I met the friendliest people including the desk clerk upon entering Super 8 Sparta hotel in Wisconsin. I was too tired to converse long but I enjoyed brief conversations as I checked-in. The only other action I remember was taking a shower and going to bed. Gosh, this Super8 certainly have great beds! I said as my eyes opened… The price of my one night stay was $78.27.
I rarely take advantage of buffet breakfasts at hotels because I want to start my travels ahead of other travelers. However, upon receiving my checkout receipt from the morning clerk. I noticed the following note, “You made my day by radiating a calm strength – May you find your peace and enjoy your adventure!! Thank you, Jason of Super 8 Sparta.” When someone takes the time to leave you a heart-felt note; it humbles you.
Therefore, I hit the road knowing this was my last day of driving, but the start of a new life in a city I had never lived. As I continued this journey my mind focused on the new challenges I will conquer, new experiences I will gain, new friends and associates I will meet. As well as, getting to meet and know J&L Harley-Davidson’s employees and chapter members.
When you travel the highway as much as I do, you are always looking out for troopers in marked and unmarked vehicles. However, South Dakota Troopers don’t drive normal-looking patrol vehicles. Instead, theirs are dirty/muddy like area residents. Some even have carrying racks on the roof. Anyhow, I wasn’t speeding at that point. I was cruising between 70 and 75 miles an hour. Although, the speed limit had been 80 miles an hour; it had dropped to 70.
I was in the hammer-lane leading a pack. Everything was great because I had crossed the South Dakota Stateline; rocking my head and singing with the radio. At this point, I had driven two miles on the South Dakota freeway when a small voice said, “Look to your right.” I did and discovered a State Trooper riding silently beside me. Once he noticed I was looking at him; he put on his blue flashers and I obediently moved over in front of his vehicle as he led me to the shoulder. I can’t even remember the last time I was pulled-over by a trooper or cop.
“Good morning ma’am.” Good morning sir. Since I just arrived in your beautiful State; what did I do wrong, or are you my welcome committee, I replied. “Laughter…you were going a little fast. You appear to be all packed-up where you headed?” I am permanently moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I replied. “That’s a nice area. However, since I stopped you I need to create a report; I need your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Do you have any tickets, or unfavorable items on your record?” No sir, I replied.
Upon his return. “Okay here are your credentials; you have a clean driver’s record which is always good. I’ve issued you a warning for going over the posted speed; there’s nothing you need to do, and it doesn’t cause any points post to your driving record.” But sir, in Maryland, we can go at least 5 miles over the posted speed without getting a ticket or warning. “Yeah, most States have certain allowances when it comes to posted speed. But, here in South Dakota we take speeding seriously because of our unpredictable weather. Therefore, if the speed is 70 or 80 that’s your precise speed limit unless you choose 65 or below; then you should travel in the right-lane. I like your truck. In fact, I had one just like it although an older model. I had to get rid of it because my garage was full of stuff. All right. Welcome to South Dakota and be safe.” Thank you, officer, I replied.
*** To be continued ***