scenic rides or curvy and hilly motorcycle roads.

If we don't run the 4 lanes it takes us the biggest part of a day to get to northern Arkansas. That leaves us with 4 days to ride before the rally. So any suggestions would be helpful.

[faxxxy]

I'm not sure you can pick a bad route to Eureka Springs. :-)

[jamiep24]

You'll love the Natchez Trace. Little traffic, 50 mph speed limits, you can do 55 without being nervous, but if you get caught going much over that it's a stiff fine (federal stuff). Anyway the scenery is beautiful and you'll see a bunch of bikes. I just ride south 35 miles and just jump on it some days just to relax. Can't do that on most highways. Jamie

[revmrq]

I have heard that hwy 76 is a great ride. It goes from willow springs and winds it way to kansas. I hear that hwy 76 west of branson has some interesting curves. i am going to try to ride Hwy 76 this summer. Also Hwys 142 and 160 run along the border with arkansas. I have been on 160 and enjoyed riding it and it does go thru some of the lake country. Good luck on your trip.

[chainsaw]

Natchez Trace. Be sure and stop off in Oprah's home town. It's right off the Trace and it's a small museum. Polish name, but I can't remember it. Perhaps some of the Mississippi people might know.

[Cajunrider]

Louisiana has a couple of National Forests in the northern part of the state. Nice riding. If you come all the way down to the southern part of the state there are several coastal highways that pass through the wetlands (marshes) that seem to be attractive to visitors. I live down here so the marshes don't do much for me. There is also the Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas/Louisiana border about midway of the state. There is nice riding there and beautiful real estate. Have fun and ride safely.

Mitch

[trip]

I rode the Natchez Trace several years ago.....did it in conjunction with Deal's Gap.

After riding Deal's Gap, the Natchez was kind of boring, but nice. I found a GPS a must have item while on the Trace. You can't ever really tell where to get off for gas and eats.

[jmorrow]

If you ride US-160 in southern Missouri, be sure to ride it from Doniphan, Mo to Alton, Mo. or vice-versa. It is known to some as the devils backbone, great twisties and sweepers. I know you'll have a great ride anywhere you ride.

[revmrq]

Jim, I was down by West plains the other day on hwy k I believe. There was a wilderness area called the Devil's backbone. It seemed to be a pretty rugged place. I was told it was popular with trail riders. I agree on hwy 160, it is a great road to ride.

[jmorrow]

Originally Posted by revmrq

Jim, I was down by West plains the other day on hwy k I believe. There was a wilderness area called the Devil's backbone. It seemed to be a pretty rugged place. I was told it was popular with trail riders. I agree on hwy 160, it is a great road to ride.

Hmm, I'll have to go check out hwy-K.

[watchman]

Isn't it amazing how you can ride several hundred miles and find a small stretch of road that makes the whole trip worth while. Liz and I did just that last Saturday. We rode a total of 385 miles and during the ride we came upon a 26 miles stretch of road ( hwy 42 between hwy 133 and Belle ) that just made the entire ride. This piece of highway is great, with lots of quick back to back turns and lots of hills and valleys. Be sure to ride it if you get in the area.