Northeast Ride – Day Nine

Spent the first half of the game last night in the hotel bar, making new friends. Just before halftime I retired to my room to get my writing done. Was up a little later than normal watching football but I know I’ve got a couple of easy days left so I wasn’t too worried about it. I woke at the usual time 7:30 and decided I’d lay in bed for a bit longer as I was super comfortable. A little while turned into 2 hours. I didn’t get out of bed until 9:30, grabbed a quick shower and hit the road a little after 10:00, later than I intended.

I made my way towards Memphis and the Arkansas border. Before long I was back in the southern farmlands of the Natural State. This is the same highway I came in on on day one. Nothing has changed. Still the same highway surrounded by trees and farmland. I made it about 100 miles before I had to stop. At this point I’m starting to get uncomfortable in the saddle after 25 miles, 50 is getting painful but I’m pushing for 100 before taking a break. I started later than planned so I need as few stops as possible.

I made my first stop around lunchtime. Pulled off at a rest area and found myself a picnic table. I need more than a stretch and a bathroom break so I enjoyed myself a cold beer and continued on my way. It’s only about 50 miles before I’ll need to stop for gas and I’m getting hungry so I’ll get another break soon.

Stopped for gas a short while later. Not much out on the stretch I was on so figured I’d just keep rolling to my destination and skip lunch. Maybe I can get in an early dinner if I get off the road in time.

Another pit stop. I need to find a place to stay for the night. I could make it all the way home but I just don’t have that many miles in me, but I will get back into Texas. Stopped at another rest area, another cold one and a quick call to the Mt. Pleasant KOA. The same Mt. Pleasant I stopped at for lunch on day one. After my call to the campground I checked my FB memories, there’s a lot that pop up this time of year. Four years ago Dad and I were in Wisconsin, enjoying an evening with my cousin as part of our 16-state run. The next day we rolled 3-deep through Illinois and into Indiana. Best day of that trip, I know Dad would agree.

I reminisced as I finished my beer and started back out. Gas stop in a few more miles. Stopped in at truck stop and filled up. It had a Hardee’s attached so I popped in for a couple of roast beef sandwiches. Not really ideal per the rules but I need something to eat and it needs to be quick, I don’t have time for the usual lunch.

Getting back into southern Arkansas I’ve noticed a few things. A lot more bikes on the road, more trucks too but it’s Sunday, there’s always more on Sunday for some reason. And the heat. I know it’s hotter than Hell in the south right now but two days ago I was wearing a jacket. Today I only feel the hot wind in my face. It’s like opening the oven when dinner is done, only it’s constant.

I’m getting close now. Less than 100 miles to go. I get right at about 80 miles out and hit crawling traffic. This lasts for only a few miles but at least 30 minutes. I’m roasting. Can’t see anything but two lines of cars and trucks ahead of me. Then an ambulance passes us on the shoulder. Great, it’s an accident and the ambulance is just now arriving. I’m hoping that whoever is involved is OK but I’m still roasting. Turns out is was some small forest fire. Not sure what the deal was but about a quarter mile of scorched earth along the highway, a few wild fire trucks, a state trooper and the ambulance. Assuming it was heat exhaustion or something of the like.

The road opened back up and off we went again. Finally made it to our resting point for tonight. Back at Mt. Pleasant, this time for the night, and I won’t be having BBQ. It’s a nice night out. The heat has subsided and the local insects are singing their lullabies. I’ve spent the last couple of hours in good conversation with some neighbors, a home builder moving to the area and another bartender. My fire is still burning good so I will likely sit by it for a little while longer and then head to bed. I’ve not far to ride tomorrow.

I know when I arrive home tomorrow my dog will lose his mind. My children, at least one of them anyway, will hug me as if I’ve been gone for months. And my wife and daughter will force me to shave before allowing me to give them a real kiss. My bed may or may not be made but I won’t care. It’ll be there waiting for me. Life will gently return to the normal day to day craziness that it is.

It’s been another long, hard ride. We’ve hit 47 states. 47! And Dad has been with me every mile. I know it. I’ve felt it. I’ve had some missteps without him. Flaked on some of the rules last year, but this year was pretty up to par for us. Missed a lot of breakfasts, which isn’t abnormal. Couple of lunches were quick grabs instead of sit downs. But I camped when I was supposed to and got a room only twice, again about par.

I will say this though. Dad would go as far as he could and then find a place to sleep. I want to get to that kind of thinking too. It’s coming. For now I’m more of a find a place to sleep and get there type. Ask me about Dad’s Sturgis trip, or our Sturgis trip together, and bring a six pack. There’s some camping stories to be told. Pretty much just bring me beer and I’ll tell you stories of years passed.

For now, I’m going to enjoy my campfire for a bit and then head to bed. I’ll drift off to the sweet sounds of crickets, cicadas and whatever else is out here. Enjoy your work day, I’ll be rejoining you soon.