Day #35 September 14, 2007

Day #35
Friday September 14, 2007

Eureka Springs, AR to Symsonia, KY (again!)
441 miles today (22,062 - 22,503)
8,022 miles total

1 new state today: Tennessee
21 states total (almost half way!)

First about the day, then about the whole WEEK!
Spent a beautiful quiet night in the middle of the Ozark Mtns.
So many stars visible during the night. Funny how I can
be amazed by looking at the stars. I think for years I went
without taking the time to LOOK at them! Perhaps we all
need to "linger" more and longer...

The KOA was nearly deserted.
There were 3-4 RVers, me, and 2 other motorcyclists who
were staying in the Kabins. The KOA manager let me pick any
spot I wanted. One of the bikers was a guy traveling alone,
from Nebraska, just out for 10 days to see the Ozarks.
He was on a new V Star 1300 and really liked it.
(Nate, do YOU have a NEW BIKE yet???) He had put almost
10,000 miles on it since May, including a trip over the Beartooth
Pass in Montana. The other couple, also from Nebraska, had
already been out a week and were slowly making their way home.
The man said they have a Trailmaster trailer just like mine, but
after 3 years of summer outings, it just got old and tiresome to
set it up and tear it down every night and morning. I understand
completely! But he did share some good tips on some lighting, a
good heater to purchase, some rugs and other things. It was
helpful to talk to someone who has used one for such an extended
period of time.

My goal today, originally, was to make Memphis which was 200+
miles away. But the roads in the Ozarks I thought would prevent
that. I was to learn differently.

I stopped for breakfast in a town called Harrison, after riding an
hour or so. There I called my college buddy Darrel and let him
know I wouldn’t make Indiana tomorrow, or even this weekend.
I also called a bike shop in Murray, KY to schedule a 20K service
and a new rear tire change. It’s better to get this out of the way
before I head into the northeast. I will probably make Oregon
again without another tire, but will have to have at least 2 more
4,000 mile services between here and home.

I took US 62 most of the day. What a beautiful ride. Most of the
road was excellent, although lots of hills. Some patches were
narrow with little to no shoulder, but all in all, the US highways
are still in great shape. And the best part, my whole attitude
and enjoyment of the ride goes WAY UP once I get off the
interstate. I am finding I am not a destination rider, but
rather a “flower sniffer” or someone that enjoys the journey.
But I am also discovering I do better with a daily goal to push me
forward. The last month of my trip is going to have to be goal
driven if I am to beat the weather and change of seasons.
But my wife is encouraging me NOT to neglect stopping and
seeing the things I want to see. Thank you dear!!

When I got out of the Ozarks and into the river bottom land,
approaching Jonesboro, I eventually had to come out of my
leathers. It was also there I made the decision to skip Memphis,
another hour away, and shortcut back to Symsonia. I would have
hit Memphis at rush hour, and would be hard pressed to make
West KY by dark as it was. I took Missouri route 18 east out of
Jonesboro to Blytheville, MO, then north on I-55 to I-155 where
I crossed the Mississippi into Tennessee. I have made 6 states
this week.

What a week it’s been. Lots of interstate riding where I made
good time and covered good distances, but I hated most of it.
I got rained on real good Monday PM. I got driven indoors
(motel) again Tuesday PM by forecasted cold. I woke up sick
Wed AM due to bad hamburger (???) the night before.
I couldn’t eat for 2+ days and had to ride nauseous most of the
time. Once off the freeway I felt better and enjoyed the ride
more. Here I am back where I started on Monday of the week.
Will get ready to ride into the northeast after Tuesday of next
week. A good clearing spell is forecast for that part of the country
later in the week. Wonderful!

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines
his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 How my plans have changed this week!