Riding the Ozarks

I wouldn't call this a trip, just a day ride. I am still in the honeymoon phase with my NC so I wanted to take her down some familiar roads to see how she stacked up against the other bikes I have owned and still own.

First stop: Mt. Nebo


Mt. Nebo rises 1000 feet above the Arkansas River Valley.


You can see Arkansas Nuclear One in the background that is operated by Entergy.


The Arkansas River is navigable to Tulsa, Ok and is travelled by many barges


I left Mt. Nebo and headed north to the Pig Trail


The Pig Trail gets its name from one or two tales. The first is that the road was actually built on a pig trail made from wild hogs. The other, and more believable, is that this road was once taken as a short cut from University of Arkansas students travelling between Little Rock and Fayetteville where the campus is located. The University's mascot is a Razorback (Hog). It's known for its many curves and scenic beauty........and also for large groups of Harley owners, logging trucks and old farts out for a Sunday drive.







A highway that runs perpindicular to the Pig Trail is Hwy 215. This is one of the gems of the Ozarks as it follows the Mulberry River for almost it's entire length. The Mulberry is a popular canoeing and kayaking destination during the spring rains.








At the east end of this wonderful road is the oldest general store in Arkansas. This cafe is known by many duel sport riders that are riding the TAT (Tran-american Trail) as a great place to stop, relax and eat some very good grub.

It ain't nothing fancy but they have some of the best pies around.




It was a great day to get out and ride!
Hope you enjoy these pics,
Mike

so, how did the nc like the pig trail?

She liked it very much
Mike

Those are my old stomping grounds!
I went to school in Russellville for a while. Heading back there next month for a short bit. I remember going up to the cooling towers often - just driving right up to them. I think that's frowned upon now.

CorEnFa said:

Those are my old stomping grounds!
I went to school in Russellville for a while. Heading back there next month for a short bit. I remember going up to the cooling towers often - just driving right up to them. I think that's frowned upon now.

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Yes it's frowned upon. I live by the State Park just a couple of miles from the nuke plant. I hear live fire training coming across the lake all of the time. It reminds me of living by Ft. Chaffee in the early 80's. Look me up when your in town.....I'll meet you at Whattaburger like everyone else who comes to town to visit
Mike

Whattaburger and Stoby's are tops on the list!
Cheers.

I love riding the Pig trail. My but didn't like the 374 mile trip much.

Bug Dr- I'm planning a ride to Arkansas in April. Thank you so much for sharing this. Great pics too! That cafe AND hwy 215 has been added to the route!

Looks like a beautiful ride! Thanks for sharing!

Bug Dr. what do you have on the seat of your NC?

danrev said:

Bug Dr. what do you have on the seat of your NC?

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It's an Alaskan Leather Sheepskin pad to try to help monkeybutt.
Mike

Thanks for the pics. I'm originally from Arkansas, born in Malvern and lived many years in Grant County out in the sticks. Went back a couple of times for a few months, couldn't make a living so left again, but every time I travel through there I get homesick again. My S/O and I have talked about selling out here and moving there, but she can't handle any colder weather than we get here on the Gulf Coast, but I'd go right now.

I love living in the Ozarks. It's nothing fancy but it's home.
Mike