Another State Rally in the Books!

Another Arkansas State Rally is in the books! This year's rally was held in beautiful Eureka Springs and marks the third one I've attended over the last four years.

Besides seeing great people, catching up with close friends, and making new ones, what really drew me there this year was...

THE RIDE.

I absolutely love the ride to Fort Smith on two-lane roads through Oklahoma's National Forests and State Parks. Then, once you pop out on the north side of Fort Smith, you're greeted by some of the most beautiful scenery and riding roads you'll find anywhere on the way to Eureka Springs.

This trip, we took the Pig Trail heading north. As always, it did not disappoint.

I rode up with my Brother, Dutch, and it was his first time riding that route. We rolled out of Campbell, Texas around 8:30 that morning and made great time to Fort Smith.

I have to admit something, though...

I've got to get my act together a little better for future rides.

Once the temperatures climbed into the 90s, I started dragging. I ended up making two extra stops just to cool down, hydrate, and make sure I was still sharp. This is still fairly new territory for me over the last couple of years, and I haven't quite figured it out yet. On the bright side, I'm losing weight and working on getting healthier, but damn... I'm still getting used to what my body is telling me these days.

We rolled into the Inn of the Ozarks (Best Western) around 3:00 p.m. Dutch and I shared a room to keep costs down. Originally, Lucy was planning to come, so I had booked a king room. Once her plans changed, switching to two queens worked out perfectly.

Dutch reminded me to pack a swimsuit, and I'm glad he did.

As soon as we checked in, we made a quick beer run, changed into swim trunks, and headed straight for the pool. Dutch always brings some outstanding cigars, so we spent the next few hours floating in the cool water, enjoying warm sunshine, cold beer, great stogies, and simply unwinding.

The icing on the cake was when Anita ("Crayon") found us. The conversations, smiles, and laughter made for a perfect afternoon.

After a few hours, we wandered over to the convention center for the Meet & Greet. Ten bucks for a bottomless beer cup all weekend? That's hard to beat.

After a few hours of visiting with everyone, it was back to the room... and lights out.

I was beat.

First things first; Breakfast. We got to sit next to Skrape and had a great conversation as always. He's a weatlh of information. He's running for NSAA in '27 and I asked a few questions and truly enjoyed the conversation. When he gets' elected, and I'm sure he will, will be an outstanding addition to the NBOD.

Saturday morning started with something a little different—an Auxiliary Poker Run.

I never did calculate the mileage, but it felt like close to a hundred miles of fantastic two-lane riding. The coolest part was the technology they used. Instead of paper scorecards, everyone checked in using an app. Once you arrived within a certain distance of each stop, it verified your location, assigned your playing card, and then directed you to the next stop.

Very cool.

I really think that's the future of Poker Runs.

One of our favorite stops was Switchback Bar. Finally... cold beer! Dutch broke out his harmonica and started playing along with the musician in the corner. It was one of those moments you couldn't script.

From there...

Back to the hotel.

Round Two at the pool.

We were relaxing in the water, sipping beers, and enjoying cigars when we suddenly noticed everyone heading toward the meeting.

WHOOPS!

We almost missed the start! LOL. Would have had to track down the Swipers!?

A quick change of clothes later, we made it in time, got our swipes, found seats, and settled in.

The meeting lasted about two hours. We welcomed new Brothers and Sisters, heard some great
information, and took care of business.

Afterward, it was burgers for dinner before heading back for the evening festivities.

I really enjoyed spending time talking with Herc and the female Full Member sitting next to me (Frank?), but Dutch and I eventually called it a night. We both wanted to be fresh for the ride home the next morning.

Before sunrise, we were already awake and packing.

By 6:30 a.m., we were rolling south.

We rode through patches of fog with temperatures in the low 70s. Other than a little mist, we stayed dry as we worked our way down Interstate 49 toward Fort Smith at a comfortable 85 mph.

We stopped for fuel—okay... maybe I stretched the tanks a little farther than I should have a couple of times—but I know that route pretty well and wasn't worried. We grabbed breakfast, topped off the coffee, and hit the road again.

By the time we got close to Texas, temperatures were once again creeping toward 90 degrees, but thankfully the cloud cover helped keep things manageable. It was warm... just not Friday warm.

About fifteen miles from home, the skies finally opened up with a quick summer shower.

You know what?

It actually felt pretty good.

I kept riding, rolled into the driveway, grabbed a bite to eat, and then headed straight for my own pool to decompress before giving Lucy the condensed version of my last 48 hours.

Another great State Rally.

Another great ride.

And now...

I'm already scheming which two-lane roads I'll take to the next one.