1st Annual CampSTOC

[Mellow]

I didn't give up completely. Since NatSTOC seemed like it needed more thought, I figured I'd throw something together which takes pretty much no preparation. Everyone is on their own on this one.

Where:
Mt. Magazine State Park, south of Paris, Arkansas (http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/park.asp?id=41)

Nearby Campgrounds:
Cove Lake
Blue Mtn Lake - Outlet Area
Blue Mtn Lake - Waveland Park
Arkansas-Reserve USA Site (http://www.reserveusa.com/jsp/commonpage.jsp?goto=/maps/AR_CAMP.html)

When:
May 9-13, 2005

Organizational info:
None - make your own reservations, show up anytime, leave anytime, make your own routes and have fun.

This is a non-organized meet and greet.

Everyone is responsible for themselves for getting to/from the event as well as any riding during the event.

[Bill Ishmael]

I go to Mt Magazine often. It is a beautiful place. I was in Shirley's Outback the other day getting my pie and coffee when a couple of contractors came in that were working on the construction projects on the Mt. They were working on the cabins and said they should be done in time for camping next spring but the lodge will be another year out.

Bill

ps: just trying out the edit function but, to rub it in a little, I will be able sleep in my own bed and not have bugs in my morning coffee. It is about a 45 min drive to the top of the mountain from where I live.

[Mellow]

Bill, thanks for the Info... did you guys get any snow last night, it looks like there was some flurries headed your way.

[Bill Ishmael]

No, no snow but, it got a little cool (28 F). The sun is shinning though and that is something we have not seen in a few days now.
Bill

[Mellow]

You can get away with as little as $10-$20 in most state parks I've been to and they you might have an access fee or 5-10 per person or vechicle. The Newer and nicer parks will be higher, Mt Magazine in Arkansas is $21.50.

Since you're typically splitting it with 1 to 2 other guys it really cuts down the cost.

Granted, theres nothing like sleeping in a nice bed in a hote... There's also nothing like camping next to a fire under the clear cool sky. :beer3:

[CaptJerry]

The 21.50 is for a premium site.
A regular site which also includes electric and water
is $15. I've never had a problem at any of the Ark St Parks
sharing campsites.
A fun time from here is to run over to visit the wineries at Altus.
One of the best BBQ places around is in Ozark right next door.
www.rivertownebbq.com
The site is temporarily down, but I guarantee a person CANNOT
eat an entire BBQ salad in this place. I tried and failed miserably 8)

[CaptJerry]

Two biggest in Altus is Post family and Wiederkehr.....
If he married into Wiederkehr he did well :D

A young gal owns Chateau Aux Arc (pronounced Ozark)

Be careful when doing the sampling at Post, they are most generous
and some of their stuff is 19% :eek:

[CaptJerry]

Let's just say I can tell you how many GALLONS of Post wine will fit
in either a GL1200 or GL1800 :D

[sandman]

Vacation is scheduled and I'm gathering gear to go. See y'all there.

Gordon

[BentAero]

I'm trying to firm up my accomodations for CampSToc. I was planning on camping, assuming everyone else would be also. But now the SWAMBO wants to come along so I'm at a crossroads so to speak... She needs to sit where I planned to put my tent, bag, etc.

1. Are you guys camping?
1a. If so, which campground? (I would think we'd all try to stay at the same one...)

2. Are there motels nearby if I have to go that route?
2a. Do any of you plan to stay in a motel?

TIA

[sandman]

Several of us from Mobile are planning to go, Gary.

I will be camping but haven't firmed up campground location yet.

It would be great if we could all plan to stay at the same place.

Gordon

[clmixon]

Several of us from Mobile are planning to go, Gary.

I will be camping but haven't firmed up campground location yet.

It would be great if we could all plan to stay at the same place.

Gordon
Gordon,

I am still up in the air about this one since my work schedule has not settled out yet. Keep in the loop about ya'lls status.

Are you going to big bend for cheapstoc?

