Redneck Rescue

[bikepikespeak.com]

The suspense is killing me!

[gearnut]

Zecatfish,
I live in Tulsa now, but lived in Little Rock several years ago and spent a lot of time driving the backroads from the Buffalo River down to Mena. In fact I bought my first 4x4 truck after an epic and exhausting trip on the muddy ONF roads in a two wheel drive S-10.
Apparently I:
a. Have a short memory
b. Am a glutton for punishment
c. Just ain't too bright
d. All of the above

[Antman]

dont keep us hangin too long !!! this story has got to continue.

[gearnut]

These guys jumped out and started cleaning out the tiny back seat of the truck and even stuck their shotguns in the toolbox to make room for me. That was more than I would do to make room for some fool who could just as easily ride in the bed with the dog box. They even helped me load my gear into the truck. In a couple of minutes we headed off to the nearest atv shop 10 -15 miles away and hoped that it would still be open when we got there. I don't remember these guys names, but sure wish that I could. They offered me a lukewarm Shiner Bock and we talked about hunting and the local area. I was familiar with some of the places they mentioned since I had traveled and hunted near there when I lived in Little Rock. They kept referring to themselves as rednecks, and I felt like I had known them my whole life. When I grew up in Mississippi every kid learned to shoot, drink and drive. As a teenager you learned to to all three simultaneously, I felt right at home.

When we got to the backroads ATV shop (no really, that was what it was called) the owner sorted through his pile of junk tires and determined that he didn't have a 17" tube so he went to work patching mine. It took three attempts to patch all of the holes left in the tube as the wire thrashed around inside the tire. When he was done I asked what I owed him, after considerable thought he decided on $15. All I had was a $20 bill so I gave it to him and told him to keep the change he insisted on giving me back $5. As we got back in the truck I asked my saviors to head to a store so that I could use my debit card to fill their truck with gas and buy them some beer. Both laughed, "it's a long way to anyplace like that" they said. But all I've got is $5 and I owe you a hell of a lot more than that I insisted. "If you ever find a redneck stranded on the side of the road, stop an help him out" was the response I got. They just laughed off any attempt to get their addresses.

On the way back to the bike one of them asked me where I planned to camp for the night. Well it's getting late and the rain is coming, so somewhere around here I said. "There's a nice place right up the road, it's next to a cemetery and real peaceful." I bet the neighbors are quiet I quipped. "Oh there aren't any houses around for miles" he said. He probably got it later. They wouldn't leave until I had the tire back on and the bike running. I sure wish I knew how to get in touch with those guys, I owe them a big one.

Since it was now after 6pm and threatening rain I chose to head for the cemetery campsite. He was right, it was a nice spot. I quickly pitched the tarp in a kind of tetra configuration with a low pitch for as much protection from the rain as possible. The rain held off until after I cooked a can of soup for dinner. Thankfully, even though the wind changed direction after a front came through it never picked up much and I stayed dry and comfortable all night long, lulled to sleep by the sound of the rain.

Here is a blurry shot of my camp btw, that's the graveyard in the background

[gearnut]

In the morning the rain had stopped, I packed up camp, checked the pressure in the rear tire and headed for town to get a tube. I checked the pressure in the tire constantly and it never varied, eventually my ride to town got sidetracked. I came across a small store late in the morning and got a coke, gas and a bite to eat. Eventually I decided that it was time to head home and made my way down to I40. After hitting Oklahoma I turned north on 82 and enjoyed the twisties as I worked my way back to Tulsa. I ended up back home at about 3:00 pm Friday afternoon in plenty of time to unpack and cleanup before the awards ceremony.

Despite my best efforts to create an epic disaster, the trip turned out to be very enjoyable thanks to the redneck rescue. The final tally: right at 500 miles of backroads, twisties and interstate along with one very important lesson learned.

[DirtDabber]

Originally Posted by gearnut

along with one very important lesson learned.

Carry an extra six pack of Shiner Bock.

[Zecatfish]

Originally Posted by gearnut

Zecatfish,

Apparently I:
a. Have a short memory
b. Am a glutton for punishment
c. Just ain't too bright
d. All of the above

Don't feel like the lone ranger. I've been places back in those woods where I had to have a friend ride the bike out cause I for the life of me get it up the dang wet, slick, rocky, off camber, tree covered, 30% grade.

Good story.

[bikepikespeak.com]

And well told!

[safetywire]

Great story thanks for posting!

[offtheback]

I seem to meet the nicest people in unlikely situations.. Great report, thanks for sharing..

[trumpet]

Just sat down with popcorn and the story's over

[Tucos]

Funny story and well told. I enjoyed it very much. Glad it all turned out.

[AZ-Twin]

Nice report. I grew up in Northern AR, it is a great place with lots of nice people.

[jtb]

You have the ability to tell a good story! Loooking forward to more of your "work" in the future

[Elsinore]

Fun read, thanks!