Morrilton-Solgohauchia Ride 2008

It started out to be a nice day for riding Sunday, the temperature was 67 when I left the house at around 1030. I did some errands in the Russellville area then headed towards Morrilton. I rode Hwy 64 East then made a right on 113 at Blackwell for a ride past pecan trees and through the soy fields that dominate the area.

This is what remains of a structure that once stood here. Its bigger than it looks in the picture. The square piece of cement with rerods is probably 3x3 ft. It may have been a tower of some kind, I know its been there for as long as I can remember.

A few hundred yards farther was this old barn. Thats Petit Jean Mtn in the distance.


When I arrived at the Point Remove Creek Bridge I was surprised. They've built a new bridge! I did'nt see anything wrong with the old bridge, I guess they needed one for bigger trucks to cross. The bridge which has been the crossing point since I've been driving has been torn down.
Here is the Old bridge, it was given a new paint job several years ago.



These summer pics are from a past ride.


The stats of the old bridge.
Overview
Through truss bridge over Point Remove Creek on AR 113 west of Morrilton
Location
Conway County, Arkansas
Status
Open to pedestrians only
Future prospects
Preserved
History
Built 1926 by the Virginia Bridge & Iron Co.; bypassed ca. 2005
Builder
- Virginia Bridge & Iron Co.

Design
Riveted, 6-panel Pratt through truss
Dimensions
Length of largest span: 122.0 ft.
Total length: 271.9 ft.
Deck width: 18.0 ft.
Vertical clearance above deck: 14.0 ft.

This is the absolutely beautiful new bridge....


This is a pic of the new bridge from the preserved bridge, looking North.


This is looking South from the old bridge.


I suppose the catfish were biting, whether they were or not did'nt seem to matter to this man.


I left the bridge behind and headed on to Morrilton. I passed by the rusting old Morrilton water tower.


A little ways down the road I took a pic of the renovations to the old St. Anthony's Hospital. I had posted some pics of the delapitated building last year and was wondering what its fate would be. What happened is a a private contracter bought it and turned it into an appartment complex.
Heres some pics of before and after. A definite improvement and a great way to save a great old building.



I arrived at Zach's a few minutes later and we agreed to ride North for about a 50 mile round trip. We headed North on Hwy 9. At the junction of 9/287 at Solgohachia we stopped at a little monument which I suppose is of area significance. I have my doubts about this story. They dont mention on the stone what tribe Chief Pontis belonged to or even the year he was chief. I'll have to do some research and update at a later time.

It looks like a tornado came through here. I cant remember it happening but it sure has the looks of it. Behind Zach you can see the renants of a little building that went along with the monument. In the distance you can see two other destroyed buildings. I like the way they put the state of Arkansas in the monument, pretty good work.
This pic is looking South down Hwy 9, thats Zach on the Heritage.


From here Zach and I took 287 North till we reached 95 which we took South back to Morrilton. The ride had turned misty and a little cooler so we stopped at Love's truck stop at I-40, and had us some hot drinks. Afterwards, I went West and Zach East, it was a good ride. I'm looking forward to alot more.