Day’s distance: 270 miles Total trip distance: 9,811 miles I started the day with two goals. The first was to ride the Talimena Scenic Byway. The name comes from the end points, Mena, Arkansas and Talihina, Oklahoma. Since I spent the night in Mena, it would take just a few minutes to arrive at the beginning of the Byway. Before leaving the motel, I checked … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 54

Today was hot, humid, and sunny. Temperatures reached 91 close to Mena, Arkansas this afternoon but they were cooler in the mountains. Day’s distance: 253 miles Total trip distance: 9,541 miles At dinner last night, my new friends suggested that I not miss the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Of course, heading south meant that I would not spend more time in Missouri. In the end, … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 53

Temperatures were warmer today and reached the mid 80’s. The skies were partly cloudy to overcast and it felt a bit more humid than the day before. Day’s distance: 75 miles Total trip distance: 9,288 miles The morning started with a cab ride from my motel to the BMW dealer in Bentonville, about six miles away. I met Jerry, the service manager and co-owner of … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 52

With temperatures in the 70’s, and no rain, it was close to an ideal day for a ride. Day’s distance: 78 miles Total trip distance: 9,213 miles I woke up early and got the tent packed away quickly. I left the campground a little after 7am, headed for a latte on Central Ave. Stopping at Si’s coffee house first, I found that while the donut … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 51

The weather varied from partly cloudy to very cloudy with just a few sprinkles while I was still in Mississippi. The temperatures were in the 70’s all day – ideal for motorcycling. Day’s distance: 287 miles Total trip distance: 9,135 miles I cruised into downtown Vicksburg to the Route 61 Coffeehouse for my morning latte. I grabbed a bagel with cream cheese to go with … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 50

The weather continued to follow a pattern of a warm, humid partly cloudy morning followed by afternoon thunderstorms. Day’s distance: 234 miles Total trip distance: 8,848 miles While in Tupelo, I stopped by the birthplace of Elvis Presley. After a quick stop at the local Starbucks for a latte and snack, I jumped on the Natchez Trace Parkway where it crossed Main Street. Next stop … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 49

Thunderstorms dominated the afternoon, but the morning was very nice. Temperatures were as high as 88. Day’s distance: 231 miles Total trip distance: 8,614 miles I detoured to Tupelo, Mississippi today to ride part of the Natchez Trace Parkway into Vicksburg tomorrow. My route took me around Birmingham to the south on I-495 and then west to Tuscaloosa. I ate lunch at a hole in … Continue reading Southern States Tour – Day 48