Missouri
July 16 – We arrived in Missouri, 2100 miles down. The first city we came through was Joplin. Pictures can’t describe how horrible the destruction is, and it choked me up to see the rubble with paint-sprayed markings where the rescuers had tagged the buildings. This is a picture of what was once a residential neighborhood.
We rode over to Springfield where we stayed the night. Sam stayed with his friend Brian Hood. In the morning, Chris had an experience he’s never had before. Its one of the reasons I wanted to take my boys on the road… to do and see things they never have done before. He did laundary!
July 17 – Riding the Ozarks
We spent the day riding south through the Ozarks in Missouri. Awesome riding. We got a late start, so it was not a long day of riding. We stopped in the mountains and had lunch at a little cabin where they smoked their own meats.
Thanks for updating – we are enjoying watching your epic adventure! REALLY enjoying watching Chris do laundry – we thought he could only dig holes. Ride safe guys!
Comment by cindy & steve — July 17, 2011 @ 9:10 amAt the risk of starting a flame war…. Harleys! There are so many more reliable options… sigh. Enjoy the romance, hopefully they will survive the trip!
Maybe next time, take a 650 dual-sport along the TAT (trans-america trail)… across the country on all dirt roads!
Comment by Mark — July 17, 2011 @ 5:52 pmJohn, sounds like an awesome trip! We R in St. Louis not far from U guys, Camerons surgery is Thursday morning, we will be here until at least next Tuesday! Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
Comment by Bob Simpson — July 19, 2011 @ 4:47 pmDad, you can tell your friend who thinks we should be on Hondas that he just does not get it. I’m not going to load my boys into a Prius and drive them to an IMAX to see America. This ride has to be on Milwaukee iron. From the pride of ownership, to the congratulations from people we meet, to the ralley as Sturgis — the rolling art of a Harley Davidson is second to none.
Comment by john — July 19, 2011 @ 10:59 pmThese bikes are great, and are THE way to see America. Mark – you are correct. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a romantic. I am not one to take the easy road. But the route we are taking with this trip is a fantasy of mine. A romantic American fantisy that my two great boys are making come true for all of us.
Thanks to all for sharing with us.