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Hog Tie 5. It's time for Number 5, ya'll. The grand plans for a week-long festivus maximus are shellacked by my work schedule in September, and I've adjusted the dates so I can show up to my own party. We are coinciding with Bikes Blues and BBQ. So. Like years past, YOU will be responsible for your accommodations at the HUB hotel in Marble Falls, AR. Call Debbie at the Hub - 1800-597-9963 and tell her you're with VFRD. Rooms are discounted this year (they had a price increase), so we are at $60.00/night. Feel free to come early or stay late, we normally have a few people who make a full week out of it. I have a block of 10 rooms reserved until MAY. Campsites are $10.00 night and include use of a shower/toilet that isn't as bad as you might think. We will be doing a Saturday night cookout again, so plan on bringing some donation cash and a bottle of Fireball for Lisa. T-shirts will be available with the logo above (with the banner blank for your name or hog-tie nickname... whatever!) for a fee, I'll be taking orders on those soon. If there is enough demand, I might make hats and stuff too. It's a special limited edition by Grapes Designs, and I think this year's logo kicks ass. Shirts will be grease-proof black with white graphics. Remember, anyone on any bike is free to attend, but official organization is only happening right here on VFRD.com. Post your name when you're booked! Don't miss this year's ride! Best, Yoke

Mark your calendars. This year marks the 4th evolution of the Hog Tie at the Hub Hotel in Marble Falls, AR. I just got off the phone with Debbie at the hotel, and we have a block of rooms (15) reserved under VFRD or my name (pm me if you need it). Each of the rooms are double occupancy queens (2 beds). Reservations must be completed prior to 11 SEP 2015. Room-sharing is encouraged, as is showing up a few days ahead and staying a few days late. Please see prior Hog Tie threads for ride group guidelines. There will be a group dinner (burgers or the like). Again, this is a very "Come as you are" ride, and has been a historically very enjoyable weekend. The caveat this year, we are in Harrison the weekend of Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville, so that might be fun to check out one afternoon. Put your name down if you're going! I *think* we will be doing t-shirts. Camping is allowed, and there are other places to stay nearby if the HUB fills up. Jon Attending: 1) Yokel (quote this to add your name)

Good day everyone! Needing to put a list together for those who are planning on attending. This is simply for a head-count that will be slightly accurate. Just needing to get some logistics handled. Thanks! Just quote and fill in your name below- 1) Yokel 2) 3)

Hullo all! As per usual, anyone willing to lead a group through the maze that is NW Arkansas, post up here. Beginner groups - Typically Speed Limit or a bit over, take your time, no pressure to keep up. Take some pictures. Intermediate groups - Typically Speed Limit or a smidge over, corners at a sporting pace, stops not terribly common. PACE riding Experienced groups - They've gone plaid. I will be leading an intermediate group (or tagging along with the quick guys if there aren't enough people showing up). PLEASE take good care in choosing a group. Your safety is your deal here... don't ruin everyone else's day because you wanna go fast and aren't experienced enough to do it. Groups need to be no more than 5 riders. Sweep volunteers are welcome. Leaders: Yokel (Int)

One of the defining things about the Hog Tie is the lack of Organization. So, the only thing I'm organizing is a cook out on Saturday night the 26th. I need people to volunteer to bring some things. I will provide Burgers and Brats, if you're willing to kick in for a group cook-out, please list either: 1) if you're willing to chip in funds or... 2) willing to bring something to share. Thanks!

Ladies and gents, it's on like Donkey Kong. Hog Tie 2014 is now scheduled for September 12, 13, 14 of 2014. I have talked to Debbie at the Hub (where we've stayed the last 2 years) and thus far we are the ONLY group coming in to the hotel that weekend. She's got 20 rooms blocked off for us as of now, so please give her a ring to make your reservations! The number for The Hub is either (870)-743-4062 or 1800-597-9963. Please ADVISE DEBBIE YOU'RE WITH VFRD. The hotel is about 8 miles south of Harrison Arkansas on the Highway 7 Spur off of Scenic Highway 7. It's southeast of Mystic Caverns and north of Dogpatch USA. I'll be editing this post with all the pertinent information in the coming days. Traditionally, this has been a come-as-you-are, invite whoever you want and don't plan on any organization event. We just kind of put out the call and see who shows up. That's not everyone's proverbial cup-o-tea, but the riding is absolutely fabulous and the fellowship is good! I know a few people will choose to show up early (or stay late) and make a longer trip of the ride, but the "Hog Tie" is officially as follows: Day 1: Show up... sometime. Take some rides around the area if you're inclined and eat some pie. Day 2: Get out of bed whenever you feel like it or the group you're riding with wakes you up. Put on your gear and go ride. All. Day. Long. Day 3: Roll out of bed, shower on this morning... it's Sunday after all, and either go for a ride or head home. Randall and Debbie, the owners of The Hub, have been tremendous for us in the past. They've allowed us to grill up some burgers, and do a cook-out. They do have a restaurant on-site that is really damn good, we typically have a few beers and sit around the campfire in the evenings. Some things to be aware of: 1) You are ultimately responsible for your enjoyment of your event. Try and pick a group to ride with and keep your groups between 4-6 bikes. 2) Ride within your limits! We've been blessed so far with NOBODY having an accident, let's keep it that way! 3) Have some cash on you. Some of the small shops in the area are cash only. 4) This is some technical riding, and the roads out here chew up tires. Have good rubber on the bike and lots of it left. 5) The Hub is NOT the Ritz. Know that. It's clean though! 6) Road-side scenic overlooks are a good place to pick up chicks. Personally, I plan on taking a LONG trip this year to the Hub. I've moved 600 miles further away than I used to be from there, so I'll be taking a few days for some good vacation time. Likely, the week prior to the event. There are several other topics in the Hog Tie section of the forum with much information. Read up! PM me with any questions. -Jon