Chris

[sandman]

Chris,

I'm going to Daytona Bike Week next weekend and then CampSTOC in May.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make any of the other Spring/Summer STOC events unless some drastic changes occur at work.

Will keep you in the loop about CampSTOC.

Gordon

[Mellow]

I just made my reservations at Mt Magazine for 5/11-14. Man, I can't wait, that's a great place to ride.

:03biker: :03biker: :03biker: :03biker:

[Mellow]

I can't take the whole week off, especially since I'm also trying to make the 4CornerSTOC the following week... talk about a little tap dance I'm trying to do at work.... LOL ;-)

[BentAero]

I just made my reservations at Mt Magazine for 5/11-14. Man, I can't wait, that's a great place to ride.

:03biker: :03biker: :03biker: :03biker:

Mellow:
Where did you make your reservations at, and what type? I've been assuming we were all going to try to stay at the same campground near each other...

It looks like I won't be able to get there until Wed. the 11th as I'll likely be in Guatemala until Sunday the 8th.

[sandman]

I called Mt Magazine State Park today to make reservations for CampSTOC and talked to Shirley.

When I mentioned that we were planning a rally there for May 9-13 she informed me that groups were usually setup in Brown Springs Picnic area so that we could set our tents up all together.

The price for Brown Springs was $8. per tent or $2. per head whichever was cheapest.

Check out the campground map here:

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/images/pdfs/pibs/MTMAGAZN-03.pdf

It seems there is no power available at Brown Springs and only an outhouse for facilities. However there is a bath-house available only .25 miles away for those of us that prefer to bathe daily :eek:

There are campsites available nearer the facilities...I guess it just depends on how we want to setup.

I told her I would call back tomorrow with details about how you guys wanted to setup.

SO LET'S HEAR IT! :cool:


Gordon :04biker:

:beer2: :chat1:

[Mellow]

I'll call back tomorrow and have my reservation changed to brown springs... Sounds like it's gonna be a great time! :03biker:

Thanks Gordon!

[BentAero]

Gordon,

Brown Springs it is! Thanks for looking into this.

Having camped multiple times on bicycle tours, my biggest request is that I can place my tent in the NON-snoring section, and that the snorrers (is that a word?) camp together in their own personal section. ;)

Since this is designated as a 'group' camping area, do each of us still need to contact the park and make a reservation? Or do we collectively have the use of the Brown Springs camping area?

[Bill Ishmael]

Weather and SWMBO (Honey Do Projects) permitting, I will make a run up to the park this week end and try to get some meaningful pictures of the Camp site to post next week.

Bill

[Mellow]

Weather and SWMBO (Honey Do Projects) permitting, I will make a run up to the park this week end and try to get some meaningful pictures of the Camp site to post next week.

Bill

Bill, thanks.... great idea. Be careful with all the holiday traffic. Although, with gas prices, we might not be having that much of a problem with holiday traffic.

[Mellow]

Gordon,

Brown Springs it is! Thanks for looking into this.

Having camped multiple times on bicycle tours, my biggest request is that I can place my tent in the NON-snoring section, and that the snorrers (is that a word?) camp together in their own personal section. ;)

Since this is designated as a 'group' camping area, do each of us still need to contact the park and make a reservation? Or do we collectively have the use of the Brown Springs camping area?

Ear Plugs serve a dual purpose... I've used them many times in areas where non-rhythmic snorers have caused me a loss of sleep... If it's got a pattern, like the 3 stoges, I can get used to it and put myself asleep but those without any pattern drive me nuts... well, more nuts... if that's possible...

[sandman]

OK, we are officially reserved at Brown Springs Picnic area inside Mt Magazine State Park for the week starting May 8 thru May 13 2005. If you are planning to stay with the group you won't need to preregister. You might want to put your name on the list so they will have an idea about headcount this would be appreciated.

