So I dilly dallied leaving Fayetteville this AM after being serenaded by frogs all night. At first the heat and humidity were all but unbearable. A storm came thru dropping a little rain but mostly temp and humidity such that I pulled a light blanket cover over.
I drove up to Bentonville. I checked out Phat Tire shop that I visited previously only its prior location was being gutted. Shop was gone. I walked back to my van and called the number on their card. They had moved 1/2 block away. I walked back to the shop. My purpose was to learn about Blowing Springs trail. Josh laid it out for me.
I walked back to my van and saw another Sprinter parked next to me and a woman checking it out. Her name is Carlie and she is converting her own Sprinter. We chatted for quite awhile, me showing what i had done and learned and what she was doing. I opened my storage box for some things then forgot to close it up when i Drove away. I drove by the bike shop. Just after I passed my phone rang, it was Josh from the bike shop telling me my box door was open and stuff was falling out. Shit. I pulled over. The big stuff was still there. Josh pedaled after me and reclaimed a collapsible water jug.
I drove up to Blowing Springs park and headed out. Trails were well laid out, almost all machine cut. I got a good spin dodging squirrels.
I researched health clubs in the locale and found one in Rogers, just down the road. I walked in and showed my membership card to the woman at the desk. She had not been trained in acceptance. She said “No” come back tomorrow and talk to the owners. No matter how I tried she still balked. I called the customer service and ratted her out. Unfortunately nothing could be resolved for a shower. While I was on the phone a UPS truck backed into a residential driveway across the street. The driver got out, went into the house, and appeared riding a mtn bike. He came over to me. He said he had seen the van in a mag article and needed to check me out. He learned of my shower dilemma. He offered his shower and to just pull the door to when i left. Phenomenal. A stranger offers me access to his house in his absence. I am clean and thankful for his trust. He is a XC racer.
Drove back to Bentonville. Dry county but establishments are licensed to sell alcohol. A beer @ Pressroom next door to bike shop then dinner @ a place next block over. Watched a baseball game enjoying conversation w/ the staff and the air conditioning.
I am camped behind city hall.
Tomorrow is a shop ride @ Slaughter Pen. Wed is a trail work session followed by a night ride; i will use my light for the first time.
Crystal Bridges Museum is closed tomorrow.
I do have poison ivy itches.