Awesome time in the Ozarks

Tail of the Dragon of the Ozarks

If you dream of motor biking 10-mph switchbacks, you don't mind the odd herd of deer crossing your bow, and a variety of dogs sleeping (yes, really) right along the very edge of the road, Arkansas route 123 is just one of the State's beautifully paved roads that are ready and waiting for you.

Oh, and did I mention, the scenery is spectacular?

Aren't these views simply breathtaking?

Know your limit, ride within it

Much as we Beemer bums like to ride, it really is wise to be realistic about your limits. Not everyone is built for "super endurance" riding.

Sometimes you just need to get off the bike and take a break...

Fine food, not just deep fried

The 3 Beemer Amigos are delighted to recommend Colton's Steakhouse, a popular chain in this neck of the woods. 

Colton's food is good, their service is excellent, and so is their sense of humour:

In Harrison Jamie's Restaurant (on Hwy 62 just a "stone's throw" west of the Quality Inn) is a local gem that offers an extensive menu and good sized portions at extremely reasonable prices. 

Meanwhile back at the Rally

Things were beginning to wrap up by mid-Saturday afternoon.

Vendors were packing up their wares, and familiar faces were returning from 200-300 mile day rides.

Terry Church, Roy Eastwood, and I with Jean Copas

Fun, games, and the trip of a lifetime

As a warm up to the main draw, for a $7,000 Beach's Motorcycle Adventure tour to any of the company's European destinations, brave rally-goers took part in a number of zany contests.

Our very own Beemer Amigo, Marie-Anne, did her darndest to win the "Oldest RA Rally T-shirt" contest.

Unfortunately she, and this gentleman, tied for second place wearing the same year's shirt (1990 I think).

Unfortunately they were pipped at the post by the chap in the flat cap, who Ivan described (perhaps a tad uncharitably) as "an old geezer".

Incase you are wondering, the three guys on the left were awaiting judging of "The Weirdest Beard" contest (did you notice the bemused look of the younger generation in the backgound?

Said "younger generation" were the entrants in "The dirtiest GS" competition, which was no less weird in its own way as the riders sped towards the judges and promptly threw their bikes to the ground!

Look ma, no stand!

Ironically the winner of "The dirtiest GS" competition was Jeff Kurtz who had earlier given a seminar on how to live life on the road with just a GS and minimal equipment.

Jeff rode into the ring, spun his rear tire to create a trench, then promptly used the trench in lieu of a stand to hold his bike upright. The crowd of just under 1,000 rally goers loved it, and so did the judges.

Without further ado

Following the "thank you's" everyone held their breath as the winning ticket was drawn for the Beach vacation.

...and the winner was... a 24-yr old man who had earlier won "the youngest rider to attend the rally" award. What an awesome day he was having, eh?

A word about Armadillos

No visit to Arkansas would be complete without mention of the Armadillo.

Alas the only ones we saw were road kill.

But here's what they look like alive.

I asked Ivan how he thought they moved. "I don't think they gallop" he said, and up until I saw this next picture I would have agreed.

But aparently, we were both wrong. Armadillo's may not gallop every day, but ... they can when they want to.

Next up for the 3 Beemer Amigos

It's 11:00 pm Saturday night. 

We are pretty much packed and ready to hit the road first thing in the morning, heading WEST.

No, that isn't a typo. We simply have to check out Eureka Springs before heading home.

ETA TO

Thursday. if the weather cooperates...stay tuned.