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4.41 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.41
22 Reviews

The Melbourne Run

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 29, 2004

Rider Reviews

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Guest
June 10, 2008
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27396342@N06/…
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ozarkdiver
214 McR Points
October 25, 2018
If you like twisties, this is your dream ride.…
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Written Directions

Start the route in the town of Mountain View, AR which sits about 85 miles due north of Little Rock. From there you take State Road 14 north out of Mountain View, AR for about 6 miles and then look for State Road 9 (you will see signs pointing the way to Melbourne, AR). Take a right on State Road 9 and you'll be heading east and cross the White river and you are on your way to Melbourne, AR. For the next 20 or so miles, stay on State Road 9 and take it in to Melbourne (note: State Road 9 is part of the Ozark National forest).

Scenery

Start by crossing the scenic White river then gear down for the climb up the first mountain. At the top of the first peak prepare for tight 180 degree turns. Pass sheer mountain cut outs as you descend slightly then up again and hard turns. Look to your left and you can see a sheer drop-off to the river valley below. It is hard not to stare at the beautiful scenery. Only trouble is if you do (with all the killer turns) this will be a one-time trip.

Drive Enjoyment

It is a good road, well maintained. However be aware that this is a mountain road and with changing weather conditions there will be loose gravel from the mountainside on some turns. One thing to watch out for is large black birds feeding on the road kill. They won't move until the last moment and when they do they could just a well fly at you as away from you. Have had three close calls in the last two years.

Tourism Opportunities

Visit the well-equipped store at the base of the road for gas and drinks. There is nothing from Mountain View to Melbourne except motorcycle adventure. However, running out of gas is not a problem as you could probably coast down most of the 25-mile distance.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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ozarkdiver
February 26, 2019
214 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Noticed in your "5 best roads for curves" article that CA Route-36 had 900 curves in 140 miles (roughly 6.5miles per curve). So for comparison I counted the curves on the Melbourne run last time I road it (160 in 20 miles - 8 miles per curve).
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ozarkdiver
August 22, 2020
214 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
In my opinion, the top three "twisty' roads in the state are the Arkansas Dragon (AR-123), Push Mountain (AR-341) and the this one. The first time I came upon this road, I was at the end of a long ride and actually got tired of the curves and turned around halfway. This road never straightens out. Tie this one with AR-14 over to AR-341, and you'll have yourself a workout.
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pwcracker
June 17, 2012
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Me and a buddy rode this route in May of 2012. It was the first twisty road I had ever rode and I have to say it's the most fun I've had on my motorcycle yet! As everyone else says, it's curvy as can be with nice high speed curves it's a joy to ride and the views are very nice as well.If your taking this route you should stop by Blanchard Springs and see the free sites there. With this route being less than 100 miles from me I am sure to ride it many times again.
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