IAFF-MG Riders Heading to Fayetteville May 12-15, 2008

May 8, 2008 -- The 2nd Annual IAFF-MG National Rally “Fire Fighters Hog Ride” will be held in beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas, May 12-15, 2008. The IAFF-MG will meet in Fayetteville and spend three days networking and riding in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

Located in Northwest Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas and IAFF Local 2866, is the cultural capitol of the region, and enjoys a thriving economy and a vivacious atmosphere. From Dickson Street nightlife to Farmer's Market on the square to the annual Bikes Blues & Barbecue Rally, Fayetteville is big on personality with much to experience, yet has the intimate feel of a small town. There is something for everyone!

Fayetteville is the perfect place to relax, re-energize and RIDE.

The Rides ~ IAFF-MG members will enjoy spectacular scenery on the winding roads of the Ozark Mountains. Remember -- part of the appeal of Fayetteville is getting there! For those coming from the south, don't miss out on Highway 540 to Fayetteville. This billboard-free, 38-mile stretch of highway highlights the beauty of the Ozarks. Boasting 63 bridges and one tunnel, this highway has been hailed one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

For the real adventurers heading north, try Scenic Byway 71 from Alma to Fayetteville with its twisting and dipping curves overlooking creeks, cliffs and small gift shops. Riders will feel like a part of the landscape with this close-up view of Ozarks (not for the faint-hearted).

The IAFF-MG is planning a group ride for all IAFF and IAFF-MG members on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 (details below). In addition, while in Fayetteville, IAFF and IAFF-MG riders will  have several Great Guided Day-Rides sponsored by Fayetteville Local 2866 and Springdale Local 3007, including the Pig Trail Ride on Wednesday, May 14 , 2008.

IAFF-MG Rally Area ~ Those looking to ride in smaller groups can experience other great rides which include -- but are not limited to – The Buffalo Ride, Eureka Ride, Roaring River Spur, Devil’s Den Spur and the Lost Valley Spur. Directions for these and other rides will be provided at the Rally. In addition to the great riding, “The Fire Fighters Hog Ride” will be headquartered at the Clarion Hotel where the IAFF-MG will host a booth area for Old Fort Harley Davidson, Hooters, MDA, the IAFF OnLine Store, Fayetteville Local 2866, Bikes, Blues and Barbeque Toy Hauler, a Bike Wash sponsored by MDA and the Fayetteville Hooters Girls (donations accepted), and the Wild Hog Welcoming Barbeque with a DJ and featuring the Federal Credit Union’s famous “Razorback Grill” with plenty of good food and beverages for everyone.

IAFF-MG 2nd National Rally ~ Schedule of Events/Activities

Monday, May 12, 2008: Riders begin arriving in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The IAFF-MG will be headquartered at the Clarion Hotel, 1255 S. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, for membership, registration, ride information, day ride routes and other assistance. In addition, the IAFF Online Store will offer IAFF and IAFF-MG merchandise in Fayetteville.
Check-in begins at 12:00 p.m. at the IAFF-MG booth located in the parking lot of the Clarion Hotel (weather permitting). All IAFF-MG riders are requested to check in at the IAFF-MG Booth for their Welcoming Bag and other Rally information.

MDA/Hooters Bike Wash ~ MDA Goodwill Ambassador Sydney Roberts, the MDA Team and and the famous Hooter Girls will be sponsoring a Bike Wash available to all IAFF and IAFF-MG riders from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. The Bike Wash will be located between the MDA and Hooters tents. After your long ride into Fayetteville have your Bike Washed by the famous Hooter Girls in preparation for the IAFF-MG Group Ride Tuesday morning. MDA will be accepting donations.

Wild Hog Barbeque ~ Welcome to Fayetteville ~ IAFF-MG Riders and their guests are invited to the Wild Hog “Welcoming” Barbeque in the parking lot of the Clarion Hotel from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. The Famous Razorback Grill will be the center piece of this event, cooking up some the best barbeque in the south. There will be plenty of great food, music and networking to go around. IAFF-MG District Flags will be posted for the duration of the Rally in Bobbisox’s Lounge (the IAFF-MG Watering Hole) located inside the Clarion Hotel.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008: IAFF-MG Group Ride
Join IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, IAFF-MG Committee members, district and state coordinators and the leadership and membership of the Arkansas Professional Firefighters for “The Fire Fighters Hog Ride.”

