Southern loop in March?

[Indianscout]

OK, so it looks like I will have 2-3 weeks off in March and thought this would be a great time to dig myself out of the snow banks and head south with the bike. I have a good friend in Kansas who is willing to watch my truck and trailer while I'm gone. I would be doing about 250-350 miles per day on a 70 year old bike, camping when weather permits, interested in history, good food and great roads. Thoughts of the Tail of the Dragon, the hill country of Texas, fresh sea food are just a few things that have crossed my mind. Depending upon weather, road conditions or my attitude, I may camp in one area for a few days to see what it has to offer me. Any suggestions or opinions?


My rig;

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Other/Ohio/OHIO-292/945888316_gi37a-M.jpg

.

[kayakinbiker]

Red Top Mountain park in Georgia!

[zig]

If you get to SE Oklahoma, Scenic Hwy 1, from Talihena, Ok to Mena, Ark is a nice ride. Plenty of campgrounds around that branch of the Ozarks that works it's way into Oklahoma. Caddo Lake in far east Texas is pretty to see with the spanish moss and Cypress trees. If you do the historical musuem theme, Washington State Park, north of Hope, Arkansas is a good place to stretch your legs...an old town set up the way things were way back before your bike was ever born. If fishing is any interest to you, the Freshwater Fisheries Musuem in Athens, Texas is a nice place to spend a few hours; campground right next door. (I use to teach Wildlife Manage in High School and took my class on field trips every year, but never camped in the campground) I would say watch out for rain in March in the Texas/Arkansas area, but we in NE Texas haven't seen a good rain in a long time.

[Trailace]

Make sure you let us know when you plan to be in Texas would like to come meet you and check out your ride. P^

PS: Just have fun.

[Indianscout]

Any thoughts? Yes. Do it.
:)

Museum tour?


I'm liking that idea. Any recomendations??



Red Top Mountain park in Georgia!


I am sure there is a lot of things to see that are closer to Kansas City. Georgia is a bit too far for this trip for now.


If you get to SE Oklahoma, Scenic Hwy 1, from Talihena, Ok to Mena, Ark is a nice ride. Plenty of campgrounds around that branch of the Ozarks that works it's way into Oklahoma. Caddo Lake in far east Texas is pretty to see with the spanish moss and Cypress trees. If you do the historical musuem theme, Washington State Park, north of Hope, Arkansas is a good place to stretch your legs...an old town set up the way things were way back before your bike was ever born. If fishing is any interest to you, the Freshwater Fisheries Musuem in Athens, Texas is a nice place to spend a few hours; campground right next door. (I use to teach Wildlife Manage in High School and took my class on field trips every year, but never camped in the campground) I would say watch out for rain in March in the Texas/Arkansas area, but we in NE Texas haven't seen a good rain in a long time.


These are some great ideas for me to look into further, thanks!!



Make sure you let us know when you plan to be in Texas would like to come meet you and check out your ride. P^

PS: Just have fun.


Will keep everyone here posted on my plans and would welcome the chance to meet you! Having fun is the name of the game!

[ImRubicon]

Make sure you let us know when you plan to be in Texas would like to come meet you and check out your ride. P^

PS: Just have fun.
Hill country is nice camping that time of year also..
Not much frost either LOL
Hot showers and close food at Kerrville one of my favorites. we have a camping trip going in Feb out that way.
Texas has BBQ ,beach,freash seafood and a few members so might be fun for a get together .

I second just have fun !! P^

[deadhawg]

We camped in the Texas Hill Country at Inks Lake last April. Weather was great, except for the one thunderstorm that almost blew our tent away, with us inside it. Great riding around the area, tasty BBQ at Cooper's in Llano. Wildflowers were amazing in mid April, don't know what they might be like in March.

[Mr. Guy]

While your in Kansas, there are quite a few old frontier forts that have been restored and very interesting. Head south through Ok and I'll second the Talimena Drive, OK1 into Arkansas, LOTS of Forest Service campgrounds all over west AR, and great roads.

Guy

[Indianscout]

While your in Kansas, there are quite a few old frontier forts that have been restored and very interesting. Head south through Ok and I'll second the Talimena Drive, OK1 into Arkansas, LOTS of Forest Service campgrounds all over west AR, and great roads.

Guy


A long haul driver suggested the same route this morning, that and someone on ADV suggested the same route too. Looks like this route is going to be a must on my list.


