A year ago, our little band of intrepid adventurers planned a trip to ride in the Ozarks. We reserved a 6 bedroom home on a lake and I was looking forward to staying there. As the old saying goes – “the best laid plans ………..”. Other commitments, family matters, and just everyday life stuff gets in the way. At the 11th hour I had to cancel the reservation and refund the money to each of the guys. As a backup plan I created a motorcycle riding trip that is a 1,400 mile loop visiting some locations associated with blues music. That’s the background and brings us to Saturday, October 7, 2023.

No good trip starts without breakfast. So I invited the Biker Ride Breakfast group to join at a nearby Cracker Barrel to get the trip off on the right foot. Seven people managed to make it even though only 3 of us were starting the ride. The problem was that it was a balmy 41 degrees outside. That limited the number of motorcycles in the parking lot. What’s up with that temperature? It’s been in the 70’s and 80’s for the last month and the very day we’re leaving, the high is going to struggle to get to 60 degrees (F).

Something else worth mentioning. If you’ve followed along on my previous ramblings, you know that I usually go about making changes to the bike just prior to the trips. Well, this time it was a doozy. I traded my 2019 Lowrider for a brand new 2023 Harley Heritage. So I’m starting with a new bike with almost no miles on it. Then I rushed to install a sound bar, an XM radio, and a tour pack. What could possibly go wrong? Unlike my normal meticulous packing, I rushed to throw everything on my list onto the bike at the last possible second. That would have worked great if I had put everything I needed on the list. I forgot a comb which I really need as I haven’t had a haircut in a while, some cologne so my traveling companions don’t have to ride 100 feet from me, and worst of all, the power supply for my laptop. (No laptop – blog delayed until a solution is located. Once again – a big thank you to Walmart.). Why not just write the blog from your phone? I’m not a good phone typer and the blog wouldn’t be done this century. The phone is good for taking pictures so I can include them in this blog. Next problem – some security setting on my phone won’t allow me to upload pics to WordPress even though I’ve done it hundreds of times. This blog entry may not have any pictures until I can find a 12 year old kid who can explain “app permissions” to me. Ugh!

End of day 1 – Hampton Inn, Evansville, Indiana after 179 chilly miles, one tank of gas, and a dinner at the oldest restaurant in Indiana – The Log Inn. Abe Lincoln ate there – I didn’t make that up (maybe they did but they do have a Lincoln Room). The food was outstanding. Try it if you ever get a chance. In my subtle way, I asked our server if my meal was free because I’m so cute. She nearly choked and she wasn’t even eating. Maybe next time.

The laptop is working maybe I can figure out how to add pictures. All I need is to find that 12 year old kid in the lobby to explain this to me.