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allkidd wrote:Room reservations-there are 3 motels in Ozark...I just called 2 of them and they both indicated that as of now they have a lot of rooms available. Ozark Inn-$55 single and $60 double...Oxford Inn-$69 for all rooms. Clarksville has about 8 motels and I called a Best Western and they indicated all rooms are available and should not be a problem for that saturday night. Reservations or not I'm okay either way....the only problem with reservations is that we are then locked into making it to that destination.

I like this plan--book the Fri night motel but leave Sat night open and flexible. The main reason for this in my mind is the possibility of bikes breaking and folks heading home early. No need to be stuck with a $30 to $70 motel bill on top of a repair bill. Otherwise, I'm confident we'll be in Clarksville Sat night. For Ozark, I guess my vote is for the Oxford Inn primarily because I've stayed before and thought it was clean and friendly.

allkidd wrote:...The only certified hang gliding site is here...hopefully, there will be some hang gliders as it is really cool to see them in thermals way higher than the launch site.

I did not know this--sounds very cool, and I hope we get lucky and see some gliders.

allkidd wrote:Saturday morning leave time-as far as I'm concerned the earlier the better to get more ride time...how about kick stands up no later than 9:00.

At this point it looks like the brothers baum will be meeting us Sat morning. So it's probably kickstands up when they arrive--I doubt they'll arrive much earlier than 9 am. They will be pushing hard to make 9 am I'm sure. As long as we know you are coming, brothers, we'll wait. No problem!

Oxford sounds fine by me....can probably wait until after TAR dinner on Tuesday to figure out how many rooms we need.

Becoming certified to hang glide is on my bucket list. I've always wanted to hang glide but after watching those guys take off at Mt. Magazine it really motivated me....seems like the ultimate adrenalin rush. It isn't easy to become certified as there is a process to it and it can take awhile.

http://www.hanglide.com/

allkidd wrote:It isn't easy to become certified as there is a process to it and it can take awhile.

I'm guessing most folks who start out on the journey to become hang-glider certified don't live long enough to finish that dream.

If you go to Mt Magazine read the records posted and you will find someone hang glided from there to Bolivar, Mo!!! Not sure how far that is but it's a long ways. I was amazed that they could make it that far without being powered. I'd like to try it.
Jim

Route file completed!
Attached and a short description in the first post.

Download the GPX file for your GPS Device

View each days plan in Google Maps (not all that useful, but folks like the visual)
Fri plan
Sat Plan
Sun Plan

I don't know yet whether Scott and I can meet you guys Friday morning, but I was at least able to change my return trip to Thursday rather than Friday.

Worst case, we'll see you at the motel Friday night.

Best case, we'll see you in Fayetteville Friday morning. Will work on making that happen while I'm in San Diego.

Great...glad its going to work!

stimmer6253472 wrote:If you go to Mt Magazine read the records posted and you will find someone hang glided from there to Bolivar, Mo!!! Not sure how far that is but it's a long ways. I was amazed that they could make it that far without being powered. I'd like to try it.
Jim

170 Miles between the two.

Some NW AR locals rode Mountain Creek "road" this past weekend. This trail is part of our Sun route back up to Fayetteville. Check out their photos and a couple of short video clips in this AdvRider thread. Start about 10 photos down in the post.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost ... count=6183

Well, if I wasn't excited for the weekend before I am now! Looks awesome!

kendall_smith wrote:Well, if I wasn't excited for the weekend before I am now! Looks awesome!

I probably should mention the videos are of the tamest part of the road.

troy wrote:

kendall_smith wrote:Well, if I wasn't excited for the weekend before I am now! Looks awesome!

I probably should mention the videos are of the tamest part of the road.

I noticed that in his description, which is good news!

I'm sad that I won't make this ride!
To many irons in the fire!

Watch out for the biggest bear I've seen in the Ozarks here: N35 44.692 W93 45.066

I do like the google visual for us working people that day so we can feel in touch!

I just made my Friday night motel reservation. You all need to do the same.

