Wild West Tour Issue 2

Day 1: Indianapolis to Carthage, Mo. (I70, I44)

Day one started at McDonald's, it was a nice morning that had promised good dry weather. We got started about 7:45 am. Following 465 to I70 West. The terrain was pretty boring, being that it was interstate, there wasn't much to see.

We stopped just before Terre Haute for gas and some water. Apparently the fueling station we picked was in the flight path for the National Guard, because four military jets flew right over our heads.

From Terre Haute, we continued west to St. Louis, the temperature came up quickly, by this time the temperature was nearing 100 degrees and the humidity was also high. We stopped for Lunch just west of St. Louis, at Steak and Shake.

This was by far the Hottest riding I have ever done, with the max temp reaching 105 degrees before we had reached our destination. Mike rode with his jacket on and I with my long sleeve T-shirt. Every time we stopped we got asked, "Why do you have a coat and long sleeves"? It turns out that with short sleeves, the sweat just immediately evaporates. With the sleeves, the sweat sits long enough to actually provide some body cooling.

Upon arriving in Carthage, at Ballard's Campground we were greeted by Wonda, a very friendly woman who promptly showed us to our site and pointed us in the direction of A) the showers, B) FOOD!

As we rolled into the campground, I also noticed a squeeking noise coming from the back of my bike. I am a bit concerned that it may be a bad bearing or something of the sort. I guess we will try to get it checked out tomorrow. Setting up camp was hot but went smoothly, the shower was like heaven, after riding through what we perceived as hell. Just up the road was a little restaurant called "Bronc Busters", the seemingly busy establishment had two sides, the lounge, which we initially passed up, and the family restaurant. We walked into the restaurant side hoping for some cool air, we found 2 people and a semi-cool room. We tried the lounge and it was MUCH cooler! We also found the people from the 20 or so cars in the lot, playing Texas Hold em. The food was ok, and much welcome after 11 hours in the heat. Mike (Mr. Tea) had his 6+ glasses of Iced Tea while I had mostly water and a COLD beer.

Back to camp to sleep, and it was still HOT and HUMID. Trying to fall asleep was difficult as the sweat rolled off your face. Maybe tomorrow will be cooler, I hoped.

07/19/2006