All great suggestions everyone, keep'm coming!!

[VFR]

A long haul driver suggested the same route this morning, that and someone on ADV suggested the same route too. Looks like this route is going to be a must on my list.


All great suggestions everyone, keep'm coming!!



I just looked that one up on a map. I'm thinking of heading back that way next year & will have to work that one into the route. Looks like lots of nice riding in that area + I haven't been there yet - perfect!!!

[Indianscout]

Here is one response I got off of ADV;


"Fools on a Hill campout is in mid-March at Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle, Arkansas.

It's the last weekend before the Spring Equinox.

Here's last year's web page: http://members.cox.net/fools/

It's not been updated for 2011, yet, but you could email Mario or Jim for more info.

It's the area's first campout of the year. Pretty fun deal. BMWs, Guzzis, and a few other brands...

Come on down!


Here's a nice road to hit while in the area: http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com/"

Thinking is has a very strong possibility of going on the "to do list"!

[nhrider]

I'd definitely try a little further south than Kansas. East Oklahoma Tilimena Drive to Mena,AR is a great ride. Be sure to stop for BBQ a little east of Mt. Ida.

If you decide to go just a little further south, Nothing beats Texas Hill country and southern Utah for me. Route 170 from Big Bend NP to Presidio,TX IMHO blows away the "tail of the dragon" in ways you can't imagine.

[Indianscout]

Thanks for the input nhrider but I will be hauling my bike to Kansas and heading south from there. As it looks right now I will be spending some time in east Texas and Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and if time and weather allows Louisiana, Mississippi. A hard day for me is 350-400 miles on my old bike but I want to make a few stops and "smell the flowers" along the way. I admit that some states I will just dip my toe into so I can add them to the map for now with intent on a longer return trip at a later date. The south western states will have to wait for now.

[Mr. Guy]

In SW, NW and north central Arkansas I doubt you could find a bad road to ride if you tried to. There just are not any bad riding roads in this area. SW Missouri has some great roads too. When you get into this area, just pick a road, any road, and go. Plenty of small towns with good Mom and Pop cafes and campgrounds all over the place. The hard part is not finding a place to stop and smell the flowers, but getting anywhere from all the stopping and smelling. :)

It's my favorite area to head to for a weekend, or long weekend ride.

Guy

[Indianscout]

Thanks Guy, Sounds like my kind of area and I will keep this in mind!

[Ripshod]

If you do make as far east as the Dragon Tail, then one particular part of Georgia should not be missed. T.W.O. (Two Wheels Only) (http://www.twowheelsonly.com/) is an institution. It's in Northeast Georgia, a very popular area for riders. They have really, really good food. Three-star at least. A good campground. It may be the first motorcycle-only campground ever. Or maybe Blue Ridge MC Campground (http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/) is. If you get that far east, BTW, try at least a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

As far as riding Deals Gap (that's the real name for the Tail), it's okay. It certainly won't be the best riding you do in the area, but do it for the spectacle then take of for the real riding, by which I mean pretty much every other road in that area. There are lots of MC campgrounds all over the place around there, from Iron Horse Lodge (http://www.ironhorsenc.com/dining.html), complete with a camp/gift store, big screen TV and restaurant, to the other end, Hunt's Lodge (http://www.huntslodge.com/), just a pavilion, lots of good places to pitch a tent, and peace and quiet.

Good luck and have a great time!

[Indianscout]

Georgia is not in the plans for right now but I appreciate the information. Deals Gap may not be part of it ether. The more I check into this, the more I realize I need to spend some time in one area and not just pass through so my overall plans may be changed. Still looking into this and will keep everyone posted, meanwhile I still want to hear more about Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi. Thanks!

[Ripshod]

Not quite true there Jerry. Hunt's has got more to offer than "just a pavilion".
Perhaps you have forgotten ...
That campground is owned and run by two of the nicest people anyone would ever hope to meet. They'll bend over backward to make sure your stay there with them is a pleasnt, and enjoyable one.

Well sure, there's that. I was just skimming over the facilities. What I like most about Hunt's is the laid-back, quiet atmosphere and that stems directly from the wonderful folks who run the place. It's definitely my choice of all the MC campgrounds in this area.

