Just thought I would let everyone know that the price of gas has not been conducive to a great blog on motorcycling. To put it lightly, it's just darned expensive for the common man (I'm fairly common)to just ride around. In the past I never thought about the gas I used, now its difficult to overlook.
I'm not giving up on my blog, I'm hoping things will change. If nothing else I may be forced into entering stories and pictures that did not involve my bike. It has'nt reached that point yet, hopefully it never will.
Check out www.facebook.com. Of course my name there is David Collins in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area. It has some fun stuff. If anyone wants to chat, send me a message, offer me a drink or buy me :),check it out.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Never forget
Today, Memorial Day, I remember my Dad, L.B. who was a veteran of the Navy, Marines and the Army. My brothers Robert and Jay were also in the military. Robert was in the Navy and then the Army as an Officer where he retired. Jay did a 4 year hitch in the Navy.
My Dad inspired me to join the Military. I joined the Army National Guard in 1971 and left it to enter the Air Force in 1972, when my enlistment was over I went back into the Guards. In November 1990 I was called to the Persian Gulf War. I was with the 224th Mobile Maintenance Co. out of Russellville, Arkansas. We were camped at Log Base Echo in Saudi Arabia near the Iraqi border for most of our time in Saudi. Heres a couple of pics I took with my disposable 35mm camera.
Thats Michael in the hat, Hicks writing a letter.
Michael on the far right, Jay Briggs on the left, with a couple of Brits in a gold store in Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia.
On January 20, 2007, a UH-60 Helicopter crashed in Iraq. Two Arkansans were killed, Michael V. Taylor (in the above pictures)and William T. Warren. Michael was a friend whom I was tented with during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. He was a good man that could make me laugh when I did'nt even feel like laughing. His loss was a real shock because I thought he had left the Army until I saw his picture on the evening news. Check out the link below for more on Michael.http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/mvtaylor.htm
My Dad inspired me to join the Military. I joined the Army National Guard in 1971 and left it to enter the Air Force in 1972, when my enlistment was over I went back into the Guards. In November 1990 I was called to the Persian Gulf War. I was with the 224th Mobile Maintenance Co. out of Russellville, Arkansas. We were camped at Log Base Echo in Saudi Arabia near the Iraqi border for most of our time in Saudi. Heres a couple of pics I took with my disposable 35mm camera.
Thats Michael in the hat, Hicks writing a letter.
Michael on the far right, Jay Briggs on the left, with a couple of Brits in a gold store in Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia.
On January 20, 2007, a UH-60 Helicopter crashed in Iraq. Two Arkansans were killed, Michael V. Taylor (in the above pictures)and William T. Warren. Michael was a friend whom I was tented with during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. He was a good man that could make me laugh when I did'nt even feel like laughing. His loss was a real shock because I thought he had left the Army until I saw his picture on the evening news. Check out the link below for more on Michael.http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/mvtaylor.htm
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Taking the roads less traveled
Taking backroads can be a good choice. I don't mean any back road, for me it has to be paved. To start out it does anyway, if I run into gravel or dirt, I dont stop, I just roll on. I've been into some really messy spots by doing this but the end result is a great feeling of accomplishment.
In my last post I went to Jerusalem, and I did it by taking back roads when I could, there and back. I'll give you a run down on how I did it even if it doesnt make sense. First of all, all the roads were good paved roads. Even with that being the case there are some safety concerns to consider.
1. Watch out for loose gravel and washouts on these roads.
2. Watch out for people who are pulling out and are not used to seeing traffic.
3. Animals, all kinds, they are a menace, the dogs, guineas, cows, goats, deer. I've had my meetings with all of them.
4. Trees and limbs.
5. Curves that just suddenly appear after topping a hill.
6. Most of all though, watch out for the country driver that does'nt understand why he can't drive on the left side of the road, and of course there are those that are too drunk to know which side is right. These people are everywhere. Thats why on backroads especially, I always top a hill next to the right side and I hug the right side on blind curves. I'm tellin ya these people are a menace and they come in all ages.
Thats just a few of the things I watch out for on backroads. Now, I won't get too detailed about my ride, I'll leave out alot or it will be too confusing. If you would like for me to show you exactly how I did it, we'll just have to go for a ride :).
