CHAPTER FOUR: NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

 

Today’s miles:  492.6   Total Miles: 880.5

 

On my last long ride that gave me an 8 day, 2,500 mile run following the coastline of Florida most of the hotels we stayed at did not provide the “free” breakfast because of the covid pandemic.  By the way, that ride was with one of my most favorite riding partners my cousin, Sherry.  So it is REALLY nice to have breakfast available again.  As of this writing, there is a new “surge” in covid infections but, as for now, the Choice Hotels are again providing a breakfast for their customers.

Hotel breakfasts are a great place for people watching.  During the weekdays a lot of the customers are workers that are working on area buildings, roads, and the like.  They are experts in the art of hotel breakfasts.  They make the best waffles.  They whip down the food line with grace & efficiency.  Some sit and have conversations with each other and some take their stash back to their room.  Then there are the travelers.  They are not as skilled at hotel breakfasts as the traveling labor force.  They kind of stand in the middle and gaze at the offerings trying to figure out where and how to start out.  They stare at the waffle maker like they are waiting for it to shout out the instructions.  Unlike the laborers, the travelers don’t seem to talk much.  They sit at the tables in their groups and eat in silence.  I wonder if maybe we have an easier time speaking with our workplace comrades than with our families.

I went back to my room and as I packed I scoped out the radar and weather reports and it appeared (if you can trust TV meteorologists) that I was facing a day of great weather for riding.  I am happy to tell you (spoiler alert) that the weather gal was absolutely correct and I had sunshine & blue skies for my entire ride.

I know that miserable weather or mechanical failures will make for a more exciting time for readers.  At the same time, great weather and fine running machines makes for a happy writer.  I did have the nice weather and the bike ran like a dream.

The first few hours of the day were in the higher elevation of the Smokies.  That made it a wee bit cooler than I have been used to as of late.  But I am thankful.  Let’s face it, I am riding north and so far….NO SNOW.  I am confident that the “NO SNOW” description will continue BUT I am going to Michigan so all bets are off.

I did come to the conclusion that it would be a lot quieter out on the interstate if all the Walmart, Amazon, and Fedex trucks were taken off the road.

Today was all interstate.  I took I-26 to I-40 to I-75 to I-64.  I-26 was a LOT of construction with I-40 coming in second place in the construction standings.  I-75 was great as was I-64.

Today was not without some personal struggles.  One of my gas stops was at Williamsburg, KY and they had…..it hurts to even say it…..a Cinnabon.  If there was a Cinnabon close to my house I would be grossly obese…….not just the moderately obese that I currently enjoy.  I went in and I did NOT partake in their masterpieces.  I hope that you all are very proud of me.

Through the winding roads of the Smokies I put myself behind a semi hauling a flatbed trailer.  I used him for miles as my guide and cruise control.  Not having to pay attention to the speedometer having him keep track of all the curves made the ride a lot less stressful……and a LOT more pleasurable.

I finished the day at the Comfort Suites in Louisville, KY.  Practically in their parking lot was a McDonald’s and a convenient store.  So I checked in, threw my stuff into the room, and headed out walking to both businesses.  I had a heart healthy meal of 4 Cheeseburgers (if you are familiar with McDonald’s cheeseburgers…….4=1½), a medium fry, and a 20 oz Coke & 20 oz water.  That wasn’t necessarily a Happy Meal but it served its purpose.

I was pooped so I showered, checked in with my wife, and headed to bed.

Friday I have Waterford, MI in my sights.  It shouldn’t be too bad of a ride.  I hope that you will join me in the hopes that I have another day of GREAT weather and  a GREAT operating bike.

That’s it for today.  Sweet Dreams to me.  I will talk to y’all again tomorrow.

If you enjoyed your read give this a Like and Share.  Also, feel free to drop me a line by email at donbova1966@yahoo.com, in messenger, on my Facebook timeline, or a comment on the blog.  Lastly, if you have missed previous chapters all you have to do is find them over to the right and catch yourself up.

veline, or a comment on the blog.