1996 Coast-to-Coast Tour. Day 38, June 24, ??? OK to Siloam Springs AK

Monday June 24, Pryor OK to Siloam Springs AK

54 miles

Day 38 map

"Broken Axle"

On our last day in Oklahoma, we had 3 more angry beeps before exiting the state. (Although we also had a "YEEHAW!" from a guy in a jeep which we figure cancels about 4 or 5 angry beeps.) We stayed overnight at Siloam Springs, just over the Arkansas state line. The next morning we had 3 friendly beeps in the first 5 miles. I suppose it would be unscientific to draw any conclusions about Oklahoma versus Arkansas drivers from such a small data set.

Adam digging in a pannier in front of Twin Oaks OK post office

It feels like home. My Mom lives in the "Twin Oaks" housing development in Gettysburg, PA.

The big news of today's ride occurred when I broke a rear spoke about 15 miles out of Siloam Springs. We found a garage that lent me a big wrench to use on my freewheel remover tool. However when the freewheel came off, so did a shower of ball bearings and the two halves of my broken rear axle! So I replaced the spoke, picked up the loose ball bearings, and re-installed the axle, held in place by the quick-release skewer. The only bike store in Siloam Springs is a tiny shop that also sells motorcycles. However the owner was very helpful, and managed to scrounge parts from another wheel to get me going.

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