At the town square in Jasper, you'll find the Ozark Café-a destination restaurant with over 70 percent of its business brought in by passing motorcyclists. After eating there I could see why. The Mushroom Swiss Chicken sandwich I devoured was absolutely succulent-it set off an explosion of delight for my taste buds! The sandwich alone truly was worth the 400+ mile trip, and you'll never meet friendlier servers than Anna Finley, Maggie Weeden, or Dawn Dulle. Stop in and tell owner Tim Ray that Hombre sent ya.
The way out of town is on Route 7 north. I have to say, I didn't believe the ride could get any better than what I'd already been through, but it did. Route 7, along with 43 and 74, are all in the Boston Mountains, and-like water-all these roads take the path of least resistance making them unbelievably curvy! They have so many S turns, switchbacks, 90-degree cutbacks and sweepers (all without guardrails) that the task of negotiating them requires a rider's full attention. Route 7 carried me back to Harrison, Arkansas where I filled up the tank, then retraced my trail to the Cloud 9 Resort, where I pitched my tent for the night.
At breakfast I recounted the last two days of riding, while looking forward to the ride home-it would be along the same trail I took to get here. This was a journey that'd be catalogued into my list of most memorable road trips. I was anxious to get home and share road stories with my buddies. I accelerated from the resort and smiled as my long exhaust played a love song that is near and dear to my heart. The road opened up her arms and welcomed me back.
Hang 'Em High: Wayne Carr's...
Hang 'Em High: Wayne Carr's Arkansas Wind Chimes stands as a testament to the curvaceousness of the roads in these parts.