July 1, 2006 - Reporting from Elk City, OK

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An uneventful ride today... all 925mi of it from Phoenix to the thriving metropolis of Elk City, OK (well, they do have a McDonalds).  Went thru 4 states today with nary a drop of rain so the streak continues.  Wasn't as hot as I expected it to be, crosswinds were milder than usual and traffic was light for a holiday weekend; road construction was heavy and slowed me down considerably.  I basically rode I-40 East all day today.  No offense to those who consider places along this road home, but it's just too boring for me.  The scenery is really just a random cow here and there and a bunch of gators (tire pieces) all over the road.  I'm just not a superslab rider especially when the scenery is dreadfully boring.  So I was thinking about this whole slab thing as I approached Albuquerque, NM when stretched out across an overpass was, and I swear I'm not making this up, a huge banner that read "Celebrate the Interstate 1906-2006".  What a difference in perspective for motorcycle riders and point A to point B travelers. I could only get a pic at the NM state line as the TX and OK signs were not accessible for a pic: Strom did well, as usual. This bike is very, very dependable which is confidence producing when you're in the middle of nowhere alone.  I'm finding it more difficult than usual to answer the most common question from strangers - "where ya headed?" since I'm headed in just about every direction.  I stumbled for an answer and finally said "Vermont" to a particular group of guys at a gas station who then seemed quite shocked with my answer.  I asked them where they were from (which was answered the SFran Bay Area) and then I replied "I was there a few days ago."  I'm fairly certain when I pulled away from the gas station they thought I was kidding.  I passed them again a few hours later and they nearly ran off the road honking and waving.  Does your Strom have that effect on people? Tomorrow I'll go get at least 1 stamp (Washita Battlefield NM in OK) and then head for TN.  The closer I get to TN the more apparent there is a Gold Wing pilgrimage happening.  They're all headed for Nashville as well for "Wing Ding."  One couple staying at my hotel advised me they "hoped to make it by Sun night since it's a very long way."  I didn't tell them I'd be there tomorrow night. One last thing.... if I'm scheduled to ride with you and you don't have my cell phone # please let me know.  I have this feeling my inbox/outbox needs a sync. Copyright © 2006-2008, All Rights Reserved.