Can I Be the First Motorcycle on Arkansas' New I-42?

Arkansas opened a brand-new section of Interstate 42 today — so naturally, I had one question: could I be the first motorcycle to ride it? I headed to the September 4, 2026 ribbon cutting for Phase Two of the Springdale Bypass and the new Highway 642 connector to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). Once the ceremony ended and the roads began opening to public traffic, the completely unofficial race was on. There was even another motorcycle there. She had no idea we were competing. 😂 Come along for the opening ceremony, the first ride on the new Highway 642 XNA Connector, and my attempt to become the first motorcycle on the newly opened section of I-42. As far as I could determine from the traffic release and access points that morning, I made it. I am therefore claiming the highly prestigious and completely meaningless title of first motorcycle on the newly opened I-42. My trophy is a piece of gravel I found. Miles From Monday is about motorcycles, roads, events and places worth riding to — especially here in Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks. If that sounds like your kind of thing, subscribe and come along for the next ride. #Interstate42 #Arkansas #motorcycle 0:00 Why Not Me? 0:59 Arriving at the ARDOT Event 2:13 ARDOT Speeches and Ribbon-Cutting 3:50 First Ride on AR-642 7:04 First Ride on I-42 9:10 First Motorcycle on I-42!