December 7, 2004; Longview, Texas

The Weather Channel forecasted "predominately sunny" skies for the day. A welcome change from the two days and nights previous. The folks at the Travelers Inn were nice enough to allow me shelter for the bike.

I met Roger about 9:45 for my very own guided bike tour of Hot Springs, Arkansas. He lead me up Hot Springs Mountain. Well, they call it a mountain. I would call it a hill... and I'm from Iowa. Seems to me that the settlers embellished their geographical resume. Whatever you call it, it was beautiful. The road up was old cement and twisted and turned like a dizzy snake. The road down was black top plastered with wet leaves. Not fun. But as Dad often said "you'll never learn any younger." I learned that first gear was my friend.

After a short jaunt back through town, we climbed up West Mountain, not as big as Hot Springs Mountain, but I liked the view a bit better. From here the scene was Hot Springs nusseled up against Hot Springs and West Mountains. We deceneded from West Mountain and hit the highway out of town. Roger accompanied me for several miles, until he had to return to work.

I enjoyed riding with Roger. It was the first time I had ridden with anybody; it was really nice to share the experience. I am sure that before my trip is over I will ride with someone else for a day or more.

The day's travels took me west through surprisingly scenic parts of Oklahoma and Texas. I settled for the night in Longview, Texas. And already I have talked the town up too much.

Ten days till my birthday. Eventhough I will be 25, my insurance company assured me that I will not be recieving substantial cut rates. Bastards. Or maybe I was lied to about getting reduced rates upon reaching 25. Ahh, I hate it when I don't know who to be mad at.