This is it in a nutshell.
I live on Crow mtn. so I took those country roads to Atkins, I made a left North on 105 there and proceeded on to St. Joe Rd where I made a right (St. Joe is just past the Hwy 326 intersection). I followed it until I made a left on Buttermilk Rd. I ended up at Hwy 124, I went to Appleton, Jerusalem and the Point Remove Bridge across Hwy 124. From the bridge I made a big circle on 124, 247/213 and 213 back to 124 back to Jerusalem. At Appleton again I took a right on Pine Street (just a country road) and followed it to Hector. At Hector I turned right, then left at the Store. I took Elm St. to Gunter Mtn. Rd. which took me all the way to Hwy 164, I made a left and after crossing the old wooden bridge http://bridgehunter.com/ar/pope/M2159/, I arrived at Scottsville where I made a right on Hwy 27 South. A few miles down the road I made a left on Buck Mtn Road and followed it all the way to Hwy 124 where I made a right then a left on Crow Mtn Rd to Home.
All together the ride was right at 100 miles. The scenary was fantastic, I did'nt have to be concerned with semis or tailgaters. A great ride. Heres some pics.
An old bridge on Buttelmilk Road.
In my last post I went to Jerusalem, and I did it by taking back roads when I could, there and back. I'll give you a run down on how I did it even if it doesnt make sense. First of all, all the roads were good paved roads. Even with that being the case there are some safety concerns to consider.
1. Watch out for loose gravel and washouts on these roads.
2. Watch out for people who are pulling out and are not used to seeing traffic.
3. Animals, all kinds, they are a menace, the dogs, guineas, cows, goats, deer. I've had my meetings with all of them.
4. Trees and limbs.
5. Curves that just suddenly appear after topping a hill.
6. Most of all though, watch out for the country driver that does'nt understand why he can't drive on the left side of the road, and of course there are those that are too drunk to know which side is right. These people are everywhere. Thats why on backroads especially, I always top a hill next to the right side and I hug the right side on blind curves. I'm tellin ya these people are a menace and they come in all ages.
Thats just a few of the things I watch out for on backroads. Now, I won't get too detailed about my ride, I'll leave out alot or it will be too confusing. If you would like for me to show you exactly how I did it, we'll just have to go for a ride :).
This is it in a nutshell.
I live on Crow mtn. so I took those country roads to Atkins, I made a left North on 105 there and proceeded on to St. Joe Rd where I made a right (St. Joe is just past the Hwy 326 intersection). I followed it until I made a left on Buttermilk Rd. I ended up at Hwy 124, I went to Appleton, Jerusalem and the Point Remove Bridge across Hwy 124. From the bridge I made a big circle on 124, 247/213 and 213 back to 124 back to Jerusalem. At Appleton again I took a right on Pine Street (just a country road) and followed it to Hector. At Hector I turned right, then left at the Store. I took Elm St. to Gunter Mtn. Rd. which took me all the way to Hwy 164, I made a left and after crossing the old wooden bridge http://bridgehunter.com/ar/pope/M2159/, I arrived at Scottsville where I made a right on Hwy 27 South. A few miles down the road I made a left on Buck Mtn Road and followed it all the way to Hwy 124 where I made a right then a left on Crow Mtn Rd to Home.
All together the ride was right at 100 miles. The scenary was fantastic, I did'nt have to be concerned with semis or tailgaters. A great ride. Heres some pics.
An old bridge on Buttelmilk Road.
Point Remove Bridge on Hwy 124 South of Jerusalem. http://bridgehunter.com/ar/conway/remove-124/
Notice the graffiti on the pylon, could it have been the Outlaws MC?
Cindy at the Point Remove Hunting Club East of Hattieville. This was unexpected, I guess it looks new. I don't know what they hunt here but it has a really nice entrance.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
My trip to Jerusalem
I thought to myself....what to do with seven days off...hmmm..go for a ride to Petit Jean or maybe Mena or Hot Springs? I've been to those places, I wanted to see something different, something kosher. Ahh haaa, I'll go to Jerusalem. What an idea, especially since this is Israel's 60th birthday. Thats right, the state of Israel was founded in 1948 and is still around today.
