Day 8 - Sage to Marshall, Arkansas

This morning was the first time I had to pack a wet tent this trip. It did not rain last night, but there was a heavy, dense fog. I rode into Melbourne for breakfast, and ate at Scott Bailey's Country Cookin'.  Two large pancakes and an egg cooked over easy.  It was fantastic. I knew when I saw the indoor decorations that I went to the right place. Two old bicycles and an old tricycle that was missing a pedal were hanging from the ceiling. They brought back childhood memories. I had a tricycle similar to the one hanging from the ceiling, missing pedal and all.  We lived across the road from Piney Chapel Junior High School, and I rode that trike many miles around the school. Even after my legs got too long to pedal the tricycle, I continued to ride it by holding onto the handlebar, putting one foot on the tricycle's back platform, and pushing it with the other foot.  I know most of you more aged readers know exactly what I'm talking about. Simple fun at its best.

I'm now in the Ozarks and was hoping to see some Fall colors in the mountains. Unfortunately, the foliage has not yet changed. There is a tint of change in some of the trees, but nothing significant.  In others, the leaves are brown, like the tree is dead. Locals have told me I am a bit early to see Fall foliage because it has been so warm. Some have told me that last year the leaves went from green to brown because it was so dry. Temps have been in the 80s during the day almost every day of this trip. The nights have been very pleasant. 

Right after I took the pic above, I had a minor mishap. I was going about 6 mph up a hill without my cleats on my shoes attached to the pedals. The grade was starting to get a little steeper so I decided to clip into the pedals while continuing to pedal. My left shoe did not catch the pedal and it went forward and somehow hit the front wheel. That started a chain reaction that ended up with me and the bike on the road. The bike is fine and I only have a small abrasions on my left knee and elbow. On we (me and the bike) go. 

More pics of mountains/hills I was up and down all day today, but it's still better than flat land riding. 

Here's a little civil war information for you history buffs. Sylamore is on the White River.  I have crossed that river more than once during this trip. 

After Sylamore, I went through the towns of Fifty-Six, Big Flat, Harriet, Lone Pine, and Morning Star before making it to Marshall.  This stretch of road is known as the Sylamore Scenic Byway. 

When I made it to Marshall, I approached James, who was working in his garage, about needing a spot to pitch my tent for the night. Without any hesitation, he offered to let me pitch it in his backyard, which I did. He also offered to allow me to take a shower, which I quickly accepted. I have not showered since Big Hill Pond State Park in Tennessee, so this was a huge treat.  James (pic below) is a retired trucker and was mayor of Marshall for 10 years after he stopped trucking. 

Totals for the day - 73.6 miles; 7 hours 7 minutes saddle time