BBBQ 2007 was fantastic

The trip to the rally, a ride to Eureka Springs and the ride home Sunday were great. The Rally itself was absolutely awesome.

Leaving the Flying J at 9 am Saturday, HD Zack, Yamaha Mike and myself headed out West on I-40. Suzuki Mike and Victory Mike had left Thursday for a trip into Oklahoma on an intelligence gathering trip. They both had interesting reports from Oklahoma.

Zack, Mike and myself continued on I-40 to Clarksville then detoured for the scenic ride on Hwy 352 W which we rode all the way to Hwy 23, we took 23 South to Mulberry. At Mulberry, we did a pit stop then took Hwy 64 West to the next I-40 exit. We took the overpass onto a paved back road, a very nice ride, good scenary. The road was paved but in places was'nt in great condition. Fine for us though.

Because we took this backroad, we were able to completely bypass Alma, Ar. We were soon going to see all the conjestion we ever dreamed of having (Zacks aircooled HD probably had nightmares of it). We traveled the backroad for a number of miles, I didnt take note of the exact number, probably around twenty or so. Eventually we came to Hwy 71 and continued North towwards Fayetteville.

I really like Hwy 71, its good for a fast ride if thats what you like. The curves are long and usually easy. There are some tight ones though. There are some good rest stops along the way. One is called Artists Point, its well worth a stop for its panoramic views. Another is the old Fire Tower, I didnt go up into the tower but I believe for a small fee you can climb the tower for what would be an awesome view.

A couple of views from Artist Point on Hwy 71.



We arrived in Fayetteville on Hwy 71 (also called College Street in town), we passed Dickson Street and went a little further North to Days Inn where we had a suite reserved. We dumped off our excess luggage and headed on back to Dickson Street. As I turned onto Dickon St. the CMA was there in abundance handing out free water and popsicles, you dont meet better people.
In the past they have closed Dickson Street to automobile traffic but they did'nt do that this year. Early in the day it was clogged with cars (and motorcycles). Later on there were still a few cars but most dicided not to wait in the traffic.

Early in the day there were alot of cars mixing with bikes on Dickson St.

Later on in the day it was mostly bikes.

There were some interesting bikes on Dickson Street.

Beautiful Victory is'nt it? He dropped it in front of our room on Friday night. Luckily it only had a scratch or two.




In my opinion, there were even more people this year than last year, it should be a record number. In Fayetteville people gathered at Dickson Street, the Tyson Track Center, the Arkansas Mall, the Motels and the streets were filled with bikes. There were other areas away from Fayetteville where bikes gathered.

No colors allowed at any BBBQ venues :).



I made a day trip to Eureka Springs Saturday with my old friend Charles P. On the way we stopped at the Pig Trail Harley Davidson and the huge parking lot was overflowing with bikes. There was free food and even a tattoo contest at the largest HD dealer I've ever been in. I understand the construction cost was 12 million dollars. They even had computers for public use.

Pig Trail Harley Davidson, Bentonville, Ar.



We met up with Col. David B. and his wife, and a few other friends at Eureka Springs. We stopped in at Luigi's for some food and refreshments. They are all good people. The Colonel is an interesting person with alot of stories. Charles and the Colonel were in the same Army Unit at one time. The Colonels friend Lee was the life of the party, no dull moments with him around.
Eureka had hundreds of bikes in town and to top it off, a Corvette Convention. An absolutely awesome place to visit. They've done alot to the town since I was there last. Its like no other town in Arkansas, a little bit of Italy, maybe a little Germany, its a great place to spend a weekend.

Eureka Springs, Corvette Rally Weekend During BBBQ. Everyone was having a good time. Can you see Cindy?


There was also a Rally at Mulberry Mountain on Hwy 23 just North of Cass, Ar. Its called "The Pig Trail Motorcycle Rally" http://www.pigtrailrally.com/. There is a $10.00 charge good for all four days. Whats ten bucks? I paid 12 bucks for a gyro and a lemonade at BBBQ (I was hungry and they were good, but $12.00?). They have cabins, lots of camping and a band stage, that I know for sure. From what I was told, the turnout there was really good. I think the idea is to get some of the business from crowded Fayetteville. It may be working but you could'nt tell by driving thru Fayetteville. I'll check it out next year. You dont have to worry about a noise rule, a pet ban or being told to go into your room late at night because your disturbing residents in the area.

I heard there was also a rally in Rolland, Oklahoma, just across the border. All in all, Northwestern Arkansas was teaming with bikes this October. I even traveled some back roads and they were there also. I've never seen this many bikes in the area and this was my sixth trip to BBBQ.

Cindy, Victory Mike, Suzuki Mike, HD Zack, Yamaha Mike and Honda Unknown female standing beside her VTR 1300. We were getting ready to leave the Motel.


Zack has already reserved the room for next years BBBQ 2008. Hopefully they wont enforce the noise law or the pet ban next year. They did a poor job of enforcing it this year :). So make reservations for next year now folks, cause I promise you, it wont be easy to find a room if you wait very long and it will be impossible to find one in Fayetteville.

I hear people comment that there's nothing to do in Arkansas, well obviously they havent been to Fayetteville or Eureka Springs during the BBBQ. Bring some ear plugs, sit on the old rock wall along the upper stretch of Dickson St. and enjoy the show or go for a ride thru the scenic Ozarks, you wont regret it.