Day 2

Made it all the way to Richmond, VA without too many hangups.

The morning started in New Jersey. The Turnpike smells like the Lynnway – only worse and longer. The whole state is weird. For instance, if you're off the highway and want to take a left turn, you can't. You'd have to take a right turn to go to a special roundabout for that purpose, which will then allow you to go straight after your right turn. Also, when I got to my bike, I noticed somebody had plastered Vote Ron Paul in 2008 election propaganda all over people's cars during the night. That's weird, right?

I pressed on until I reached Delaware.

Right before entering into Delaware I happened on a motorcycle run of firefighters. This run was huge and was escorted by firetrucks and ambulances. There were a lot of people on the highway overpasses taking pictures and waving for miles, it was pretty cool.

Before today, there's not much I could say for Delaware. Apparently it's the first state, but I wouldn't have thought they have much more going for them. I couldn't have been more wrong. I met some of the friendliest people, the way the highway was set up actually made sense with the EZ Pass Express Lanes, and it just overall seems like a decent place to live. Outside a Denny's there were a bunch of kids having a car wash. As I passed they told me they do motorcycles, too, so I figured what the hell, why not? The kids were part of some program called Kids Are People Too, so I'm glad to hear they're finally standing up for their rights. I got breakfast inside the Denny's while they went to work on my bike and they did a helluva good job so I gave them a little more than what they were asking.

From there I rerouted to find a Wal-Mart. That was the big mistake for the day. It was kind of out of the way, and although they're supposed to sell T-Mobile phone accessories, they didn't. I really needed to buy a charger for my phone, because I stupidly left mine back home. The entire electronics department was being renovated and it was just a pain getting in and out of there with the bike and my luggage. I did buy a belt – a 34” finally, but it's almost too small! Do they even make 35's”?

I rode through Baltimore. I can't remember exactly when the last time I was there. Baltimore is where I was born, but I probably haven't been back in about 17 years. It was very industrial looking and reminded me of New Jersey, which was depressing.

I passed an exit for the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and thought about stopping, but I'm already a little behind and dealing with the motorcycle luggage is a serious pain. I know they have lockers at the Smithsonian, but I'd probably have to use two of them just to handle it.

Traffic got heavy outside of DC, so I took the opportunity to find a mall and get the T-Mobile charger I needed. To deal with the traffic I rerouted and unwittingly took Route 29, which runs right through Manassas, VA, which was the site of the Battle of Bull Run. I stopped at one of the sites but pretty much pressed on through. It certainly gave me a different perspective on the battle, seeing the site and where all the hills and clearings are. Again, I could have gotten off the bike, but dealing with the luggage would have prevented me from walking far. I would have loved to have taken pictures from the bike, but that's just irresponsible.

I resisted the urge to stop at the Stonewall Jackson Shrine.

I made my way to Route 234 which catches up with 95 in Dumfries, VA. I stopped at a couple places looking for somewhere to eat, but it was all garbage. I settled on a place called the MontClair Family Restaurant, because there were no other options around. It was a real treat! Apparently I have a knack for sniffing out the Greek establishments. The MontClair had a lamb shank special that was amazing – the meat just fell right off the bone. For desert they even had rice pudding.

From the restaurant I made a hotel reservation at a Super 8 near Richmond. It's not bad, not as nice as last night's stay, but it's about half the price. There are a lot of kids and gangster types making a lot of noise. I feel right at home.

I have to really push on tomorrow if I want to make Jacksonville by Monday night.