Discovering the Ozarks

Approximately 10 months ago we started planning a trip to The Ozarks by way of motorcycle.  As plans go, changes were made along the way, one of them changing from a 2014 Honda Goldwing to a 2014 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited.  What was going to include a stop at the 2015 Wing Ding in Huntsville, Alabama and later a stop in Memphis, Tennessee ended up with a stop in Topeka, Kansas to see a good friend and later Overland Park, Kansas to see Cathy's Aunt Jessie and cousins.  And who ever said changes aren't always good, didn't go on this trip!

Saturday, August 22nd started with a gas stop before leaving Watertown, Wisconsin.  Mileage on the HOG was 11,800.  Before getting too far into the Illinois Toll System, our riding couples (Marc & Chris) decided they too would like to have an Illinois iPass.  In South Beloit we stopped at a Road Ranger and minutes later they had an iPass tucked in between their windshield and windshield bag.  As luck would have it, we only hit ONE toll in Illinois!!  After riding 350 miles we stopped in Collinsville, Illinois to the night at a LaQuinta.  To our unpleasant surprise what was promised on their website of a pool and hot tub hadn't even been built yet!  Talk about false advertising!  They knocked off a few dollars (big deal).  What they did offer was a free shuttle service.  So we headed to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner and some well deserved adult beverages.

Sunday we headed to our final destination for the next 4 nights, Hollister, Missouri (just south of Branson) at a Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO), some 275 miles.  As we rode through St.Louis and the Gateway Arch it was somewhat foggy, though still visible.  I had never seen the Arch so photos from the motorcycle were taken as we rode by (Cathy took them!).  Since I wanted us all to get off the Interstate System (boring) I had researched a surprise detour that would take us south from Cuba, Missouri onto what is commonly called "Ozark Hellbender"(Part of Ozark National Scenic Riverways).  This route on Highway 19 is part of a 122 mile, 300 curve roadway.  Though to nearly as challenging as The Tail of the Dragon on Highway 129 in Tennessee and North Carolina, the sweepers were a welcoming change of scenery compared to the "I-System".  When we arrived in Eminence, Missouri it was time to stop and stretch our legs at Casey's General Store on Highway 60. Here I had my first taste of Catfish!  WOW, I've been missing some great tasting fish all these years.  I liked it so much that later in our adventure another sampling of Catfish would be consumed.

Tim and Rhonda arrived at our VRBO around noon and as they got settled in, they also took care of Sunday evening's meal.  They set the meal bar extremely high as we dined on crab dip and tiger shrimp as an appetizer followed up with steaks on the grill and corn on the cob.  Our VRBO was a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home of around 2400 square feet.  The lower level had a screened-in porch and above that was a deck overlooking Table Rock Lake.  Within walking distance was an inground pool (but again no hot tub).

Monday morning started with a ride west on Highway 86 to AR 187 known as the Dam-Bridge Route into Beaver Town.  This one lane suspension bridge was constructed in 1949.  Today it is the only suspension bridge in Arkansas and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.  The bridge stretches 550 feet long.  This small community is only about 1/2 mile square and averages about 100 residents.  From Beaver we continued on AR 62 to see Beaver Dam and Overlook.  Beaver Dam started construction in 1960 and was completed in 1966 at the cost of $60 million.  Beaver Lake is a man-made lake and is formed by a dam across the White River.

Continuing on this route took us into Eureka Springs for the rest of the day.  Eureka Springs is approximately 6 miles south of the Beaver Dam on AR 62.  Eureka Springs was founded July 4, 1879.  In the Spring of 2001, Eureka Springs was named one of 12 "Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  The native American's used the springs and land  as a healing  and gathering place for their tribes.  Before leaving we had to visit Pig Trails, now called Eureka Springs Harley-Davidson.  Before heading back to our VRBO, we needed to see Christ of the Ozarks.  Dedicated in 1966, it is the Largest statue of Jesus in North America and third largest in the World!  It stands at a height of 67 feet tall and is 65 feet wide.  Next visit we will attend the Great Passion Play which tells the story of Christ's final days on earth.  Over 7 million people have experienced the Great Passion Play and statue in the past 49 years.  Also on property is a section of the Berlin Wall.  This is a must stop and extremely inspiring.

