Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, July 2007.
The Natural State
The first thing I noticed about riding in Arkansas was how well maintained the roads are.
Not just the Interstate or the streets in the wealthy neighborhoods — but everywhere I went. From the US routes to the county roads, they are in superb condition.
This was especially noteworthy because of a recent trip to a nearby state where we renamed the highways with more appropriate monikers: There was Chippatooth Highway, Bonejarring Boulevard, Pothole Place and Loosegravel Lane — and these were the complimentary terms we used for the best of the roads!
I don't know if it was by design or coincidence but the capital, Little Rock, is almost perfectly dead-center in the state and makes an excellent location from which to experience everything Arkansas has to otter.
There are six distinct geographical regions to Arkansas and each offers its own unique riding and touring opportunities. They are Crowley's Ridge, the Mississippi Delta, the Gulf Coastal Plains, the Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark Mountains.
Every little town has its own unique places to eat, shop or stay and, best of all, Arkansas is one of the most biker-friendly states that you will ever visit.
Crowley's Ridge, one of the great geological oddities of the world has been a recreational haven since the pioneer days. Today it is both a state and a national scenic byway. It lies within the Arkansas Delta, a vast flat-
OCB pendable enough to comfortably enjoy riding, especially in the southern portion of the state. The riding season extends into early fall. Pack your leathers and visit in October for a full dose of the fall foliage at its peak of perfection. The vibrant colors defy description.
Special Events. Although only a few years old the Bikes, Blues and BBQ Rally takes place in Fayetteville the Ft. weekend of October. This has become a major event with attendance in excess of 350,000 in 2006. For more information visit www.
bikesbluesandbbq.org.
The Arkansas State HOG. Rally (June) is the largest state HOG Rally in the country. Every September the Dogpatch Biker Bash takes place for 3 fun-filled days at the site of the former Dogpatch USA amusement park. Located on the Scenic 7 route, just a few miles outside Harrison, this event offers some of the best riding in the State. Plan to stay in Harrison and use it as the basis from which to ride the best that the Ozarks have to offer.
Arkansas is a state that you will need to plan several visits to just to be able to experience a little of what it has to offer. The problem is that you will fall in love with each area you visit and will want to return to it again and again instead of trying new areas.
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