Good Vibrations: Dothan AL to Memphis TN

From Dothan, AL via Hwy 231 to Montgomery, I-65 to Birmingham, I-22 to Tupelo, MS, I-22 Continued to South of Memphis TN, I-55 into Memphis.

Entered Hwy 231 at 7:30 am - a beautiful country 4 lane ride to Montgomery.  Trying to get a feel for the state.  Mellow and easy going.  In general, I did not feel threatened in any way - folks were nice.  The weather was great - the many trees cooled the air.  From the road Birmingham looked like a much larger city than Montgomery.  Northern Alabama had nice hills - pleasant all round.

Then I crossed over the state line into Mississippi.  The road changed color to a bright orange.  Was headed to Tupelo for lunch.  Stopped at a Shell station before going into town.  It was then that I felt in personal danger.  A toothless man was eyeballing my bike from his beat up pickup.  "Sure is a nice bike - I would love to have that ...".  Then his equally dirty friend came out with a six-pack.  He eyeballed the bike and asked for a quick ride.  I definitely did not get good vibes from those two.

It was then that I remembered my gun training.  Problem was, however, I was wearing riding gloves.  Can't draw and shoot with gloves on.  Oh well, so much for preparation.  I was not carrying anyway.  

Headed into town and stopped at Kermit's Outlaw Restaurant and had Mahi-mahi salad.   Then rode through town - past Reeds store founded in early 1900's.  There was a hip vibe to the place - and they had obvious pride living in a town that produced Elvis.

Off to Memphis, where I was greeted like royalty at the Westin Memphis Beale Street Hotel.  The valet directed me to back up the bike in front of the large lobby window where they could keep an eye on it all night.  The put ropes around it like it was an exhibit not to be touched.  This definitely gave me a sense of security.

After cleaning up, I walked to Gus's Fried Chicken (a must for me), then had a drink at BB Kings ... then I went to Dyers for their grease cooked hamburger.  I had to do it - I am leaving in the morniny and I simply must have ALL original fare while in Memphis.

Again, and early night.

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