If you need to call for information or if you choose to reserve an individual campsite at the campground instead of staying with the group at the picnic area I talked to Shirley and she has the information about the CampSTOC rally. You can reach her at the main number for Mt Magazine State Park (479) 963-8502

Hope to see you there :hotpepper :hotpepper


Gordon :04biker:

[BentAero]

Not being one to cook or bring a bunch of food with me, does anyone (Bill Ishmael?) know how far we'll need to ride to reach restaurant(s) and/or grocery stores?

I prefer to hit a restaurant morning, noon, and night.

[sandman]

Gary,

There appears to be about any type of food available in Paris, AR about 16 miles from the campground.

I'm with you and will be heading out rather early to check out the vittles each day. :chef3:

I've made tentative plans for a tour up to Eureka Springs and around some of the scenic roads in that area that includes lunch at the Balcony restaurant which is supposed to be good. Round trip is about 250-300 miles and should be great riding.

Hope to see you there!

Gordon

[Mellow]

Paris does have some good places to eat. I've never been to Shirley's Outback but it's closer and supposed to be a good place also, I think it opens later in the morning and closes somewhat early (I remember passing it on the way to/from Paris).

If you have time, try to make it over to Hwy-341. Also, if all you ever did was go up and down Hwy-23, Pig Trail Scenic byway, you'd be very happy.

[crazykz]

I'm still debating whether I will be at the CampSTOC but if I decide at the last minute to show up do you think I'll have a problem getting a spot at Brown Springs?

I have to be in Omaha on May 13th for the IBA National Meet.

Curt

[sandman]

Curt,

It looks like a pretty big place and I'm sure we could rearrange and fit you in somewhere.

Gordon

[Bill Ishmael]

Joe,
I just sent you 19 emails this morning. Let me know how many you received. I was not successful and reducing the file sizes. So I am trying to piece meal them to you.

[Mellow]

Joe,
I just sent you 19 emails this morning. Let me know how many you received. I was not successful and reducing the file sizes. So I am trying to piece meal them to you.

I'll take a look here in a few and get back with you.

[CaptJerry]

This place is in Ozark and it is great!

http://www.rivertownebbq.com/main.htm

[BentAero]

Aw c'mon Charlie, the neat thing about family, (unlike girlfriends) is they'll always be family. They'll be there when you get back from CampSTOc...!

[mtrot]

Not definite yet, but I am real interested in making it for this. I am a total newbie at traveling on a bike(ST1100), so this is going to be interesting. I need to get my Sargent seat, since I can only go about an hour on my stock one before important stuff goes to sleep. I also need to get riding gear, etc., and figure out everything I need to bring. At least I don't have that far to travel from East Texas.

And, due to a severe case of wimpness and having awakened an entire campground before with nightmares, I am not much of a camper and would stay in a hotel. Looks like Booneville may be the closest lodging.

So, if anybody else is interested in staying in a hotel, speak up. And any suggestions are much welcomed and appreciated.

[sandman]

Hey mtrot,

If you can wake a campground with your nightmares we need you there to add to the nightlife.

I'm used to thousands of Harleys making thunder until 3am at Daytona, so what's a little nightmare. :oilleak1: :oilleak1: :oilleak1: :oilleak1:

My SO says I have some of those loud nightmares from time to time myself...we'll get over it!

Hope you can make it...there is nothing like traveling on two wheels to help you understand the real essentials of life.

Gordon :04biker:

[Mellow]

RC... sorry to hear about your family issue, go up there and spend as much time as you have with him, no one here would blame you and would do the same in your shoes. Also sorry to hear about your TSBA friend.

Ride safe and we'll see ya when you get back.

[BentAero]

After giving Charlie a hard time about not attending, now I can't attend CampSToc. :(

My (2nd) mission trip to Guatemala has been moved from April 30, to departing on May 8. Though I was very much looking forward to riding to Ark. and meeting many of you, finishing the work on the medical clinic in Comi is more important.

Maybe next time...

[crazykz]

Now I'm starting to wonder if anyone is going to be there. I'm trying to work out to be there towards the end of it and then heading to Omaha on the 13th. Is anyone actually going to be there?

