Arkansas Twisty's ~ 327 miles of PURE HEAVEN
I got up early and headed out for a relaxing, sightseeing, corner scraping kind of riding day..... I was not disappointed! But first, my bike was disgustingly dirty from top to bottom. Bugs, dirt, grime, more bugs, and more dirt. Having stayed in a number of hotels in the area, I knew right where to go for a quick whores bath (quick wash and rinse) to appease my eyes when I have to look down at the tank, if nothing else. The back of this hotel has a hose on the wall and in that cabinet lies miracle juice. Ok, just bike wash and some rags, but same idea!! By the time i finish washing her off real quick, I was already sweating like crazy so I took the hose and rinsed my head with freezing cold water to cool down. Glad I showered today! Haha!
Passing by 'sharp curve' signs, '10 mph ahead' corner signs,
the old iron motorcycle statute, more corners, more views of the hills... I took a minute to appreciate the surroundings, take a deep breath, and truly let myself relax. I had everything I could possibly want in the moment... sunshine, heat, music on, corners to play on, and minimal traffic. Life is truly great. I could feel myself relax more and more with each mile.
In that time, I came across 4 motorcycles and only one area of road construction.. luck!
And then I wound up behind a truck and camper. I was fine with his minimal speeds as I was savoring every speck of gas I could. Then he pulled on he side a little and repeatedly waved me by. I dismissed it the first 3-4 times.. but then went to pass.. and hoped to heck this wasn't the last speck of gas I was using up. Because once again, I come over a hill, hopeful as can be... and see nothing but the beautiful AR landscape - more hills and more trees and more curves.
At last!! I come up to a 'town' and see one lone gas pump in what looked like a convenience store from the past.. I didn't think it would be open. I pull up on the gravel and pull aside the lone gas pump. Luckily I am 'old enough' to know how to work it - its old school. The 'grab the gas handle, 3/4 spin the metal stopper to turn the pump on and then go' style. IT WORKS!!!!! I was soooo happy!!! and Relieved! I filled up, not caring about the cost. Cindy's convenience store saved the day. I would have paid far more for gas! I put 4.97 gallons in the tank. In my 5 gallon tank. I have tried to run the tank down to see just how much it holds because it never comes close to even 4.5 gallons when I fill up. I guess this confirms the tank size! Also lucky was the fact that I had cash on me. No cards accepted in these woods! I go inside, meet Cindy herself, chat awhile, grab a few cold waters, give many thanks and I am back on the road.
I look at my mileage for that tank and saw 219.5 miles. HOW the heck did I A.) ride that long without even thinking of stopping B.) Not realize I needed gas at any point in the 100 miles prior C.) get that far on that tank of gas??? Lady Luck was definitely on my side today! HAPPY!!!
I ate and continued on the roads... at the end of the day and after 327 miles (!) which felt like 150 miles... I wound back up in Eureka Springs... I had planned on hitting a couple of the other local pubs but was so tired I didn't care. I stopped by the gas station to fill up, find a place to sleep for the night, and get some Yuengling.. my FAVE beer that is not sold in my area. Then I relaxed and went to sleep a very content and relaxed human... setting the alarm for 5:30am... because tomorrow I go home. Its been a GREAT 28 hours Arkansas... super super happy I made the decision to ride down.
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