When I set out on these longer trips I often picture myself in a Louis L'amour novel. I am the protagonist prepared for any eventuality who is going to be tired, hungry, and thirsty at any given point in time but will ultimately succeed in his task. As you will see I pack pretty light. I learned this from my summer hiking the Appalachian trail in 2014. Thus only needed the side saddle bags. Just like in a L'amour character.
Anyways, last week I had the chance to take a trip back to where I grew up in Northwest Arkansas.
Day 1 was a 417 mile ride from Nebraska down to NWA. Pretty uneventful and good weather. I did make a pit stop to see a replica of Lewis and Clarks boat. The ST would of totally fit on the boat for transport had the bridge across the Missouri River been out of serve. Last time I made this trip it was 300 miles of rain out of the 417.
When I got to my parents house the ST got some new tires. The last ones had some life but since my dad has the full tire changing station I opted for a fresh set and keeping the old set as spares if needed.
Day 2 I did a dream ride through the Ozark MTNs. Like I said I grew up here so I know almost every curvy road there is. The Ozarks are home for me and as soon as I had bought this bike I began to mentally ride the roads I road on that day. From Devils Den to Arkansas Highway 23 these are roads meant for a heavy throttle and big leans.
Day 3 I went on a ride with some people my dad knows at our local Harley Dealership. I've always found Harley dealership to be heaps ahead of Honda dealerships in their creation of community.
Day 4 My dad leads a motorcycle skills class called Ride Like A Pro. I've been riding a motorcycle for a while and I found the class to be challenging and helped me grow my riding skills. Click here for more info if you would be interested in scheduling a spot in one of his weekend sessions. www.ridelikeaproarkansas.com The ST and I cranked out the fastest time in the final skills competition and brought home a trophy. That night I rode to some friends houses for dinner and a church small group. I used to pastor at that church so it was great to connect with old friends.
Day 5 I rode home. It was hot. The hottest trip I've ever made. I stopped twice on the 417 miles home and drank a liter of fluids each time. Having a tail wind most of the way was nice but when I turned off I-29 to make the 50 mile jump west to Lincoln, NE, my tail wind became a very strong cross wind. During that 50 miles I often wondered if that's what it feels like to re-enter earths atmosphere as I was fighting to stay in my lane. No matter, the ST and I road the final leg and got home in time for dinner.
Enjoy some of the pictures I took on my trip.
Anyways, last week I had the chance to take a trip back to where I grew up in Northwest Arkansas.
Day 1 was a 417 mile ride from Nebraska down to NWA. Pretty uneventful and good weather. I did make a pit stop to see a replica of Lewis and Clarks boat. The ST would of totally fit on the boat for transport had the bridge across the Missouri River been out of serve. Last time I made this trip it was 300 miles of rain out of the 417.
When I got to my parents house the ST got some new tires. The last ones had some life but since my dad has the full tire changing station I opted for a fresh set and keeping the old set as spares if needed.
Day 2 I did a dream ride through the Ozark MTNs. Like I said I grew up here so I know almost every curvy road there is. The Ozarks are home for me and as soon as I had bought this bike I began to mentally ride the roads I road on that day. From Devils Den to Arkansas Highway 23 these are roads meant for a heavy throttle and big leans.
Day 3 I went on a ride with some people my dad knows at our local Harley Dealership. I've always found Harley dealership to be heaps ahead of Honda dealerships in their creation of community.
Day 4 My dad leads a motorcycle skills class called Ride Like A Pro. I've been riding a motorcycle for a while and I found the class to be challenging and helped me grow my riding skills. Click here for more info if you would be interested in scheduling a spot in one of his weekend sessions. www.ridelikeaproarkansas.com The ST and I cranked out the fastest time in the final skills competition and brought home a trophy. That night I rode to some friends houses for dinner and a church small group. I used to pastor at that church so it was great to connect with old friends.
Day 5 I rode home. It was hot. The hottest trip I've ever made. I stopped twice on the 417 miles home and drank a liter of fluids each time. Having a tail wind most of the way was nice but when I turned off I-29 to make the 50 mile jump west to Lincoln, NE, my tail wind became a very strong cross wind. During that 50 miles I often wondered if that's what it feels like to re-enter earths atmosphere as I was fighting to stay in my lane. No matter, the ST and I road the final leg and got home in time for dinner.
Enjoy some of the pictures I took on my trip.
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