Dinner Monday evening was prepared by Marc and Chris.  Grilled Chicken, Potato Wedges, Green Beans Almandine and Apple Pie a la Mode.  It was one meal that we didn't worry about leftovers, cause there simply wasn't any!!  Great planning on their part!

Tuesday morning started with a ride on AR 76 to HWY 160 then AR125 to the Peel Ferry.  This Ferry crosses one of the Ozark's great lakes, Bull Shoals.  It is the only ferry within the State's Highway System.  The ferry runs during daylights hours and is free to the public.  It is a chance to get off the motorcycle and carry on a conversion with the two operators of the Peel Ferry.  After our water ride we continued to run the Jasper Disaster, a 56 mile route having 316 scenic curves.  The Jasper Disaster begins south of Harrison to Jasper.  Lunch would find us at The Cliff House Inn, 7 miles south of Jasper on AR 7.  From the moment we arrived, we were greeted the Arkansas Grand Canyon!  One of the most scenic spots in all of Arkansas.

While heading back to our VRBO on AR 74 from Jasper to the west we encountered a large Semi on its' side!  Had it not been that we spent a few extras minutes at The Cliff House Inn discussing which direction to head, we may have been in a situation few survive, "but for the Grace of God there go I". We were heading west and it was obvious this driver was heading east.  Several skid marks were present, some made by tires, others by humans (lol) prior to losing control and rolling on it's side.  As we passed the sirens were heard and still some miles away, but help from others had arrived.

Tuesday evening was our turn at fixin' dinner!  Cathy made homemade spaghetti with ground port sausage with seasoning and ground beef.  Her sauce, NOT from a jar but tomato paste and sauce.  Throw in a tossed salad and garlic bread rounded off the meal along with soft music and wine!  Dessert was cheese cake.

Wednesday morning started with an attempt to eat some of the leftovers from previous meals before heading out and saying good-byes to Tim and Rhonda.  Our plan was to ride The Scenic Pig Trails of Arkansas south of Eureka Springs.  The previous day at the Harley-Davidson Dealership, we were informed The Pig Trails were closed due to flooding!  As we go closer to The Pig Trail Scenic Byway there was a construction crew stopping traffic.  When asked about the closure we were told, yes it is closed due to flooding.  So No Pig Trails route for us!!  In two separate National Surveys, the Pig Trail has been voted one of the best rides in the country by motorcyclists!

After saying farewells to Tim and Rhonda, the four of us finally got our BBQ on!!  Chris found a spot in Harrison, AR called T's Barbecue.  The food was really good and made to order!  I only wish I could have stayed longer and had more!!

Marc and Chris left around 7:00 am Thursday morning and we followed around 10:00 am.  We headed to Topeka, KS to see a good friend of mine whom I haven't seen in a long time.  I met Steve during Harley-Davidson Coach Training back in 2006 at what was then Capital City Harley-Davidson in Madison, WI.  We had a lot in common one of which was law enforcement careers.  Steve is still in law enforcement and still the Riding Academy Manager at Historic Harley-Davidson in Topeka.  Steve and his better half, Tanja treated us to dinner and a private tour of Historic HD.  As a special bonus Steve told us to each pick out a shirt, his treat!!  Thanks a lot Steve and Tanja for opening your home to us and making us feel like family!  Remember our home is your home when in the area!

Friday morning we headed to Overland Park, KS to see Cathy's cousins and Aunt Jessie who is in her early 90's and recovering from cancer.  It's been far too long since we saw everyone and this was a special stop though very short.  Once again we had BBQ!!  We left Amy's house around 3:30 pm and rode for about 150 miles before stopping for the night south of Des Moines, IA in Osceola (40 miles south of Des Moines).  Had KFC for dinner and Saturday on the road by 8:30 am for a full day of Interstate riding to get home, some 400 miles.

In all 2317 miles from Saturday to Saturday almost 300 miles per day.  Great ride, friends and weather!  Far too many Interstate miles!  Next year's ride will be much closer to home and longer stops between riding.










 

Sleek CONCEALABLE Highway Pegs

It's been awhile since I have reviewed a motorcycle product.  I have been searching the internet for not only a good looking set of highway pegs but ones that also check the box "form & fit"!  Like most people, I hate purchasing a product to later wonder why I spent so much money on yet another item that will sit on the bottom of my tool cabinet!  After researching Wingstuff, I saw a unique highway peg by Rivco.



