A New York man who cycled through all 50 US states over the course of a year discovered “peace and quiet” amid his trek through the southern state of Arkansas.
But not only that—he also appreciated the random acts of kindness from his fellow Americans “in the middle of nowhere.”
Bob Barnes, 52, of Syracuse, New York, shared his latest travel experiences and discoveries with Fox News Digital, including his 27th visit to the capital: Little Rock, Arkansas.
Former Uber driver bikes to all 50 state capitals in one year
The former Uber driver arrived in town on Monday afternoon, just days after he crossed into Arkansas from Oklahoma on Friday, February 11.
This week, Barnes shared some of his thoughts on “normality,” as well as his appreciation for our country and its people.
‘Free water!’
When Barnes was cycling in solitude, he noticed a small refrigerator on the side of a country road.
Bob Barnes told Fox News Digital that he was subjected to random acts of kindness in Arkansas. I came across this fridge “in the middle of nowhere”. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
Posted on the front of the fridge was a note: “Free Water! If you need a snack or drink, please take one!”
Inside were fruits and other items available to anyone who needed them.
Barnes said he grabbed a Swiss roll and went on his way.
Barnes explained that he took a Swiss roll from this refrigerator, which he spotted on the side of a country road. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
“It kind of gives you a sense of not just the state of Arkansas and Little Rock, but the whole country,” he said.
“The whole country [commits] These random acts of kindness. It’s really cool.”
Barnes described the people of Arkansas as “very open and curious”.
He said the people he met — though those encounters were few and far between — quickly recognized his New York accent.
He said they were curious about his unique journey across America.
“In Arkansas, they just want to know everything,” Barnes said.
“In a nice way.”
Arkansas’ parks are among the state’s best
In a state known for its scenic waters, Barnes enjoyed his ride along the Arkansas River.
He stayed for two nights camping on the beach, an experience he described as “fantastic across the board”.
Before leaving Little Rock, Barnes stops by to enjoy a beer. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
“They’re beautiful and big,” Barnes said of the Arkansas parks.
“I’ve stayed at state parks in every state, and [the Arkansas parks are] Among the state’s best parks.”
Barnes also drank at the views from the bridges crossing the Arkansas River as he strolled across the bridges.
To celebrate his arrival in Little Rock, Barnes took a few moments to enjoy a beer. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
“You don’t often get that chance to be on a bike and stop in the middle of a bridge at the top of the Arkansas River,” Barnes noted.
The man who went viral for eating chipotle in all 50 states says he never gets tired of it
Barnes arrived in Little Rock around 3:20 p.m. Monday, outside the Capitol Building.
Since the Capitol building—which he described as “giant”—was already sealed off by the time he got there, Barnes was unable to go inside.
This is one of the many photos Bob Barnes shared with Fox News Digital when he arrived by bike in Little Rock on Monday afternoon — just days after he crossed into the state from Oklahoma on Friday, Feb. 11. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
The “unique” architecture of Little Rock
However, Barnes noticed the famous 10-foot bronze doors—and appreciated them.
They were made by New York’s Tiffany Studios in 1910, according to the Arkansas State Capitol self-guided tour.
“It’s very unique,” Barnes said.
“They just get your attention.”
The doors of the Capitol really popped out for Bob Barnes. “They are very unique,” he said. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
After Barnes takes pictures of the Capitol, he stops for a beer to celebrate his arrival.
‘It was great’
On his way out of Little Rock, Barnes talks with a police officer about where he might spend the night without getting into trouble.
“I was honest with him,” Barnes recalled. “I told him who I was and what I was doing…and he was cool. He was like, ‘As long as you don’t disturb anyone, you can sleep anywhere you want on the road. ‘” “
The New York man who bikes to all 50 states arrives in Oklahoma, and realizes, “I’m going to start feeling proud again.”
“When I’m camping, I worry more about disturbing law enforcement or having someone call them and come check on me,” Barnes said.
He added, “But it was great, and it just gives you a little bit of knowledge about the police and how they treat me here.”
“warm weather ahead”
Although the weather wasn’t as severe as it had been in Oklahoma—there, Barnes had to stop for two days because of snowstorms—the temperatures were cold.
Barnes was glad the weather was warming up.
“We’re getting warm weather ahead of us, so I can open my horizons a little bit more instead of just focusing on staying warm and finding a place to sleep,” Barnes said.
As the days gradually get longer, Barnes said he’s looking forward to tackling volunteering, something he’s been trying to do throughout his entire trip whenever possible.
Tony Robbins understands the truth about success in life and health
On his first day in Arkansas, he was able to donate blood.
This is the third time he has done so on his “across America” trip. He believes in giving back.
Next stop: Pelican State
“I’m an urban dweller,” Barnes, who is single, revealed. “I’d rather cycle in New York City than go out in the country.”
He added, “But you mix it up. You get the country scene. In the city, you get the action.”
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
Although he enjoyed Arkansas, Barnes said he was prepared for what still lay ahead.
Bob Barnes, in front of the Arkansas State Capitol. He’s cycling to all 50 US state capitals this year. “One capital at a time,” he said. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
Yet – and despite the desire for change – Barnes said he is not looking far ahead.
“One capital at a time,” he said of his planning.
Click here to sign up for our lifestyle newsletter
“That’s it. So right now, I’m focused on Baton Rouge [Louisiana] – and nothing transcends it.
Stay tuned for Barnes’ next stop in The Pelican State.
And by the way, for all readers’ clarity as Barnes continues his journey: He plans to bike to Juneau, Alaska, after catching a ferry there from Canada.
Click here for the FOX NEWS app
He’ll also bike to Honolulu, Hawaii – after traveling on his bike to the island.
DISCLAIMER:- Denial of responsibility! globalwhiskeysuppliers.com is an automatic aggregator around the global media. All the content are available free on Internet. We have just arranged it in one platform for educational purpose only. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials on our website, please contact us by email at loginhelponline@gmail.com The content will be deleted within 24 hours.