8/16/22

I have 320 miles to go from Gibsland, LA to Memphis. I have a Bunk-a-Biker setup with Memphis Mike, a Youtuber with a motorcycle channel.

https://goo.gl/maps/A3jGS6WaahTVBJJq9

No other stops planned except for fuel. The mugginess in the air is thick as I make my way through Louisiana and into Arkansas. Arkansas is a new state for me. Didn't really get a good since of it. It felt like an extension of Louisiana. 118 miles across Arkansas and I cross the Mississippi River through Greenville and I enter the state of Mississippi, another new state. So this officially gives me a claim to have ridden through all lower 48 states. Though I will have to come back through Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas on my W650 since that's the bike that I have rode through the other 45 states.

Three more hours and 160 miles later, I arrive at Memphis Mike's house. He has a spacious house with a separate apartment and a well equip garage for indoor bike parking. As a gracious host, he even grilled a steak for me. Mike's main ride is a late 2000 Goldwing though he also has a speedy VFR too. We chat into the night about my trip, his Youtube channel and video editing.

The next morning is a drizzly. We chat for a while and I finally load up the bike. It's never fun to start the day in the rain but I'm on a mission to keep moving. Next stop is Bowling Green, Kentucky to see my friend Carrie and Hank and their kids. I haven't seen them since my last cross country trip in 2017. I wave bye to Mike and leave in the rain.

Check out Mike's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MemphisMike901/featured