[zig]

If you're heading into Mississippi, Natchez has a lot of history, as well as Vicksburg. Then a hop onto the Natchez Trace and easy cruise for a while should offer some beautiful country scenery. That thing goes all the way up into Tennesse. If I'm not mistaken, it's the trail/road the farmers used to return home on after they would float their commodities down the riverways to Natchez. Don't know how far you would want to go, but it's a pretty nice ride and well maintained road. Jefferson, Texas is a pretty old/neat town. It's one of the fartherest north reaches the old river boats/barges use to come to in the old days.(into Texas, that is) Jefferson is a local favorite for bikers to ride to, enjoy the town, stay overnight or ride out of. If you're scared of ghost, you might not want to be there after dark! They say it's haunted. I believe it's even been mentioned on some of those cable channel specials about ghost. If you do want to stay, there are campgrounds in the local area. I believe it's also one of the oldest towns in Texas, or East Texas at least.

[Indianscout]

Now we're talking! Too many times I have rode through an area only to find out later about something I should have stopped to check out or a road I should have taken. This is the kind of general information I am looking for to plan my trip. A few ideas/suggestions and a rough time frame that is easy to change due to weather or attitude. Thanks Zig!

[Ripshod]

The Trace is a nice, relaxing ride. Few crossroads, no stop signs or billboards for 444 miles. Had the good fortune to ride it top to bottom on the way to Texas last August, then bottom to top again on the way home. There are enough historic points of interest to keep you interested for many days. There's a campground called Jeff Busby just a little south of the half-way point where we camped both times through. This was in late August and it was hotter than ... well, it was hot and I think that's why we were the only campers in the whole campground both times. Did I mention that it's a FREE campground? No showers but hey, it's free. March is still pretty early in the season so you probably won't have much problem finding a site.

Spacing the Trace out for two days like that is a great way to see it. That way you have plenty of time to stop and check out the interesting historical markers. You have to get off the Trace and go into town to get gas. It's usually just a few miles, but it pays to plan ahead. The whole road is a National Park. No charge to ride. Park Rangers don't like speeders. Check out the official website (http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm) and be sure to click on the map but don't bother to print it out. They have lots of free ones.

If you don't want to go all the way to Nashville, of course, you can hang a left and head back west whenever you feel like it.

Natchez, MS is a nice little town. Definitely lots of history happened there. The Trace starts there and just about ten miles up the road is the exit to Natchez State Park, where we also spent two nights camping. It ain't free but they have great showers.

[Indianscout]

Great info Ripshod! Again this is just what I was looking for!

Lots of great information for me to start with for now. I have a few months to go but you guys have given me lots of ideas to start off with. With all the great suggestions I have received here it looks like I may have to take off at least a month to check it all out....like that is a bad thing? Looks like I'm going to start on my homework now! Thanks again!

[zig]

+1 for park rangers don't like speeders! Once, in my recklass youth, I was working in Tennesse or Kentucky and after work on Friday, I drove until after dark to either southern Tennesse or northern Mississippi to get on the trace and head home. I grew up in central Mississippi. After a while, I got a ticket for speeding. The officer looked at my address on my D.L., asked where I was going, I told him home...he looked at my address again and asked if I had been drinking. I told him no, I had worked all day and was on my way home, had to drop some work of in Tupelo, and was going to central Mississippi. He gave me my ticket and let me go. I limped into some small town well after midnight with my gas tank on empty. The only gas station I found was closed, but some fine elderly southern gentlemen were inside playing dominos. The owner agreed to turn the pumps on and let me fill up. As I was getting back onto the trace a horrible realization came over me.... when I had gotten on the Trace the first time I had made a wrong turn and was going the wrong direction! I was in Tennesse heading north! That Trooper could have told me that! He just let me keep on going the same direction! It gets dark there at night, make sure you make the correct turns at intersections.

[zig]

Also, if you're an Elvis fan, don't forget his childhood home of Tupelo, Miss.

[Ripshod]

Oh, and I forgot to mention - no commercial traffic allowed on the trace!

But unfortunately, slow RVs are allowed. You take the bad with the good.

And there are lots and lots of bicyclists.

[Gene McCall]

Great info Ripshod! Again this is just what I was looking for!

Lots of great information for me to start with for now. I have a few months to go but you guys have given me lots of ideas to start off with. With all the great suggestions I have received here it looks like I may have to take off at least a month to check it all out....like that is a bad thing? Looks like I'm going to start on my homework now! Thanks again!

