DAY 7 - BEAVER LAKE, AR TO BENTONVILLE, AR

Mileage: 32.3 - Total Mileage: 231.7

Margarita Count - 16

For once on this trip we started off going downhill from camp instead of having a big climb at the start. That made Dave happy! 

It got down to 45 degrees overnight, but we were both warm and cozy in the tent. The sleeping bags and tent have worked very well on this trip - you're never quite sure if the gear will live up to what's advertised but are happy it did!

It was still cool when we started off this morning, but it didn't take long for the sun to warm things up. We dropped down from camp to the Beaver dam and then had a nice a climb up from the dam. Every good descent comes at the price of a hard climb!

The view from the top of the dam this morning. There wasn't any water flowing out.

Since this was Bikes, Blues, and BBQ weekend, there have been many motorcycles on the road the last two days. Today was no exception. Even with the extra traffic, it hasn't been bad. The motorcyclists are out cruising and enjoying their ride, and that has helped keep the traffic speeds down. 

As we got closer to Bentonville, the hills became smaller and not as steep. We were riding them like they were only small hills. It is always amazing how quickly my body can adapt to physical work when I just keep pushing it. 

We stopped about halfway to Bentonville in the small town of Garfield for some lunch and a break. While at the general store, we saw this poster for the Testicle Festival. I couldn't make this up! Billed as Beer, Balls, Bands, and camping in Bentonville. Too bad it's a few weekends away. 

I won't say it was any easy cruise today, but it wasn't a hard day.  Before we knew it, we were on the outskirts of Bentonville and just had to ride across town to the Bike Inn, where we stayed before the tour and left the truck. We rode into the Bike Inn at 3:30pm and felt both tired and elated! We had completed a pretty tough tour and made it back without any major mechanical or physicsl issues. 

Better yet, Dave was no longer a touring virgin and he didn't ask for a divorce once during the week! In fact he had such a great time he asked me to marry him again! How could I not want to spend my life and adventures with this semi-crazy, almost-as-stubborn-as-I-am man with the best helmet hair?! ❤️

After cleaning up, we were able to spend the evening with friends at their place outside of Bentonville. It was nice to see friends we hadn't seen in awhile and share good food and drinks with them. 

Now that this tour is done, it is time to plan the next adventure. Not sure what it will be, but it will be an adventure!