Oxford Inn
http://www.oxfordinnozark.com/
(479) 667-1131

One person in room: $59
Two people in room: $65

They are out of King non-smoking rooms, so I have 2 beds in my room. If one of you wants to save a few bucks and stay in my room, I promise not to go gay on you. I mean, I might peak in on you during your shower, but that's harmless. Seriously, I'm fine sharing a room, so whatever. (Don't believe what Eddie tells you!)

For Sat night in Clarksville, we'll wing it when we get there. Randy confirms we'll have no problem finding rooms.

Other minor details some folks have asked about...

No need to pack lunch on the bike. We have lunch stops planned. HOWEVER, I recommend you pack trail bars or your favorite, trail-worthy snack for quick energy. A bike problem can make us several hours late for lunch. It's all part of "adventure"!

Hydrate! I think most of you plan to bring a camelbak drink system. I highly recommend this so you can #1 carry lots of water, and #2, drink on the go. With the miles and trails we'll be riding, we may not stop as often or sit as long at stops.

I will carry a 1 liter bottle of fuel. This gives some extra range for someone needing it (probably me). We'll also be able to use it to transfer fuel if needed. The routes and gas stops are planned in an effort to not run anyone out of fuel, but remember, this is "adventure"!

I already know that 3 of us will have tubes, tire irons, inflation....so those of you with less bike luggage, please don't worry about these items--we've got you covered. Some of you can even leave your toolkit at home if you want--we'll have several sets anyway including bolt kits, safety wire, zip-ties, metal putty, etc. (James, I think you said you don't have a lot of luggage space configured for your DRZ..and I know you can't spend any time this week prepping, so no worries, brother!) Of course, if your bike requires special tools to remove a wheel, etc, bring those tools.

Since there will be several DRZs on the ride, it would be great if one of you guys could carry a spare clutch, brake, and even shifter lever. These can be ride-stoppers. Steve or I should have room to throw your extra lever in our bags if necessary. (Don't rush out and next-day order these, but if you have spares at home, bring them.)

Randy & I plan to carry our tow-ropes. (NOT that we'll need them! )

A couple of small items I recommend, and some of you can back me up on these, bring chapstick and a bandana. In my day-to-day life, I don't use chapstick, but on these rides, my lips get really chapped. Having the stick along is the difference between comfort and annoying discomfort. A bandana is great for cooling off or cleaning up as we take breaks along creeks.

Don't forget your dinner jackets and fancy shoes for the reception Sat night. JUST KIDDING!

I just got my Friday night reservations made, looking forward to it!

Nick and I are covered as far as Friday night's hotel as well.

Just checked weather.com and the forecast actually just got WORSE! We're up to 50% chance of rain Friday and Saturday and Saturday's high went DOWN to 47!

Don't forget your rain gear and insulating layers! All I can say is thank goodness we are doing the hotel thing instead of attempting to camp! We can at least warm up and dry off in the evenings.

Regarding weather, I want to reassure folks that the rain should not cause much issue for this ride. 98% of the route wont be affected by rain. The roads and trails are so rocky the rain won't matter. I can think of one of the old logging roads in the route that might get muddy, but I'm not concerned. We'll either get through fine or we can route around--no problem.

They need rain bad in that area, and it will make the waterfalls more beautiful to have some flow while we are there.

As for cold, when we are on open road sections, it could be nippy, but when we are in trail and rough roads, the lack of wind and the effort required to keep the rubber side up will keep you warm. Most important thing (in my opinion) to keep warm on the motorcycle in 40 degree weather is a thin wind-break layer. My rain coat is a cheap Stearns brand rubber rain coat from Walmart. I've used it for many years. It also effectively stops the wind from cutting through my clothes. So this rain coat does double-duty.

It's hard to get the clothing exactly right. If someone finds that they wish they had another layer, you can probably buy something at Turners Bend store when we stop for gas & lunch on Fri. Of course, Fri night, you'll be in Ozark, where you can buy stuff.

What I'll miss by not having a single basecamp is I won't have my boot dryer at the motels. Eddie has a cool, tiny, portable boot dryer that works great. If you guys spot these on sale somewhere, let me know.

WOOHOO!

This is not the portable one Troy used however I do have this model as well and it works.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Weston-P ... l+Products