I got ahold of a 1976 Hondaline Touring package for my trusty 1978 CB750K ,though Romeo is strictly stock, it was time
for a progressive suspension progressive front and rear to compensate the touring kit. Now lets plan a nice long ride in
the southern spring.
We had planned this trip to include both days that would be lazy and lower millage days, centered on more scenic back
roads, and days that would be dedicated to making miles on higher speed interstates. Despite our somewhat short
schedule, we were determined to avoid the dreaded "Tree Tunnel" Interstates as much as possible.
One of the greatest joys of motorcycling is that you are interacting directly with your environment at all times. You see,
smell and sometimes even taste the world around you as you never would if you were riding in the air conditioned bubble
of a automobile. This unique aspect of motorcycling inspired the way that we hoped to experience this trip. To see, smell,
taste and feel the changing environment as we traversed one region of our country to the next.
for a progressive suspension progressive front and rear to compensate the touring kit. Now lets plan a nice long ride in
the southern spring.
We had planned this trip to include both days that would be lazy and lower millage days, centered on more scenic back
roads, and days that would be dedicated to making miles on higher speed interstates. Despite our somewhat short
schedule, we were determined to avoid the dreaded "Tree Tunnel" Interstates as much as possible.
One of the greatest joys of motorcycling is that you are interacting directly with your environment at all times. You see,
smell and sometimes even taste the world around you as you never would if you were riding in the air conditioned bubble
of a automobile. This unique aspect of motorcycling inspired the way that we hoped to experience this trip. To see, smell,
taste and feel the changing environment as we traversed one region of our country to the next.
45 miles to Siloam Springs Ark.
After all the planning, guided by the full moon, we were humming down the dirt lane from the family farm, heading off to what was sure
to be our greatest motorcycling adventure yet. ( I started hearing a tap-tap on my helmet and quickly realized I'd lost some hardware
from my helmet, somewhere in Miami, I'll finally get another) There was not another soul on the roads at that hour and our dirt road
lead us though mist filled valleys and up winding hills before changing to pavement then to an interstate and finally out of our home
state of Oklahoma and into the silent Arkansas night.
After all the planning, guided by the full moon, we were humming down the dirt lane from the family farm, heading off to what was sure
to be our greatest motorcycling adventure yet. ( I started hearing a tap-tap on my helmet and quickly realized I'd lost some hardware
from my helmet, somewhere in Miami, I'll finally get another) There was not another soul on the roads at that hour and our dirt road
lead us though mist filled valleys and up winding hills before changing to pavement then to an interstate and finally out of our home
state of Oklahoma and into the silent Arkansas night.
Day 1, Siloam Springs Ar, to Holly Springs Ms. Via Memphis
Our first nights stay was in Siloam Springs, Ark. At the excellent Hampton Inn & Suites. Despite the excitement of the night before,
we both woke ready to hit the road. Day one was scheduled to be a lower millage day, with a stop in Memphis for lunch as its
highlight. Following Rt. 71 out of Siloam Springs, we weaved our way past lush farmland and lakes, enjoying plenty of tight twists
turns. Exiting on the much larger I40 we swept past panoramic valley views, one rolling foothill after another (Ozarks?)
Seeking fuel, we exited into the tiny railroad town of Chester, Ark. A true General Store, The Chester Mercantile, had everything
from hot pizza and ammo to livestock feed and hardware for sale. As we gassed up, we admired the only other buildings in town,
the bed & breakfast and the antique store, both built of the same local stone as the mercantile, and the one room post office. What
this town lacked in population, it made up for in personality. After making friends with the many canine residents, we were off to
make some miles before lunch.
Our first nights stay was in Siloam Springs, Ark. At the excellent Hampton Inn & Suites. Despite the excitement of the night before,
we both woke ready to hit the road. Day one was scheduled to be a lower millage day, with a stop in Memphis for lunch as its
highlight. Following Rt. 71 out of Siloam Springs, we weaved our way past lush farmland and lakes, enjoying plenty of tight twists
turns. Exiting on the much larger I40 we swept past panoramic valley views, one rolling foothill after another (Ozarks?)
Seeking fuel, we exited into the tiny railroad town of Chester, Ark. A true General Store, The Chester Mercantile, had everything
from hot pizza and ammo to livestock feed and hardware for sale. As we gassed up, we admired the only other buildings in town,
the bed & breakfast and the antique store, both built of the same local stone as the mercantile, and the one room post office. What
this town lacked in population, it made up for in personality. After making friends with the many canine residents, we were off to
make some miles before lunch.
343 miles later, we crossed the mighty Mississippi and exited into the city of Memphis. If you don't go to Memphis for the music,
you go there for the food. Originally planning to visit the world famous Interstate Bar B Que, we opted for an available parking place
on Beale Street and did the tourist wander. Beale is closed to traffic for several blocks, but parking was available and the foot traffic
surprisingly light. The sounds of Soul pouring from every doorway as we walked the short length of Beale Street's music district,
admiring the intriguing storefronts and innumerable restaurants and bars. Finally settling on Silky O'Sullivan's, we pulled up a chair
to enjoy the outstanding vocal talent of Barbara Blue. A lunch of freshwater oysters, fried Catfish and fabulous, dry-rub Memphis
style Pork ribs, made for a perfect afternoon. There is a photo opportunity at every turn and a panhandler at every corner.