Curt

[Mellow]

If the timing is right I'm planning on swinging by Mt Magazine either Fri or Sat after I pick up the new wing... :04biker:

[sandman]

Charlie,

How's Mike doing? Hope he's gonna' bounce back in a hurry.

Just got back from Honda Superbike Classic at 7PM this evening and had a great time. Met a couple of guys from SanJose, CA that stopped by while on a tour of the SouthEast. Met a gentleman named Marshall Goodman that works with AMA that is planning on coming to CampStoc. I was amazed at the number of people that had traveled from all over for the race and to see the museum.

Guys, this is one awesome museum, you gotta' see it!

I'll sort thru the pics and post a few.


Hope to see you there!


Gordon :04biker:

[Bill Ishmael]

I took in a ride to Mt Magazine Saturday morning. The leaves are finally out on top now. It is beautiful up there!! To those staying on top next week, be sure and pack some cover!! I do not know how it is at night but, during the daytime there is about a 10 degree F temperature difference between the bottom of the mountain and the top. Saturday it was 60F at Paris when I started up and when I got to the top it was 47F.
Bill Ishmael

[MikeP1300]

Anyone going to show?

[Mellow]

I'll be there Friday evening... as soon as I can get off work and head down... probably around 6pm-ish.

I'll ride the area Saturday then head home on Sunday.

I wanted to do more but that's the best I can do and juggle my work responsibilities.

[crazykz]

I'm planning on it so I'm thinking the evening of the 11th. I may go to Niobrara, NE on the 12th and Omaha on the 13th-15th.

Curt

[crazykz]

Hopefully it is ok to show up at Brown Springs to camp still.

Curt

[Mellow]

Hopefully it is ok to show up at Brown Springs to camp still.

Curt

Yes it is, that's where I'll be. Although, it looks like we will miss each other this time around.

[crazykz]

Yes it is, that's where I'll be. Although, it looks like we will miss each other this time around.

Yep looks that way. Looks like I'll have to plan a B2B sometime to get down that way.

Curt

[MikeP1300]

There's a good chance that I'll be in the area next week. Sorry, I can't commit to a definite day or time right now. What can I say, my life is screwy.

[sandman]

I'll be calling Miss Shirley today to confirm my arrival Sunday evening.


Hope to see you there!

Gordon :04biker:

[MikeP1300]

Sounds like folks will be coming and going during the week.

My wife appears to be up for the trip, so we'll probably blow in there to camp tuesday or wednesday. We don't have reservations.

Any other ladies going?

[ssls6]

I plan on stopping by to camp the night of the 11th.

[Bill Ishmael]

I have a Magnetics Conference I have to attend in Chicago the 9,10,11. It is almost a local ride to Mt Magizine for me. I will come by the afternoons of the 12th and 13th to see whoever is there.

Joe, are you going to be there this Friday (the 6th) or next (the 13th)? Where are you picking up the Wing?

Bill

[Mellow]

I have a Magnetics Conference I have to attend in Chicago the 9,10,11. It is almost a local ride to Mt Magizine for me. I will come by the afternoons of the 12th and 13th to see whoever is there.

Joe, are you going to be there this Friday (the 6th) or next (the 13th)? Where are you picking up the Wing?

Bill

Bill I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to pick up the wing... will be leaving corinth, I'm guessing, between 3-5pm so... I was thinking of making Mt Mag my camping stop before heading to my parents place in OK early Sat morning.


Next Friday (13th) I'll leave DFW around 2pm and head to Mt Mag, should be there between 6-8pm depending on lovely traffic... Will ride the area on Saturday..

[crazykz]

Hi All,

I'm leaving for Mount Magazine tomorrow morning. 812 miles, 13 hours. I'm hoping to be there by 7:00 PM. So if I'm not there someone send out the troops. ;) I'm planning on leaving Milwaukee via I-43S to I-39S around 5:00am.

