Reise - For Adventure on the Trans America Trail

Reise: the German word for Journey. I thought it was only fitting that this word be used as a heading for our trip on the Trans America Trail. From my planning thread here, my friend and I have been preparing two DR650's for a journey across the United States on Sam's famous TAT.

The trip begins as we leave for Jellico, TN and the trail head. From there we traverse the trail making a side stop for a day along the White Rim Trail in Utah.

Maps of our journey from Tavis' RR.



Bikes
DR650's - Mine
DRZ400 - Tavis'

RR Index. Note that some of our stops were made out of necessity and not Sam's recommended destinations.

Day 1-2
Charleston, IL to Jellico, TN
Stayed at Indian Mountain State Park
Jellico, TN to Rock Island, TN
Stayed at Rock Island State Park

Day 2
Day 2-4
Rock Island, TN to Lawrenceburg, TN
Stayed at David Crockett State Park
Lawrenceburg, TN to Pocahontas, TN
Stayed at Big Hill Pond State Park

Day 5
Pocahontas, TN to West Helena, AR
Stayed at Motel 6

Day 6-7
West Helena, AR to Beebe, AR
Stayed at Economy Inn

Day 7-8 [Ozarks]
Beebe, AR to Shores Township, AR
Stayed at Shores Lake Campground

Day 8-9
Shores Township, AR to Hulah, OK
Stayed at Wah-Sha-She State Park
Hulah, OK to Alva, OK
Stayed at Alva Motel

Day 10-11 [Oil Changed at Valcom Motorsports]
Alva, OK to Elkhart, KS
Stayed at Cimarron River Campground
Elkhart, KS to Trinidad, CO
Stayed at Trinidad Motor Inn

Day 12-13 [Truck Wreck]
Trinidad, CO to Salida, CO
Stayed at Budget Lodge

Day 14
Salida, CO to Lake City, CO
Stayed at National Forest Campground, County Road 3a off of County Road 30

Day 15
Lake City, CO to Monticello, UT
Stayed at Monticello Inn

Day 16 [Tires Changed at Arrowhead Motorsports]
Monticello, UT to Moab, UT
Stayed at Rustic Inn

Day 17 [White Rim Trail]
Outside Moab, UT
Stayed at Rustic Inn

Day 18-19
Moab, UT to Salina, UT
Stayed at Motel in Salina
Salina, UT to Baker, NV
Stayed at Shoshone Campground

Day 20-21
Baker, NV to Eureka, NV
Stayed at RV Park off of Hwy 50 South of Eureka
Eureka, NV to Battle Mountain, NV
Stayed at Big Chief Inn [Nicest and cheapest place all trip + breakfast!]

Day 21-23
Eureka, NV to McDermitt, NV
Stayed at Diamond A Motel
McDermitt, NV to Alturas, CA
Stayed at Cave Lake Campground [Eat at Jerry's in Lakeview, CA. Order the Hungry Traveler!]

Day 24-25
Alturas, CA to Crescent, OR
Stayed at Crescent RV Park
Crescent, OR to Canyonville, OR
Stayed at Leisure Inn

Day 26
Canyonville, OR to Port Orford, OR
Stayed at Battle Rock Motel

23 days of riding not including the trip to Jellico, the extra day in Salida for recovery, or the day on the White Rim Trail. My personal website mimicks this RR here.

Cheers!

Ride Safe! You have the right bike!!

All packed up and ready to go.
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On the 410 miles down to Jellico.
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Camping at Indian Mountain State Park.
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The "trailhead" at the Motel in Jellico. There we met up with 4 other ADVriders; Mototwin, TavisB, and Paul.

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Just before 8:00am, the 6 of us started out. Four DR650's, a DRZ400, and a WR250. What a blast!
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The hills of Tennessee. This morning was a great ride up and down the mountains and through the valleys.<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4953.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4953" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4953.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

On the steep gravel road before this bridge the first drop occurred. Paul took a turn a bit to fast and went down on his left side. The bike was fine and he was alright at that time. At the next stop his hip looked like he was smuggling a grapefruit. At the end of the day Paul decided to leave to see his Uncle in Nashville who was a doctor. Best of luck Paul.<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4954.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4954" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4954.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