Well, the date is fast approaching. Expectation is for 20-30 bikes this year, and that equates to the need for 4-6 ride leaders/sweepers to keep the groups to around 5 riders each. Anyone aside from me willing to lead a group? If so, please post up with the pace/style/personal preferences that people can expect. I'll lead one of the quicker groups. Reasonable speeds in the straights, moderately sporting in the turns. Days will be 200-300 miles, 5 to 7 hours, good amount of sightseeing, stopping once an hour or so to take a break and stretch, lunch on the road.. I hope to catch the major fun roads over 2 days, 123, push etc... Riders not used to the area are not encouraged to join me.

So, for next year... Thinking ahead about scheduling the event. It seems this time (2013) there were some people who wanted days on either side of the weekend. So, here's the poll for next year. There are benefits and drawbacks to scheduling over a weekend. On the plus side, it's easier for us who live more locally to get here with minimal vacation useage. For those coming from a way out, it's harder as you have to burn more time getting there and getting home. There are also benefits scheduling mid-week. Easier to co-ordinate off time at work, and you're not wrecked going back to work or cashed out when the ride starts from riding in 800 miles the day before. Thoughts? Oh yeah, tentative date is 3rd week-ish in September. Not like I'm already looking forward to it or anything...

Ladies and Gents, it’s happening again! The 2nd (possibly annual) HOG TIE, September 13-15, 2013 in Harrison, Arkansas at the Hub Hotel. After the great turnout last year, (and at the behest of many fanatics that seemed to enjoy themselves) I am putting out the call a little earlier this year to enable those needing to juggle vacation time ample opportunity to make the appropriate plans. (I have found a sacrificial virgin and the weather gods have deemed it good. The weather this year will be as good as last year. You’re welcome.) This year will include: 1.A cookout Friday night (13th). I’ll be bringing a truck and trailer this year and will tote along all the necessary bits to put together a burger/bratwurst/hotlink cook out. 2.Led groups for those that haven’t been to the area and are looking for a slower pace or a sightseeing group. There will be other groups looking for a faster pace, but I myself like to look around and take it relatively easy. Once again, this year will be at the HUB HOTEL (www.hubinfo.com) as Randall and Debbie were fantastic for us last year. I’ve got a block of rooms reserved, tell Debbie that you’re with VFRD when you call to make reservations. No money is required up front, I think they keep reservations on Post-it notes. However, if you do cancel, please call them and advise so we’ve got an accurate tally of people coming out and availability of rooms. Rooms start at 60/night, campsites (the lawn) are 10/night and campsites have access to bathrooms. While accommodations are not the Ritz Carlton by any stretch of the imagination, the sheets are clean and the owners are wonderful. There is a restaurant on-site that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the food is pretty good. Randall makes his AMAZING prime rib on the weekends. There is a beer cooler for a small donation as the Hub is in a dry county. If you prefer to bring your own, there’s a store about 6 miles north of the hotel that sells beer. Remember, this ride is NOT limited to VFR's. If you have some family or friends that you'd like to invite, help yourself. That's part of the beauty of not making a bunch of plans. ***Edit 5/7/13*** There's a new and fancy liquor store now about one mile north of the Hub. What to expect: If you decide to join us at this meet, I can promise you great roads, good food and wonderful people. Beyond that, this weekend will be what you make of it. I’m not good at planning things, so I don’t really even pretend to try any more. Ultimately, your enjoyment of this event depends on you. Come out, enjoy the scenery, the roads and the company. Don’t expect a weekend full of planned events for you, it won’t be there. Keep an open schedule and leave your OCD at the house. I will provide T-shirts again this year, and will take pre-orders as the date approaches. I’ve still got some vintage 2012 tees available if you’re skinny or looking for some spare rags to wipe down your bike. Hopefully I can sweet-talk Grapes and Randy at Barefoot Designs to help out with that again this year. ***Added 5/7/13*** VcFR is planning on making some name badges/info cards up this year. This was one thing I'd hoped to do last year and just didn't work. Take some time to start the conversation on this thread about finding riding partners and scheduling runs. The ONLY thing I’m scheduling is a meal on Friday night and a weekend at the hotel. While officially, the HOG TIE is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, don’t be surprised if a few show up early or stay late. (I’ll be there early, there’s a bunch of stuff in the area I want to go see and do.) If last year is any indication, ride groups will be pretty much out the door by 9:00am and will filter back in and out throughout the day, coming in for the