May 14

We left KC, but everyone left knowing we would be back many more times in our travels.

Our first stop again today was short. Gas and go, stay on the bike. But of course no one does. So almost as soon as we start we're behind.

We leave Butler, MO headed for Anderson, MO. Hwy 71S Rich Hill, Horton, Nevada, Sheldon, Lamar, Jasper, Carthage and into Joplin. Our gas stops were getting more and more hectic the farther east we came. More and more race fans came out to see the ride and the riders and cheer them on. It always amazes me how something as simple as this ride can catch the imagination of so many people. I'm glad it does and I pray it never stops.

From Anderson we set our sights on Yellville, AR. Mark Martin country here we come. Once we were in Arkansas it seemed everyone either knew Mark or went to school with him. That's funny 25 years ago no one cared. Yellville was our last fuel stop of the day. The parking lot was packed. The bikes had to sit in the street and wait to be fueled. Did I say how much they love Mark Martin in Arkansas?

Pulling out of Yellville we only had 87 miles to go but they went slow. Arkansas roads are one of the best kept secrets in the world. You're ridding but you want to look and see everything. We were in hurry, but not that much of one to miss anything.

Pulling into Batesville, Home of Mark Martin, and people lined the streets to wave and cheer. We got to the hotel, did some live remotes and the Mayor gave me the Key to the city> he said it was the back door key; Mark had the front door key. Hey it's a key! We cleaned up and headed for dinner.

Dinner tonight was at Bill and Gail Davis'. They have a BEAUTIFUL place there in Batesville where they raise and sell cattle. It's a long way from what they use to do, they owned the 22 cup team if you don't know, but I have to admit they looked rested and great. It was good seeing them. Dinner was what else, steak and it was fantastic. They had a band and their friends welcomed us with open arms. I'm going back first chance I get but we had to call it a night early. Tomorrow was another ride day...Miles, 396