Sooner State Valkyrie Riders

By: Gary Milburn

On Good Friday, April 7th, riders from OK, KS and AR hit the road for a weekend of touring the Ozark National Forest’s scenic highways. While some managed to stay dry on Friday’s trip out, Scott and Gary made it through with just less then an hours worth of rain.

Staying clear of most of the dark clouds surrounding us, we still got in a bit of a scenic detour before hitting the Days Inn in Ozark, AR. Friday’s trip log for the west Okies - 380 miles.

We met up with Raymond & Rhonda, Curley Wolf & Sue, John & Patsy, Speedy & Dayna, Ryan & Betsy, and Jim in time to head out for some Mexican under dark clouded skies spitting light rain.

Friday evening provided a chance for some tire kicking, some good conversation, and a few cold ones under the as promised thunder and electrical storms. About the time we all turned in, the skies opened up and dished out its heaviest downpour. This leaving a big question mark as far as Saturdays ride plans.

Saturday a.m. we had a quick bite at the Ozark Cafe in downtown Ozark, and six bikes headed out for Highway 23, “The Arkansas Pig Trail". Just about the time we hit the first part of the trail, once again, the rainfall started and didn’t seem to let up. We continued on to 412 N to Huntsville making our way NE to Alpena @ highway 62 and on to Harrison. Jim broke off from the group at Harrison to head for home. Heading south on scenic highway 7, we stopped in Jasper to grab some lunch. We all enjoyed a great meal at none other than “The Ozark Cafe” in Jasper. A nice little place with somewhat of a 50’s theme to it. After the hefty burgers and fries, no one really had room for the home made cobbler but I think everyone could taste it.

Heading S from Jasper on 7 we hit some pretty dense fog for several miles. Many riders slowing down to 20 mph or even stopping due to the low-to-no visibility. Finally hitting Dover we made a quick gas stop (for those of us getting only 25 mpg) and connected with I-40 to head back to Ozark, completing the loop. Saturday’s trip log - 227 miles.

Many found out just how good their so called rain gear could hold up. I for one was on my second pair of gloves, had a soaked sweatshirt and soggy socks and boots. I’m just glad I brought along a one piece suit which I donned at the first break in the weather after the Pig Trail. Others like Scott, were perfectly dry with the exception of some wet gloves.

Most all went out for a great meal at Alligator Ray’s in Altus while at least one of us remained at the motel, drying out boots and gloves. It turned out that Altus Arkansas was the home for the reality show “The Simple Life” staring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. One of the bartenders in Alligator Ray’s is famous also it seems as she was the one who threw Nicole Richie out of the Bar for messing up one of the pool tables. She had lots of intersting stories to relate……

Easter Sunday morning, under a gray-to-white clouded sky, we went out for one last breakfast at the Ozark Cafe, got back to the motel, and after packing it all up and checking out, Scott, Raymond & Rhonda, John & Patsy and myself headed S on 23, across the AR River and on to highway 309 making our way toward Mount Magazine State Park. Road conditions were fairly dry and as the morning progressed, the sun began to break through. Curley Wolf & Sue decided to take a different route home (must have been the company).

We briefly stopped atop Mount Magazine for a few photo opportunities, taking the more condensed route through the park and moved on to Mount Nebo.

John & Patsy broke off from the group shortly after Danville as we continued on our way via highway 27N. The road up Mount Nebo (155) offered an 18 degree climb with tight switchbacks keeping the speedo at not much more than 10 mph and just about first gear use only. Raymond gave us a tour at the top and showed us the launch and land areas he once used in his hang gliding days (when he was a much, much younger man of course). The view from the different spots atop Mount Nebo seemed to go on forever, even under semi-clouded skies.

We made for highway 7N to connect with I-40 and began the long ride home, stopping for a quick lunch at Burger King in Alma. By 3:30 we were back on the road flying along at an even pace, we slowly parted ways with most of us making it home by about 8:30. Sunday’s trip log - 478 miles

Another great trip, even with the less than favorable weather, and chance to meet and ride with a great group of folks.

Until then.

Link - Ride Pictures