It was a tough ride, I had some real ostacles to overcome, but I did it and above is the first pic I took after stopping on the shores and on top of that bypassing all of Israel's security forces. I cant believe those motorcycle skis I bought from ACME actually worked as well as they did. The hard part was getting gas and the food was a little salty...here I am though.
All kidding aside, here I am at Jerusalem.
Theres not much to Jerusalem, thats why I only took one picture. The metal siding gas station just did'nt appeal to my Pentax. The town sign didnt say how many people live there but I counted no less than three churches. No Falafel or Shawarma at this Jerusalem but it was a good country ride.
Not far to the West from Jerusalem is Appleton. There was a road sign when going into town that read Mt. Zion...hmmmm...I did'nt see a mountain anywhere close. I went down the road anyway and it came to the Appleton Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It was a nice looking old church so Pentax went to work.
The pavement ended at the church so I turned around and went back to the highway. A little ways down the road just after passing Buttermilk road, I saw this nice looking pasture.
I have more pics in my folder, Jerusalem was just the beginning. I'll save them for another day though.
Monday, May 5, 2008
David and Dicks Illinois trip - May, 1980.
My brother Dick and I decided to go on a trip before I got married in June. The destination was Illinois. We camped out... no Motels, it got a little cold at times and a little wet. We didnt take a tent, we slept under the trees and stars.
We took Hwy 27 North from Hector. A light rain started soon after our departure.
The first night out we stayed at Buffalo Point Campground on the Buffalo River.
I like to read a little when I first wake up. Kind of let the fog settle before getting out of the bag.
The next day, we went through Mammoth Springs, Ar. It was a beautiful area, the kind of place I'd like to live. I just wish I'd taken more pictures. Back in those days you had to pay for film and then had to get it developed. Some things have gotten alot better. I take all the pics I want now.
After having a burger at Mammoth Springs, we headed North into Missouri.
At one point on Hwy 13, we crossed Kimberling Bridge.
We did'nt take many pictures in the George Washington National Forest. We just kicked back around the fire, cooked hot dogs and roasted marshmellows. The trip was getting fun after having passed through the rain in Arkansas. I did have some problems with my battery, it wouldnt stay charged. We had stopped earlier in the day at a gas station and had it charged. Luckily, I could easily roll start my bike. It was embarassing but ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get the mission done.
We stayed in the forest that night, this is the only pic I took. Thats me sitting at the campfire.
The next day I believe I stopped at two gas stations to use there battery charger. This was costing me money and time. Most importantly time, who wants to sit around a gas station when there are roads to be ridden. I stopped and bought me a new regulater somewhere along the way, I have forgotten where exactly I got it. The thing is that it solved my problems, for the rest of the trip. Maybe a month later I had to buy another. I was having problems somewhere in my electrical system. I don't think I ever did fix that problem.
A day or so later we arrived in St. Louis and visited the Gateway Arch.
These two pics show the arch and a nearbye old church. Its not important I suppose but thats me standing in the parking lot.
We headed into Illinois next. Our destination was the Cahokia Mounds State Park, Illinois http://www.cahokiamounds.com/cahokia.html.
The mounds were not too far inside Illinois, they were very impressive. The view from atop Monks Mound was spectacular. The surrounding land is flat, its easy to imagine what the leaders of the original inhaditants must have felt like standing there looking out across all their land and subjects.
The pic below gives you an idea of how immense the top of Monks Mound is.
Monks Mound in the background.
Dick and I headed back into Missouri after visiting Cahokia. I know we were in a hurry to put St. Louis behind us. We got back into the mountains as fast as we could.
We stopped at this old barn somewhere along the way.
Not too far South of St. Louis is Elephant Rocks State Park http://www.mostateparks.com/elephantrock.htm.
It was interesting. The largest rock was named Dumbo.
I took my first ride through Branson, Mo. on our way back to Arkansas. It was a lot different riding past Presley's back then. There were only a couple of music places, a two lane highway and very little traffic. That place changed quick and probably because of the price of gas it will change again. I guessing there are going to be alot of shows closing for lack of business.
We camped out at Table Rock Lake. You can get an idea from these pics, what it was like bringing firewood to the campsite. It would'nt of surprised me if Dicks Honda 350 had of flipped backwards. It did'nt though and we enjoyed a good fire all night.
