| Wonderfully wet is what we will call this page.... So now we have left Ozark and the weather is cool, but dry. As we approached our turn in Mulberry, there were people everywhere. There was a parade coming down the street toward where we needed to go. A kind police officer directed us around the parade route and we headed on our way, waving at some of the citizens waiting for the parade along the way. The road was up and down, right turn, left turn, U-turn, 20 m.p.h. in places, but a quite fascinating ride. Up the mountain, twisting and turning, then down the mountain, twisting and turning, then across the little bridge, past the lake and then.......... |
| Yes, that's right. Our allustrious leader has led us right up to the edge of civilization as we know it. The pavement that you see in the lower left corner of the above photo, has suddenly ceased to exist. Once again an alternate route, as I call them, has led us into an absolutely delightful situation. We parked the bikes, if you want to call it that........ |
| Exploring the area and goofing off at the end of the road. Justin headed to look at the view while others got to know the area in their own way...... |
| After a quick look at the map with Jon and Scott, we decided that somebody, not sure who, missed a turn somewhere. So after 45 minutes or so of enjoying the photo op presented to us by our leader, we decided to stop and explore on the way back down the mountain....... |
| As if it's not wet enough out here, boys. |
| Justin on the edge |
| Beautiful little lake we found on the road to nowhere |
| One lane, low water bridge we stopped to explore on the way back down |
| On the way back to see where a turn was missed, the rains came. Did I just say rain? I'm sorry, I meant to say "!!!!RAIN!!!!". It was a toad strangler. Hard and heavy with no place to safely get off the road. No shoulder, no driveways, nothing for about a half mile or so. Then there it was. A whole 4 feet of dirt along the side of the road in front of a garage. We parked the bikes and headed for the overhang of the building. As we stood waiting for the storm to pass, the lightening started to dance all around us. Close and loud. Once again, nothing but fun from this group. |
| Justin trying to coax a worm out after the rain. |
| Once we thought the rains had passed, we climbed back on the bikes and headed back toward Mulberry to continue our journey to Devil's den state park and then to Noel, Mo. for the night. As we were approaching Mulberry, the rain Gods decided that we had not suffered enough. The skies turned loose and, luckily, we were just outside of Mulberry. After a mile of so of downpour and barely being able to see, we spotted an empty car wash next to a convenience store. Once in the car wash, we found we were not the only bikers that were there to seek refuge from the rains. Allow me to introduce you all to Len Taft and Leonore Taft-Kimes and their fine ride. This wonderful, friendly, young |
| brother and sister are from Daytona Beach, Fl. and Piedmont, Ok. He is recently retired and they were riding their tandem bicycle to California then turning around and riding back to Florida. She had taken time from work and was "allowing 100 days to have as much fun as possible or die trying!" Our whole group was amazed at what they were attempting to accomplish. I feel quite honored to have been a part of their travels and wish them the best of luck. I know I will never forget them. |
| Justin wringing the water out of his socks. |
| After a couple of hours and some changes of clothes, we decided that Devil's den would have to wait until the next trip. Hoping that the rain Gods had forgotten about us, we headed to Noel on the interstate. During the planning of this little excursion, I had failed to learn that there was an Arkansas home football game that evening. We were headed toward Fayetteville as were many, many others. The views along the way were worth putting up with the traffic. Riding 6 Harleys with various levels of loudness through the tunnel on the highway was a thrill also. Shortly beyond the tunnel, the rain Gods spotted us once again on a downhill bridge. Yup, they were still angry. Fortunately, there was a turn off at the end of the bridge. By the time we got stopped, the rain had let up. From there on, the downpours were no more for the day. We stopped at Pig Trail Harley in Rogers then on to Noel for the night. A hug from Carrie at the motel, to the rooms to dry off, then off to Cotton Eyed Joe's for dinner and a truly enjoyable evening at the motel. Best night I have spent in Noel yet. Thanks all. |
| After a good night's sleep, we woke up to another beautiful Noel morning. It's always so peaceful at this little home away from home. Trudy had decided that she was going to Cabool to get her bike and ride it home. Map in hand and determined to take her bike home, she climbed onto the back of Jackie's bike and off they went. The rest of us ambled around the motel visiting with our hosts, Justin and Carrie. They are members of the Tony's rides family whether they have a bike or not. We visited and goofed around until it started to rain again. How did the rain Gods find us in this little piece of heaven? Finally, around 11 a.m., the radar on TV looked like we were in the clear to head home. A little detour through Miami, Oklahoma and then on the way. Just one stop left. Can't ride through Pittsburg, Ks. without stopping and eating some old dead chicken. Woohoo, Chicken Mary's. |
| If you have been paying attention to my site for all these years, then you will notice that Carry has lost 87 pounds. |
| I just don't know if Karen and Trudy are happier to see Carrie or if it is the other way around. They take such good care of us when we are there. Carrie dried our clothes that were wet and wouldn't take any money for doing it. What a darling. We are almost home now so enjoy what I have here and plan on coming along next time. |
| 4 days and 950 miles. Just how do you people put up with me for that long? Thanks to each and every one of you for making this an absolutely awesome adventure for each other as well as yours truly. These rides could not and would not take place without each and every one of you. As for anyone who has not attended one of these outstanding events, I wish at this time to invite you to ride along with us on our next trip. If we can have this much fun with all the rain, and a broken foot, that we experienced, then there is no reason you could ever be disappointed. Come on along. Your are definitely welcome. |
| Just another picture to embarrass Karen. |
| Six handsome gentlemen and they prefer to hug each other. |
| What it's really all about. |
| Introducing: Tony's rides clown patrol |
| Nice parking job, folks. |
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