Ride Kick Off ~ All riders should gather in the parking lot of the Clarion Hotel no later than 8:00 a.m.. Coffee and donuts will be provided by MDA for all IAFF and IAFF-MG riders starting at 7:00 a.m. The Fire Fighter’s Hog Ride starts in Fayetteville and heads east on Hwy 45, crossing the bridge at War Eagle Mill. The Mill, originally built in 1830s, is an authentic reproduction sitting on the banks of the War Eagle River. From the Mill the ride winds up and down the mountains to Eureka Springs, a 19th Century Victorian Village nestled in the hills of the Ozark Mountains. Rider will stop in Eureka Springs to sightsee and visit the Pied Piper, a popular bar and restaurant in the Downtown Historical District. From there, the ride makes its way to Huntsville via Hwy 23, and then Hwy 16 heading back to Fayetteville. Note: The Ride Route may change because of road conditions. The exact route will be provided to all riders upon check-in.

Downtown ~ Dickson Street Pub Crawl: Dickson Street is the heart of Fayetteville, and it won't be difficult to hear its heart beat. Starting at 6:30 Fayetteville Local 2866 will be Hosting “The Fire Fighters Dickson Street Pub Crawl,” inviting IAFF and IAFF-MG riders and their quests to meet at Grubs Bar & Grill (220 N. West Street) on one end of Dickson Street and end up at Jose’s Mexican Restaurant (324 W. Dickson Street) at the end of Dickson Street, enjoying everything in between. Dickson Street pulses with fun well into the night. These bars and restaurants offer live music for dancing. If a game of pool sounds like a good idea, there is no need to look anywhere else. And along the way , enjoy Dickson Street with other IAFF and IAFFMG riders and their guests. Riders will meet at Jose’s at 10:00 p.m. to end the evening or continue on as necessary. The IAFF-MG’s energy on Dickson Street will be reinvigorating, even for the most exhausted rider. The Clarion Hotel will be providing transportation to and from the Clarion to Dickson Street beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 12:00 a.m. In addition, Local 2866 members can assist with transportation from Dickson Street to area hotels should there be a need. Transportation details will be available at check-in.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008: IAFF-MG Breakfast ~ Kick-off for Day Rides
There are few places on earth that offer the scenery and attractions available in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
Guided Ride ~ Sponsored by Fayetteville Local 2886 ~ “The Pig Trail”: Starting at 9:00 a.m., Local 2866 will offer a guided ride for IAFF and IAFF-MG riders. Starting from the Clarion Hotel, riders will head east on Hwy 16, then turn south on Highway 23. Nicknamed the Pig Trail, this stretch of road goes straight through the heart of the Ozark National Forest. Enjoy the hardwood forests and the dogwoods blooming in the spring, clear natural springs and long winding roads. The ride will stop in Altus. The wineries in Altus have been making wine since the 1800s. On top of the mountain is St. Mary’s Church, originally built in 1879, and offering panoramic views of the wine country. The ride continues up and down through the hills through Mountainburg and Artist Point on Old Hwy 71 back to Fayetteville. To participate in this ride, please sign-up for the Pig Trail Ride when you check-in at the IAFF-MG Booth.

For those who want to ride on their own or in smaller groups, a few suggestions for your day rides include:
The Buffalo Ride
The Eureka Ride
The Roaring River Spur Ride
The Devil’s Den Spur Ride
The Lost Valley Spur Ride

Note: Directions/maps for these rides will be in your Welcoming Bag and provided at check-in at the IAFF-MG Booth.

The Fire Fighters Hog Rally Closing ~ IAFF and IAFF-MG riders will gather at Bobbisox’s Lounge located at the Clarion Hotel at 7:00 pm. Financial Innovations will be hosting a reception from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for all IAFF and IAFF-MG riders and their guests. While at Bobbisox’s 7th District Vice President and IAFF-MG Chair Ricky Walsh will close the IAFF-MG 2nd Annual Rally. IAFF-MG District Flags will be taken down and returned to the respective district event coordinators.

Thursday, May 15, 2008: Day Ride continues and/or IAFF-MG riders head home.