night an hour or so before sunset. Take time and ask questions to find a group that is within your skill-set. If you are not accustomed to this type of terrain, I would strongly encourage you to pair up with people who will be doing a slower pace. There’s not much room for error (Right Rush2112?) and we really REALLY don’t want anyone to have a mishap. Last year, nobody was cited or went down… I’d really love to keep that record. Try to keep rider groups to 5-6 people at most. There will be PLENTY of talk about routes. Keep your eyes peeled for it. This ride is NOT limited to those on VFRD, but I’m not advertising it anywhere except on this site. Friends, husbands, wives, main squeezes and kids are all welcome, no matter what they ride. Here’s some clips from last year a few of us compiled, along with a couple screencaps of some good routes. http://vimeo.com/50389681 http://youtu.be/H789O2QJR-I http://youtu.be/4FCFt0q2K48 RSVP list- Confirmed: Yokel (+2) 2thdr + Christina Gswanson 00Yeller GadiantonRob VcFR Argsxrlady Huntingguns Dutchinterceptor Adam79 (+the epic pillion, Leslie) - (Mr. Francis and the wife.) Gloryracing + Ellen RUSH2112 (+ the non-pillion, BEEMER ROD) 09zzz veequattrorazzo pluseb0 kyledonahue JeffInFranklinTN MaxSwell Nick from Loooooouisiana on a purty red veefalo. rdg59 Panamawing Tentative: HispanicSlammer Vecky5 There are NO FEES for this event. The goal is to encourage as many as possible to take part, and we had a LOT of last-minute additions last year. That was a bunch of fun! Keep your eye on this post as it may change if I add any information or need to communicate anything to the group. ***** Additional information on GROUPS: Several folks have been kind enough to offer route suggestions or to lead a group. I feel that I would be doing a disservice to many of the folks planning on coming out without offering the following disclaimer- Take a moment to seriously consider your abilities. If you're a flat-lander (like me) you may want to take in to account that you will be surprised at the roads here. The pavement is generally good and offers a lot of traction (chip-seal) BUT the roads will be more technical than you're used to. Baileyrock has set the standard for making sure people find the right group, and he's posted some wonderful information on the TMAC threads that I'd encourage you to look up. While the roads in AR aren't quite as twisty as what can be found near Deal's Gap, they can still catch inexperienced riders off-guard. When I came over with the Triumph guys last year, 4 people rashed up their rides and two were hospitalized due to injury. Nobody wants that. It's far better to get into a sightseeing group and just enjoy the ride than it is to push yourself beyond your limits and pay for a poor decision. Last year, I led the sightseeing group. Several of us would happily do that again, and any VFRD ride leader worth their salt wants you to get home in 1 piece. Do NOT hesitate to ride within (or below) your skill level, it will be fun regardless. Don't be surprised if the group you want to ride with veto's you. We've got some quick riders coming and they may ask you some honest questions about your experience. Give them honest answers and listen to what they say. Surely some of the folks from this area will be willing to either lead a group or offer route suggestions. Feel free to ask! -Jon ****** Group lead volunteers- Yokel (intermediate) Huntingguns (sight-seeing, intermediate) Gloryracing (good luck keeping up.)

Did you book a spare bed? Willing to put up with someone else snoring? Looking to piggy-back on someone else's reservation, make arrangements for a shower, toilet, or gear storage if you're camping? Post up here.

Figured I'd start this thread to get the subject launched. Part of the Hog Tie is the planning neglect on my part, and reliance of you, the rider, to make your own weekend of this. In that spirit, on this thread I will list lead/sweep volunteers. Take the time to PM the person volunteering to lead and start the discussion on whether or not you think you'd be a good fit for their group. I would prefer groups were kept to a maximum of 6 bikes, but to each their own. Six is a good, manageable number and will allow the lead to be able to see the whole group in rear-view on the straights. If you haven't, check BR's thread on the PACE. More leaders and sweepers are always welcome! The groups: Sight-Seeing or Beginner - This will typically be around the speed limit, take your time and take in the sights. Twisty bits will be taken at prudent speeds for the average novice rider. Intermediate - This will typically be a little more rapid than the Beginner group, corner speeds will be a bit on the "whee!" side. If you typically live in flatlands and are an experienced rider, this grouping should be a lot of fun. Advanced - Hold on to your butts. If you are not proficient and well-versed in cornering, you'll be working too hard for a decent safety margin. As of right now I've got the following for leads/sweeps: Huntingguns leading beginner/sightseeing group with VcFR running sweep. Yokel leading intermediate group with no sweep designated at this time. Gloryracing leading advanced group with no sweep designated at this time.