We ended up at 2,208 miles covered. We had been keeping an eye on the weather and it appeared that Tuesday was going to have severe storms in the home ranch area. The executive decision was made to try to get home on Monday, even if it meant a long day of riding (close to 400 miles for each of us). We did leave open the option of stopping for the night if the weather turned awful.

The day started in Nashville, TN under bright sunshine and beautiful blue skies. Everything looked promising. I felt fortunate that for 7 straight days the weather had cooperated and the rubber suit had stayed packed in the saddlebag. I wish it could have stayed there.

There aren’t too many pictures from today. We all recognize rain when we see it so there was no need for pictures.

Right now I’m sitting in my favorite recliner and drinking my own coffee, which is much preferred over the hotel coffee we had along the way. It is great to have all of us safely at home after riding in some of the worst rain I have experienced. I posted on social media that we ended with 3 water logged riders, 1 water logged cell phone, I driving light not working, and 2 turn signals not functioning among the 3 of us. I’ve said in the past that I should learn not to make changes to my bike just before launching on an adventure. I should have stuck to that.

We left a little earlier than usual from our hotel in Nashville, knowing we had to put down long miles. Everything went smoothly as we made our way across the rest of Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Ohio River. I even convinced the guys that we should sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” as we crossed back into the Hoosier state. It was a short rendition of the song – none of us knew the words beyond the opening line. The weather was still OK but looking ominous – It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. I can’t use that line – It wasn’t night and it’s not my line.

By the time we hit the outskirts of Evansville, Indiana the rain had made an appearance. The wind was pushing us all over the road and it was raining sideways. It was time to stop. We pulled into a technology company’s parking lot to drag out the rubber suits. I was thankful that the receptionist let me use their facility even though the sign said “customers only”. If I ever need a technology company, I’ll use this one – they have nice restrooms.

Being the good husbands we are, each of us notified our families that we were indeed “Back Home Again in Indiana”. The radar showed that there was a window of opportunity to stay somewhat dry. I’ve been wet on multiple occasions but my biggest concern was that I could no longer see the road. Safety first.

We were going fast enough that we caught back up to the storm by the time we hit Bloomington. The road had disappeared again and the sun had set. It was getting dark and Steak ‘n Shake looked like it would be dry inside. We walked in, dripping water everywhere, and shared a large order of fries (thanks Mason). The fries were to help appease our guilt for messing up their table and floor. We could have found a motel at that point (might have been a smart thing which is not my strong suit). We’re only 100 miles from my ranch – let’s roll.

Red turned off to head for his house on the southside of Indy. Mason and I continued on and finally got off the interstate. My “low fuel light” was on and Mason pulled in to the gas station with me out of sympathy. I was still 50 miles from home. For whatever reason, i got back on the interstate and headed home. It was still raining steadily but the thunder and lightning had moved on.

I made the last 50 miles in the dark, on the interstate, and in the rain. None of those are my preferred situation so most of it was done with my eyes closed and a white-knuckle grip on the soggy handlebars.

There is no feeling to top pulling into your own property, seeing the porch light on, hearing your pups recognize the sound of the Harley, and seeing your spouse waving at you even it it is 10:00 at night and me looking like I’d been swimming on my motorcycle. The last few feet were done driving through the mud and standing water in my yard. Welcome home!

This kind of travel is not for everyone. Mason, Red, and I think a lot alike which makes riding with them more comfortable. Mason has done a lot of traveling and does a great job with route planning and hotel reservations. I’m just along for the ride. My bike is still pretty messy and the lights still don’t work but I’m back to my comfortable life and drinking my own coffee.

My total haul for this trip – 3 hat pins and one smashed penny.

My map of motorcycle memories.

It sat behind me for 2200 miles. Time to dry it out in the sunshine.

Thank you for following along. Henry is home and finished rambling for a while.