One Week, One Bag, One Bike

Since our Sturgis trip was at the end of summer, we had months to plan the next leg of the adventure. Sean researched roads that had state signs on their shoulders and figured out the best way to get to as many states as possible in the shortest amount of time. The next May, we headed south.

Let me interject something. For everyone, friend and family who has told us “Oh you should have stopped by!” when they found out we’d been near them or even driven by their house – I apologize. Making it through 12 states in 9 days doesn’t leave much time to visit all the places and people we’d like to. We do have a list though, of where we want to return to as soon as this adventure is over.

Our first stop was Kansas City – I grew up near there, Sean had never been, so we stayed at the Plaza, had wonderful Barbecue and took the back roads out of town as we headed south.

Through Kansas

Oklahoma

And Arkansas – the ride through the hills was scenic and at 6 am very peaceful

After a brief stop in Texas

we headed to Louisiana and stayed near Lafayette.

New Orleans

Our sights were set on New Orleans, the first visit for both of use and we pulled into our hotel mid-morning. We were staying in the French Quarter, and had a long list of things we wanted to do in the two days that we would be there.

Such as cruising through the alligator infested waterways,

Playing with baby gators,

Touring the old houses and cemeteries the city is famous for. Who knew a cemetery tour could be so educational?

We also visited the World War II museum, made friends

and had some wonderful food, adult beverages and (oh my!!) coffee.

We fell in love with the place and are happy we experienced it for the first time together.

Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee

We finally had to leave and headed through Florida

and Alabama

 to Mississippi 

 and a visit to Elvis’ Birthplace.

Next was Tennessee

Walking with Elvis

We spent the night in Memphis and hadn't had plans to do anything, but as we road into town we stopped by the Sun Records studio for a tour. Sean got to sing with his idols.

We also stopped by my brother’s business competition – Gibson Guitars – and looked around (Paul, I still like yours better, but this mandolin was beautiful).

We spent the evening down on Beale street eating barbecue and listening to the Blues.

The next day was another visit to Elvis – Graceland this time. It had grown significantly since Sean had visited 20-odd years ago and, well, I’d never been there.

Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri

We started our trip back home through Kentucky,

We touched Illinois,

On our way back to Missouri.

We spent the night in my Mom’s hometown of Sikeston, Missouri. Dinner at Lambert’s brought back wonderful memories (I remember when it was the War Drum!)

and we managed to find my Grandparents’ house.

Our apologies to the people who live in the house for showing up at 7 am on a very loud Harley to take pictures. There were a couple motorcycles in the driveway, so we assumed they wouldn't be too bothered.

Nirvana

St. Louis was only a couple hours away, so we headed to the place Sean considers his Valhalla – the Anhueiser Busch brewery.

The tour there was great and the tasting room even better. With all my beer expertise, I was surprised to find out that they made and bottled so many other brands.

Just a side note, I make it a point to try local beers wherever I can. It adds to the richness of the culture and experience… and I just like local beers. Sean likes Budweiser. In a bottle. I was happy he finally found a local beer he could drink.

We stopped by the Arch on our way out of town.

We made it as far as Des Moines before we had to stop for the night. It only took us a few hours to get home from there and by the time we pulled in to the driveway, the trip already seemed like a lifetime ago.  It didn't take long before we were ready to get back on the bike and go again.