The next spill happening here while Ryan on the yellow 650 slipped his front tire on the gravel over the bridge. No damage or injury.<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4955.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4955" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4955.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a><a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4956.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4956" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4956.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a><a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4957.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4957" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4957.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

The famous Tennessee waterhole. The locals drove there vehicles right into the river to swim. All of us contemplated driving into the water at that point.<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4959.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4959" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4959.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a><a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4960.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_4960" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_4960.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
Stopping for a shady break at a steep, shear drop-off.
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The dust was real bad today. All the bikes were filthy.
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At our chosen stop for the night, Rock Island State Park, we came across a closed entrance that we contemplated breaking into.
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We decided to go around instead.
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Finally at our campsite. It was a very nice night.
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The next morning was nice and cool, heading out around 7:00am.
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At our first break stop at a marked "gas" on the charts. Looks like its been closed a while...
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At our lunch stop in Bell Buckle TN. This was a very nice place to stop. We stopped in at the local coffee shop to do some posting and got ice cream at the ice cream parlor.
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Then I got a broken weld fixed at a local repair shop.

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As we got back on the trail we came across a creek crossing without water. Shortly after we stopped, Redneck Kenobi and his apprentice Jim-Bob Skywalker stopped by to talk with us. We didn't stay long as the temperature was around 104 degrees in the sun.

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The rest of the day brought us many of these signs. Oh joy!
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And then we past this nice little track and really wished we had some lighter bikes and more time.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5005.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_5005" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5005.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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Finally we arrived at David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, TN. Another very nice State Park.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5008.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_5008" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5008.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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The next morning we were up with the sun and ready to go.
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A few miles in and we cross through our first creek crossing with water.
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By mid morning we approached the second crossing. This one was slippery and didn't end so well for Travis.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5020.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_5020" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5020.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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No injuries or damage, the spill was "refreshing."
The next water crossing we took a bit more cautiously.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5026.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-163" title="IMG_5026" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5026.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-009.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-009.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 009" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-327" /></a>

We then came upon the Tennessee River and got to see some houses being built on stilts at the 100 year flood line...and then laid down to rest.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-012.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-012.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 012" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-327" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-013.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-013.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 013" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-327" /></a>

And shortly after lunch, we came across this house being built in the hills.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-014.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-014.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 014" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-327" /></a>

The trail ended for us at Big Hill Pond State Park on the TN/MS border. We soon found out that they had no grass in the camping areas, but as it was vacant except for us, we pitch our tents on the grass in front of the shower house.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-019.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-019.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 019" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-327" /></a>
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The lake was very beautiful.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-026.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-026.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 026" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-327" /></a>
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A nice end to Tennessee.

The one day journey through MS started this morning. Today was filled with wildlife, dead and alive. The armadillo roadkill count is up to three. And this morning started off with a young Puma leaping across the road in front of my bike. Quite startling I assure you. After that we were confronted by many of these signs. But that didn't stop us.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5032.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5032.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_5032" width="800" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-266" /></a>
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And then more water crossings.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5035.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5035.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_5035" width="800" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-266" /></a>
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A stop to lower my tire pressure for the many gravel and dirt roads in MS.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-039.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-039.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 039" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-361" /></a>
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And then a little fun in a convenient mist system, or as Mike says, a "Motorcycle Carwash."

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-040.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-040.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 040" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-361" /></a>
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5037.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5037.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_5037" width="800" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-266" /></a>

Followed by more fun.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5039.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5039.jpg" alt="" title="IMG_5039" width="800" height="600" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-266" /></a>

This one has just recently been taken down but there is away around it.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-053.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-053.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 053" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-361" /></a>
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By late afternoon, MS started to flatten out as we approached the Mississippi River and our destination stop.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-064.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-064.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 064" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-361" /></a>
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-066.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-day-3-5-066.jpg" alt="" title="Chris day 3-5 066" width="800" height="534" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-361" /></a>

Since the Isle of Capri Hotel was $99/room, we continued on to the Motel 6 in West Helena, just off the trail. Tomorrow begins Arkansas.

Looks Like fun. You guys are lucky!

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Be careful and have fun.

