Just got back from Eureka Springs, AR

by Nana
(Kansas)

I'm 51 years old and have been riding a total of 1 year, 2 months. I just got back from a trip riding my 2009 Victory Kingpin Low to Eureka Springs, AR with my boyfriend on his Victory Cross Country. We rode 322 miles to get there. This is the longest ride I've taken so far. It was nice, we took our time and stopped any time we felt like it. It didn't wear me out nearly as much as I thought it would.

On our 2nd day we headed to the Pig Trail south of Eureka Springs. I was nervous and the clouds looked like they would open up and poor down. I felt like I could handle the curves fine on dry pavement, but wet pavement had me spooked.

Just getting to the trail provided some really good curves. Then we headed down. It takes a lot of clutch work and gear shifting to control the motorcycle going through tight curves on a downward grade. I was anticipating too much and down shifting too soon before entering the curves. It was a struggle but I made it to Turner Bend!

We got off the bikes - made a potty stop, bought a patch and saddled up for the return trip. Now it started to rain. But going uphill on the curves proved to be a bit easier to handle. However, somehow the rain got on both the inside and the outside of my glasses. I asked to pull over to dry them off at the first opportunity - which happened to be the top of the trail! I made it! In the rain!

We returned home the next day - another 322 miles. I felt really good except my hands hurt from all the shifting and I don't have a throttle lock. I guess I need to strengthen my hand muscles.

Just wanted to share that if a newbie 51 year old rider can do this - you can too! Keep the shiny side up!