Today’s report came in from Motorcycle Cannonball’s Course Master, John Classen, accompanied by a word he’s not previously used in describing the route’s road conditions: straight. After leaving the Mississippi River in his rear view mirror, John spent over half the day on back roads, crossing over 3 rivers, and ending in the resort town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Named for the natural spring water that comes flowing out of the ground at a temperature of 147 degrees Fahrenheit, our day will end at Hot Springs National Park, the oldest Federal Reserve in the US. This city has literally “rolled out the red carpet” for our riders.

STAGE 7- From Lula, Mississippi to Hot Springs, AR

Thursday, September 16~Rest Day Friday, September 17

The Cannonball riders will cover 186 miles for this stage, a total of 1,396 miles in seven days, and will be rewarded at day’s end with a huge promotional celebration hosted by the city of Hot Springs, which will include our evening meal.

Our riders, as well as the support crew, are being invited to securely park their vehicles indoors at the city’s climate controlled Convention Center, where riders will be allowed to work on their motorcycles and make any necessary repairs. The local H-D dealership, Landers Harley-Davidson, has also graciously offered their shop as a repair facility if riders would like to work on their machines there.

It is suggested that, after preparing their motorcycles for the next leg of our journey, riders might want to take advantage of the only day off that is scheduled for this odyssey. Making a reservation at one of the local spas is a sound decision. The luxurious treatment of our bodies might, in reality, be what puts our remaining riders over the “hump,” thereby securing their place in history as one of the few motorcyclists who successfully makes the entire trip to California.

Keep in mind that while we are trying to emulate the rides of our forefathers who made this same amazing journey generations ago aboard these same motorcycles, they were doing so in many more days than we are attempting, and it is not against the rules to pamper oneself along the way. This stop is the only day off allowed for the entire ride; so making the most of the down time to rejuvenate ones body is thoroughly encouraged.

Our host city takes its name from the natural thermal water that flows from 47 different springs on the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain in the historic downtown district of the city, which serve to make this community a very comfortable, relaxing area. About a million gallons of 147-degree water flows from the springs each day, and a small channel of hot spring water, known as Hot Springs Creek, runs under ground to an area in town known as Bathhouse Row.

Bathhouse Row, consisting of eight turn-of-the century historic buildings, lies within Hot Springs National Park and is managed by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Only two of the bathhouses remain in operation, the Buckstaff, and the Quapaw, which was reopened in 2008.

Another bathhouse, the Fordyce, has been converted into a museum to give tourists a glimpse into the fascinating history of the city. The federally protected natural thermal waters are also used for therapeutic bathing at several downtown hotels as well a hospital. The water is available free for drinking at several fountains in the downtown area.

Former U.S. President Clinton, his brother Roger, and actor Billy Bob Thornton, all Hot Springs natives, have been known to frequent Oaklawn Park, a local thoroughbred racetrack that has been in operation since 1904. Actor Alan Ladd once called Hot Springs home, also.

Weather is considered comfortable in this wooded city, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-70s for September.