It was a great trip that allowed me to see another large chunk of the United States and to meet some very interesting characters along the way. As usual there are people to thank for having made this journey safe, interesting, and enjoyable. Let me start with Jesse McGrath, my faithful BMW mechanic and owner of Premier Cycle, who serviced and put a new set of tires on the bike just before I left for the trip. The Beemer worked like a charm; in aaddition to gas I only neede to add half a litre of oil and replace one front riding light bulb. That is pretty darn good! And then there's Jane who was always cheerful and encouraging at the end of the line whenever I called her from the bike or skyped her later in the day or early in the morning from one of the many hotel rooms I stayed in. Though we did not meet up as we had done on previous years rides, we talked often and shared road and home news, including results and commentary on the Ontario election. I also would like to thank the "strangers" I met along the way, some of whom I have mentioned in earlier posts. These chance meetings and exchanges, always friendly, were often the highlight of the day. There seems to be something about a mature guy on a BMW motorcycle with an Ontario license plate somewhere in the United States that invites folks to ask questions, or just offer words of encouragement, often with a not so disguised hint of envy in the voice.
And finally, my most sincere and profound thanks to Jim, my Mulberry Arkansas guide, host and friend. I was made to feel at home in Arkansas by this remarkable man who gave up days of his time to ride with me, rain or shine (ok, mostly the former) on the many beautiful roads around Fayetteville. We rode together, visited a number of interesting sites, ate together at local motorcyclists haunts, laughed heartily and often, shared stories about riding, and talked about all kinds of stuff, some of which we even saw eye-to-eye on. And to top it off I was treated to a delicious home cooked meal by Diana, Jim's gracious and welcoming wife. He made this trip the wonderful eye opening experience that it was, in more ways than I can adequately describe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For those of you who keep track of these things, here are a few facts about this trip:
Total kilometres: 7,863
Duration: 22 days, from May 28 to June 18
Days riding: 18
Accomodations: 12 hotels, one private residence
Gas: 377.13 litres; $457 litres; 4.8L/100km
States travelled in: 12
Highlights: many, including:
Notre Dame University Campus
Indiannapolis Motor Speedway
Impressive lightening, thunder, rain and heavy wind storm at Mountain House Arkansas
Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville Arkansas - Special exhibit; A Taste For Modernism
Nashville: the Johnny Cash Museum and the bars and clubs downtown
National Memorial for Flight UA93, Shanksville Pennsylvania
The best rides:
Upstate Michigan, past miles and miles of orchards
Everywhere around Fayetteville Arkansas
Hwy 70 between Nashville and Knoxville Kentucky
Middlesboro KY to Elkins WV by the twisty back roads
There are so many memories, enough to last the rest of ones life really. It would be a pleasure to share some with you, if you want. Until the next ride, here's to you,
Take care!
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