Rivco Flip-Out Highway Pegs for the Honda GL1800 Gold Wing and F6B are available in 3 different finishes; Anodized Silver, Anodized Black or Triple Plated Chrome.  Prices start at $299.95 and up to $399.95 for chrome.  So after doing some research, along with reading the many reviews (all very positive), I saw that Rivco is a Wisconsin based company about an hour from our house, in Burlington, WI!  Next, a call was placed to Rivco at 262-763-8222.  I was informed that their Honda GL1800 was currently at Arizona Bike Week but would be back in Wisconsin the first week in April. They took my information and said they'd call once the GL1800 is back in Burlington.  This was their show bike that had amongst other Rivco products, the Aero Highway Pegs I was most interested in.

April 15th I received a call from Rivco stating the GL1800 was back and I could stop in to try the Aero Highway Pegs.  The very next day was dry and a ride on a motorcycle is a must do anytime  one feels the urge, so right after breakfast I headed on yet another venture.  Just over an hour later, I arrived at Rivco and was greeted by the owner Eric George.  Eric took me to where the GL1800 was and showed me first hand how the Aero Highway Pegs look.  He later put the bike on the center stand and told me to climb aboard and try the pegs out.  Within a second, I looked at Eric and replied, "they're perfect!"  Eric asked me what style and I replied, "black of course" is there anything else for a solid black GL1800?

After paying the $299.95 plus sales tax I was on my way home.  What started out as a cloudy 48 degree morning ride turned into a 70 degree late morning ride home, full of sun!  Once home, coffee was the first step followed by installing the new Aero Highway Pegs.  It took me longer to get the correct tools out of my tool cabinet than installing the pegs.  I literally had them installed in under 10 minutes.  I then hopped on and sure enough, "Perfect"!  Form, Fit & Fashion, an A+ for sure!

The Aero Highway Pegs by Rivco also carry a 2 year warranty!  Not that I will ever need it.  Kind of like our 6 year bumper to bumper warranty on the Gold Wing, why even have it........oh, I guess peace of mind.

If you haven't yet found the right highway pegs, try these out!  They open like switchblades, and are adjustable 4 different positions on the valve covers. These Aero Highway Pegs fit all GL1800 from 2001 to current model year (2015).  Ours in the photo is a 2014.

Until the next product review, ride safe, sober, straight and most of all skilled.  Be careful out there!

7th Annual MOR aka "Men Only Ride" 2014

2014 marks the 7th Annual MOR (or Old Guys Rule Ride).  This year like so many, two riders braved the mid November temperatures and winds while returning to St. Charles, IL after a one year hiatus (last year we chose Rock Falls, IL).

This year was a little special as not only did it take place Sunday/Monday (rather than the typical Saturday/Sunday) but the Green Bay Packers were playing the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football!  It should be noted that the game was being played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and we were headed into Bear Country Illinois to spread the Cheesehead Love we have for the Green and Gold!

The two of us left Watertown around 10:30 Sunday morning.  Original plan was to leave by 10, but after a stop at the local gas station I forgot my coffee cup and I ride NOWHERE without my cup of hot coffee.  A quick return home and we were good to go.

RavenStone Castle is a MUST SEE if you are in the area of Harvard, IL.  Simply take Highway 14 out of Lake Geneva (you owe it to yourself to ride the eastern and southern shores of Lake Geneva) south to Harvard then on the south end of Harvard turn west (right) on Highway 23.  The Castle is less than a mile on your left.  RavenStone is a B&B Stop.  We have stopped every year after "C" first discovered it and a must stop in 2015 for a Couples Only Stay.  The photo to the left is from our 2010 MOR to St. Charles and my 2008 Honda Goldwing GL1800 with Navigation & ABS.  Our new motorcycle is a 2014 Honda Goldwing GL1800 with the Comfort/Audio Package.

We were disappointed that the road leading to the Castle was blocked by a chain link, so we were not able to inquire about rooms for 2015 Couples Ride.  Check out their link above, prices are not cheap, but then again how many times do you get to spend the night in a Castle?

After leaving we rode to Woodstock and BBQ King Smokehouse for lunch.  I found this little Smokehouse on the web. After a very nice lunch with Chad, Rhonnie, JJ, Carin, Wayne, Ann, Tim and Marc in North Carolina at a Smokehouse, this was not a difficult decision.  The BBQ we had during our ride in the Smoky's this summer was "perfect"!  This one was excellent too.

