Linda and Dean Sallee, John and Marilyn Schaub, Vicky Crawford and Bill and Fran Patrick participated in the Natchez Race Run in early September 2011.

Our plan had been to ride south to Morgan City, LA to attend the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival and then head northeast to Natchez, MS to follow the Natchez Trace. From there, Bill, Fran and Vicky were continuing to the RRJ International Days of Praise Rally.

But then came Tropical Storm Lee with high winds, driving rain and flooding.

We got as far south as Winnfield, LA when we realized that Lee would prevent us from reaching Morgan City. On Friday morning, 9/2, we decided to change our route and head for Natchez and  the Trace. It was a short and comfortable ride from Winnfield to Natchez with just a few showers to help with the heat.

Natchez was beautiful and full of the history of our country as it developed along the Mississippi River. The visitors reception center is full of interesting exhibits that tell the story of the Natchez area. The city of Natchez has many historical landmarks including dozens of mansions restored to reflect the early times in the south. After a delicious lunch in a local downtown restaurant, and with rain clouds forming overhead, we left Natchez on the Trace and headed northeast.

We spent Friday night in Clinton, MS. But Saturday AM brought more showers and a forecast of heavy rain.

Linda and Dean decided to head for Pine Bluff and home, hoping to miss most of he rain. The rest of the group continued north up the Trace hoping to outrun the rain that way. Neither plan worked completely, but we all had good riding days and plenty of great vistas. The group that continued up the Trace made it to Tupelo, MS by Saturday evening. The ride on the Trace was cool, with a few light showers.

Sunday AM brought heavy rain across most of the South. Bill, Fran and Vicky needed to continue north to the RRJ Days of Praise Rally. John and Marilyn headed west through Memphis to Mountain Home.

Check out the pictures in our gallery.

After the destruction caused by the tornado that hit Joplin, we decided to cancel our Memorial Day ride to Precious Moments. The motel where we planned to stay called to say they needed the rooms for recovery workers. We checked to see if we could help, but there was no room for us to stay in the area.

After much discussion, we finally decided to take our Memorial Day ride to Fort Smith. Bill and Fran led the way because they know the area so well.

It was a great ride and we had the opportunity to see some Arkansas history at the fort. On the way back, we traveled route 7 through the Boston Mountains. The vistas were breathtaking.

Click (here) to see the entire gallery of photos.

October 23, 2010
Scenic Ark 7 from Harrison to Russellville wonders through the Ozark Mtns. and through the Ark Grand Canyon. The Fall Foliage along this route is some of the best in the State. The Road Riders for Jesus Chapter 24 Fall Foliage Ride will follow much of this route at the perfect time of year to behold the beauty of God’s wonderful creation here in Arkansas.

Assemble at College Station at: 8:00 AM

Stands up at: 8:30 AM

Depart College station heading south to 62/412. Go west to Harrison. Turn right of Ark 7 south to Pelsor. Take Ark 16 left to Ark 27. Turn left follow Ark 27 to Ark 14. Take ark 14 to Yellville. Turn right on 62 take east to Mt. Home. Approx. 200 miles.

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September 18, 2010

Assemble at College Station at: 10:30 AM (following Chapter meeting)

Stands up at: 11:00 AM (later if meeting runs long)

Depart College Station heading South on College Street to Hwy 412. Left onto bypass & follow 412 East. Turn right and stay on 62/412 to Viola. Right onto Ark 223 heading South. Ark 223 to Pineville. Right onto 177 North to Roscos on the right. Leave Roscos going North on 177 to Salesville. At Hwy 5 turn right heading North to Mountain Home. 69.82 miles, 2 hours ride time.

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