Distance: TBD - I forgot to check the odometer, will update tomorrow
Duration: 11 hours
What a terrific ride today; it's amazing how much fun this can be when the wind is not a problem. After reflecting about not being happy with Kansas, I started the day trying to find something positive about Kansas. I found it with the Turtles.
As I started my day riding through the back roads of Kansas, I noticed that there was a lot of road kill. Typical stuff: Raccoons, Armadillos, birds, squirrels, etc... Then I saw a turtle crossing the road. Several miles later more roadkill and another live turtle crossing the road. In total I saw 4 turtles crossing the road. What I never saw (in Kansas at least), was a dead turtle on the road. My conclusion: Kansas turtles are highly intelligent beasts. Why not all turtles? I saw a dead turtle in Missouri.
And now I have my positive for Kansas - smart turtles.
I took as many back roads as possible crossing through Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and ending up in Tennessee. Going through Missouri, I came close to Joplin. I thought about cutting down through the town, but ambulance chasing has never been my strong suit and I figured the residence would like their piece from outsiders. It's such a beautiful place - sad to think so many people died and were hurt.
A true highlight between Missouri and Arkansas was the Ozarks. The roads were amazing - well paved and twisty. Even my pig of a bike (approx. 100 lbs gear on the rear wheel) was fun to throw around. A lot of bugs though:
I'm trying to get a picture of me at each state sign, but Tennessee's was up on a girder as I crossed the bridge over the river. I'll have to figure something out...
I ate a banana right before this picture. I thought it was funny that I was eating a banana in the Ozarks.
It's certainly getting warmer as I go SouthEast.
Now I'm in Memphis a block off of Beale St. Tomorrow is a rest day and if all goes to plan, I will nurse a hang-over, go to the Gibson factory and check out the town some....
Like BBQ? Hit the Rendezvous or Corky's. Can't lose.
ReplyDeleteUsed to come across lots of turtles on the road to our house. Always stopped - "turtle patrol" - and carried them across the road. Didn't want to come back later in the day and see the flat species of turtles. Bad juju.
ReplyDeleteDad