The weather was clear and cool Saturday morning here in central Arkansas as the Heaven Bound Bikers put their kickstands up and hit the road. The four riders left out with Road Captain Larry Davis in the lead, with full leathers and facemasks on going east on I-30 through Little Rock to I-440. The riders took the Scott/England exit onto Hwy. 165S, and then turned onto Hwy. 79N and then Hwy. 49S and then onto Hwy. 362 which took us to the Louisiana Purchase State Park.
The riding was great and our first stop was at Union Valley Cemetery were Larry's family is buried. This is a very old cemetery and Church, way out in the middle of a bean field just outside Coy, AR., which is well maintained despite its location.
Our next stop was at Papa Joes quick stop in Coy. We give this place four stars, the people were friendly, the restrooms were very clean and in good operating order, and they parking lot is concrete with lots of room to park. You can get gas there and they have hot food and your usual snacks.
From there the riders moved on down to Stuttgart, AR., the home of Max's Prairie Wings and Riceland Foods. Ducks and rice are Kings in this southeast Arkansas town, Max's Prairie Wings is a must stop and shop for waterfowl hunters. While in Stuttgart, we stopped for lunch at Gracie's Central Station by the old Wal-Mart. It was an excellent choice, they have a varied but simple menu, and it was very clean with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The food was good, having generous portions, with the riders trying out the burgers, Philly-steak sandwich, and patty melt, all came with home cut fries and all the fixings. The waitress was Becky who did a good job and the prices were fair. To get directions call 870-672-4848 (it was off our route, which is why you need to call for directions).
With full bellies, the riders were now ready to head straight on into our destination, Louisiana Purchase State Park. Heading on up Hwy. 79 the roads were pretty good except between Roe and Clarendon were they are building a new road and the existing road is rough for about 10 miles. You will cross the White River in this area and it is beautiful delta wet lands.
Turning off Hwy. 79 onto Hwy. 49S we traveled down to the state park turning onto Hwy. 362, be careful as this is a country lane with pea-gravel and tractors do use this road leaving clods of dirt and mud. It is about 2 miles down through a swamp to the end of the lane were the state park is located at a turnaround. Jessica commented that it reminded her of the movie "Deliverance," however we did not hear any banjo music. There is no visitor center, and the facilities consist of a port-a-potty and no picnic area, however remember it is the journey that counts not the destination. The park consists of a long winding interpreted boardwalk to the monument marking the initial survey point for the Louisiana Purchase. The baseline established here runs through modern day Little Rock, AR., and is where Baseline Rd. gets its name having been partially built on this baseline. For more information visit www.ArkansaStateParks.com
It was time to saddle up and head back, the riders route took them up Hwy. 49N to Hwy. 70 were they made a short jaunt east to Brinkley for gas and then back west to Little Rock. Hwy. 70 parallels I-40 from Little Rock to Memphis and is a great route for taking it easy and just enjoying the ride. Coming out of Hazen we stopped at the Dairy Bar for a break and soon found out on Saturday afternoon this is a hopping little place, if you need to you can park in the gas station next door which is along the drive way for the Dairy Bar. Homeward bound there would be no more stops till the group arrived at Hwy. 5 Baptist Church in Bryant, AR.
Traveling together is great, I never travel alone, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. I always have my Savior Jesus Christ with me and usually at least one brother or sister in Christ. Who travels with you? Do you have a constant companion, a Savior with you?
Keep The Wind In Your Face!
Till the next pit stop,
Steven W. Hudson
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