Today was the leg of the trip that has been making me grit my teeth for months. Any way I mapped it, I still had to get across some square states, and the best way to do that seemed fast. No offense to the fine people who populate the great states of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, but there’s only so much farmland this hillbilly can take. You’re fine people, I’m sure, but flatland makes as much sense to me as a pop-tart with no icing. (And if you still think I have something against farmers you’ll have to take it up with my Southern Illinois wife – the finest crop her daddy ever raised!)
Anyway, after yesterday’s ride through the flames of Hades, I landed in a half-star hotel, and arranged to meet my cousin and his wife for dinner in downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The tight valley filled with historic stone buildings provided a great setting for us to all to get to know each other. Thanks Terry and Lynn! You guys helped me recover and have a new start this morning.
A pre-dawn roll through the darkness of the Ozark valleys kept fogging my windshield as I dipped down, then clearing it as I climbed the next hilltop. The first bit was exactly what I had hoped to find in Arkansas.
And, even though after I left the hills I could steer by compass points, the day was a fun ride. Apparently, people in the straight road states have a very liberal attitude about posted speed limits. I followed some trucks, some Harley riders, and even thought about falling in with a pack of 12 motorcycle police riding in formation (I didn’t, but I thought about it …Oooh, I thought about it).
But, other than the zippy progress of 600 miles rolling by today, the highlight was a stop at Joe’s Kansas City BBQ. Thank you Pat for suggesting this stop! I got there early for lunch, and that was a good thing.
The next good thing was the lunch special of burnt ends with a side of dirty rice, or as the guy at the counter yelled it, “One burnt and dirty!” I thought for a second he was talking about me.
I left feeling full, and slightly envious of the experience these people were about to have.
Today wasn’t nearly the challenge I thought it would be. The straight-line miles gave me a lot of time to think about how grateful I am for this opportunity, how grateful I am for my family, and how grateful I am to God for giving me a life with purpose and meaning I could never have imagined.
themotorcycletourer 
Great story. Thanks!
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Thank you. I’m just following some of the tracks you left.
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All the folks awaiting in line for lunch in your photo above? I have not seen a line like that at a restaurant since the break riots back in 33…..
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I think they would have been ready to riot if they thought they wouldn’t get their food. I should have bought extra and sold it outside for twice the price.
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It’s funny – I feel the same about driving/riding through the open plains, and yet every time I do, I enjoy the simplicity that allows me to think clearly.
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After a long dual-sporting weekend in some of Colorado’s spectacular mountains, I’m now playing catch-up on others’ adventures. Consequently, reading your posts out of order, I’ve got you whiplashing all over that there flatland-n-Sturgis neck o’ the woods, er, neck o’ the badlands, er, neck o’ the square states… (sigh) Whatever.
That said, you crack me right up, man. I’m thoroughly enjoying your journey, and it sounds like you are too. Ride on, you crazy hillbilly! Ride on! 😀
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This means much coming from you! Thanks for reading. I feel like I have whiplash tonight. There’s too much out here to see, ride, and do. We’ll have to ride together someday.
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Will your route take you anywhere near Salt Lake City, or will you be passing far north of the Wasatch Front (you might already be northwest of this neck of the woods–might be riding past today)?
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I just rode into Mountain Home and called it a day. Gotta get out of the heat and do some laundry.
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