In lookin good

just the type of ride i wanna do on my dr650

We were up bright and early at 6 for coffee in the lounge. In spite of that, we got out on in the trail just after 8:30.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5047.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5047" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5047.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-001.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 001" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-001.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

Then it was off on the trail, with a break around 11.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-004.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 004" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-004.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-005.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 005" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-005.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5053.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5053" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5053.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
Shortly after we got back to riding, this happens.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5054.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5054" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5054.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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Tavis had ran over a big staple yesterday evening and had patched his tube at the motel. Apparently the tire had slowly been leaking. We took out the tube and couldn't find any leaks so we put it all back together while this little lizard came running through the grass next to us. And the armadillo roadkill count is up to 4.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5056.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5056" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5056.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5058.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5058" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5058.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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After we put it back together and started off again it wasn't long before we were stopping again for a different fix...

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5062.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5062" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5062.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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From there we were able to make it to Beebe, AR and Arkansas Wings Cycle Center. After a very long time with the tire, they seemed to think it was glass shards in the tube making it go flat. Anyway, great service and some really great guys. Also, if you get a chance, have some BBQ at Hog Heaven down the road.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5066.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5066" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5066.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-006.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 006" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-006.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
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After Tavis' bike was back together we started to get going again as a singular storm settled over the city of Beebe. As we left the city limits we got to see this.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-008.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 008" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-008.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-009.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 009" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-009.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

9 miles later we figured it was too late to get to Sam's destination so we turned around.
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-012.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 012" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-012.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-015.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6 015" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-015.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

Arkansas will continue in the morning.

Looking good guys! I'll be leaving on the 21st following your tracks.

John

The next morning saw some paved roads that eventually gave way to gravel and dirt as we got into the Ozark National Forest.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-002.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 002" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-002.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-003.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-537" title="Chris Day 6-7 003" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-003.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="534" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-004.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 004" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-004.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
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We continued to ride on through the beautiful countryside and stopped at Rita's for a homestyle buffet lunch. Rain followed but didn't last long.

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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-031.jpg"><img src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-031.jpg" alt="" title="Chris Day 6-7 031" width="800" height="533" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-564" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-032.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 032" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-032.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-033.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 033" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-033.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-034.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 034" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-034.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-035.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 035" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-035.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
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<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-052.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 052" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-052.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
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As the day waned, the rough terrain was taking its toll. Sure enough as I was leading on a very rocky switchback, the unfortunate happened.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-053.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 053" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-052.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-054.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 054" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-054.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-055.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 055" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-055.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

Going about 5 mph around the turn had some devastating effects in the rocky road. My rear tire had slid out and I went down on my right side. The crash broke my right side highway peg, dented in my skid plate, and broke my "apparently poorly welded but has survived an interstate crash at 45 mph" rack in 5 places. It broke a factory subframe mount and sheared a bolt leaving only one bolt to hold the whole thing together.

Luckily as we approached the infamous Warloop Road after limping down the mountain we came across a farmer stick welding a cattle coral. We stopped and he agree to let us take the 4 hours it took to fix the damage. He was a very friendly man who stubbornly refused payment. Thank you Dad and my high school welding class for teaching me how to stick. Don't let the pictures fool you though, Mike did most of the welding, since he was a steel worker in his past life.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-057.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 057" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-057.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-059.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 059" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-059.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-061.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 061" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-061.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-062.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 062" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-062.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-064.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 064" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-064.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-069.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 069" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-069.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-071.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 071" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-071.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

Once we finished, he told us where we could camp for the night at Shore's Lake Campground in the National Forest. The next morning started with Warloop Road after initiating the next generation ADVenture rider.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5118.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5118" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5118.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
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Then it was lunch at a pizza buffet as we added some new stickers and discovered Chris' true nature...

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-077.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 077" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-077.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-078.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 078" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-078.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-079.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 079" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-079.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5122.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5122" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5122.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

We continued on into Oklahoma after the big river crossing.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5123.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5123" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5123.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5125.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5125" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5125.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5130.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5130" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5130.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5133.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5133" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5133.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5137.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5137" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5137.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5138.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5138" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5138.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-099.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 099" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-099.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-100.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 100" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-100.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5140.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5140" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5140.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5145.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5145" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5145.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

We are currently two days into Oklahoma at a motel in Alva. I will post the rest of the photos at the next wifi stop.

Looking good guys! Looks like somebody came into this corner too hot and slid across it . I see skid marks in the gravel Be safe and have fun.

