June 10, 2009
I pulled out at about 9:00 AM and headed north on I-35 for
Oklahoma City. The RT really wanted to stretsh its legs but
me being cheap, I kept the speed down. The first gas stop
was in Norman, and it looks like I’m getting around 48 mpg.
After lunch and fuel, I continued north and picked up I-44
in Oklahoma City and headed east toward my destination,
Springfield, MO. The ride was good and went fast thanks to
the 75 mph limit on the Oklahoma turnpikes. The bike really
ate up the miles! One more gas stop in Joplin, MO (have I
mentioned how much I love the fuel capacity?) and I was on
the home stretch. I pulled in to Springfield at around
5:20, got a room, and unpacked the bike.
The
Bill
Mayer
saddle is amazing. My jacked up back gave up before my
backside did. I couldn’t have done 230 miles on the stock
saddle, but it was no big deal. Definitely 2 cheeks
up!
June 11, 2009
It
was an interesting morning… I got a late start due to
having to wait for the cops to show up at the convenience
store I was filling up at. There was a disturbed
individual giving the clerk a really hard time. Once
statements were taken I got back on the road, heading to
Dorchester, IL.
The ride was good, the bike continued to perform
wonderfully, and the rain held off until I was about 15
miles from the farm. Rain gear donned, I rode past
the corn fields and farms to today’s (and the weekend’s)
destination.
Tomorrow I’m heading up to Springfield to meet my graduate
advisor and get an I’d card, and then on to Peoria to spend
some time with my son.
Mileage for the day: 275
June
12, 2009
Today’s leg of the trip was a bit shorter, but just as much
fun. I headed out from the farm to
UI-Springfield
to get my student ID and meet my advisor for a promised
tour of campus. After the obligatory DMV like
experience and the campus tour, I grabbed a quick lunch and
got back on the road to Peoria. It was good to see Reese,
he liked the Lego set I brought up. We went out to Chili’s
for dinner, then played some Uno, where he beat me soundly
more often than not.
Mileage for the day: 154
June
13, 2009
Another short hop, just running back from Peoria to the
farm. The weather held for the most part, but just outside
of Springfield it monsooned again, but the rain gear held
and it was dry the rest of the way in. I spent the rest of
the day catching up with friends and enjoying some most
excellent pork tenderloin for dinner.
Mileage for the day: 122
June
14, 2009
All good things must come to an end, and today was it for
the party. After taking down the tent and packing the bike
up, I pointed it south on I-55, heading for Fayetteville,
AR. The ride was smooth, the sun was out, and no
significant issues. When I got to Springfield, MO I hopped
off the Interstate on to US-160, then to US-60, then to
MO-37. I picked up US-62 at Gateway and rode it over to
I-540 and in to the hotel. After getting the bike unpacked
and myself cleaned up I got a cab over to the
Hog
Haus
for some really good brews.
Mileage for the day: 388
June
15, 2009
Last day of the trip. I packed the bike up, ate some
breakfast and hit the road, heading south on I-540 past
Fort Smith, continuing on US-71 to Y City where I got on
US-270 and got in to Mena in time for lunch. After a great
meal of Mexican food I got back on the road and got on the
Talimena Parkway for the highlight of the homeward bound
leg. The parkway is great, the scenery is amazing, and it’s
definitely a fun ride. I didn’t take too many pictures
because I was too busy enjoying the twisties. I got back on
US-271 in Talihina and took it over to US-70, heading west.
My advice, stay off of it. There’s a lot of construction
and it was down to one lane in places and 45 MPH for long
stretches due to loose gravel. I picked up US-75 in Durant,
OK and beat feet for home. Finally pulling in at around
5:20 PM.
Mileage for the day: 414
Total miles: 1824