Revving Into Adventure on 2 Wheels

By John Arnwine Freelance Contributor

As the trees start budding and the roads awaken from winter. it’s time for the Sedalia Motorcycle Associations biannual pilgrimage to and through the winding roads of Arkansas. As a member, I always enjoy the ride. This is a group of fellow enthusiasts who meet twice a month and celebrate the diverse world of local and statewide motorcycling of all facets. Including, but not limited to street bikes, dirt bikes, as well as all-terrain vehicles. we usually get away in early fall and late spring.

Our journey begins with the thrill of the open road, leaving behind the mundane highways for the crooked and steep paths that promise adventure at every turn. Whether it’s through Eminence, Missouri, or across Peels Ferry at Bull Shoals Lake, each route offers a unique tapestry of landscapes to feast our eyes upon. My personal favorite? Taking the 65 Highway south to Fair Grove, Missouri, then down the 125 Highway, where the real excitement begins.The sooner we can get off the state highways and onto the crooked and steep roads the better.

But no trip to Arkansas would be complete without a pit stop at the iconic gas station/burger joint in Oark. Tucked away amidst the Ozark Mountains, this hidden gem is a magnet for adventurers of all stripes, from sports cars to street bikes. Despite the hour-long wait for a cheeseburger, the allure of their famous pie and quirky charm is irresistible.

The Oark General Store is located in the Ozark Mountains off State Highway 215 about 21 miles north of Clarksville (Johnson County). Many believe it to be the oldest continuously-operating store in Arkansas. It was added to the Arkansas Register of Historic Places on March 3, 1995.

Our rides to Arkansas are generally 12 to 20 motorcycles. All of the fellows that we ride with are very experienced motorcyclists. But, even experience will not keep you out of trouble. Safety and being seen are always at the top of our list.

Our first day’s ride was approximately 360 miles, and we stayed in Mountain View, Arkansas. Mountain View is known for its old-time music on the Courthouse Square and city park. It is not uncommon to find six to 10 different groups of people playing together. Stand-up bass, fiddle, guitar, banjo, and harmonica are the “go to“ instruments.

We generally get a bite to eat at the rainbow café and then stop in for an ice cream before going to listen to the music. Typically, when we stay in Mountain View we will stay at the Parkwood Inn and suites. Usually our second day of writing will take us between 225 miles and 275 miles. Usually six hours of riding. Six hours a day of riding is more than enough to make a full day. When we get done, most of us are ready to get a steak and call it quits for the day. The roads that we take throughout Arkansas are crooked and steep, twisty, and turny. The more switchbacks the better.

our motorcycles… they are our favorite toy. The scenery in Arkansas is beautiful and we go there for that as well as the pristine roads. There is a motorcycling map, “Butler Maps,“ that designates what roads are the best. They are color-coded. Orange being good, red is better and gold being the best.

My favorite destination would be Colorado. I love all of God’s creation, the state of Kansas is just down on the “love list” a bit. Beautiful state, but a long, flat drive to get to The Rockies. Arkansas is only a couple hours away. My motorcycling club “ The Sedalia Motorcycle Association” have several members who are men of faith and we feel blessed to ride each time we get together.

My advice to newcomers would be this: 1. Ride with folks who are of your skill level. 2. Take your time and allow plenty of time to take in the sights. 3. Get a Butler map. 4. Avoid holiday weekends. 5. Go early or late in the riding season to avoid the the heavier traffic on the twisty, curvies and steepies :). 6. Avoid all flat, straight roads...they are boring.