Scout, I can see from this thread that you have a lot of info to digest! I am going to add to your problem so you might want to get some Tums! Just east of Birmingham, Ala is the Barber racetrack and muesum. It is a great layout and I have heard great things about the motorcycles in the museum, it sounds like yours would have a place of honor. In fact, if you visit you may have to sneak away once they see your bike! One of my brothers rode a 1949 Indian Chief (80inch twin) to California in 1950 and wrecked in the desert in Ariz. Finished his trip on a Grayhound!
Gene

[Ripshod]

+1 on Barber. I've camped out at their annual vintage MC festival for five years now. The museum is jaw-dropping. The track is world-class. Well worth the trip if you can swing by.

Click here (http://ripshod.imgur.com/barber_museum#CkN0C) for an album of pics just to give you an idea of the scope and quality of the collection, not to mention the mind-boggling number of bikes that are stuffed into the building. You can click Image Options to see the full-size pictures and see the details. In some pictures you can see that there's an excellent view of turn 7 of the track through the back windows.

[Indianscout]

Damn, I had forgot about Barber! Your right Gene, I do need to get the Tums and a bigger note book. I have seen ton's of photos of some fantastic motorcycles and guess this could be my chance to see it for myself. Can't get too carried away as I have two other trips planned for this summer as well and if things go as planned I will be tripling my camp count from last year........ Is it March yet????

[Indianscout]

As of right now I have done a rough draft of my route and as I said before, looks like I could spend a month or two exploring the area. Starting in Kansas City and heading south to Mt Nebo State Park, Dardanelle, AR and spend a few days camping out and riding some of the local roads. Then to Jefferson TX to see if I can get the dickens scared out of me. East to Vicksburg MS for a little "war between the states" action, off to Birmingham AL to the Barber Museum, north to Nashville TN, west to check out the Ozarks in MO and then back to Kansas City. As it stands this is about 2000 miles and if I am out two weeks this is less than 150 miles a day. Plenty of miles on an old bike but lots of time to explore and not have to push the limits on the old girl. The only dead line I would have to make would be the camp out in Mt. Nebo SP in mid March wile the rest is all optional. Staying on back roads and off the slab when ever possible is a priority. I have never had the chance to spend some time in the south and look forward to the experience. Opinions?

[zig]

"Opinions?" Don't bother telling the locals you're a Yank. They'll figure it out as soon as you speak to them.:D Seriously, enjoy the southern hospitality and eat as much great southern food as you can! I hope the weather works out for you. You should have a great time.

[Indianscout]

"Opinions?" Don't bother telling the locals you're a Yank. They'll figure it out as soon as you speak to them.:D Seriously, enjoy the southern hospitality and eat as much great southern food as you can! I hope the weather works out for you. You should have a great time.


I don't think I would even need to speak for them to figure that one out zig. Looking forward to all the good food and hospitality I can handle.


Just keep in mind how the movie Easyrider ended ... :rolleyes: ... :eek:


Well, let's see what I can do to prevent that from happening to me!

[zig]

Be CAREFUL if you hear banjo music!

[Indianscout]

Well ... For starters, don't go flippin anyone the bird ... :eek: ... :p


No George, I use all of my fingers when I wave!! :hi1: :D



Be CAREFUL if you hear banjo music!



Hmmm, you know your not the first person to tell me this........:eek:

[zig]

I forgot to mention Horsethief Springs and Robbers Cave, though someone else may have mentioned Robbers Cave. These were old hang-outs used by outlaws in the old west days. Horsethief springs was a favorite stopping place for...oh, I can't remember here name, a lady outlaw from the old west days. It's a spring kind of high up along Winding Stair Mountain. Supposedly she could rest her stolen horses and keep an eye out for a posse. Robbers cave, outside of Wilburton, Ok. was where another famous outlaw gang use to hide out in the old west days, though grafitti has ruined the image now. Nice campground in Wilburton. Old, but clean.

[Indianscout]

Geez zig, what am I suppose to do....add another week to the trip?? :D I'll have to see how or if that will work but this is the stuff I am looking for. Thanks!!

[Indianscout]

Looks like both places are right on my way and are a very good possibility!! Cool stuff zig! Thanks!

[zig]

I was just checking out this website: http://www.thegrove-jefferson.com/ghosts/index.htm It gave me the creeps, I had to quit reading it.

[Indianscout]

Aww, come on zig, how bad could it be? Sounds like fun and will be something to talk about at the campfires.

Oh and I got this off of a site about Robbers Cave State Park...

