The 2001 Ozarks Fall Color Tour was supposed to be a real dual sport ride with roll-charts and all. However, I just could not get the ride roll charted ready in time. There was a setback in the route for day two (some crap about the designated OHV trails in the Ozark National Forest being spoken for by other motorcyclists), etc... So, the official Dual Sport Ride was off for 2001.

Instead, a number of friends accompanied me on a "trail ride" through some of the best fall foliage I have ever seen. Saturday was a 140 mile ride that included a couple hours of superb trails. A few of us even learned that it is better to go over the fallen tree, then to try to go downhill around it. That mistake only cost us 20 minutes though. Sunday was a fast 40 mile ride, which included 20 miles of super fun trails.

The ride allowed a few heros to show their stuff. First, there was the "Speed Racer" crowd. Blazing the trails in record speed, like bolts of orange lightning. KTM orange that is. Then there was a rider on a BMW R100GSPD. Wow, he kept up with us riding on the wet leaf covered rocks and mud roads with bald d/s tires. I never knew that a rider could swap ends so fast and still keep going. My helmet is off to him.

I will be posting some of the ride photos as I receive them.

Feel free to e-mail your questions to me at: RL@Lemke.com - Remember to put 2001 Ozarks FCT in the subject line.

These folks in Oark, Arkansas set-up a tent for us. Homemade BBQ lunch was the perfect grub to re-energize us for the ride back to Clarksville. This is the oldest general store in Arkansas. From the Trail of Tears to the James Gang, and the wild parties of Bill and Hillary Clinton (well, mostly Bill), this place has seen a lot of history. Definately a great place to stop while in the Ozarks. Take a look at the photo of Hillary on a Harley in back.

Here are a bunch of ride photos from two of the riders and myself:

Waiting for the slower riders to catch-up.

Gas stop. Two flats to deal with also.

Brief stop to take in some water, and pee some out too.

Hwy 109 bridge over the Arkansas River.

Two photos of the same spot on the Sunday ride.

RL & Mark at lunch in Oark.

The leaves completely covered the little used Forest Service roads.

A small meeting before we entered the next section of trails.

Pre-ride conversation - Greg and Ken.

Snack and gas stop at Turner Bend on Hwy 23.

I forced everyone to take a break and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks.

This is the Hero's bike.

Awsome fall colors, as far as the eye can see.

Below are pre-ride photos:

It's funny how photos flatten trails. I would suggest low gearing for many of these rocky sections.

Hard to even see the trail here. Thanks for the GPS to lead me along the right direction.

Even the Forest Service says that a GPS is an important thing to have on your bike.

This is my friend Doug Olney. He helped me select the trails we will be riding.

Most trees you can ride around. Some, like this one, have to be crossed.

There are a number of head knockers on the ride.

County road.

One of many creek crossings. If it rains this creek will be full.