We decided to take Peels Ferry to get across the lake system and back into Arkansas. Peels Ferry the the only operating Ferry in Arkansas and its Free. Look it up on Google map, it crosses Bull Shoals Lake.
What a dork.
We spent the night in Northern Arkansas then it was a short ride down to Eureka Springs.
We spent some time riding around town then headed home. We were gone for five days and four nights. It was a good trip, one we'll always remember.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Longest Bridge
It finally happened, I was off work a few days ago and the weather was great, time for a ride. The day was sunny and warm with no wind, a wonderful day for a ride. Wonderful as long as I was moving, whenever I stopped, the buffalo gnats would eat me up, in my eyes, my ears, everywhere. I took pictures quick and got back on the road.
On this ride I decided to go West on Hwy 22 to Midway, then 109 North. After arriving at Clarksville I took Hwy 64 East through town. I took Hwy 123 East next then shortly before reaching 64 again I took some county roads and ended up East of Lamar. I then took 64 back to Russellville.
A couple of old houses along Hwy 22.
Abandoned house in the cow pasture.
This house had what appears to be a gravity fed water system.
Interesting how they planted the big tree at the corner of the two sections of this house.
New Blaine... I never gave the place much thought, until now. Actually I have never gotten off Hwy 64 until now. I took Old Hwy 22 (its not called that, it has a name but I forget what they call it now) and found that it is probably the best preserved section of old Hwy 22 between Dardanelle and Ft. Smith.
The Lassiter Gas Station, Established 1935 is on the old section of road. Its a small building as were alot of gas stations in the old days. They were'nt convenience stores, they sold gas and oil.
Cindy next to the old road, I took this pic to give an idea of the size of the station.
When exploring old towns, you never know what you might find. Directly across from the old station was a dirt road. I just happened to notice an old sign that said something about a museum. On one side of the road was the old New Blaine Railway station with a caboose to boot.
I'm thinking this museum is not going to be open for business.
The old Farmers State Bank.
With whittling chair out front.
Inside is quite a collection of antiques. Too bad I could'nt go inside.
Around back was interesting as well. Zoom in on those old wagons and the old truck.
Going back out on the same road I made a right at the station. The bridge across Little Shoal Creek was built across old Hwy 22 in 1929.
Looking South you can see the new Hwy 22 bridge.
Looking North, I never knew this creek was this big.
I crossed the bridge, new Hwy 22, and still following old 22 I went up the hill to the old Rollans Cash Store (which is for sale, and the price includes two houses). From the store old 22 curves around and meets up with new 22.
The New Liberty School House about six miles East of Midway.
I went on to Midway and couldnt find anything interesting to take a picture of there. So it was on to Scratton, I probably missed something interesting at Scranton but it was getting late and I was hurting for sunlight.
Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church is at Morrison Bluff. I'm not sure what year it was established but it was certainly the most dark pink church I ever seen.
Morrison Bluff is where Hwy 109 crosses the Arkansas River on what is the longest bridge in Arkansas. Its right at two miles long and is a really nice drive.
This old house is known as the Pioneer House in Johnson County http://www.clarksvillearchamber.com/historic.htm. Its located at Hwy 123/Hospital Drive in Clarksville and is the oldest documented house in Johnson County. It was built circa 1850. Its has not been taken care of, as is the case with alot of historical sites in Arkansas. I think I've said that before, and it's the truth.
Below is part of an area I've always known as 40 acre rock.
I don't know how many acres of rock there really are here but I'm sure its at least 40 acres. Not too many years ago there were only a couple of houses in the area and the trees were all short from fire, logging or whatever. The area was a real eyecatcher. When I was a teenager I climbed all over these rocks. Of course now there is a housing area and most of the rocky area can't be seen from 64 or I-40.
Heres how to get there. Going West from Russellville on 64, cross the lake, turn right as if to get on I-40. Go over I-40 take a right on Dwight Mission Road and the area is on the left. I didnt see any "No Tresspassing" signs.
The house was left in the picture intentionally to show the size of the rocks. I've heard that some of the new houses here are sliding on the rock, apparently the the soil is not very deep and the houses were not anchored to the rock.
