August 9 - Talimena Scenic Byway — One of My Best Rides Ever!

What an A+ ride. Wow! The Talimena Scenic Byway far surpassed my expectations. In fact, I would say it is one of the best rides I’ve ever been on. Beginning about 7 miles northeast of Talihina Oklahoma, this route follows Oklahoma State Highway 1 and then Arkansas highway 88 through the Ouachita National Forest. The road passes through the rich and winding staircase mountains and offers incredible mountain vistas hard to beat anywhere in mid-America.

This ride was exceptional for several reasons. First of all, the views of mountains, valleys, and lakes on both sides of the road are stunning. I have come to expect this in Colorado or the Smokey Mountains but did not anticipate it in Oklahoma! Secondly, because the drive follows the top of a mountain ridge there is a wonderful cross wind providing a welcome relief from the heat and humidity that is present in most other parts of the state. The plethora of trees also offers a shade covering for most of the route that helps drop the temperature.

What raised the bar for me though was the road itself. Traffic was surprisingly light, the road was in excellent condition, and the hills were absolutely amazing. I love bombing up and down hills and this route had some dips and rises that could take your breath away. I managed to capture an excellent picture of the topography of the road. If you look carefully, you will see several dips and curves in the one shot. I think it is one of my favorite road shots ever.

What really sealed the deal for me was the surprise visit I had from a black bear. Right after I came over one of the many hills, he hopped over a guard rail right into my path. If I had been traveling down the road one or two seconds earlier, I might have collided with him. Fortunately, as soon as he saw me, he turned around and hopped back over the guardrail and disappeared into the forest. I have seen black bears several times but almost always while in a crowd of people and from afar. To see a black bear just a few yards away on a road with no other traffic or people was a once in a lifetime opportunity. What a day!