Lovely County Citizen: Local News: Non-stop, roaring weekend was under control (10/05/11)

Black and blues -- Eureka Springs EMS responded to six tone-outs involving motorcycle accidents over the weekend. The majority were worked in conjuction with Inspiration Point responders along the Carroll County stretch of 62W on Friday. Pictured are friends of a biker who careened off the road and 30 ft. down an embankment. He was uninjured -- escaping with only Bikes, (black and) Blues and BBQ. Photo by CHF2

EUREKA SPRINGS -- The overflow from Fayetteville's Bikes, Blues and BBQ brought thousands of motorcycles into Eureka Springs last weekend.

According to Eureka Springs Police Chief, Earl Hyatt, the best part of the weekend was that "nobody died."

They had plenty of chances to do so, however, with 20 motorcycle accidents, 17 of them with injuries, handled by the Arkansas State Police out of Springdale in the service area including Carroll County.

Locally, there were six motorcycle accidents, four on US 62W and two on US 62E outside of town. In town, there were two motorcycle accidents, neither resulting in serious injury: one driver was ticketed for DWI.

Of the six injury accidents, Eureka Springs Asst. Fire Chief and EMT, Jimmy Kelley, reported four people were airlifted out and two taken to Eureka Springs Hospital.

From Thursday until Sunday morning, residents living in town and near US 62 and Hwy. 23 near town were treated to the constant roar of motorcycle engines, only interrupted periodically by the sound of emergency vehicle sirens.

Kelley said EMS responded to 19 calls in that time period, including auto or bike accident and medical calls, as well as one tragic horse-versus-truck accident.

"There were thousands of motorcycles coming though town nonstop," Hyatt told the Citizen.

"It was a constant roar everywhere. We had five patrol cars out day and night on Friday and Saturday to control as much noise and debauchery as possible."

Apparently the visuals worked, because only six motorcycle drivers were arrested for DWI. Hyatt reported citizen complaints related to the bikes being in town were almost negligible.

He did get complaints from Thomas Drive residents about a refrigerated truck running day and night, even before the weekend, behind the Gaskins' Switch strip mall.

Hyatt said he understood 85 percent of the lodgings were filled with bikers, and had heard restaurants and bars did a booming business over the weekend.

"It was a pretty good weekend for us," Hyatt reported.

Those who miss the roar of a well-tuned engine can now look forward to Thursday when Corvettes begin to roll into town for their annual weekend in Eureka Springs.

I am glad they are gone. Too much noise. Is there a testosterone issue at hand? Too much? Not enough?

-- Posted by rockpilefarmer on Thu, Oct 6, 2011, at 10:25 AM

We had about 500 or so come through Beaver on Hwy. 187. I live right around the corner from the bridge and lots stopped at the bridge to take pics and socialize. No problems whatsoever! Most were sorry that the BandB was closed, but they were all great people. I put up an extra trash can down by our bridge and no trash was left for us to pick up. I sit in my front yard, watch the bikes, wave at the people and generally enjoy the show! At least Eureka gets some income on this weekend! We enjoy them, and if they roar by too fast and too loud, I do what I normally do. Yell "Slow the F down!" They usually do. Met some good people.

-- Posted by penny sullivan on Thu, Oct 6, 2011, at 7:43 PM

If the Motorcycles where Horses we'ed have some thing else to think about....and where to put it all. not just a little noise.

-- Posted by crowcall on Fri, Oct 7, 2011, at 2:38 PM