T had his foam earplugs in for one of the following reasons:
A. So G not feel guilty about making noise when placing his hands in the ice during the night.
B. Because there was fear of a returning stray dog in the room.
C. He was afraid that he would be bothered by G snoring.
D. He was afraid he would snore so loudly that he might wake himself up.
We will argue the correct answer for years to come.
G had some work to tend to ( not every day is Saturday for him) so we got a later start than planned. Not a problem since the whole trip has been planned around his work commitments.
The weather started superbly, overcast and comfortable in short sleeves. It was perfect riding weather for the first 80 miles, though we missed seeing the shadows of the birds of prey from overhead because of the clouds-but be careful what you wish for! Sure enough, the clouds dispersed and..." The day was balmy..."
The landscape was fairly flat and bucolic, though greener and less aromatic than yesterday.
The temperature rose at least 15° once the clouds dispersed. We stopped for water in Henryetta, Oklahoma.(yes , correct spelling). It was then that T confirmed his earlier suspicion that his new steel pony had a minor oil leak. Minor at the moment, but who knows what it could be or turn into with several thousand miles yet to ride. Jointly we focused on the shortest path to a Harley dealer for diagnostic work. This meant deferring lunch and side tours like Lotawatah Road that goes to Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma (we're not making this stuff up!)
We did occasionally try to make a bathroom stop but the pictures will show you that even that simple task can be challenging for the poor traveller.
A fast paced, hot 90 miles later we arrived at Old Fort Harley Davidson in Fort Smith, Arkansas-temperature 102 degrees. The guys were friendly and efficient and started work on the bike as soon as it cooled off. Two and a half hours later we were back on the hot road and heading to Russellville, Arkansas. Showers and water served to refresh and then a short walk to a light dinner before logistical disasters struck:
1. A heavy storm was quickly rolling in with heavy wind, rain and serious lightning. We needed to stay close, very close. The thunder is so loud it is setting off all the car alarms.
2. We learned for the first time that we were in a dry County. Not that we were in any condition to drink heavily, but a couple of cold adult beverages were deserved after 102 degree temperature riding!
There were not many photo opportunities given the days distractions.
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