Well since we are 3 DAYS away from VH, me being me, thought it would be a good idea to check out the campsite we are staying at. I know Ben and several others have been there before, I am just kind of OCD and like to know where I am going before I get there. So after work Friday, I fired up my new to me, Goldwing, and took off for the CMA Iron Mountain campground. Ended up getting to New Boston Friday night. Saturday morning, got to Iron mountain just outside of Hatfield. Campground is on the East or right side on the hiway about halfway between Hatfield & Mena. There is a bulletin board next to the first big building you see as you drive in. Ben may have these, I don't know. Pretty nice place. Not as scattered out as I thought Should be a great time. Left there for Mena. Rode the Talimena National Scenic parkway to oklahoma hwy 1. Turned south on 259 thru Broken Bow Clarksville, Athens then home. All total miles of 759 in two days. I am looking forward to VH. Only 3 more Days....

Now that you have put some miles on the GW, what are your thoughts?
SD

I've rode the Talimena, love that ride! I enjoyed the motorcycle riders coming and going as we were stopped at the visitor center! Fun folks to talk to! I especially remember the fellow touring the drive on a bicycle? I recall saying to myself glad I was burning fossil fuel! LOL
So I also ask whats your thoughts on the Wing?

I wont be able to make it. I had a schedule conflict.
I have a chance to see my sister and that only happens a few times a year.
So my time off is going to family. Have fun and please don't elect me to any office in my absence....again

I like the idea of DD being Prez again but I don't want to run him off so maybe someone else this time. On the Wing, the jury is still out. There are lots of things to like about the Wing. It's newer, less miles, its YELLOW. I won't say its smoother, it may be a little bit. Cruise works, CB works. Has all the bells & whistles. I wish I could adjust the handlebars, they seem to be a little low. I do like the ride but I like the ride on the Voyager also. I think we will ride both for a while. I do have an '88 Wing to sale. I plan on selling it after I replace all the vacuum lines. Don't know how much I will ask for it.

You can get some little wedges that will raise the handlebars up about 1 1/2". I put them on mine and it made a big difference. They will give you a little more leverage to turn the bars. There are a lot of things I like about the Voyager that are better than the wing.
SD

On another subject, I went to Mena this last weekend. Everything looked good. One thing we do need to find is a restaurant for our meeting Saturday. I am sure there are a few around, I just didn't have time Saturday to find one. I am going to check with Ed & Norbel to see if they can find one or have a recommendation. All help is appreciated. See all in Mena...

I think I recall that the restaurant at the Limetree Inn (one of our motels) has a separate, smaller dining room (aka meeting room?)

Have to pack tonight. Plan on leaving around 7:30, when it starts getting light. Should arrive at the campground mid afternoon.
Looking forward to the riding and visiting. Will miss The Judge and Sandra. Sure hope he is mending well.
Yall have a great day.

RR

I have the whole day off tomorrow so I will be leaving for Mena early in the morning. I have further to and more traffic to avoid than RR so I'll probably leave about 6am.

Made it Mena. Staying at the Limetree inn. Plan on meeting up with everyone at MCD in the morning.