John

Nice photos. Hard to believe it's been over 10 years since I bought my first maps from Sam for my solo trip in the Arkansas and Colorado sections. How much the trail has changed since then is amazing. Thanks for sharing

Great photos and narratives. Planning to hit the TAT sometime in August. What's the average speed you normally take on these gravel roads? What's the lowered psi for your tires when on gravel? Thanks...good luck and ride safe.

It's bringing back memories from last year.

Yea, that would be my friend Chris that came in a little hot, no accidents though. Mike, the guy in the picture, asked the same thing when he stopped.

It depends on the road. For loose gravel, maybe 40mph, straight and packed up to 60 mph. These twisties seem more like racing to me, brake into the turn and accelerate out. Everyone here has there own style and will ride accordingly though. We are running our PSI around 20 for both tires.

Oklahoma started out very nice since it had just rained, until we realized the roads were just getting flatter, and aside from the first day, it has been almost 110 degrees the last two days which is like riding in front of a giant blow dryer. It's actually cooler to have the face shield down...

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-104.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 104" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-104.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

So we stopped for a little break and got bored quick.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-106.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 106" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-106.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-107.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 107" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-107.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-108.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 108" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-108.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-109.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 109" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-109.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="800" /></a>

I was thinking it was going to be a whole lot of this...
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5147.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5147" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5147.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

Farms and barns...
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5146.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5146" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5146.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

But then one of them had these.
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5148.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5148" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5148.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5149.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5149" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5149.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

And soon we were making great time through the gravel roads of OK, making up lost time. A nice cool morning ride followed by a cooler clouded afternoon as the rain clouds moved in.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5152.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5152" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5152.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-114.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 114" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-114.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5154.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5154" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5154.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5153.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5153" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5153.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-123.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 123" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-123.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-128.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 128" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-128.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-132.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 132" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-132.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

The day ended late as we got back on track with our nightly stops. Mike, Ryan and Tavis went to the motel that Sam had marked out, while Chris and I continued on to Wah-Sha-She state park in Hulah, OK. And what an amazing place that was. We camped right on the lake watching the sun set and a lightning storm roll in.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5156.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5156" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5156.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-133.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 133" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-133.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-134.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 134" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-134.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-136.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 136" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-136.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-137.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 137" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-137.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-140.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 140" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-140.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-142.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 142" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-142.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-143.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 143" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-143.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-148.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 148" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-148.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-149.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 149" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-149.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

The next day through the big OK wasn't as exciting and didn't end well for all. Mike, Ryan and Tavis got off to a late start, while Chris and I were out with the sun.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-152.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 152" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-152.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

And then we ran into this.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5167.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5167" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5167.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

We probably should have heeded this...

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5168.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5168" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5168.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

So we went around.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5169.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5169" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5169.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

And came to this. Later we learned that Oklahoma has had a lot of unseasonal rain for July...

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5170.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5170" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5170.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>

We got an email from a group that is pacing us by a week that hit this part of the trail after 5 inches of rain overnight. One guy, I am told, burned out his clutch trying to get through the wet clay. I suppose we were fortunate. We saw their tracks later on.

<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5178.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-391" title="IMG_5178" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_5178.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-157.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 157" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-157.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>
<a href="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-163.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-408" title="Chris Day 6-7 163" src="http://seekingzero.com/reise/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Chris-Day-6-7-163.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="533" /></a>

Now for the sad part. As we left Tennessee, there were six riders. We are now down to three. After losing Paul on the first day, Mike and Ryan were in an accident yesterday. Since Chris and I left with the sun, we got into Alva, Oklahoma around 3:00pm after booking it through the miles of straight gravel roads. Mike, Ryan and Tavis were still 95 miles behind us. After getting within 5 miles of Alva, Mike hit a rutted area of road that he could slow down for. He made it through then stopped to signal the others to slow down. Ryan was already navigating the rough ground in Mike's dust, and came out right behind him. Ryan crashed into the back of Mike's bike and broke his arm in a weak area in the fall. Ryan's front rim was bent with a flattened tire, and Mike's rear end was slightly tweaked. Medics took Ryan to the medical center in Alva and patched him up until he can get back to IL.

We are sorry for the loss of two more great riders from our group. These are the risks we take when we ride though. Mike and Ryan plan to finish the second half in time. Good luck to you both.

Now that sucks! Hope they heal fast. Thanks for the report on Wah Sha She. I plan to stay there myself.

John