Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2008)

DAY 3

We got up later than normal today because we got in so late last night. After we got in, we had to shower and later talk about the day's ride. Chuck and J.B. rode to the nearest Harley Davidson Dealer and had their Motor's oil changed. Since they were gone, I caught up on the blog from the day before. They soon came back and opted to skip the wash that was offered. We needed to leave. We have places to go and things to do. We packed up and left the house. J.B. was leading with Susie riding with him. J.B. took us to a short tour of the area hardest hit by the recent tornado. There were 7 houses hit that were bulldozed and a total of 20 housed scheduled to be bulldozed. We didn't get to see much of the devastation, but we did see some. We left Gladstone, MO. at 10:50 AM.

We headed eastbound and stopped 34 miles later in Blue Springs, MO. at 11:20 AM to gas up our Motors. We left at 11:29 AM and I was up next to lead. As we rode eastbound, there was point where I looked to the south and saw (and pointed at) a Stealth Bomber flying slowly, it appeared. I looked to the north and saw a billboard advertising the Missouri National Guard. There must have been a Base close by. The Stealth looked as if it was just hanging in the sky.

We continued eastbound and rode 82 miles to Boonville, MO. when we stopped at 12:34 PM for lunch and a break. We stopped at a Love's Truck Stop and there was a Hardee's Restaurant. We had a good lunch and then left at 1:19 PM.

After lunch, it started to get warm. We still had our jackets on and we were getting very tired and sleepy. J.B. told me later that Susie fell asleep riding behind him. Chuck and I both feel like we slept while riding. We stopped after 74 miles in New Florence, MO. at 2:16 PM. While we were having a much needed coffee break and waking up, a semi-marked police car with two uniformed cops stopped and asked J.B. as to who was having more fun: the Honda rider or the Harley riders. The cops were very friendly and J.B. gave him a PPD patch. J.B., Chuck and I were standing by the driver's door talking with the driver and Chuck walked away to his Motor to get a business card. As he was away, J.B. and I had fun with Chuck at Chuck's expense. The driver stated, "You guys sound like f**king cops!" The driver introduced himself as the Sheriff of the local county. He told us that if we needed anything to just call him. He gave J.B. his card. We make friends everywhere! We gassed up and left at 2:43 PM.

It was Chuck's turn to lead. After we gave him the directions on which interstates to take, we continued. We had rested, drank coffee, took off our jackets and woke up. The weather was overcast and it was very nice to ride. Chuck led up for another 123 miles and we stopped at 4:27 PM in Litchfield, IL., which was our destination. Why do you ask? Two weeks ago, today, when we were on our Route 66 ride, we stopped in Litchfield, IL. at the Niehaus Cycle Sales so that an old change can be done on my Motor. While we were there, we looked at all of the Motors in the showroom. I saw a new Motor, which was a dark metallic red (black cherry), that I really liked. The guys were trying to convince me to trade my Motor for the new one. This was very heavy peer pressure! The salesman told me that he would give me a great price for my Motor and offer the new one at a great price. What he told me was true. I didn't trade my Motor in that day. When we returned home, I spoke with Laura, my wife, and she told me to "go for it." I returned with J.B. and Chuck with intentions of making the trade and getting my new Motor. Today was the day! While J.B., Susie and Chuck rode to a nearby Denny's, I remained and filled out the paperwork, made the deal and loaded the new Motor with my stuff from my old Motor. I rode and met the others at Denny's. I HAVE A NEW TOY! What a great ride. Jan, you're next. When do we go and get your Honda ST1300? We left at 6:50 PM.

Chuck led us northbound about 8 miles and we stopped at 6:58 PM in Colinville, IL. where we checked in to a Best Western. This Best Western looked small from the street, however, when we entered and checked in, it was huge and nice! This was, indeed, an oasis in a desert. You would not know that this place existed by just driving by. We parked our Motors, unloaded them and tucked them in for the night. I kept my Motor cover and it fit perfectly! We enjoyed dinner on the property. Dinner was very good and was not expensive. Chuck and I later got in the hot tub and then a short trip to the bar. We had to celebrate CINCO DE MAYO! We returned to our room and secured for the night.

Today we rode for a total of 324 miles and I got a new toy!

Tomorrow, we plan to get up later and take our time back to J.B.'s home. We are not in any hurry. Who knows, we may see some of the Route 66 sights that we missed two weeks ago. We'll see...