Blanchard Springs and Gilbert meeting
August 11th, 2007


Our ride started from the White Oak Station at the junction of Highway 62 and Highway 65. We had 8 bikes and 11 riders on a beautiful but warm morning. Lee brought his daughter Stacy along on her first motorcycle ride.

We made our first stop at the Exxon station in Gassville. It was still early and the day was just starting to heat up.



We left the station in Gassville and headed to Blanchard Springs Caverns.

Arriving at the cave, the day was getting a little warmer. We enjoyed a cool drink and walked to the Visitor Center and cave entrance.




Blanchard Springs Cavern is a three-level system, but only two levels of the caverns are open for guided tours.

Blanchard Springs Caverns offers three tours. The Dripstone Trail winds through the magnificently decorated upper level. The longer, more strenuous Discovery Trail explores the middle level of the Caverns system. The Wild Cave Tour offers visitors an introduction to spelunking in a structured enviroment.

At a cool 58*, most of our group explored The Dripstone Trail.

Be sure to visit the Blanchard Springs Caverns website for more information on the cave.




Leaving the cave and climbing back on our iron horses. The temperature was now HOT!! We rode the short distance to Mt. View where we stopped for lunch.

We left Mt. View on our way towards Gilbert. The heat was unbearable. Every second was like riding in an oven with hot air blowing across your face.

By the time we made it to Marshall, every one of us ready for another stop in the shade. We didn't have far to go before we arrived at Gilbert, and we were in no hurry to get back on our bikes.




We finally made our way to Gilbert, Arkansas located on the beautiful Buffalo River. Following our road captain to the river, everyone thought about having a quick dip in the river. The soft sand was a challenge with nowhere to park so we setteled for parking at The Gilbert General Store. The store was just about to close but we had time to set inside and have a look around first.

We were all hot and tired after an extreamly hot ride with temperatures rising to the triple digits.

Stacy after “riding into the hot breath of Satan.”




The rest of our chapter met us at Gilbert where we all had dinner and held our August meeting at The Gilbert Cafe. Mike and Bobbie's daughter Angie and grand daughter Cheyenne joined us. The food was delicious and the folks at cafe were great.




We left the cafe, thanking the owner and staff for a great time. Heading towards Harrison and home. In spite of the heat, another great day with good friends that you just can't beat!




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