Great Race Day 5, Russellville, AR to Joplin, MO

It is hard to believe we have completed 5 days. They are all different, but also start running together.

We started the morning in Russellville, and headed Northwest toward Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We were on the interstate for our speedometer calibration, and then before we could blink, we were in the Ozark’s National Forest.

We weaved around the mountain roads, and the morning started off with fun driving, and the need for strong navigational skills. We continued across the mountains and ended up in Eureka Springs.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas is such an interesting little town. It is in the Ozark Mountains, and built around a spring. The buildings are built in the Victorian style, the town is like nothing we have seen before. Many of the buildings look like they were built straight into the mountain. The town was best known for the springs, but now has lots to offer visitors and residents. There is an eclectic and artistic feel to the colorful downtown area. The town was founded in 1879, and quickly grew to a population of 10,000. Today it remains a popular tourist destination.

We stopped for lunch, and noticed an unusual noise coming from Jane. She was running great, but just at idol she was making a clicking noise. We still aren’t sure what it is, but she kept running perfectly the rest of the afternoon.

We had more hilly, curvy roads, and worked our way toward Joplin, MO. Joplin is no stranger to the Great Race or Brad and me. We have done several rallies here, and the Great Race has come through here several times. It is nice to be in a town where you know where you are, and how to navigate the roads.

After a long hard day, our scores were not so pretty. However, we keep it in perspective. We are here enjoying ourselves and doing something we love.

We were also excited our friend Mallory Henderson and her boyfriend Jack won the day with an incredible score of 3 seconds.

Thank you McCollister’s for following the race. We appreciate knowing you are behind us!!!

Thank you Mustang Country, Jane keeps on moving down the road.