Ride to Remember: 2001 Arkansas MLF Adventure, June 2001
Photos from the trip: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tC5zMwf4ePBvbqtD6
It all started on a humid Thursday morning in early June. Ken and I met at Denny’s in The Woodlands around 8 a.m. The sky was cloudy, teasing us with the possibility of rain. We had breakfast, then rolled out to fuel up a mile down the road. That’s when the first raindrops fell, and we decided to suit up in our rain gear. It was a smart move—light to moderate rain followed us all the way to Buffalo, 40 miles south of Dallas.
Ken might argue it was “heavy” rain, but he was whining at every stop anyway. We made several stops to rest and refuel, though our gas mileage was abysmal thanks to the strong winds—the remnants of tropical storm Allison. At one stop, I actually ran out of gas because I forgot to switch the petcock back from reserve. Dumb move, but lucky timing. I coasted in just as the tank went dry.
After a hearty lunch at Bubba’s BBQ, we changed our route to stick to the interstates, trying to avoid the worst of the weather. Thankfully, the rain eased into just a few sprinkles, and we cruised through Dallas without much traffic. We called it an early day in Durant, Oklahoma, stopping at the Budget Inn around 4 p.m. A few Shiner beers poolside later, and we were ready to call it a night.
Friday’s Scenic Ride
The next morning, the weather was perfect. We hit the road by 8 a.m., aiming for the Talimena Scenic Drive on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. After a short stint on Highway 69, we were back on twisty, scenic backroads. The route was an adventure of its own—gravel-strewn stretches, rickety wooden bridges, and roadkill kept us on our toes. Around 10 a.m., we rolled into Haileyville for breakfast at a little Mexican restaurant with just a few tables. The friendly waitress-owner chatted with us, her husband joining later, missing most of the fingers on both hands. We never did ask what happened.
Fueled up at an old station with manual pumps and a nostalgic ding-ding wire on the ground, we headed for Talimena Scenic Byway. The ride was breathtaking—hills, sweeping curves, bluffs, and endless vistas. After a stretch on Highway 71, we turned onto the famed “Pig Trail” (Highway 23). That’s where we met up with Doc and Larry, who joined our ride. The pace slowed as Larry liked to take it easy, but the scenery made every second worthwhile.
By early evening, we reached The Iron Horse Stables. With a little daylight left, we had just enough time to explore the place and meet some of the other riders. One face stood out—Husky, who needed no introduction. His reputation preceded him. We ended the night with beers, laughter, and plans for the next day’s ride.
Saturday’s Group Ride
Saturday’s MLF group ride was a whirlwind. After a quick breakfast at IHS, I prepped for the ride with my morning cocktail of Advil and Vicodin—just what the body needed after days of hard riding. Ken decided to take it easy and explore Eureka Springs while I joined the group ride. Riders of all shapes, sizes, and attitudes gathered, reflecting the diversity of the MLF (Motorcycle Life Forum) community.
The ride was mostly smooth, with a few memorable moments. Uncle Harry dropped his Venture on a gravel road, but there was no damage, and he laughed it off. Later, a Mustang convertible tried to break into our formation. Hitman and Doc made sure the driver got the message—no firearms involved, thankfully! Towards the end, I found myself at the front of the group behind Husky and Romex. They kicked it up a notch, tearing through the twisties with me hanging on. At times, I hit 90 mph, taking curves at twice the “suggested” speed. My little 750 kept up with their bigger bikes, surprising even them. We regrouped at a gas station near Eureka Springs, high-fived, and shared stories of the wild ride before heading back to IHS.
The BBQ Dinner and Reflection
That evening, we gathered for a BBQ dinner—a generous gift from Doc and Larry, who had pooled their forum earnings to cover the meal. The room was packed, and the sun streamed through a window, blinding half of us until some creative soul covered it up. We feasted on ribs and pulled pork, laughing and sharing stories. Margo, one of the waitresses, kept brushing against me while taking orders, much to Hitman’s amusement—or maybe jealousy.
Later, we reflected on the MLF’s history and honored fallen riders and those who couldn’t attend. A tribute to MM, who was seriously injured trying to avoid a dog on one of our rides months earlier, reminded us of how precious every moment on the road is. Some riders had even escorted him to the rally—a powerful moment that stayed with us all.
The Ride Home
Sunday morning came too soon. After packing up, we said our goodbyes and hit the road. The memories of the ride, the friends we made, and the adventures we shared would stay with us long after the bikes were parked back home.
The weekend had been everything we needed—a reminder that the road is always there, waiting for us, and that sometimes, the best rides are the ones that bring us together.
Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Allison circled back and hit the Houston area even harder, while we were away. Even though our homes were OK, needless to say our families were not happy with Ken and I being gone during this storm.