Hope to see some of you there. This will be interesting because all I have for camping is a sleeping bag and a tent. :eek:

Curt

[Mellow]

Curt, have a great and safe ride.

I have to work this week so I won't be heading out 'til Friday afternoon and I think you said you'd be leaving before then so unless your, or my, plans change we'll miss each other on this pass...

No Fret!... I'm thinking this will be the location for the first NatSTOC next year so it should be good practice.

[Mellow]

Hi All,

This will be interesting because all I have for camping is a sleeping bag and a tent. :eek:

Curt

A.... the ground there is nice and level but you might want to stop by Walmart and grab an air mattress, makes all the difference in the world... If your tent is big enough for one.

[crazykz]

A.... the ground there is nice and level but you might want to stop by Walmart and grab an air mattress, makes all the difference in the world... If your tent is big enough for one.

That's not what I want to hear because I have no place to pack that. Maybe I can find a spot to put one but we'll have to see. I have the Eureka 2XTA tent so I think I have enough space for one.

Curt

[Mellow]

That's not what I want to hear because I have no place to pack that. Maybe I can find a spot to put one but we'll have to see. I have the Eureka 2XTA tent so I think I have enough space for one.

Curt

You can pack them up pretty small... if you are using a bag on your pass seat you can even roll it up and put it between the space in front of your trunk between your bag.. Or, just get there and see how sleeping on the ground is then head to a walmart the next day... I don't think I'd like camping without one....

[crazykz]

You can pack them up pretty small... if you are using a bag on your pass seat you can even roll it up and put it between the space in front of your trunk between your bag.. Or, just get there and see how sleeping on the ground is then head to a walmart the next day... I don't think I'd like camping without one....

That reminds me I need a piece of foam in that spot to protect the back from rubbing on the Givi. Last time it almost ate through my rain cover for the T-Bag.

Not sure how much room there is with that T-Bag on there but I can try it. I'm still looking for a place to carry a water bottle. No room left on the handlebars. ;) Didn't get the CB antenna in time for the trip so I'll have to hold off on that for a little while.

Here's the T-Bag I have from my HD days: It's a big-un!
Dresser Backseat T-Bag (http://www.tbags.com/detail.aspx?ID=3&SelectedCat=4)

I can still use it because I still have a rack on the Givi to fasten it to.

Curt

[Mellow]

Well... as usual...I plan a ride... I say I'm going... then, I work instead...

Doesn't look like I'm making this one...

Those that do end up going, please post a report of the area...

This is the planned location for NatSTOC next year...

[sandman]

I had a very enjoyable stay at Mt. Magazine this week. There weren't as many bikes as I had hoped but the small group that did show up worked out well.

What made this trip so great was the unofficial hosts for the day rides around the great motorcycle friendly roads that are abundant in Arkansas.
Mike and Allyson (MikeP1300) were very familiar with the area and lead the way to 2 days of great riding including a delicious breakfast at the Grapvine Restaurant in Paris and lunches at the Ozark Cafe in Jasper.

I'd nominate them to be ride leaders anytime. :bow1:

And Allyson thanks for that great mountain breakfast. :eat2:

The weather was great and the people were very friendly.

Ain't it grand when you don't see one LEO on the best roads. :hotpepper

Gordon

[MikeP1300]

Allyson and I enjoyed campstoc also. What was lacking in quantity of participants was made up in the quality of those that showed. :clap2: New aqaintances seemed like old friends before long.
After Gordon, Kurt and Arlin hit the road; Glen Dotson from MO rode in. So, we had to do another ride up there in the twisties. Only saw one deer and 2 turkeys (winged type). The only LEO was in Mt Ida on the way home. Sweet.

All in all Magazine was a good meeting place. Although, it would be nice if the time spent riding to and from the good stuff to the north (about and hour each way) could be reduced. Anyone know of another state park farther north?

What's next?

[Bill Ishmael]

MikeP1300,
It was great meeting you, Allyson and Glen Saturday! It is amazing that strangers can be like old friends within seconds of meeting each other when they have a common interest.

