Stable Scoop - Newsletter

Volume 2, Number 1

Well we made it a year, perhaps to many people's astonishment. In March we celebrated the first anniversary of Iron Horse Stables. Joining us during that week was the Outsider Club from central Arkansas. They were the first organized club to visit with us after we opened and it was really nice to have them back.

Especially meaningful and greatly appreciated was the custom made leather plaque they had Ray to design which they presented to us while they were here. We have already gotten to visit with some of the wonderful friends we made last year and are beginning to hear from many more.

The Sheriff's Association motorcycle club also returned this year for a memorial ride in Madison County in honor of the late Sheriff Ralph Baker. It is really nice to go to the shop and look at the autographed wall and remember all the great times we have had and the friends we have made. We are really looking forward to seeing each of you this riding season.

Last year one of the suggestions we heard frequently was to build some fire pits. Well when Janie and I were in Little Rock during the legislative session we went to a party out in the country and they had used old truck and tractor rims for fire rings. They work great and don't cost anything. We are using them here and Janie and I have been able to participate in some MEMORABLE fireside get togethers.

We do hope this newsletter finds you each well and ready to enjoy a safe and fun 2001 riding season.

...and around the bend

Finally warm weather and great riding. I don't know how you may have felt but I was beginning to think winter was never going to end. I think this was the worst winter in the 16 years I have lived in Arkansas and by the first of March I was suffering from some serious cabin fever. Of course the weather put us behind on some of the projects we had planned but we are starting to get caught up now. There are four new camping huts and a deck has been added to the restaurant.

Janie and I were finally able to get in some riding, which was much needed therapy. This past Sunday afternoon we borrowed a friend's motorcycle and rode over to Rogers, AR and visited with my two month old grandson. We couldn't have had a more pleasant day, great riding, beautiful weather and a nice visit; what more could anyone ask for.

You may have noticed that I said we borrowed a friend's motorcycle. Well the reason we had to do that is because that little project we started last August on the FXR is still not quite complete. When we started we were only going to fix a shifting rod. Some of you might know how this goes. Since we had the transmission apart I thought why not do a few other small things that had crossed my mind.

So fixing the transmission has expanded to include a complete engine built by Rick Gillespie of Springfield, MO, the installation of a wide glide front end, all the sheet metal being painted by my son, Chris, and a Vance and Hines two into one exhaust. That's one thing I didn't think I would do so I will just have to wait and see how I like it. Janie said there better be very little waiting and a lot more seeing. I am getting the idea that she is getting somewhat impatient. I can't imagine why. . . I told her the bike was only going to be out of commission for about a month.

Suggestion Box

If you have only received the newsletter and never visited Iron Horse Stables this might be unusual. The things we do here are the result of our past experiences while riding and guest suggestions.

Well again we are asking your advice. This newsletter is being sent free to anyone that has attended an event where we have been, guests, people that have visited our website and some who have just stopped by to say hello.

Well, as you might imagine, we are now experiencing a significant postage and printing bill. We really enjoy writing the newsletter and feel it is a great way to communicate what is happening here at Iron Horse as well as in the Ozarks in general. We do not want the newsletter to be something we do for profit; but yet, we do not want the cost to take away from other services we are trying to provide.

What I have been considering is having an annual fee of $6.00 which will get you an Iron Horse membership card, the quarterly newsletter, a 10% discount at the Chrome Corral, a 10% discount at Rawhide custom leathers and a discount at a number of attractions and restaurants in Eureka Springs.

Please let us know if you think this would be reasonable. We also invite any other suggestions you might have. As you know what we are trying to do is new to us and our goal is to make Iron Horse Stables a home away from home.

Remember to remember

by Janie Jackson

One of the hardest things in life to accept is not our death, but whether we'll be remembered. By the age of reason we have all known that we are born, hopefully grow up to lead purposeful (if not meaningful) lives, and then will someday die. The fear of the unknown can leave us anxious, worrisome, and downright afraid. One calming factor is the thought that "at least they'll remember me after I'm gone".

As Memorial Day approaches many events and parades are scheduled across the nation to honor those who have gone before us. Men and women who gave it all to protect our country's freedom. You can bet they felt anxiety, worry, and fear; but down deep, maybe in the last second, they might have thought, "someone will remember, recognize the cost, and appreciate my life of purpose." Those left behind, the survivors, families, friends, are entrusted generation after generation to tell the tales, recall the stories, and sometimes embellishing upon the truth. But it is still the truth and worth repeating. . . and after all, the truth shall set you free.

The annual Run For The Wall ride goes cross-country ending in our nation's Capitol, Washington DC, in time for the Memorial Day festivities. To those on the route it may very well sound like "rolling thunder". Is there a more awesome sound than that?! Does hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists going in the same direction at the same time for the same purpose raise the hair on your arms and send chills up your spine? Did our knees go weak simply because we should kneel down in humble gratitude giving thanks to Almighty God for the service of His good and faithful soldiers? Does the American flag in her glorious stars and stripes being proudly raised at any event while our national anthem plays bring tears to your eyes? Well then, my friend, we have remembered. Somewhere down the line we've become inspired enough by what's gone before that we are now patriots ourselves. But there is duty in patriotism and a mission to complete in keeping alive the memories and making our own mark in this world.

So if you find yourself in a circle of family or friends, sitting around a table, or a campfire, share your stories and listen to others. Sometimes listening is the hardest part but worth it, for the lessons you learn. People aren't so different really . . . if we don't forget to remember.

Stable Hands

Brigido (Shampoo) and Orva Tapia have joined the ranks of "family business" enterprises with their crew from the Silver Spoke Grill located front and center at the Iron Horse Stables.

They've cleaned and redecorated, and cleaned and constructed a back deck, and cleaned and smoked chickens, beef, and pork, and cleaned and obtained a beer and wine permit, and then cleaned on their day off.

You will find the waitresses friendly and eager to please you and the service prompt. We've heard from our guests that the breakfast menu has the freshest eggs, generous helpings, and the best bisquits and gravy anywhere!

Their Harley burger and other famous named sandwiches fit the bill at lunch, and their french fries are made fresh everyday from REAL potatoes. My favorite happens to be the fresh chips and salsa, the medium red and the hot green! And at night or anytime... BBQ, and for dessert try the Sizzlers. Baby Elizabeth agrees. 479-253-8064.