Day-9

July 15, 2006

A day with Sam Correro, creator of the Trans-America Trail...

The Isle of Capri Casino graciously gave us free rooms last night, saving us from pitching a tent on the side of the road - a very good deal considering they said they were all booked up the day before. Feeling well rested, everyone but Steven, who insisted on staying in bed as long as possible, headed down to the lobby for some breakfast. While we were eating James received a phone call from Sam Correro, the creator of the Trans-America Trail. Sam lives in Mississippi and we had arranged to meet him at some undetermined point during the day. Sam was calling from the lobby to let us know he was at the Casino already and was looking for us. As James went to find Sam the rest of us ran up to the room to wake our Sleeping Beauty, or Beast if you prefer – one Steven Beatty.

James brought Sam up to the room to meet everyone quickly and then we were off to ride more of his trail and film. Mathew and Chris took Sam’s pickup truck since it would be easier for Mathew to film out the back of the pickup than to try and unpack the Yukon and hang out the back doors.

Riding with Sam on the trail that he founded was awesome. You could tell he was excited to do some riding with the guys. One thing about Sam is that he himself has never ridden the entire Trans-America Trail. Like most of us he has a 9-5 job and is only able to take a few days here and there to do his exploring and mapping. Finding this out just tore us up. “It breaks my heart” said Steven. “He’s such a great guy and he’s put so much into this, you want to believe he can enjoy his creation”. “I want so badly for Sam to join us on the trail” said James “but I know he can’t. It makes me sad.” But, it makes you admire and respect Sam’s dedication and work that much more knowing how he’s been able to create this trail over the past 15 years.

After several hours of great shots and fun riding, we headed back to the hotel to discuss dinner plans. Sam suggested a club called Ground Zero in the small town of Clarksville Mississippi just south of Lula. The club is actually co-owned by Morgan Freeman. That excited everyone and so we all headed out for a night of clubbing, minus Chris who voluntarily stayed behind to take care of laundry needs.

Wiley and the Checkmates, a terrific band, was playing when we arrived. James failed to heed Chris’ warning to obtain permission before filming and was dragged, almost literally, by his ear to talk to the other co-owner of the Club – Mr. Luckett. Mr. Luckett was very nice but stern about James getting the bands’ permission before anymore filming could be done and agreed to put James in touch with the band’s manager. But first, Mr. Luckett introduced James to his partner Morgan Freeman, who it turned out had been standing right there the whole time! James was shocked that 1) Morgan was there 2) that he hadn’t noticed this, and 3) that he was actually shaking Morgan’s hand! James was the only one to meet Mr. Freeman tonight. That chance meeting may have been James’ highlight but for the rest of the guys it was the terrific band, the awesome atmosphere, and the opportunity to experience life in small town Mississippi with Sam. What a day, what a night. You couldn’t ask for anything better… unless you’re Chris stuck back at the Casino washing underwear and smelly socks!

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Photography Copyright © 2006 Motorrad Media. All Rights Reserved.

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