May 2-4: TAR Spring Ride

[kendall_smith]

http://www.discountramps.com/ready-ramp ... -Extender/

I bought this one to load my bikes into the bed of my 4x4 F350. It was the perfect combination of light and strong (600 lbs. so I can use it for the 990 too) and as a bonus, it turns into a bed extender while transporting.

As for loading technique, I agree with what others here have said- for loading anything bigger than a dirt bike I always find something to back up to to lower the tailgate height- curb, ditch, incline, whatever you can find. After that, walking next to the bike with it crawling in 1st gear and having a step stool positioned just right does the trick.

[stimmer6253472]

My dad has one similar to this. One man job and takes all of the risk out of the equation and makes it easy to load by yourself in all but the steepest inclines. Like I said takes up more space though.

http://www.amazon.com/TMS-RP-TRIFOLD-AL ... minum+ramp

[kendall_smith]

Here's some photos from yesterday's pre-ride:













And the dirty bikes in the bed of the truck with the ramp/tailgate extension since the conversation turned to that:

[Creekside]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to get the trifold one - got a harbor freight coupon for $20 off, making it $80+tax and they have a chock there for $60 that might need some work make it safe standalone. Spray some rubber grip paint crap on the ramp so its not slick if it is.

Good idea about the drive (mine is steep as hell - it will probably be straight in) just have to find somewhere there to unload it.

[jasbaum]

I'm in for the BBQ, too. We rode by the place yesterday evening on the way back from a late lunch at Oark Cafe, but didn't stop to eat. I remember you having us stop there during last fall's Tarkansas ride, but it was closed at the time. Looking forward to it, and hoping for leftovers, so I'd vote for Friday night BBQ.

[allkidd]

Update

http://rideforum.net/viewtopic.php?p=15077#p15077

[rycomm]

Put me down for BBQ and lodge if there is room. If not a tent space should suffice.
Ryan

[kendall_smith]

Alissa and I are in for BBQ only. We're planning on bringing the RV, so we won't need the lodge.

[allkidd]

Put me down for BBQ and lodge if there is room. If not a tent space should suffice.
Ryan

There is a lot of space....got you down for lodge and BBQ.

[allkidd]

Alissa and I are in for BBQ only. We're planning on bringing the RV, so we won't need the lodge.

Got you both down for BBQ.

[Rick]

Two for BBQ. We'll have our RV.

Rick & Kim

[allkidd]

Two for BBQ. We'll have our RV.

Rick & Kim

Glad you guys can make it....I have you both down for BBQ.

[phil denk]

I'm in for BBQ and I'm sure Bob Morgan will be also. We'll be camping...........

[allkidd]

I'm in for BBQ and I'm sure Bob Morgan will be also. We'll be camping...........

Got it....Phil and Bob for BBQ.

[allkidd]

It is never too early to start thinking and planning for the next TAR ride:

May 2-4, 2014

UPDATE April 14

We are only a couple weeks out and I wanted to get a firm headcount for the lodge and/or the BBQ. Listed below are the names of those I've either talked to, or,those who have recently posted confirmation. If your name is not on the list and you are attending, please post a reply indicating your desire to stay at the lodge and/or BBQ. If I have erroneously placed your name on the lodging and/or BBQ list, please let me know so we can get an accurate head count. If you plan on camping but hopefully would like to eat BBQ, let us know just BBQ.

Please let us know by April 21st.

Scott Baum. lodge and BBQ
James Baum. lodge and BBQ
Randy lodge and BBQ
Kramer lodge and BBQ
Troy lodge and BBQ
Steve T lodge and BBQ
Mike Hinez lodge and BBQ
Mike HInz son lodge and BBQ
Mr. HIx lodge and BBQ
Sean lodge and BBQ
Kendall BBQ only
Alissa BBQ only
Ryan lodge and BBQ
Rick BBQ only
Kim BBQ only
Phil BBQ only
Bob BBQ only

We were in the facility this weekend and it is huge! There are 11 beds, several big sofas and plenty of floor space. The total price for 10 for both nights is $1,200. ($120 each which includes tax and facility charge) Their fee for additional guests is approximately $90. We figured the fairest way to divide this is that those on a bed pay the $120 and those on the floor or sofa pay $90. Think it was already mentioned that the BBQ is $15 per head.

Sounds like we will have a mix of big bikes and small. For the big there are a lot of routes posted in adv ride that can be used to plan a nice route. Assuming the big bike group has a GPS, there are forest roads in every direction that are great for the big bikes.

For the smaller bikes, Kramer has agreed to lead us in a fun track on Friday. It has every type of trail except pavement....should be a great ride.

For Saturday small bikes, Troy has agreed to come up with a fun full day track.

Sunday is wide open but one possibility would be to take back trails to Oark for lunch.

Mulberry Mountain Lodge in NW Arkansas

We have booked the luxurious, 5,000 sf Mulberry Mountain Lodge! The lodge has beds for 12 plus a couple couches plus massive amounts of floor space. Cost to stay in the lodge will run around $110 to $120 per person for 2 nights lodging (Fri & Sat nights).

In addition to the huge lodge, they have other cabins, but they will book up fast. April is already 100% full. They have a very nice campground, too, with shower house and RV hookups. (Kendall & Alissa!)

Many of us have been to the Mulberry Mountain Lodge. It is right in the middle of any kind of riding that you like. The lodge is located right on the Pig Tail Trail (Hwy 23). Amazing pavement, easy to rough gravel forest roads, ATV/4WD type trails, and single track are all available. In 3 days of riding we shouldn't have to ride on the same trails twice.

Note this is the same weekend our MoKan brothers plan to camp at Mulberry for their spring trail ride. They will be mostly ATV riders I believe. We might coordinate a catered BBQ meal for Sat night.

FOLKS SIGNED UP FOR THE LODGE FULL?!
Randy
James
Scott B
Steve
Kramer
Troy
MoRidin
Chad
Colleen
HanesAnizer
HanesAnizer son
3SuperSports
rycomm
Steve Shearer

[troy]

I updated the FIRST POST to hopefully make the list a bit clearer.

Who is "Steve T"? Also, Steve Shearer, are you coming?

(Randy if/when you need to edit the table, copy & paste into Notepad, edit, then copy back between the "monospace" tags.)

[HanesAnizer]

Well unfortunately my son found out today he has a National Guard drill May 3rd and 4th. Needless to say we will need to back out this trip. We are both hugely disappointed as this was something we were both really looking forward to. He suggested I go without him, but I likely won't have too many riding opportunities and want to make sure I go with him as often as I can.

Sorry guys...

[MrHix]

Well unfortunately my son found out today he has a National Guard drill May 3rd and 4th. Needless to say we will need to back out this trip. We are both hugely disappointed as this was something we were both really looking forward to. He suggested I go without him, but I likely won't have too many riding opportunities and want to make sure I go with him as often as I can.

Sorry guys...

Does that mean I get a bed instead of the floor?

Just kidding. Sorry to hear about the cancellation. Hope to meet you soon on another ride!

Cheers,

[troy]

...Needless to say we will need to back out this trip...

NO MIKE! That sucks. Gonna miss you.

Does that mean I get a bed instead of the floor?

Yes. It does.

We had multiple mistakes in the list and now that HanesAnizer and son are out, we actually have 2 beds left...but not for long.

[troy]

Update -- another rider backed out. As of this post we have 3 empty beds in the lodge plus couches and tons of floor space for air mattresses.