Since I had plans to meet up with Marge in Eureka Springs on Sunday to firm up some rally plans, and since the weather forecast was out-of-this-world ideal for it..... I decided to stick a pack on my trike and take an easy 2-day ride to Arkansas. I've ridden for years, both on 2 wheels and 3, and often ride locally on my own; but, despite having ridden cross-country and many other long distance trips, I have never taken a long trip solo. Seems to me, this is the time to do it!
I woke up to 59º, a promise of sunshine and pleasant temperatures, and zipped up my leather jacket with a smile. Because he thought it was unfair that I was getting all the riding fun, Mike hopped on his bike and decided to ride about two hours West with me as far as Indianapolis. Both of us were happy for the leather, but it was a beautiful morning to ride and the temps were in the low 60s when we pulled out at 8:00 a.m.!
Fun fact of the day: At highway speed, my speedometer is consistently 5 mph higher than the GPS shows. So.... when I think I'm going 70, I'm only going 65 in reality. YAY! I get to speed up!!! I've never had a GPS on my trike before........ hmmmmm..... Mike may not get it back!
After topping off the tank and having a cup of coffee and a doughnut in Indy, Mike headed back toward Ohio and I headed on toward St. Louis..... still happy to have the leather jacket on for a couple more hours! I have seen dozens and dozens of bikes and trikes on the road -- both being ridden and trailered -- but 90% of them are headed East. No doubt they are all heading home from Sturgis, and almost all of them waved and gave thumbs up as I passed them going the other way. Bikers/Trikers are such great folks!!!
I skirted St. Louis and rode on down I-44 about 60 miles further to the little Rte. 66 community of Cuba, MO. I just checked into the absolutely charming Wagon Wheel Motel. ( Wagon Wheel Motel ) This historic stone motel was recently refurbished completely. The rooms are small and cozy (they didn't mysteriously grow in the intervening years ), but immaculate and comfortable. Wifi is free, each room has a private bath and flat screen TV, and the price is right!
A couple of blocks up the street is a tiny gas station with two pumps and a big sign that says they pump the gas for you. The attendant was happy to let me fill the trike myself, but he turned the pump on and handed me the hose. Don't go there expecting to prepay with a credit card. They take cash only. Gotta love this tiny town!
An easy 461 miles today, and tomorrow will be an even easier day. Looking forward to seeing Eureka Springs! Updates to follow