Touring - Need help planning SW Arkansas 3-4 day tour

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like2bike
08-21-05, 03:25 PM
I'm finally getting all my stuff and Trek 520 rig together. Now a little warm-up trip to iron the kinks out.

I'm trying to find a nice 3-4 day self-contained bike touring trip I can take in Arkansas. Since I'll have to drive up from Houston, I'm probably looking for a start as close to SW corner of the state as I can get with some nice views, secure parking, a festival along the way would be nice also. Anyone have one they've already put together that you'd care to share?

jkmartin
08-22-05, 12:59 PM
Why not do a 5-7 day tour from Houston instead?

If you're set on Arkansas, I'd request the state tourism packet. I'd also take a look at the Ozark-Quachitas tour outlined on the state's website:

http://www.arkansas.com/outdoors/Biking/

It's 7 days but you could probably modify it for your needs.

You may also take a look at the traffic density maps to see what roads are good for cycling:

http://www.ahtd.state.ar.us/Maps/TrafficCountyMaps/2004ADT/TrafficCount.htm

A month or so ago there was an article in the paper about a proposed cross-state ride similar to RAGBRAI. If I recall right, they printed a map and contact information. Here are the articles:

http://www.nwanews.com/story.php?paper=adg&section=Style&storyid=122493
http://www.nwanews.com/story.php?paper=adg&section=Style&storyid=121827
http://www.nwanews.com/story.php?paper=adg&section=Style&storyid=121821

Recently a man rode around the perimeter of the state to raise money for a children's hospital. His journals are here:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/?o=aw&doc_id=874&v=8u#20404
http://www.bikearkansas.blogspot.com/

I don't have personal experience with the SW corner of the state. If I were going to drive as far as the Quachitas, I'd go on to either the Arkansas River valley or Ozarks.

Good luck.