Clarksville, Arkansas Tuesday June 21, 2012

66 miles and 2 flats today. The tires are starting to show the wear and tear of the trip. Time to start looking for new ones.I moved the back tire to the front to see if that helps. We changed one flat while at a fruit stand along the road. Great peaches and grapes. The owners son (Anthony) "helped". We met a local man there who was buying fruit who was also a road biker. He had ridden across Arkansas and Georgia last year. He gave us some tips and advise on route. The derailer that was bent in Colorado is giving us more and more trouble, The bike is jumping gears in the mid-ranges despite our best efforts on many of the climbs and the barrel adjuster was stripped the same time the derailer was bent. Looking ahead there may be a bike shop in Russellville. Hopefully they will have some parts. Either way the bike is working well enough to make it. The weather is hot and humid but Betsy,s Camel- Back loaded with ice water gives us plenty of cold water to drink. She refills it at the local convenience stores we come across. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Most motorists are very courteous. We average one idiot on the road a day. Not bad considering.