Yeah, I hate washboard too, of course, but as I recall there was only a short section of it on this road.

I appreciated that.

The “P word” censored a bit, just for you!

I don’t care for football, but I love a gay football fan!

I did some googling, and some people believe that it's the light from a nearby barn. If true, that's a boring solution to the mystery.

Whoever typed this up probably thinks they’ve explained why the tombstone glows but I think I need more information.

I love a house on stilts lmao they look so silly and cute

Hi Jeff,

Yes, I'm ready and willing, but not quite able to pull the trigger on such a tour with no destination, duration nor plan. At least not to the level of your destinationlessness, durationlessness, and planlessness. (All three of those words just got squiggly red lines under them, which means I must have invented them.)

I've kind of inherited some healthcare responsibilities for my 87-year-old dad who lives in Iowa. That includes trips down there once or twice a month to take him to oncology and cardiac appointments, so the duration part of any tour I do this year will definitely be limited. I WILL work in a tour sometime, though. I have no destination in mind yet, and when I get one, it will be pretty vague. And, as always, there will be minimal planning. I do see a possible two-week window of opportunity soon after my dad's June 7th visit to the heart surgeon who performed his aortic valve replacement last month.

If that appointment goes well, I'm thinking I'll do yet ANOTHER tour in Iowa (and perhaps another bordering state), which should bring me back to my dad's house in time for his next doctor's visit. As you can see, it's already a very fleeting plan.

Anyway, thank you for asking. Also, thank you for the heads-up about your upcoming tour. I'll be reading. From what I've heard about Arkansas, it can be very challenging. From what I've seen from your journals, you are always prepared for a bicycling challenge.

Hey Greg,

Are you ready to pull the trigger yet?

I'm going to do another random bike tour in early June, I think. This time, though, I actually bought a couple of Adventure Cycling paper maps, for their Arkansas High Country route. My idea is to ride from home here in Kentucky and connect with that route for a while.

So I guess this tour will be semi-random - if I actually end up using any of their route.

Jeff

Ha!

Actually the gravel wasn't that bad, with my big tires, anyway.

Jeff,
Thanks for the heads-up on your added recap sections.
I plan every destination/every turn before I head out. You plan nothing. That impresses me no end! That, along with your daily mileage, your report writing skills, your photography, your unique way of seeing things, . . .
Looking forward to next year's report(s).
Jeff

Hi Bob,

Thanks for following along on my little trip. I'm glad you enjoyed my humble efforts at documenting it. It's cold here now (cold by Kentucky standards, anyway), and I'm daydreaming about another tour in 2023 when it warms up.

Jeff

Hey Jeff!

I'm sorry I'm just now replying to your comment. I revisited my journal the last couple of days to add a recap section, and relive some of the memories of what ended up being a fun trip.

Thanks for reading!
Jeff

Hey Kelly,

Yes, I much prefer to tour in the most non-touristy places I can find: Much less traffic (a big consideration of mine), cheaper lodging, cheaper food (with some exceptions), but primarily it's because I just think it's more interesting.

Part of it is that I enjoy interacting with local people for whom I'm something of a novelty, and who aren't jaded by the constant presence of tourists. It helps that I'm curious by nature, and seem to always find interesting people or sights in the most stereotypically dull places. Of course, I've been told more than once that I have a very low bar for what is "interesting." ;)

I've always enjoyed reading your journals, but I also think that doing all the pre-planning would be a bummer for me.

I think I'll do another tour next year, and see how my spontaneous approach works. If I get into trouble on the tour, or even if it's just not fun, or is stressful, I'll be sure to document that as faithfully as I can.

Jeff

There are advantages in touring in out of the way locales. It seems we tend to go through tourist areas where we need to have reservations far in advance. This past summer, Oren didn't decide to join us until early March. Even with three months advance notice, there were a couple of places lodging was already full and we had to double up.

We allow $150. a night average. Anything in our area under $100. is downright suspicious and falls into your 'see it before I book it category'.

I"d love to have your spontaneity, I'm Type A all the way!