Tips for a safe Ozarks jaunt

Experience is a wonderful teacher. Here are some tips for a successful motorcycle trip through the Missouri Ozarks (or anywhere else, for that matter):

Safety should be your top concern. Expect the unexpected when rounding curves or topping hills. Not only will you meet oncoming traffic, but you could happen upon wildlife or wandering livestock as well as spilled sand and oil or wet leaves that can wreak havoc with your control. Also, make sure your motorcycle is in good condition with reliable brakes and deep tread on the tires. Remember, there is a helmet law in Missouri.

Bring along the essentials: Missouri highway map that shows the remote county roads; a gasoline siphon hose for the long stretch of highway that only seems to have closed gas stations or none at all; an extra ignition key for when you drop one into a lake; bungee cords to fasten down your Ozarks souvenirs; a rain suit, because the sun doesn't always shine; and plastic cleaner and cloth to remove the squashed bugs from your windshield or face mask.

And bring a camera. Scenic at any time of year, the hills in autumn will be saturated with hues ranging from bright yellow to deep red.