This is a reprise of part of the CAA 2010 run with Me and Sharko ( that didn't really happen.)
The Off road adventure is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday only.


Starts at the Hotel 9:00 AM


We will be running down to 123 and Highway 7 for a quick shot thru the Dragon Road of the Ozarks.


Lunch in Mount Judea.
Then a roundabout trip home to the Hotel.
Right now I only have Red Dog and Ala-Xfire.




Just post here, in this thread, if you want to tag along. Number of cars and people.

 

From the original story in Franc's very own words posted somewhere on this forum 5 years ago
I have recapped the part of the story that I believe covers the portion of the route Franc intends to lead on Tuesday and Wednesday
Worth the read and worth the trip from the sound of it !!!!

We got thru some heavy population around I-40, caught our breath and then shot north on Route 7.
After watching a school bus unload 700 kids for 45 minutes, we had a clear shot up thru the Boston Mtns and we took advantage.
No one seems to live here and the road is just one turn after another.
The only straights are down the mountain and up the other side making for some fun speed runs. And then the twists and turns.

I don't know how he found the moment but the SRT driver checked his GPS and it told him to turn onto Route 123.
Apparently it was a "shorter" route but only as the crow flies.
I would suggest we found another "DRAGON" because it has about fifty miles knotted up into about 13 miles of land.

First set of turns had a sign, "5 miles of hills and turns"
"Sure," we said and took it on. A few hundred yards of straight away and another sign, "5 miles of hills and sharp turns." Again we took them fast and furious and while it was tougher, we beat the mountain again.
About a mile of straight road later another sign loomed in view. "5 miles of YADA YADA" and again we took the................. OH MY GOD!!!

WHERE'S THE LAND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD?
HOW THE HELL CAN PAVEMENT DO THAT?
I have never powered out of turns in first gear. Until this mountain road.
I have never grinned this much or puckered this much. Until this mountain road.
I never thought one could be tougher than the Dragon. Until this mountain road.
I actually used my brakes!

We stopped to catch our breath in a little burg called Mount Judea.
A general store with tractor gas and a pleasant proprietor.
We needed bathrooms and were told " No, but the Cafe had excellent Pies and coffee."
So we went there and enjoyed the local color, people, pies and coffee.

"So," I said, "Y'all got a tricky bit of real-estate up the road there."
"Yes." replied the Cafe owner.
"You ever get car clubs and such up here?"
"We get bikers all summer but not many cars."

So I promised to rectify that situation with a boat load of friends terrorizing his town this summer.

"Glad to have 'em" he said with a grin.

The rest of the trip home was great, lots of twisty Ozark roads in Missouri but I kept wanting to go back to Mt. Judea.
Good Pie, good coffee, good people and a great road.

Disclaimer.
Not sayin' this all actually happened but ....what if it did?

Anyway, the SRT got home safe and sound.
Road tested and worthy.
For those who ask....We drove legal all the way on the interstate.

 

Franc, if I make it to CAA6, I'll either ride in your right seat (well, want to do that at least the first day, anyway) and then will drive it the second day.
Not sure I will own a car by then, but have no less than two offers of a loaner - so I guess I better show up.

 

The last time, he really did take us off road, followed a transmission line up over the ridge...

 

123 is a lot like that line road. Except it is paved.

 

Bump for signups.

 

Well, Im in - but not on Wednesday, I signed up for the train ride.

 

I don't blame ya.


Crumpy may or may not be there the entire time. So my plans must be flexible. If no one signs up for Wednesday then I may also take the train.

 

As of now, there are about 25 seats on the train left.
They say it will be "The Crossfire Run" - only we will be aboard.

 

How cool is that !!!
I'm bringing the Crossfire Banner

 

I'm keeping my options open until we get there on Sunday, except for the train ride. Don't know what the Mrs. will want to do but I'm sure it isn't 4 whole days in the Crossfire. That may leave me the option join in on this one on Tuesday.

Do we have a meeting scheduled on Sunday night to sort things out?

 

In your case from NC, I think we are talking about 6 or 7 whole days in a Crossfire. At least that is what it is for us to do the Dragon meet.



So many are doing the Train on Wednesday, I'm not sure anyone wants to go OFF ROAD with me that day. I can move that event to Thursday. I have made no solid plans for any day but Tuesday.


Crumpy will only be in attendance Sunday evening and Monday. So my own interest in the train adventure is low. They are fun though.


Once people come back from the OFF ROAD, and hopefully express their pleasure with the route, I think there will be more interest. I would be happy to entertain any other takers on the following two days. As I have no other plans, I'm flexible.


Frankly, I am not as interested in driving the back roads during the day as I am the camaraderie of the evenings back in Eureka Springs. I just hope the ice machines can keep up.

 

Franc, you are correct 2 days out and two days back plus 4 there... I agree it's more about meeting everyone in the evenigs. Looking forward to this one it should be fun.

 

The people are about half the reason I go to these meets.
No, actually, the people ARE the reason I go.

 

And you are the reason the people go.
Mark the Magnificent !
He's a chick magnet.

 

Hay Franc, since we're bringing both Crossies, I'll sign up for the drive with you, RedDog, and Steve on Tuesday...

 

We'll join Tuesday too! Looking forward to seeing everyone when we get there late Sunday afternoon!

 

Hey Dan, this will be old hat for you and me after the Bad Lands of South Texas...you in front and me trying to keep up, lol.

 

Franc,

Sign me up for Tuesday.

Thorn