Summer Trip II

"...its about the journey, not the destination..."

The sign painted on a barn along route 46 in Indiana.

     Ok. So the second day of the trip was supposed to be another day on I 70 going west. That lasted until I saw a sign in Indiana for Knightstown, which claimed to be the location of the gym that was used in the movie Hoosiers. As a former high school basketball coach how could I resist? I got off at exit 115 of I 70 in Indiana and went to have a look. At once I was back to the type of motorcycle touring I love. Back roads. Small towns.

The Hoosier gym. Check the sign in the background.

     Unfortunately the gym was closed due to maintenance, but I did get a picture from the outside. If you look closely at the picture you'll see a sign for the gym. While I was there I took advantage of their park in the middle of the town so sit for a while and read.

A drive in theater? Still in use 2019? Welcome to rural middle America.

     This was a 500 mile day, so I had to get going. I navigated along US 40 (the same road that passes through Delaware!) to rejoin I 70. Along the way I passed a drive in theater that is still being used today. In addition, while passing through a small town, I found a diner to have lunch. This is an aspect of touring that I really enjoy. The menu was simple, the food was good, and the people were nice. How much better does it get?

The Crossroads 46 Diner Spencer Indiana, found by chance as I wandered  west. 

     The afternoon on I 70 was a typical ride: lots of trucks and traffic, running along at 70mph, or 75 mph and the need to really stay focused. Across Indiana, into Illinois, and then, finally, into Missouri. Getting around St. Louis was not as bad as I thought it might be. Instead of going through the city, I was directed north around St. Louis, only seeing the famous arch from afar. Then off I 70 at exit 148 where I picked up US 54 to Jefferson City, arriving at my motel by 6:30.

Oscar"s Classic Diner in Jefferson City Missouri. Not exceptional on the outside, but inside wow!  Found by chance. 

     After I checked in I looked on the iPad for a place for dinner, but found nothing I liked close to the motel. I set out on the bike and came across a sign along the highway that mentioned Oscar's Classic Diner. OK, sounds good to me....and it was. Inside a classic diner that featured the Harry Truman Chicken Fried Steak. As a former history teacher I had to try this. Delicious! A 15 minute cruise back to the motel after dinner, and my 660 mile day on the road was at an end.

This poster is on the wall in the men's bathroom at Oscar's.