July 14, 2003 - Hot Springs, AR

Forecast: 95 degrees

Road Condition: Smooth with long stretches of “in need of repair” I-59N to Carthage, then I-79N to I-20E to Shreveport, 71N to Ashdown, State Route 32W, State Route 3, 70E at Idabel into Hot Springs, Arkansas

Fuel: Super Unleaded $1.59

Miles Traveled: Livingston, TX to Hot Springs, AR: 450 (Total: 3,426)

Bike Update: Running good

Road Trip Log Update: We took the scenic route as we zig zagged through Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. After traveling over 3,000 JillMarie got a wicked case of “throttle elbow” and finally gave in to using the cruise control. Her only response was “Duh…!” Over the years of taking road trips, we have learned that doing 400 miles a day is about the perfect amount for us to ride. On hot days, however, at 400 miles we begin to disagree, and at 450 we get so tired we end up fighting about little things when we stop, then we laugh about it later. People will ask us if we have the helmets where we can talk as we ride. We respond in unison, “No way!” We rely on about a dozen hand signals and use our lights at night when there is something important but we don’t want to pull over. Most of the time we just kick back, relax and talk later at fuel stops. As we traveled the back roads for the most part of the day there were long stretches with little towns and friendly people. The roads would go from smooth to “in need of some repair” then back to smooth. There were also sparse opportunities for fuel, so we had to stay mindful of mileage. We were amazed at the “buzz of the bayou’s” and all the exotic sounds. Everything was so green and lush. The moss hung from the trees and all signs of life seemed to low down in the mid day heat. Even though the humidity was stifling, we had an enjoyable ride. We were successful in out running a hurricane and have gone another day without having to put on raingear. Tomorrow we are headed to Memphis to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It looks like Hurricane Claudette will be dissolved by the time we reach Florida.

Looking for fuel
Southern Lawn Art	Welcome to the Bayou!
Bill Clinton's boyhood home?
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