Bob Jones Memorial Ride

[Russ79]

I am also taking that Friday off, so I can leave any time. Just let me know where and when you all want to meet, and I am in. We all can meet and leave from my place if you want, I live in the extreme west suburbs of Kansas City, a good centrally located departure point. Let me know what you all think, and I will get everyone directions.

Russ

[trbig]

So it sounds like the only set riding plans are from Harrison, Arkansas to somewhere north of Deer Arkansas.

Here is a tentative ride plan. I thought about seeing what you guys thought.



Arkansas Ride


For some reason, it's not letting me save the return to Harrison for a total of 174 miles. These are some nice hilly, twisty, low traffic roads. The only thing is... at the intersection of HWY's 16 & 23, John and Wildkat will be heading south on 23 to hop on I-40 to head home. From this point south on 23 is famously called the "Pig Trail". If we rode it, it would add about 30 miles each way... south to I-40 then back up it again to Eureka Springs, for a total of 60 more miles. Several of us that are good friends with them would like to see them off to at least I-40. Most of us don't have any problems with 234 miles, but I realize some would.

Thoughts and opinions??

Tod

[John]

Lodging

Who is staying where in Harrison?
Wildkat and I, as well as trbig, are going to be at the Days Inn.
If we could all meet up for drinks and dinner Friday night that would be cool.

[Bigfoot]

Vince and Mrs. Vince, a friend of theirs and myself will all be staying in Harrison, I think at the Days Inn. Drinks, dinner, and more drinks sounds like a good agenda.

[Bigfoot]

I could not pull up the map for some reason but I am fine with the mileage. Looking forward to the pig trail again.

[Russ79]

I have never gotten to ride the Pig Trail, and have herd its a great ride. I don't mind the extra miles, the more the merrier as far as I am concerned. Sounds like Tod has a good plan, and I am in. By the way I just found out that the memorial ride will be ending up in Russellville. Hope this helps with your planning. I don't know about you guys, but I am planning on putting a lot of miles on that Saturday. See you all soon!

Russ

[Wildkat]

Well isn't this getting interesting?

Could someone please post the plans for the ride?
Since there was nothing posted about the ride going as far as Russelville, several of us were going to be taking the route from 7 to 23 that Tod posted... not going down to Russelville and back up...

Just need to know what to plan for... I, personally, like the idea of cutting across to 23... looks like some good winding road...

[trbig]

OK...

Since we are suiting up for the game before we found out the game plan, a few of us had started making strategy plans and are kind of locked into them. John and Kat are heading home Saturday. For them to get a good ride in beforehand since they've never been to this part of the country, we will ride with the main group and see Bob off. When we get to the intersection of HWY 16 and HWY 7, we will be peeling off from the group and heading west. I just feel it's more conducive to them since they need to get home to catch a plane, but still want to ride some of the roads, as well as trying to have a decent route back to Harrison for Saturday night for me.

I am not trying to be a butt and don't want to get anyone mad. I'm just trying to figure out a way to show them some good roads, as well as honor Bob. Anyone who wants to stick to the original plan to go to Russellville is welcome to, and anyone that wants to ride along with us is more than welcome also. I hope everyone understands the situation and nobody's feelings get hurt.


Tod

[Russ79]

No need to apologize. The lack of information is partially my fault. Karla, Bohn , and myself have been just about in over our heads with closing down Merriam Cycles, selling off a lot of Bob's personal things, and just grieving our loss. This memorial ride was sadly just put on the back burner. With all that is going on, we just haven't had the time or the energy to put into the planning that this ride deserves. I hope you all understand, and don't think less of us.

Russ

[Wildkat]

Don't worry about a thing...

I'm certain everyone understands...


It looks like Tod has a great plan and we're on board for it...

We're looking forward to meeting all those we haven't met as well as seeing old friends...

[Wildkat]

Just so we're on the same sheet of music

Are we doing coffee/ breakfast before we meet at 9:30 on Saturday morning? or are we doing it as a group then heading out?
Coffee is very important...

[bikerhawk]

Re: Just so we're on the same sheet of music

I'm really sorry I'm not going to make this ride. The usual "prior commitment" excuse is once again cramping my riding style. I'm getting rather sick of using that one.

Wishing everyone a safe ride...

[Russ79]

Yes, like Mike Ditka said, "Everything good in life, starts with coffee." That is a very important part of my day as well, I am usually a very early riser so I will try to meet you all Saturday morning before the ride for coffee, and whatever. I am staying in Branson, so I can be in Harrison to meet you fairly early, say 8 ish. I am really looking forward to seeing you guys I met last fall as well as those I have only talked to here. Let me know if that is ok. Hope to see you all real soon!

Russ

[Hippie_Dave]

Pig Trail

Tod has a really good idea, wow, I don't know if anyone has ever said that before? Just kidding, sounds good to us. We are riding about 600 miles to get up there, might as well do some riding while we are there. Take care, your bud David.

[trbig]

Just for that... you are assigned sweep at the back and are not allowed to pass ANYONE!! I bet you'd chomp through your lip within a hundred miles!.. lol


Tod