OK! After spending several hours trying to figure out how to post routes using my map software, I finally figured out that I just couldn't get the routes posted with any amount of detail without it taking 5 pages to print each route. So, I decided to just scan the actual maps, then print them out, highlight them, re-scan them, and then figure out how to post them online in a usuable format. Of course, I still used my map software to figure times and distances. So, after many more hours, here we are:
http://community.webshots.com/user/gtbandit . You can also print the maps in slighty lower quality from
http://photos.yahoo.com/gtbandit99 . However, you cannot view or download them full size from that site.
On the maps, I used a pink highlighter to mark the main routes and used green or blue for alternate variations of those routes. The main Route 1 is about 287 miles and should take about 7 hrs. and 50 mins.according to my DeLorme map software. That should be about right considering fuel stops and scenic breaks. Possibly longer with a leisurely lunch break. Since this is a group event, figure on covering about 35 to 40 miles per hour average, possibly more if your group doesn't linger too long at stops. I figured in a lunch stop in Jasper (after the loop) at about 120 miles. This would make for an early lunch, but I really don't know of anywhere else down the line to stop to eat. If you take alternate route A, plan on adding about 63 miles to the main route. Alternate loop B will also add about 63 to your day. Alternate C just follows hwy 27 south past the second crossing of the Illinois Bayou just before the town of Hector, then turns around and backtracks to the main route. It will add about 44 miles of tight, smooth flowing twisties to your ride. Alternate D follows hwy 7 down to Dover where it picks up 27 north up to Tilly. It bypasses a really nice section of hwy 16, but it's a decent compromise. It will add about 33 miles to your route. If your looking to cut some time somewhere, you could skip the loop west of Jasper and hwy 7 and save about 48 miles.
Route 2 is on two overlapping pages. The main ride covers just under 250 miles and should take a little under 7 hrs. according to my software. I figured on a lunch stop in Yellville about 136 miles into the day. Flippin is about 7 miles to the east if some of y'all would rather eat there. If anybody has any other suggestions for lunch stops that would work with these routes, please let me know. Alternate route A should form the top half of a figure of eight. It will add about 64 miles to the main route. Alternate B just follows hwy 9 to Melbourne, then turns around back towards hwy 5. It adds about 40 miles to the day, but should be well worth it. Alternate route C forms a loop that includes hwy 9 and will add about 56 miles to your day. If this is the only day ride your doing, you may want to consider going up hwy 341 instead of hwy 5. Something else to consider, would be to do either a 1 hr. or 1-1/2 hr. tour through Blanchard Caverns. According to the map, they are located off hwy 14 between hwys 87 and 9.
Of course, these routes are only suggestions. Feel free to ride your own ride and plan your routes. Just meet up at the motel in the evening for some socializing. I was planning on adding another full day route and some half day routes too. But, I've already spent way more time than I was suppose to on these routes. However, if you need some suggestions for another route, let me know and I'll gladly give you some ideas.