We left feeling like we had just enough Memphis and we were ready to move on. A quick spin past Graceland ( too late to get in),
and we were headed to our next booked room and hopefully a good nights sleep.
Hoping to avoid the shear lack of affordable and safe lodging in Memphis, as well as hoping to get in just a few more miles, we
reserved a room at the Days Inn in Holly Springs, Mississippi another 50 miles past Memphis, we could not help but groan as we pulled up to the dilapidated
motel. Entering the sour smelling lobby, we knew we could not stay there. Being told there was no refunds, we tried to make it work, but the filthy room and
trash filled hallways sealed the deal. The desk attendant waved a piece of her chicken dinner at Shoe and said “ you Ayn’t gotta stay in the room, but you do
gotta pay for it.” We moved next door to the bright and immaculate Le Brooks Inn and went about calling customer service and our credit card company.
Read the fine print on your online reservations and look into your credit cards consumer protection policies before your trip.
you go there for the food. Originally planning to visit the world famous Interstate Bar B Que, we opted for an available parking place
on Beale Street and did the tourist wander. Beale is closed to traffic for several blocks, but parking was available and the foot traffic
surprisingly light. The sounds of Soul pouring from every doorway as we walked the short length of Beale Street's music district,
admiring the intriguing storefronts and innumerable restaurants and bars. Finally settling on Silky O'Sullivan's, we pulled up a chair
to enjoy the outstanding vocal talent of Barbara Blue. A lunch of freshwater oysters, fried Catfish and fabulous, dry-rub Memphis
style Pork ribs, made for a perfect afternoon. There is a photo opportunity at every turn and a panhandler at every corner.
We left feeling like we had just enough Memphis and we were ready to move on. A quick spin past Graceland ( too late to get in),
and we were headed to our next booked room and hopefully a good nights sleep.
Hoping to avoid the shear lack of affordable and safe lodging in Memphis, as well as hoping to get in just a few more miles, we
reserved a room at the Days Inn in Holly Springs, Mississippi another 50 miles past Memphis, we could not help but groan as we pulled up to the dilapidated
motel. Entering the sour smelling lobby, we knew we could not stay there. Being told there was no refunds, we tried to make it work, but the filthy room and
trash filled hallways sealed the deal. The desk attendant waved a piece of her chicken dinner at Shoe and said “ you Ayn’t gotta stay in the room, but you do
gotta pay for it.” We moved next door to the bright and immaculate Le Brooks Inn and went about calling customer service and our credit card company.
Read the fine print on your online reservations and look into your credit cards consumer protection policies before your trip.
My luggage
Day 2, Holly Springs Ms to Marianna Fl.
Day two was a day to make better time. With 421 miles to cover, we opted for US78 & 65 for about 300 miles. The miles flew by as we
passed through Mobile and Birmingham. While changing lanes on a busy section of the highway, Romeo completely shuts off. I grab the clutch
and wave to traffic as I dive for the shoulder. I reach for the side cover to replace the popped fuse and find my cover handing from a bit of duct tape.
Sometime along the way, the cover had broken at two spots and was about to fall off. I like to think that Romeo knew he was about to lose his cover and
found a way to tell me. The fuse had popped from a bracket coming loose that held the saddlebags. I retrieved the original spare fuse from the side-cover
that had nearly fallen off and blown away, and install it.
Finishing up our roadside repair, a smiley fellow pulled up on his flstf and asked if all was OK. The next thing you notice after the smile is the fact that he
only has one hand. It turns out that he is a minister and he spent a moment with us discussing the trials of marriage and the role of faith in making your
union work. Clutching with the only finger on his left hand, he waves and rides away shouting "Let Jesus be the Glue!" There are truly good people
everywhere you go in this great country.
Using the excuse that we do not have a Whattaburger where we live, we made one of our only fast food purchases on the trip. Greasy lipped and happy,
we rode on into the Alabama delta, looking forward to sinking our toes into Florida sand before nightfall. We opted the last 150 or so miles onto us231 and
got some gorgeous views of Alabama, US231 is worth the ride just for a slice of roadside Americana ala Rt. 66 and leading into the town of Marianna,
meeting up with I10, which will lead us expressway style to South Beach Miami.
Day two was a day to make better time. With 421 miles to cover, we opted for US78 & 65 for about 300 miles. The miles flew by as we
passed through Mobile and Birmingham. While changing lanes on a busy section of the highway, Romeo completely shuts off. I grab the clutch
and wave to traffic as I dive for the shoulder. I reach for the side cover to replace the popped fuse and find my cover handing from a bit of duct tape.
