THE RUN

Tools: Check. I was pretty sure I had everything I would need. Since the bike was still going through break in, I would need an oil and filter change by the time I got to the Ironhorse Stables.

Extra parts: Check. Spare headlight bulb, assorted nuts, bolts, master links, wiring connectors, spark plugs. I still didn't feel good about that clutch hub, and since my wife Karen was following along in the car I put the old one in a box to carry along just in case. Another box held 8 quarts of oil, my oil drain pan and hose plus a couple of filters.

Legal papers: Check. Copies of everything; registration, title, engine MSO, THP inspector's contact info if any LEO wanted it, and insurance card. Oh, the insurance card... just barely squeaking by to get the bike insured in time for the trip since I never had any on it before. Jumped through hoops for the right to pay Progressive. Photos, receipts and appraisals, Oh My!

Cover for the bike in case it rained: Check. But I wouldn't be needing that now would I?

Our route was fairly simple, ride the ferry across the Mississippi from Hickman KY over to Dorina, MO and somehow get to Hwy62 and head to Eureka Springs. Yeah, I had read the posts in RMH about avoiding Harrison, but it looked like the quickest route and I didn't want to be running out of daylight in an unknown area. We hit the ATM for some travel cash to supplement the plastic and headed out with gray skies and blustery winds in the forecast.

We stopped to top off the tanks in Hickman, then found our way to the ferry landing. $8.00 for the car and $5.00 for the bike, save your receipt and the return trip is half price. The ride was slow but enjoyable, Karen had wanted to do this for a long time. She was a resident of Pensacola when I met her, I guess she misses large bodies of water.

Once on the Missouri side, I followed Karen since she had the map. The roads are not particularly well marked and soon she was, well if not lost then a might bewildered.