Southern heat but good times!

This was the big summer trip so far, and the one we've planned for awhile. This time out, it was just Jannette and I, but we had a pretty ambitious itinerary.

Let me share the over all plan:
Fort Wayne to St. Louis.
St. Louis to Memphis, TN/Tunica, MS
Memphis, TN/Tunica, MS to Chattanooga, TN
Chattnooga, TN to Lawrenceburg, IN
Lawrenceburg, IN to Fort Wayne.
Total of 6 days, 5 riding days.

Some of the highlights we'd hoped for:
-See an old Army buddy I haven't seen in 19 years.
-See the Gateway Arch
-See the resort area of Tunica, Mississippi and explore the casinos.
-See Beale Street in Memphis.
-See Graceland.
-See "Rock City" and Lookout Mountain area of Georgia.
-See Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg.
-Make it home without mechanical or health issues.

We got to do all these, with the exception of Beale Street. Best of all we avoided the dreaded raindrops for all but 1% of our trip. On the downside, we had to deal with some serious heat and very little shade. So, it's aloe vera as I type this and lots or rehydrating.

We averaged 338 miles a day, although I'm sure Jannette would argue that they felt longer. Some of the bright spots:

Illinois 3, South, between Red Bud and Chester, IL. Nice winding road, shady spots.
The route up to Lookout Mountain and Rock City.
Alabama 40 from Scottsboro east to I-59, just prior to Georgia. Great winding road, many hills.

Unfortunately, we spent a great deal of time on the Interstate in order to save a lot of time, but all in all a great trip.
This Ride: 1,690 miles
Goal for 2012: 7,500 miles
Miles ridden so far in 2012: 3,110.