Arkansas HOG Rally Day 3

It's HOT in Hot Springs today! Still going strong, though. Headed out early again, rode to the Hot Springs overlook and took this picture of the town. Then over to the convention center where the local HOG chapter Road Captain led about 20 of us on a ride on Black Snake Road, then up to the Blakley Dam which forms Lake Ouchita where I took the other two pictures in todays blog entry--one of Lake Ouchita, the other down stream. I thought is was cool how a bunch of different riders can ride well together based on the good riding habits we learn in our local chapters. There was the smell of smoke in the air this morning from the campsites, which was a pleasant aroma, but I was sure glad I wasn't camping in this heat! Met a guy from Louisiana on the ride who was staying at the same hotel.

Next, I rode one of the poker runs, a 66 mile route with 5 stops. Most of the stops were at businesses, a ploy to get us to shop there on the way. But some stops were at scenic destinations. Causes one to become more familiar with the local. Oh, I had a pair of 6's. Ho hum.

Rode around town a bit, but was sick hot! Ugh! Went to the motel pool, met 2 bikers from Republic and the guy from Louisiana, too. Had fun sharing stories and cooling off. All the little kids stayed away from the pool, too many bikers I guess.

Out to dinner tonight, just me, Toni & Annie have gone home to be with the dog. Early to bed, then away early in am to head home, but taking a long, scenic route up highway 7.

Arkansas HOG Rally Day 2

I love pine trees! Woke up feeling great and ready for more riding. Toni & Annie slept in while Joe & I headed south on highway 7 at 730am. The air was fresh and cool, the pine trees were aromatic, and Lakes Catherine and Degray were beautiful! Caught I80 over to highway 8 which was very scenic as well. Ate lunch at the Lodge at Queen Wilhelmena State Park (see view at left). Then rode back towards Hot Springs getting there at 3pm, and we were pretty heated up again. Must have drank 8 bottle of water!

We went by the Austin Hotel, Rally Headquarters to cool off, talk to the bikers, play some games, and check out the booths. Traffic was bad, the bikes were hot, we faded fast. Back to the motel for swimming, dinner with the family, and strolling downtown.

I slept good last night, but Annie informed me that she heard motorcycles all night long.

Guided tour and poker runs tomorrow, forcast 101 degrees--I can't wait! Have to remember to get gas, was too hot this afternoon.

Arkansas HOG Rally Day 1

Joe & I left Joplin at 0730 this morning, headed south on 71 to Arkansas. The morning air was cool, the sun was shining, and the views were amazing. Riding through the tunnel south of Fayetteville was fun, the Harleys really roared!

Lunch in Mena, AR at the Skyline Cafe. Knew if would be a good place to eat because of the other bikes parked out front.

Arrived in Hot Springs by 3pm, and it was getting hot outside! Whew! The AC felt really good. Met up with Toni and Annie, who had driven down in the car. They were doing some shopping, Joe & I registered at the Austin Hotel HQ, then went over to the local Harley dealer to check out the vender booths. It must have been 110 degrees on the parking lot--we didn't stay long.

So, my favorite part of the day was the riding and fellowship with Joe. I'm not sure being in a crowed town with a couple thousand other Harley riders is going to be high on my list of things I want to do again soon, but I'm going to try to have fun. Is nice to have Toni and Annie here with me--we went out for dinner in the air conditioned car--VERY nice!

All set for tomorrow, we plan a ride in the surrounding area with Joe, and a poker run after that. Taking plenty of cold water on the bike.