Stable Scoop - Newsletter

Spring 2005

I bet you’re surprised to finally get an Iron Horse Stables
newsletter, but we sure do hope that it is a pleasant surprise. Janie and I are sorry that for a while we just couldn't seem to get our newsletter done in a timely manner, but we are sure going to try harder in the future.

Since the last newsletter, we have made many additions, but are keeping all the familiar things. We still enjoy the rides we get to take with our guests - who we consider our family - the visits around the campfire, the cool bikes, and most of all, just spending time with friends who have a common interest.

We now have a bar which is located just behind the Rawhide leather Shop, and is managed by a great couple, Jim and Bonnie.

We also have a tattoo parlor operated by Wild Child, we hope to have our amphitheater and game area completed by spring. Other work to be done inlcudes re-caulking each restroom, paint, and hopefully get the pot holes patched.

The entire staff wants everything we do to contribute to our guests' enjoyment of Irn Horse Stables and the Ozarks.

As I have mentioned before, a mahor benefit of being at "The Stables" is having the opportunity to see, and sometimes even ride, so many different bikes. This past year was no exception.

One special treat was spending some time on the new Kawasaki Vulcan. Although this is definitely a large motorcycle, the handling, once underway was superb and the power was just down right awesome.

I was invited to ride one of the Texas choppers by Iron Horse and that was just out-and-out fun! I also remember the Polaris I got to use for an afternoon getaway and it was equally as enjoyable.

There are a lot of great bikes being built today and we get to see most of them eventually at "The Stables".

Marc "Sleepy" Thiry, our shop manager, is building one of his own design now, and my son, Chris, is scheduled to do the paint. We're excited about this project. Also, I have decided to redo our FXR, so I am going to keep him pretty busy.

During the 2004 season, we had a number of large conventions using Iron Horse Stables as their HQ. My limited vocabulary doesn’t enable me to adequately express our appreciation for them allowing us to be a part of these great events.

We already have several scheduled for this year and are looking forward to riders who have never experienced the Ozarks.

We have so many plans for the '05 season we can't list them all here... and we can't wait to get started.

If you take advantage of a nice day and ride our direction, or if you are in the area in your car, we always keep a couple of rooms ready. Or drop by for a drink or the special Cajun food we serve on Friday and Saturday nights, and the live entertainment on Saturdays.

"Get your motor running..." and we'll see you soon.

Eureka Springs

In the heart of where you want to ride by day and the place where you want ot be at night...

by David Bell

When I was a college student in the mid-70s I counted myself fortunate to spend my summers working for the Army Corps of Engineers as a seasonal ranger in Northwest Arkansas. Working nights freed up my days to pursue the important things in life... scuba diving the adjacent lakes on the White River, and riding my Yamaha RD350 all over the best parts of the Ozarks.

If you devised a formula to calculate the mile of great motorcycling highways per square mile of land, the Ozarks would be toward the top of the list.

Take a look at the tops of the mountains of the Ozarks and you will see a hint of the area’s past. The Ozarks were once the bed of an ancient, inland sea. After it was lifted up, the wind and rain started carving out the hills and valleys that most of today’s highways and roads follow. The ups and downs and "arounds" of these byways make the area prime motorcycling territory.

In the heart of this wonderful riding area is the Victorian resort town of Eureka Springs, Arknasas. Eureka is ideally situated for the rider. It offers great accommodations and dining, and the best night-life and recreation in the Ozarks.

Eureka Springs became nationally renowned in the 188Os for its curative waters. The reputation came from the Native American population. The resort flourished around the numerous springs and on the Fourth of July, 1892 the city was incorporated. At one time it was one of the largest cities in Arkansas. Bath houses and resorts were in abundance and bottled water from Eureka Springs was shipped across the country. But as medical advances replaced the folklore of healing waters, Eureka Springs declined in prominence.

This decline may be one of the important factors in why its original Victorian architecture is so well preserved. It lay mostly unchanged during the first half of the 20th century. The in the 1960s, when the Great Passion Play was begun and artisans and craftsmen discovered the charm of the quaint little town, Eureka Springs experienced a revival.

Eureka Springs became a center for the resurgence of Ozark folk art during the 60s and 70s. And that artistic nature is still one of the driving forces behind Eureka’s character today. It has become a haven for those seeking a different life-style than most areas afford today. Besides the projects of the Great Passion Play, music, art and "letting your hair down' are a major part of the attraction of Eureka Springs. Add to that its location in the "riding heaven" of the Ozarks and it’s easy to see why Eureka Springs, is becoming THE prime destination for riders in mid-America.

Arkansas' Highways 23 & 21 Tops

In a region of great riding, a few routes really stand out

by David Bell

Listed by many car and driving magazines as one as one of the top 10 driving roads in the U.S. motorcyclists should not miss this fantastic stretch of wonderful highway, Arkansas 23. And Arkansas Highway 21, north out of Clarksville, is another great stretch of highway to ride. Taken together, they form a great loop through some of the most scenic and twisty parts of the Ozarks.

Highway 23 winds its way south out of Eureka Springs to the town of Ozark, on I-40. The road forms part of what is known as the "Pig Trail". In days before the Interstate and improvements to U.S. 71, the "Pig Trail" was a favorite route to Fayetteville to football games at the University of Arkansas. Since the well-known mascot of the UofA is the Razorback, what else would you call a twisty road to the home of "The Hogs".

Between Eureka Springs and Huntsville, take 23 W, an alternate route of Highway 23 running through Withrow Springs State Parks.

Parts of Highway 23 feature hairpin curves, tunnels of overhanging trees, and wonderful views. of the mountains.

Just before you reach I-40 you’ll find Arkansas 352, east to Clarksville. Take it. It’s a better route over to the next leg of your ride, Arkansas 21. It’s much better than I- 40.

Highway 21 runs north to Berryville. The road runs through the Boxley Valley at the upper end of the Buffalo National River. This entire stretch of Highway 21 is equal to Highway 23 in beauty and fun, but less well-known and less busy. In Berryville, take U.S. 62 west back to Eureka Springs.

We're Ready... Are You!

After a dreary, wet winter nothing feels better than the sun shining down on your back, soaking into your leathers. As mild temperatures return we all start planning our spring riding season. The reservations for 2005 are coming in fast and furious. We are looking forward to seeing ya’ll again – our Iron Horse Stables family.

Many new groups are organizing their trips this year and we know they , like you, will enjoy the Ozarks area – especially those who plan to arrive mid-week when there is less tourist traffic. The mountain roads open up spectacularly for motorcyclists and they’ll not forget the vacation they spent here.

The first weekend of February each year is the Arkansas ABATE Bike Show in Little Rock. This year it was extended to include both Saturday and Sunday.

There was a very nice turnout on Saturday since the weather was decent. Iron Horse Stables and our motorcycle shop, Chrome Corral, had a vendor booth at the Expo Center. We saw folks from all over Arkansas as well as Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana.

Sunday was rainy and cool so most everyone drove in on four wheels. Maybe the reason was to haul home their new merchandise since sales were brisk.

The only things I missed from the show were the various food vendors. Only the concession stand was open and they got slammed.

A burger from there brought back an old memory for me. It faintly reminded me of my high school days and the school cafeteria. Hopefully, they’ll bring back the food vendors next year.

We’ve had several gorgeous days recently and I’ve seen several motorcycles out and about. There’s nothing quite like the first sounds of spring – spring peepers around the ponds, birds chirping and soon, lawn mowers purring and, best of all, motorcycles rumbling!

Can’t wait. See ya’ soon!