Travelogue

Motorcycle Camping in OklahomaWhen I woke, it became painfully obvious that the lack of physical activity and long riding days were beginning to impact my vertebrae. Both my lower back and neck were complaining and I needed to do something soon to avoid being stuck in the midwest without the ability to ride my bike.

A little research, and I found Oaklake Trails, a camping resort with a pool just short of Oklahoma City. In NJ I had become an avid pool swimmer at the local YMCA where by swimming 3 days a week, my back pain had diminished. I hoped that swimming might help loosen things up a bit.

I stocked up at the local Walmart, checked in, and pitched my tent in an open spot with a picnic table.

I had packed a small "Kermit" chair that I had first learned about when I met a motorcyclist in the Everglades who was using one for his circumnavigation of both the North and South American continents. While my riding goals were far more modest, I thought the chair comfortable as well and found it to be a great alternative to the motorcycle or beach chair. I sat down in the sun and read a bit from my Kindle.

A little swim in the pool and then a hike through the grounds ended the day.

Oaklake Resort PoolThe next day I discovered that there was also a hot tub for campers to use. This seemed to help a bit to loosen up my shoulders but the pain persisted.

I got lucky when a professional masseuse set up his table by the pool and offered complimentary massages. While I had never had a massage in my life, and was somewhat reluctant to have a 40 year old guy rubbing my shoulders, I soon learned that he was a real professional. In fact, he had worked with the US Olympic team and had received an offer of a 6 figure salary to act as a personal masseuse for a couple in Florida. After 20 minutes of fairly intense manipulation of my shoulder blades I once again regained a complete range of motion. I was amazed, grateful, and insisted he take the $15 that was all I had on my person at the time.

With mobility restored, I could now return to planning the rest of my trip through the midwest. From previous crossings with our motorhome I was aware of the very real danger that weather, and particularly tornadoes present for travelers crossing Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle during the late spring and early summer months. The immediate forecast looked OK for a crossing but I would have to make time since the following week looked very ominous. Lorry was concerned as well and assured me that she would monitor the radar map and keep me apprised of any storm cells.