KRATZMC

Saturday May 22, 2010

This day was uneventful with the exception of a short ride to Hot Springs Harley Davidson for a BBQ. I spent most of the day repairing and modifying my Uni-Go trailer hitch mount. I met a guy, Bob who has a machine shop at his home in Hot Springs. Bob fashioned me a spacer plate which has resolved the movement of my hitch mount. When it comes to motorcycling there is bond with other people who ride. Here is a guy I just met in a parking lot, who is not a Blue Knight that had the resources to help a fellow rider in need. I got Bob’s card and when I get home, he will find a gift certificate in his mail box. I gave Bob my info and told him he’s always got a warm bed and a steak dinner if he ever makes in to Central Texas.

We had our awards dinner and Banquet and shot the Bull one last time as most folks were now focused on their rides home the following morning. With my hitch issue resolved my only problem was just to ride. I have to link up with Merritt Francis of Georgetown, Tx on Weds at noon, in Great Falls Montana. That means covering 1700 miles in 3.5 days or riding an average of 600 miles a day.

I would time my start time with Dougie and Glen who were headed back home to Texas.

Day 4 Sunday May 23 2010

Up at 0530 hrs, I loaded up my machine. I had noticed I had pinched my trailer wiring in the universal joint which acts as the hitch when I had backed up. This severed the wiring for my tail light and left turn signal. Back into the tool kit and after 10 minutes I had it repaired.

Doug and Glen were going to ride home with Chapter 13 out of Austin, for their 450 mile ride home. My goal for the day was to make Hays, Kansas, a little over 600 miles from Hot Springs. I took Hwy 270 giving me one last look at the beautiful Arkansas scenery before getting into flat and windy Oklahoma and Kansas. I hit the road at 0613 hrs as I made my way west.

The early morning fog over Lake Hamilton, Hwy 270B/70,

As I made my way to Hwy 71 and Ft Smith, the weather was in the mid 70’s but as I moved into Oklahoma, it got warmer and muggy into the high 80’s. All was fine until I reached Tulsa, where I would find the interchange for Hwy 64/51 was closed. The Detour sign was posted right at the Detour exit with no warning or preparatory signs. By the time you saw it at freeway speed it was too late. Scores of other motorists experienced the same frustration as we all ended up at a closed road. I had to get back onto the freeway and back track, so I could approach the detour again. This ate up about 30 minutes.

If you ever get to Oklahoma, carry plenty of change or small bills. I went through a series of Tollway booths from Oklahoma into Kansas. I even had to pay tolls to get in and off of I-35. I keep a stash to small currency in my tank bag for such occasions but I still have to take off my gloves so I could grab the cash. Tolls averaged $1.00 to $2.00. There is an exact change line but it is coin only!

As I got into Kansas, it was typical. High crosswinds, a favorite of motorcyclists. There was a constant breeze at 25 mph with gusts up to 35. I could see it playing hell with the RV’s. My Uni-Go trailer performed like a champ and with the wobble issue fixed I just motored along. I rode most of the day with my visor up, so my face got wind and sunburned. I had to do a quick stop to get some sun screen in Salina, Ks.

I got a text message from Glen, that Dougie’s rear trunk fell off of his Harley. LOL! They were quickly on their way and Dougie transported his trunk home on his trailer. At that point they had covered 336 miles. I was able to cover 417 miles in the same amount of time by reaching Wichita Ks with less drama.

I reached Hays Ks in 13 hrs and 50 min, despite the traffic SNAFU in Tulsa, covering 619 miles. There are threats of Severe Thunderstorms threatening my route into Denver. I checked into the Best Western Inn in Hays and had grilled chicken breasts for dinner. My next way point will be Cheyenne Wyoming. I recalculated my route to meet Merritt. If I leave 200 miles to meet him at noon on Weds, I can cut my daily totals for the next two days to 500 miles or so.

After my shower and dinner, I laid my head down……………………………………

Hot Springs Ar to Hays Ks, 619 miles with detour.

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