I ordered the sampler plate which included; BBQ/Smoked Chicken, Pork, Beef Brisket, Ham, Ribs and was their special for the day.  It was well worth it and a must-stop if in Woodstock, IL for lunch or dinner.  After lunch, a mile and a half down the street we were at Woodstock Harley-Davidson.  This is one of the largest dealers in Illinois.  We talked to a salesman about Rentals and Harley-Davidson's Riding Academy (of course)!  Saw the new 2015 HD Road Glide CVO Ultra, nice…..no real nice!  Don't tell Cathy that I'm thinking about it (only $40,000).  Thinking is one thing, buying is another and it will NOT be coming home with me (anytime soon)!  Since Veteran's Day was in 2 days, though it should be everyday, I snapped a photo for my friend Chad and all the Marines who have served and are currently serving.  Thanks again to all of you who were in the Armed Forces and your service to not only America, but each and everyone of us!  Your time spent away from home, family, loved ones is much appreciated.  To others that paid the ultimate price, we will never forget your act of bravery and staring the enemy right in the eye, never wavering.  Your Mission here on earth has been paid, may you rest in peace knowing we ARE better because of YOU!

Once on our way we finally found a little sunshine and it felt good!  Temperatures were in the upper 40's, but the heated accessories on "The Wing" were very nice (seat, grips and floor vents).  After about an hour of riding, as we entered St. Charles, IL we decided to head over to Fox River Harley-Davidson.  Once there, we took a few practice runs on the Range in back of the dealership.  After passes at clutch control, quick stops, swerves and slow tight turns we rode towards Country Inn and Suites.

Before getting to the hotel, we saw that downtown St. Charles at the old Arcada Theater they were advertising the Packer vs Bear Sunday Night Game!  There was also a few Bear Fans out front in all their glory!  Well not to be outdone, we thought we would show some sportsman-like conduct and show them who is the BETTER Team since the obviously are confused.  We found out that the Game would be shown on the large 44' movie screen inside later.  Interesting, but since we will be in Packer Jersey's later, thought differently about watching it with a room full of angry Bears, hungry for a win (especially since they rarely see any)!

We were disappointed once we checked into Country Inn & Suites that they didn't have the 24/7 warm baked cookies (found out later they ran out of cookie dough) and the hot tub was closed!  After a few drinks we headed over to Olive Gardens (across the parking lot) by foot and had dinner.  For those of you that watched the Game, WOW what a game!!  Rodgers throws for 6 TD's in the first half and almost 7 for the game!  Packers went on to provide a whoop ass on the Bears 55-14!  Smokin' Jay again showed his inability to play at a professional level.

Monday morning was less windier though the temperatures started in the low 40's, but worked their way up to……59 degrees!!  We hit sun as we entered Wisconsin!  Before that though we left St. Charles, IL from Main Street north onto Highway 31 along the Fox River to Elgin to see the Trolley Museum, another must see stop.  Turning back the clocks to a time Trollies were used to transport large numbers of people.  This has always been a favorite stop.  The architectural design of some of the homes and businesses is a wonder.  Continuing on Highway 31 to Algonquin, IL then west on Highway 14 to Crystal Lake, IL (wasn't this the site of the Movie Jason)?  This Route took us back into Woodstock and then Harvard.  We later hooked up with Highway 67 in Wisconsin from Highway 14 and rode it into Fontana and Williams Bay stopping in Dousman at Deb's Diner for some Comfort Food.  Their special was Meatloaf, with "real" Mashed Potatoes and Gravy.  It was really good and a must stop if you want something special that is not your typical fast-food restaurant!

Another MOR in the books as they say!  Our 7th Annual and 6th one done with just two riders.  This year's journey took us to a few new stops; BBQ King Smokehouse and Deb's Diner.  In all, we logged just under 300 miles.

Starting to think about next year's rides already!  Hopefully this winter will be quick, spring early and warmer temperatures will prevail.  Three motorcycles this year; 2011 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Limited (approx 5800 miles), 2006 Yamaha FJR (approx 3,000 miles) and now back to only one, the Honda Goldwing (approx 900 miles).  Stay healthy this winter!  God willing, let us meet on the road again in 2015 and see where it leads us.