"Robbers Cave also enjoys notoriety as a former hideout for outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr."

I am really getting excited about this trip!!!

[Gene McCall]

As of right now I have done a rough draft of my route and as I said before, looks like I could spend a month or two exploring the area. Starting in Kansas City and heading south to Mt Nebo State Park, Dardanelle, AR and spend a few days camping out and riding some of the local roads. Then to Jefferson TX to see if I can get the dickens scared out of me. East to Vicksburg MS for a little "war between the states" action, off to Birmingham AL to the Barber Museum, north to Nashville TN, west to check out the Ozarks in MO and then back to Kansas City. As it stands this is about 2000 miles and if I am out two weeks this is less than 150 miles a day. Plenty of miles on an old bike but lots of time to explore and not have to push the limits on the old girl. The only dead line I would have to make would be the camp out in Mt. Nebo SP in mid March wile the rest is all optional. Staying on back roads and off the slab when ever possible is a priority. I have never had the chance to spend some time in the south and look forward to the experience. Opinions?

Scout, I think your route looks great! I can see why you are excited. If you want some company at the Barber museum and the leg up to Nashville I may be able to join you. At this point I don't have any trips set for March and it may turn out to be too cold for an old fart like me (no electric gear) but I would like to give it a shot if it meets with your approval. Despite living so near Barber I have never been there and would love to go. Let me know what you think.
Gene

[Indianscout]

Scout, I think your route looks great! I can see why you are excited. If you want some company at the Barber museum and the leg up to Nashville I may be able to join you. At this point I don't have any trips set for March and it may turn out to be too cold for an old fart like me (no electric gear) but I would like to give it a shot if it meets with your approval. Despite living so near Barber I have never been there and would love to go. Let me know what you think.
Gene

That would be great Gene! I don't have heated gear ether as the electrical system on Peaches won't handle any of that new technology so I just have to dress warm or wait it out. Meeting you and having a chance to ride with a local is always big in my book! Will keep you posted on my plans.


Tim


Hey Gene,
If Tim accepts your offer, you're in for a treat.
I spent a few days riding and camping with him last summer.
He's a swell guy to travel & camp with ... P^


Awww shucks George.......you do realize I can say the same about you too. Looking forward to seeing you and Deb again this summer.

[Gene McCall]

Hey Gene,
If Tim accepts your offer, you're in for a treat.
I spent a few days riding and camping with him last summer.
He's a swell guy to travel & camp with ... P^

OK Wizz, since you posted first I can only assume that Tim promised to slip you a 5 spot next time you met for those nice words!!:p
Nice touch for him to return the compliment!:lol2

[Indianscout]

No Gene,
That's not the case ... You'll understand what I mean when you meet him ...
He's as genuine as that Indian Scout he rides ... P^


Oh-brother, is it getting deep in here or what??



:D

[Gene McCall]

No Gene,
That's not the case ... You'll understand what I mean when you meet him ...
He's as genuine as that Indian Scout he rides ... P^

OK Wizz, I'll take your word for it! Maybe he's a good guy, (when he's asleep:p
Gene

PS: Scout, in the Chill-Out thread you said you might abandon this trip to make the camp out?

[TOE JAM]

Georgia is not in the plans for right now but I appreciate the information. Deals Gap may not be part of it ether. The more I check into this, the more I realize I need to spend some time in one area and not just pass through so my overall plans may be changed. Still looking into this and will keep everyone posted, meanwhile I still want to hear more about Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi. Thanks!

Not sure where in Kansas you are parking the truck, but you might think of parking with one of us in north TX or OK. Lots of great roads in AR, TX hill country, east TX, and south Louisiana is like being in a different country. Also lots of good country roads in MS as well as the Natchez Trace. Let us know when you are in the neighborhood.

[Mr. Guy]

I've got plenty of room for anyone who needs to park their truck. Let me know, anytime. There's someone here almost always to look after it.

[Indianscout]

Wow, thanks for the offers everyone! As of now I'm not sure if this trip is going to pan out for me yet. A few things have changed for me in the last few weeks that could affect my plans for this trip. Then the weather has been realy screwy too so I was thinking of pushing it back a few weeks or cancel it and do the campout instead. Time will dictate what happens and if I do decide to go, I may take someone's offer for a place to park the truck and trailer. Again thank you for the offer and I will let everyone know what will happen as time gets nearer.