Thanks Shaun, great info. I live near a very old, small town in Illinois, and sadly, they are ... well, were until the housing crap-out... tearing down a lot of these wonderful old buildings, and replacing them with generic "mini-mall" style buildings. No character, no history, no stories connected to these new McBuildings. Sad. Why does folks think we need yet another Nail Salon, and/or $4.00 a cup Coffee Shop every mile or so?
I admire the fact that you and your riding buddies are wearing gear and helmets, even though - to my knowledge - Arkansas has no mandatory helmet law for over 21's. This says something very positive and forward about the group. Kudo's to all! (not trying to start a "helmet" thread, so back slowly away from the keyboard non-helmet guys!).
We have a similar sized ride 'round here, and it's getting bigger every year, called the "Slimey Crud Run". This is held in early May, then again in October, to mark the beginning and end of the "official" riding season up north.
We ride from New Glarus to Leland Wisconsin. No set time or pace, just do as you will, and meandering off the main road is encouraged, but usually not intentional. The smart money is on the guys who book a room at Leland, as Beer a-drinkin' and story telling (truth optional) after dinner is somewhat mandatory(?)
Great fun, and also oddly more helmets and gear than not, despite no mandatory laws, as HD enthusiasts are present and always welcome, but for whatever reason very, very few show at this run. Much more sport bikes, and classics. Old Triumph's, BSA's, Nortons as well as new bikes. The iconic Peter Egan, columnist and author from Cycle World, usually makes it as well.
Anyway, again, very nice pics, and thanks for sharing the good times with us.
