So, today we crossed the Mississippi. That in itself was exciting, because I haven’t seen the Mississippi (if I can recall) since going to Minneapolis when I was approximately five. We crossed an extremely sketchy interstate bridge (the only two bridges west out of Memphis are I-40 and I-55). Luckily, there was a pedestrian walkway.

I was glad to be out of Tennessee, and I had never been to Arkansas, so that was exciting. My first impressions, though, were underwhelming. West Memphis was a gigantic truck stop, and we spent most of our 87 miles on a flat, unevenly paved road (U.S. 70) parallel to I-40. We were in the middle of nowhere, the road never turned, and the wind was in our face. A taste of things to come, perhaps? Of course. We were working so hard, yet going so slow — it’s amazing what difference air resistance makes. Cole and I decided that rolling hills are preferable to such a headwind. But we’ll have headwinds all across the plains, so might as well get used to it.

The first 30 miles felt so easy…it’s amazing the difference a day off makes. After mile 30, though, I just wanted to get the ride over with. I was sweating up a storm, and it was just way too hot. Unfortunately I got a flat tire and had to change it out in the heat…not exactly the most exciting circumstance. But I’m here (Brinkley, AK) now.

So, now to bed, to rise at 5:30 and bike to Little Rock!