Sometime along the way, the cover had broken at two spots and was about to fall off. I like to think that Romeo knew he was about to lose his cover and
found a way to tell me. The fuse had popped from a bracket coming loose that held the saddlebags. I retrieved the original spare fuse from the side-cover
that had nearly fallen off and blown away, and install it.
Finishing up our roadside repair, a smiley fellow pulled up on his flstf and asked if all was OK. The next thing you notice after the smile is the fact that he
only has one hand. It turns out that he is a minister and he spent a moment with us discussing the trials of marriage and the role of faith in making your
union work. Clutching with the only finger on his left hand, he waves and rides away shouting "Let Jesus be the Glue!" There are truly good people
everywhere you go in this great country.
Using the excuse that we do not have a Whattaburger where we live, we made one of our only fast food purchases on the trip. Greasy lipped and happy,
we rode on into the Alabama delta, looking forward to sinking our toes into Florida sand before nightfall. We opted the last 150 or so miles onto us231 and
got some gorgeous views of Alabama, US231 is worth the ride just for a slice of roadside Americana ala Rt. 66 and leading into the town of Marianna,
meeting up with I10, which will lead us expressway style to South Beach Miami.
Day 3 Marianna, Fl. To South Beach, Miami.
This was planned as our mileage day. We have 550 miles to reach South Miami Beach. This seems to be a popular run as we saw many of the same cars on this speedway,
er, um,, I mean interstate. Seriously, people haul the mail on this run, so we figured it'd be safer to maintain the motorcycle standard of 5-10 mph over the flow of traffic. We
pinned ol' Romeo's ears back and boogied. Across I10 and onto I75 and then to the Florida Turnpike, each leg going faster and faster. By the time we got onto the turnpike,
most cars were running in the 80's. It was a great study in fuel mileage. At 97mph, we cover 85 miles for 3.7 gallons of fuel At 68mph, we cover 135 miles for the same amount
of fuel. This day we chose to make it to the beach, which meant, hit the gas pump, scan your card, and go. We also learned that if you scan your credit card at the pump, it
gets authorized for $75, maxing your card after a few fill-ups. We started having the clerk hold the card until they had the proper amount to bill us.
The only unfortunate thing about this leg of the trip was the roar of the four, the warm sun and smooth roads could lull you to sleep in the afternoon. We took turns making
chit-chat and fiddling with the music. This trip would not have been nearly as comfortable or enjoyable without our Motocom ST100 intercom system.
Arriving at The Whitelaw Hotel on Collins Ave. in South Beach just in time for happy hour, we took in the funky, authentic Art - Deco era hotel. 8:00 sent us out to visit the
areas night life. Not being into loud clubs, we went people watching along the row of era hotels and beautiful moonlit beach. We found our way to a rocking' fun spot called The
Big Pink, expecting a burger and fries, but got a gourmet menu and a great waiter. We knew that finding a reasonable meal on South Beach would be a challenge, but this
place offered outstanding food, large portions and family pricing. Our waiter gave us a tip on a parking garage and we locked up Romeo for the night. Excited and satisfied
with the promise of adventure found and whats still to come we slowly walk along the beach to our hotel.
This was planned as our mileage day. We have 550 miles to reach South Miami Beach. This seems to be a popular run as we saw many of the same cars on this speedway,
er, um,, I mean interstate. Seriously, people haul the mail on this run, so we figured it'd be safer to maintain the motorcycle standard of 5-10 mph over the flow of traffic. We
pinned ol' Romeo's ears back and boogied. Across I10 and onto I75 and then to the Florida Turnpike, each leg going faster and faster. By the time we got onto the turnpike,
most cars were running in the 80's. It was a great study in fuel mileage. At 97mph, we cover 85 miles for 3.7 gallons of fuel At 68mph, we cover 135 miles for the same amount
of fuel. This day we chose to make it to the beach, which meant, hit the gas pump, scan your card, and go. We also learned that if you scan your credit card at the pump, it
gets authorized for $75, maxing your card after a few fill-ups. We started having the clerk hold the card until they had the proper amount to bill us.
The only unfortunate thing about this leg of the trip was the roar of the four, the warm sun and smooth roads could lull you to sleep in the afternoon. We took turns making
chit-chat and fiddling with the music. This trip would not have been nearly as comfortable or enjoyable without our Motocom ST100 intercom system.
Arriving at The Whitelaw Hotel on Collins Ave. in South Beach just in time for happy hour, we took in the funky, authentic Art - Deco era hotel. 8:00 sent us out to visit the
areas night life. Not being into loud clubs, we went people watching along the row of era hotels and beautiful moonlit beach. We found our way to a rocking' fun spot called The
Big Pink, expecting a burger and fries, but got a gourmet menu and a great waiter. We knew that finding a reasonable meal on South Beach would be a challenge, but this
place offered outstanding food, large portions and family pricing. Our waiter gave us a tip on a parking garage and we locked up Romeo for the night. Excited and satisfied
with the promise of adventure found and whats still to come we slowly walk along the beach to our hotel.
| After cutting the gel pads out of the palms of the AGV air flow gloves they were much more comfy. Before it felt like a handful of Leggo's. |
