Arkansas!

Well, we made it to yet another state, but it was a tough pull to get here…as we rode out of Memphis, our first task was crossing the Mississippi River. Out of Memphis, there are only two ways to go west—on I-55 and I-40. Interstates. Which, as a rule of thumb, Bike and Build just doesn’t do.

We picked the older of the two to cross, I-55, which also had a pedestrian walkway on the side, and was our safest bet. Halfway through, the concrete and metal was shaking a lot…more than you’d ever realize while driving it in your car, and more than you’d be comfortable driving on if you could…

Our first state line didn’t have a flashy sign, just a little on that said “North Carolina/Tennessee line.” Our second was in the middle of the bridge on I-55, so yet again, we were thwarted from a great Kodak moment. We did our best, though, and it’ll do just fine.

After crossing the Big Muddy into Arkansas, we rode about 55 miles to Lake Poinsett, a State Park right outside of Harrisburg. It was a campsite, and as such, the tents came out, and we tried to get cozy. A wicked combination of heat, humidity, and mosquitoes made it difficult, though—everyone swatted the night away, but our skin lay victim to the literally thousands and thousands of bugs that attacked us. Not a great night all in all, and I must say that I was thrilled to leave.

In the morning after Lake Poinsett, Molly and I took off at about 5:30 AM to ride 102 miles into Mountain View, where we were meeting Molly’s Aunt Penny and Uncle Mike. The day was our longest yet, and thunderstorms were in the forecast, so sure enough, around mile 12, the rain came. And then, the lightning (which of course is followed by thunder). By mile 40, a good crew of us was at a gas station in Newport waiting out the storm. The nice ladies in the station informed us that the weather was supposed to continue all day long, and so, our leaders decided to call the ride off and shuttle the rest of the day into Mountain View. There were protests from some, but the decision was made, and we were riding in the van, many of us for the first time.

Now, two things really sucked about the first shuttle into Mountain View—first, the rain stopped 20 minutes after we got in the van, and it remained beautiful all day long. Second, our trailer got a flat tire, and in true NC2SD fashion, we had no spare, no tools, and no cell phone service. Long story short, it took 3.5 hours to get the flat fixed, and half our crew remained at a gas station in Newport for nearly 8 hours, not able to ride because the decision had been made. But, it’s all good—Mountain View was a wonderful town, and it was nice to give the legs a little break. Molly, Penny, Mike and I went to a neat little restaurant, where I ate catfish (my favorite southern food), and then we went into town and listened to some fantastic bluegrass music. The group was a little family band—a granddad and his grandchildren who called themselves “Bluegrass Special,” and they were a hoot. Really talented, and John (the grandpa) taught all the children the basics on their instruments. Carol, the youngest, played upright bass; Eric, the oldest, played mandolin; Brent, the middle kid, played dobro (he was particularly fun to listen to, and is one of ten high school seniors in the country going to Eastern Tennessee University on a full bluegrass scholarship in the fall…impressive). We had a good chat with the group, and even returned later that evening after Penny and Mike parted ways with us. A great time had by all.

After Mountain View, we made it to Harrison, and had a pretty relaxing evening. That’s all I have to say about it. Now, we’re in Rogers, and it’s been another relaxing arrival, but the day’s events were a bit interesting for Molly…

At about mile 15, here bike chain broke, and when that happens, you pretty much can’t ride. Actually, you just can’t. But, that Molly, instead of giving up and riding in the van for the rest of the 80 mile ride, she waited nearly three hours (with Vandy, who was great enough to wait with her), and got on another rider’s bike (the bike wasn’t being used that day, as it’s rider was in the van helping out). Then, she finished the ride—different bike, three hours behind everyone, and smiling the whole way I’m sure. It was great to see her finish the ride—it was a great example to other riders of perseverance, patience, and a positive attitude. Anyone reading this would have been incredibly proud of her. I sure am!

And that’s where we’re at—tomorrow we have a brief stint in Missouri (a place I know and love), and then on to Oklahoma. Arkansas was a quick trip (only four days), but it was great. I think that, next to Wisconsinites, the nicest people I’ve met are from The Natural State. Our days are getting longer, but the rides are still wonderful, and although it’s hard to wake up and do this day in and day out, it is certainly still worth the effort. Until next time!

Eric