As with alot of areas in Poop County, this is another spot that was overlooked. Forty Acre rock could very well have been made into a park/natural area. I guess we already have too many parks, natural areas, museums and preserved archaelogical sites in the county. We would'nt want to attract to many of the wrong kind of tourists, right. Lets keep it simple. Remember, the family that fishes together stays together.
I hope someone from the area understands my sarcasm.
On this ride I decided to go West on Hwy 22 to Midway, then 109 North. After arriving at Clarksville I took Hwy 64 East through town. I took Hwy 123 East next then shortly before reaching 64 again I took some county roads and ended up East of Lamar. I then took 64 back to Russellville.
A couple of old houses along Hwy 22.
Abandoned house in the cow pasture.
This house had what appears to be a gravity fed water system.
Interesting how they planted the big tree at the corner of the two sections of this house.
New Blaine... I never gave the place much thought, until now. Actually I have never gotten off Hwy 64 until now. I took Old Hwy 22 (its not called that, it has a name but I forget what they call it now) and found that it is probably the best preserved section of old Hwy 22 between Dardanelle and Ft. Smith.
The Lassiter Gas Station, Established 1935 is on the old section of road. Its a small building as were alot of gas stations in the old days. They were'nt convenience stores, they sold gas and oil.
Cindy next to the old road, I took this pic to give an idea of the size of the station.
When exploring old towns, you never know what you might find. Directly across from the old station was a dirt road. I just happened to notice an old sign that said something about a museum. On one side of the road was the old New Blaine Railway station with a caboose to boot.
I'm thinking this museum is not going to be open for business.
The old Farmers State Bank.
With whittling chair out front.
Inside is quite a collection of antiques. Too bad I could'nt go inside.
Around back was interesting as well. Zoom in on those old wagons and the old truck.
Going back out on the same road I made a right at the station. The bridge across Little Shoal Creek was built across old Hwy 22 in 1929.
Looking South you can see the new Hwy 22 bridge.
Looking North, I never knew this creek was this big.
I crossed the bridge, new Hwy 22, and still following old 22 I went up the hill to the old Rollans Cash Store (which is for sale, and the price includes two houses). From the store old 22 curves around and meets up with new 22.
The New Liberty School House about six miles East of Midway.
I went on to Midway and couldnt find anything interesting to take a picture of there. So it was on to Scratton, I probably missed something interesting at Scranton but it was getting late and I was hurting for sunlight.
Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church is at Morrison Bluff. I'm not sure what year it was established but it was certainly the most dark pink church I ever seen.
Morrison Bluff is where Hwy 109 crosses the Arkansas River on what is the longest bridge in Arkansas. Its right at two miles long and is a really nice drive.
This old house is known as the Pioneer House in Johnson County http://www.clarksvillearchamber.com/historic.htm. Its located at Hwy 123/Hospital Drive in Clarksville and is the oldest documented house in Johnson County. It was built circa 1850. Its has not been taken care of, as is the case with alot of historical sites in Arkansas. I think I've said that before, and it's the truth.Below is part of an area I've always known as 40 acre rock.
I don't know how many acres of rock there really are here but I'm sure its at least 40 acres. Not too many years ago there were only a couple of houses in the area and the trees were all short from fire, logging or whatever. The area was a real eyecatcher. When I was a teenager I climbed all over these rocks. Of course now there is a housing area and most of the rocky area can't be seen from 64 or I-40.
Heres how to get there. Going West from Russellville on 64, cross the lake, turn right as if to get on I-40. Go over I-40 take a right on Dwight Mission Road and the area is on the left. I didnt see any "No Tresspassing" signs.
The house was left in the picture intentionally to show the size of the rocks. I've heard that some of the new houses here are sliding on the rock, apparently the the soil is not very deep and the houses were not anchored to the rock.
As with alot of areas in Poop County, this is another spot that was overlooked. Forty Acre rock could very well have been made into a park/natural area. I guess we already have too many parks, natural areas, museums and preserved archaelogical sites in the county. We would'nt want to attract to many of the wrong kind of tourists, right. Lets keep it simple. Remember, the family that fishes together stays together.
I hope someone from the area understands my sarcasm.
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