Starting this post off with a huge thanks to Bridges and Lauren for letting me stay with them in Pickwick. They even let me put the bike on the porch so it wouldn’t get drenched in the rain. 
As I was about to leave, Bridges informed me that I left my boots and pants outside and they were soaked. After 30 minutes of sticking a hair dryer in my boots, I was on my way south towards Ripley, Ms. The first 5 miles turned into a dead end with a bridge washed out. I headed back north and cut back onto the trail. The day was gorgeous and the rain pushed some cold weather down from the north so it was very pleasant. I stopped at a small, pretty cemetery with a hug oak tree and ate lunch. It was peaceful and I was happy to get off the bike for a little while.
After lunch, it was a lot of state forest gravel roads and blue skies. The KTM handled great and it was a blast flying over those groomed roads.
I made it to Oxford, Ms around 5:30pm. The next day, July 8, was spent doing bike maintenance. The KTM 500 needs a lot more love than the classic ADV bike. I have to change the oil and filter every 45 hours. The bike was just at 40 hours so I stole my brothers garage for the day and knocked it out, along with chain maintenance and some clutch adjustments. I head out from Oxford in the morning and will try to make it to the beginning of the Ozarks by tomorrow night.
Side Note: Huge thanks to my dad. Most of this wouldn’t have been imaginable without him. He has gone the extra mile for me and my goals and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thanks Pops!
Walker Benz ADV 