Mena (better late than never)

It occurred to me, that I have yet to post the Mena trip report. So with no further ado.....

Took a trip to Queen Wilhelmina State Park http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/ in Arkansas, in September 2007. John Vegas met me at the Conroe McD's. We both agreed on finding a more palatable breakfast spot for the next road trip meet.

Riding off into the sunrise......

JV had plotted a fantastic route away from major highways. Essentially, 'twas a zigzag pattern through National Forests. Here we are at a break....

And the best part about local roads.....zero traffic conglomerations.

Crossing into Oklahoma....

....through the back door of Arkansas....

We arrived in the late afternoon at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. This is where the Chain Gang has held their annual rally for the last 9 years now. Setting up accommodations....

"Headquarters"

Nice UT inspired bike

The views are breathtaking.....

....and the riding was superb.....

.....but cut short. A fellow rally attendee passed away the next day, after going off the road and falling down a cliff. We speculate that he may have had a massive heart attack while riding.

Needless to say, the mood back at camp was subdued in reverence to this event. But we feel at peace that he passed away while doing what he loved to do.

I took the trip back solo. No pics, camera bit the dust (literally). Saw an abandoned overturned ambulance, got soaked in Longview, then took a leisurely route back home.