Stable Scoop - Newsletter

Volume 1, Number 2

Eureka Springs is rapidly becoming a hub of motorcycle activity. Riders from bordering states, as well as some from as far away as south Texas, northern Illinois, and Wisconsin, often converge on what many refer to as "Little Switzerland of America".

The Victorian cottages that cling to the Ozark mountain hillsides, the winding streets, historic buildings, coupled with the art galleries, shops, restaurants and lounges all add to Eureka's distinct personality.

Perhaps what the motorcyclist finds most attractive is the great riding opportunities. Hundreds of scenic miles surround Eureka Springs. Riders can explore the back roads, some still with low water bridges, the lakes and dam area, and quaint, little Arkansas communities.

Of course, it's an easy ride to one of the premier vacation spots, Branson, MO and Silver Dollar City. It's true what they say about Eureka, "It's unique." As a planned vacation or a spur of the moment decision you made at work during coffee break, Eureka Springs is a cool place to be.

...and around the bend

Two steps forward and one back on some days, but on others it seems like we take one step forward and three back. We are making progress though. The service and accessories shop, Chrome Corral, is now open and we are doing service work. Being open virtually seven days a week has enabled us to provide some assistance to stranded bikers, leaving us with a good feeling.

The bathhouse and campground area is coming along, although every time we have been ready to sew grass seed and pave roads, we have experienced heavy rains. We have three camping huts erected and they are a fun way to spend the night. We have done it. The guests that have been brave enough to give them a try, agree.

We are really excited about the two new services being offered at Iron Horse Stables. In addition to the accessories shop, which offers a variety of motorcycle products we now have our own custom leather shop, Rawhide. Ray Pruitt, the shop manager, does excellent work and has already made custom saddlebags, knife holders, belts, and much, much more.

An agreement with our neighbors, Riverside Resort & Canoes, will enable our guests to enjoy floating the King's River and fishing while leaving the motorcycles parked here at Iron Horse Stables, so we can keep a close eye on them. There will be no additional charge for pick-up and return shuttles.

I've read how areas like Daytona say the bikers are the best guests - better than race fans, better than students on spring break, better than any group they have. Well, we concur, our guests have been great, and we feel it is a privilege to provide a specific service to you. We are also making some wonderful friends. We've now had the opportunity to ride, dine, laugh, and party with lots of folks and we are having fun all the while. Janie's motto is, "you arrive as friends and leave as family!"

The list of clubs that have made Iron Horse Stables their destination is growing. From Central Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Louisiana are folks who love to ride. We've enjoyed you and hope to see you all again soon. A real treat is the second-timers from Missouri, Kansas, Mexia, TX, and Oklahoma. Heck, by now they are doing their own laundry, cooking, and cleaning! (See what we mean by "family"? Thanks, Johnny, for fixing the dryer!) We plan on having the pavilion done very soon. Lots and lots of requests for BBQ pit and bonfire area. I guess the parking lot is getting too small for our circle of lawn chairs. Maybe we'll have to throw a Barn-Raising Biker Bash BBQ Benefit complete w/ Beverage before fall!

Sounds Like Summer...

by Janie Jackson

Did you ever get up in the middle of a warm summer night because you just couldn't sleep? Maybe you weren't even sleepy, or maybe the stress of the day was catching up to you. Or maybe the whippoorwills were singing, or the dogs howling, or the crickets chirping, or the tree frogs croaking.

Did you ever roll over in bed to see if your spouse might be awake too, and decide together to go for a moonlight ride? Incredible, huh! No traffic to speak of, no businesses open except for the occasional convenience store, no appointments or commitments to be any place else in the middle of the night.

No phones, no fax, no computer. No machines, except the one under you, moving at the pace you set. At first it feels like when you were a kid and snuck out of the house and trying hard not to get caught. Then you realize that it's OK because you're the grown up parent now and your own personal authority. (Hey, I pay taxes, don't I?) Once you've justified to yourself your leisure time you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

In the dark of the night the views are limited. The landscape takes on different dimensions and textures. It's like seeing a portrait in a different light, under different conditions. The daytime unnoticeables become noticed.

Summertime sounds and summertime smells are memorable. Even if you couldn't see it, you know when you passed by honeysuckle, because, if you recall, you ate it back in the summer when you were 10. The same goes for clover, onion grass, and milk weed. The wafting scent of sassafras will have you craning your neck to find its source. And of course, there's always a farm. . . and fresh-cut grass.

The sky, however, can only be described as spectacular! Getting away from the umbrella of city lights and out on the open road you can truly appreciate the splendor of the stars. Seemingly shifting but remaining unchanged since Day Four and until eternity. This display . . . priceless.

Maneuvering these Ozark mountain roads, somewhat of an attention-getter to the seasoned biker, becomes a new challenge at night. The hills and curves are still in the same places but have an added wall of darkness closing in on them. And the surprise element, you know . . . critters. Armadillos, possums, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and deer are the usual. Raccoons, fox, and coyotes a little less usual. All hazards, all to watch out for, in addition to the dog-leg curves.

So, the situation is this: you can't sleep because of the summertime sounds outside your window; you go for a ride; someone else can't sleep either and hears your motorcycle go by . . . oh well, just don't look behind you.

Stable Hands

Ray Pruitt

Ray is the owner and manager of Rawhide Leather Shop, located behind the restaurant, the Silver Spoke Grill. He's been a welcome addition to Iron Horse Stables and one of the most requested attractions.

While touring folks around the grounds, we make sure they stop in to visit Ray. Just walking into his leather shop is an aromatic pleasure! If you sit a spell, or gander about looking at his belts, buckle collection, holsters, and knife sheaths, you may just think of something belonging to you (once your Dad's) that could be added to your vest, chaps, or saddle bags to further customize your personal style.

Or if you want saddle bags designed from scratch, he can do that too. If you can think it, Ray can most likely make it. Nothing but the finest leather is ever used, resulting in a quality product that you will be proud to own. Everyone enjoys watching a true craftsman at work!