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[RGlideKid]

Patty and I spent 2 nights in Eureka Springs, Arkansas this past week.  Two days isn't nearly enough to do anything there, really, but we had to make this a quick one, and I was more on a mission to drive some twisties that I hadn't been on for many years to scout routes for the MITM GTG in Eureka Springs.  See:  http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=103560.0
On the way, we took the "southern route" shown below that went through some of the best roads in the Ozarks of northern Arkansas, and then came back home on the northern route through Missouri, which also has some amazing roads.

While there, we visited the Fayetteville/Rogers area as well as got to see some really fine Corvettes in ES as they were having a Corvette GTG there this past weekend.  We saw some amazing cars, as you will see below in subsequent posts.

Of the routes we took in, one or two of them will definitely be featured in the MITM GTG in 2017 in Eureka Springs.  These are roads that challenge you to concentrate, but in all cases we found them to be well paved (if a bit narrow at times) and uncrowded. 

Below is the map for the route we took to get there, traveling from the right to the left (east to the west side).  To get your bearings, note that Harrison, AR is at the top of this map.
Highways 123 and 74 are both time very well spent and are must see's for the iron butt attendees at the MITM GTG and maybe we can turn them into a mid-length run somehow as well.  They are very picturesque, with nothing but twisties and large elevation changes.  Unfortunately there aren't very many pullovers for picture taking, but the scenery is still awesome.  By the time you hit Hwy 21 and head north to Berryville, the geography changes to more serene and less mountainous, but it's still very nice riding. 

[RGlideKid]

The map below shows our route back toward home.  Of note is Hwy 23 leaving north out of Eureka Springs, which changes to Hwy 86 in Missouri.  This is a very twisty road, with very few straightaways, and is a must drive for the MITM GTG in 2017.
We then headed east toward Branson (top right hand corner of the map) on 76, but at Branson West I got turned around, having meant to head south on 13 but got caught up and went on into Branson, which was really getting crowded by that Friday afternoon.  I would have to say that Branson is not fun on a bike at any point around a weekend, as there are too many long lights with hilly terrain and a LOT of traffic.  During a weekday (Mon-Thur) I expect it would be slightly lighter traffic.
From what I saw, 86 to 76 to either 39 or 13 south would be a good route for the GTG in ES.
Note for those who are interested in the Peel Ferry across Bull Shoals Lake:  somewhere near Branson, you must cross over Lake Tanycomo (looks more like a river) in order to get on the north side of Bull Shoals Lake, and then head further east than this map shows.  In my opinion, this would be too long of a ride for the GTG, as you could easily be in the saddle for 5-6 hours just to do this route.

[RGlideKid]

On the way to Eureka Springs (ES), you will pass many "mountains" like the one below.  As you can see, the weather was overcast but there was no rain anywhere.
This particular spot was on Hwy 76 before you get to Jasper, which is a "must go do and see" place for the longer riders at the MITM GTG.

[RGlideKid]

Pictured below are the shops around the town square in Jasper, Arkansas.
It is a friendly little town, very picturesque and relaxed, and the scenery is just everywhere.  It will be another great place to visit while at the MITM GTG.

[RGlideKid]

More of Jasper.  The little brownstone building in the center is Stone Street Records, owned and operated by a very interesting and hospitable South African fellow by the name of Shawn.  He has old records and LP sleeves tacked to all the walls and ceiling of the shop, and it was really fun to visit with him.

[RGlideKid]

One last one from Jasper.  Sorry about the pics, but shooting in overcast conditions makes for crappy photos, even with Lightroom to doctor the photos a little.

[RGlideKid]

The Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs.  One of the two main choices for the National MITM GTG in 2017. 
This hotel was a clean, hospitable place, with clean rooms and good parking.  Many of you have stayed there before but for those who haven't I've attached some pictures below.
This first pic is looking toward the lower level from the upper level where our room was.  It's very private back down in there!

[RGlideKid]

Every GTG needs a "get-together" spot, and this one is pretty nice, with seating for well over 100 people.  I never saw it being used the two nights we stayed there.  Upstairs is an enclosed miniature golf course and some other games to play.
I did ask about motorcycle parking down there, but they said no to that.
Also, there is a restaurant right on the property, Myrtie Mae's, that has a good breakfast as well as a lunch buffet and from what I hear good dinners as well.  The prices are a little high, but not terribly so.  I asked about discounts for the GTG since the other BW in town offers free buffet breakfasts to their guests.  They said we needed to really hit the manager up about that.

[RGlideKid]

The backside of the unit we stayed in.  It was pretty quiet.  To the left is the upper story of the GTG room and "playhouse" on the upper deck.

[RGlideKid]

The next unit down the way and the swimming pool which was behind our unit.  The drawback to the unit in the picture is if your room is on the backside facing the woods to the right, you still must park out front to the left, thus you can't see your bike.  We were initially assigned a room down there, but got it changed to where we could see our bike.  We had to upgrade due to the lack of rooms during the Corvette GTG, but they gave me a "manager's rate", which wasn't a bad deal.

[RGlideKid]

Thorncrown Chapel on the west end of ES.
A very interesting little chapel in a beautiful setting...worth a quick look!

[RGlideKid]

Just off Hwy 62 west is the dam for Beaver Lake.  It was a pretty day, but breezy!

[RGlideKid]

Pig Trail Harley in Rogers, AR.
They've got tons of clothes, and a fair amount of accessories and bikes.  This is the largest dealer in the state, and right off Hwy 62 as you enter Rogers.

[RGlideKid]

For you lovers of Vettes, there were some pretty fine ones on display just at our hotel, but they were everywhere in town starting that Friday!

[RGlideKid]

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