07/29/13

     After a wet finish in Joplin, it was nice to find that the morning was dry. A long, hard day and cold beer were ingredients that resulted in a great night's sleep. I think it was a universal phenomenon. Everyone awoke in a good mood. After packing I enjoyed a Cliff Bar and coffee and soon after we were on our way.
      Route 66 came quick. Chris had done his homework on a good, local breakfast joint. The others ate while I enjoyed a water and the company. Wes received a plate that was more than he cared to handle so I picked up the slack by polishing off a pancake.

     Back on the road, almost instantly we came to a small town full of cool stuff to see. The people of Baxter Springs are some of the friendliest people I've ever seen. I was literally approached by everyone I saw. We all were. It kind of felt like the town from the Truman show.
     We were like kids in a candy store, posing and goofing off with the signs and artifacts. I would wager there were more pictures taken in this stretch than on the rest of the trip. The antique store owner wanted to take our picture too. People were taking photos of the bikes. It was all very surreal. The sky looked black ahead so we put on our rain gear and proceeded to get a good 20 minute soaking. Thanks to the OK heat and sun, we were dry before lunch.
     In the next town, Miami pronounced mI-am-uh, we stopped at the tourism bureau and got loads of info about things to see and do. The first was the local motorcycle museum which was nothing overwhelmingly awesome but there were some cool bikes and an Evel Knievel exhibit that had some cool stuff.

     We stayed on 66 into Claremore which was home to the J.M. Davis Gun Collection. This man started collecting guns at the age of seven and never stopped. The display was over 13,000 guns and was positively overwhelming. The collection is painstakingly organized and cataloged but it was easy to get lost in it. Literally, I had a hard time finding the exit.

     There was a handful of other cool things we passed but unless you have unlimited time, the best you can do is just look and take it all in. Each side of the roadway is littered with discarded leftovers of times gone by, some in use but most just being left to disappear. I was glad to see it before it all goes away.
     It was getting late in the day so we elected to do the interstate boogie again. We detoured through downtown Tulsa which looked like it could be fun. The entertainment district seemed to be hopping especially for a Monday afternoon. Again, rarely is there enough time.
     Passing through OKC was impressive and whet my thirst for all the things that lay ahead. We passed the Cowboy Museum and I was shocked at how big it was. I am guessing its going to take some time to go through.

     Home for the next three days is another KOA just outside El Reno. It is going to be nice not to have to pack the bike again for a few days. We unpacked and walked to the nearby restaurant for dinner. There is another rider staying nearby and he joined us sharing a tale of woe about having to have major bike work performed on the road by an inept, young mechanic.
     As has been the standard, no punches were pulled and we had a good time at the table. I am pretty sure the staff at the restaurant hated us but they probably get tourists like us all the time and are jaded as a result. No matter. I grabbed a shower and felt better but thoroughly beat. I'm tired but excited. Tomorrow the real stuff begins.

07/26/13

   The morning started before seven. I awoke knowing that it would be a long day but a good, easy day of riding. Ken, my brother in law and partner on my trip to Canada had arrived the night before and we would be in the wind again, sharing miles.
     It isn't ever easy, saying goodbye to family. My girls started with the tears the night before and I was not looking forward to leaving them. In the a.m., they helped my wife with breakfast as Ken and I tied up lose ends. I made the hugs quick and tight and I closed the garage door hoping the walls of our home would keep them safe until I returned. Watching them wave out the window as I left resulted in mixed emotions. I was excited but in the back of my mind, I was ready to return before I had even left my street.
     We stopped at a local big box. No matter how well you prepare, you always forget something. For Ken, it was swim trunks and flip flops. He wanted a spark plug socket and ratchet as well so we hit the mall. For some reason, I was reminded of the movie "Wild Hogs."

      Our first stop was Barber's Museum, a quick ride from my home. I tried to pick the best roads between the two points, roads Ken might have overlooked when he lived in Birmingham. Twisty roads are always fun unless there is slow traffic in front of you, Unfortunately for us, we were cursed with dumptrucks. It did not stop my enjoyment. It wasn't even noon yet and I was already having the time of my life.
     Ken was unfamiliar with Barber's before this trip. He asked me if it was a museum for hair cutting or milk. He has quite the sense of humor. He was indeed aware of the facility but I know after seeing his face upon entry that he had no idea what we were going to see.
     When we walked in, he literally stopped dead in his tracks, his face frozen in that "wow" expression you feel lucky to evoke in someone. We walked the entry level before going lower and higher, examining finer, small details and other times just the big picture of a particular bike. Though brief, it was an excellent visit and it made me proud of the city of Birmingham.

     Nashville, our first stop, wasn't getting any closer. We needed food before hitting the road. I asked Ken what he wanted fully knowing I had already picked our lunch destination. Sam's Super Sandwicches in Homewood is a quaint, little hole in the wall. Literally. It is almost like someone decided to open a hot dog stand in a hallway. There is a music store I worked at in high school within walking distance. Most Saturdays the owner would send me or my coworrker to get burgers and dogs for everyone. Maybe my opinion of the food is seasoned with nostalgia but I have taken many to eat and none have been disappointed.

     Snaking through Homewood, we gassed up and hit 31. I have taken 31 south several times but rarely north. I love a good back road. I don't mind the spurts of speed mixed with slow punctuated with stop signs and traffic lights. I like old Main Streets and seeing what lives and what has died. No matter how many of them I see I always regret that I can't stop at all of them and always feel like I've missed something great.
     Being on the road with Ken again is nothing short of magic. The fact that he is family and he rides almost made a trip of some sort obligatory. The fact that we are excellent travel companions is pure luck. At times today, he would sneak up and I would catch at glimpse of him in the corner of my left eye. Looking over, he was always grinning ear to ear. I am pretty sure I was too. Other than one bonehead driver, the road was a loving mistress caressing us with green grass and blue skies. Gas stops were covered with caching up and talk of road trips past.
     The new custom molded earphones my wife got me worked better than any other earphones I've ever had. For once I could hear the music, not just that there was music. 15 miles from our KOA I let the phone GPS lead and we arrived, checked in and were done for the night.
     Desperately trying to avoid social media, I only looked at my notifications, not the feed. I checked in on Bamarides and on my kids. During all of this, Ken left for beer and dinner. I cooked lentil soup on the picnic table with my camp stove. I added hot sauce from friends which added another layer of awesome to an already stellar day.

     I am 2/3rds of a six pack in and 1/9th of my way through this vacation and I can't compare it to other rides but this one is up there already. Tomorrow we see Nashville and add three more personalities to the mix. Instantly, I am regretting not packing popcorn.