Knowing the great route you guys took, If you want to repeat it sometime, the best place to stay is at a campsite on Greers Ferry Lake called Devil's Fork. It is located on Hwy 16 between the town of Greers Ferry and Edgemont. Adding up the miliage from the state issued Arkansas Map, it looks like about 22 miles east of Clinton on Hwy 16. If you want the softer life of motel camping, I know that there is one motel at the town of Greers Ferry.

Bill Ishmael

[mageerc]

Mike,

There is a quite nice National Forest campground named Longpool up US Hwy 7 North of Russelville. If you are traveling north, just past Dover, AR, take State Road 164 west and follow the signs for Longpool. The road is paved all the way to the campground and there are hot showers and excellent camping right there on the banks of Big Piney Creek. On the way in you'll pass a place called Moore Outdoors and the proprietor there is a rider who knows the area very well and can recommend good roads, though there doesn't appear to be any bad ones in the area. I would personally vote for this area for NatSTOC. The campground has a nice pavillion that can be reserved for large groups and if we schedule arrival during the week, there is no problem getting campsites.

[crazykz]

Mike, Allyson, Gordan, and Orlin(sp?)

Thanks to all of you for the company and the great riding. Also the food :eat1:, the cup, the coffee :coffee1:, the wine :beer2:, and the great conversation. Camping wasn't what I expected as a street light would have been nice somewhere but hey then that would keep the bears away and that wouldn't be any fun now would it. ;)

I did manage to make it to Kansas City after leaving without getting wet but the next morning it was pretty bad so I waited for a break and took off. :rain1: Still got wet but only about 30 minutes worth. Made it to the Ironbutt Meet in Omaha without issue and then back home on Sunday. Some great riding.

Gordon gets my save the day award for running and getting oil. :bow1: Next time I'll carry a little extra. :oilleak1: I guess the ST and the FLHTCUI are a little closer related than I thought. :eek:

Thanks again to everyone and thanks Joe for putting it together. Sorry you didn't make it when I was there so we'll have to try again later down the road. Maybe somewhere where I'm not actually afraid of being eaten. ;)

Curt

[Mellow]

Nice Pics... who's in the 2nd pic... I just made it a caption pic and I want to be sure I stay clear of him if we ever meet... LOL

[MikeP1300]

Careful Mellow, it could've been a different finger.

Here are a few more pix from the Mt magazine trip. Great time, some (including a conpicuous member of this forum) will never know what they missed.

[MikeP1300]

Bill, it was good to see you too. We didn't have a bad ride all week. Except for the moment I thouht that turkey was going to slow down more than I did.
I'll check on the Greer's Ferry/ Clinto area. Sounds good. We rode thru Clinton on Friday. Wow, for a town of 2000. it was buseee! Nice roads around there.
Randy; We've stayed at the Long Pool cg on past river trips. Nice, we'll do solo trips there in the future. Didn't know about reserving sites, so was reluctant to suggest it for a group meet. It works for me though.

Only complaint about the Ozarks, not enough places to pull off the road safely. We passed many very scenic spots that we couldn't find space to pull over. Sorry guys, I passed a few really good ones that had pull outs. Next time.

[allypurp]

Enjoyed meeting and riding with everyone at Campstoc. I'm happy everyone enjoyed my home cooked breakfast and our coffee. I bet we traveled as light as Curt, Mike and I could camp off of the ST too. Lots of good pics of everyone.

I'll vote for staying closer to the mountains next time too. Riding throug that valley gets hot long and hot at times. . .I'd bet at least some of the campsites @ Longpool can be reserved. Will look into it.

[crazykz]

Nice Pics... who's in the 2nd pic... I just made it a caption pic and I want to be sure I stay clear of him if we ever meet... LOL

That's MikeP1300, Mellow.

Curt

[Bill Ishmael]

Joe,
What happened to FogStoc?:D

[Mellow]

Bill, kinda hard to plan for that one... LOL