A New York man who cycled through all 50 US states over the course of a year has discovered “peace and quiet” during his trip in the southern state of Arkansas.
But not only that – he has also appreciated random acts of kindness by his fellow Americans “in the middle of nowhere.”
Bob Barnes, 52, of Syracuse, NY, is sharing his latest travel experiences and discoveries with Fox News Digital, including his 27th visit to the capital: Little Rock, Arkansas.
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The former Uber driver arrived in town on Monday afternoon, just days after arriving in Arkansas from Oklahoma on Friday, February 11.
This week, Barnes shared some of his reflections on “The Natural State” as well as his admiration for our country and its people.
‘Free water!’
As Barnes cycled through solitude, he noticed a small refrigerator on the side of a rural road.
Bob Barnes told Fox News Digital that he experienced random acts of kindness in the state of Arkansas. He came across this fridge “in the middle of nowhere”. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
A note on the front of the fridge read: “Free water! If you need a snack or drink, please have one!”
Inside were available fruits and other things that they needed.
Barnes said he grabbed a Swiss roll and went on his way.
Barnes said he took a Swiss roll from this refrigerator, which he found on the side of a rural road. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
“That’s kind of how you feel about not just Arkansas and Little Rock, but the whole country,” he said.
“The whole country [commits] These random acts of kindness. It’s quite interesting.”
Barnes described the people of Arkansas as “very outgoing and inquisitive.”
People who have met him — though those encounters are few and far between, he said — have quickly recognized his New York accent.
He said they are curious about his unique journey in America.
“In Arkansas, they just want to know everything,” Barnes said.
“In a good way,” he added.
Arkansas Parks Among ‘Top State Parks’
In a state known for its breathtaking waters, Barnes enjoyed his ride along the Arkansas River.
He stayed two nights at campgrounds on the beach, an experience he described as “awesome across the board.”
Before leaving Little Rock, Barnes stopped to enjoy a beer. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
“They’re beautiful and they’re big,” Barnes said of Arkansas parks.
“I’ve been to state parks in every state, and [the Arkansas parks are] Among the top state parks,” Barnes added.
Barnes also drank in the views of the bridges crossing the Arkansas River as he walked across the overpass.
To celebrate his arrival in Little Rock, Barnes took a few moments to enjoy a draft beer. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
“It’s not often you get the chance to be on a bike and stop in the middle of a bridge over the Arkansas River,” Barnes pointed out.
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Barnes arrived in Little Rock around 3:20 p.m. Monday, outside the capitol building.
Because the Capitol building — which he described as a “behemoth” — was already closed when he got there, Barnes was unable to enter.
This is one of many photos Bob Barnes shared with Fox News Digital as he arrived by bicycle in Little Rock on Monday afternoon — days after entering the state from Oklahoma on Friday, Feb. 11. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
Little Rock’s ‘Unique’ Architecture
Barnes noticed the 10-foot-tall bronze doors, though — and admired them.
They were created in 1910 by the Tiffany Studio of New York, according to the Arkansas State Capitol Self Guided Tour.
“They’re very unique,” Barnes said.
“They just get your attention.”
The doors to the capitol building originally stood for Bob Barnes. “They are very unique,” he said. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
After Barnes took pictures of the Capitol building, he stopped for a beer to celebrate his arrival.
‘He was cold’
On his way out of Little Rock, Barnes spoke to a police officer about where he could stay the night without being harassed.
“I was straight with him,” Barnes recalled. “I told him who I was and what I was doing … and he was amazing. He was just like, ‘As long as you’re not bothering anybody, you can sleep anywhere down the road.’ ‘”
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“When I camp, I’m more worried about bothering law enforcement or having someone call and check on me,” Barnes said.
“But he was cool, so it gives you a little insight into the police and how they treat me here,” he added.
‘Warm weather ahead’
Although the weather hasn’t been as great in Oklahoma — there, Barnes had to stop for two days because of blizzards — the temperatures have been cold.
Barnes was glad the weather was looking up.
“We’ve got warmer weather coming up, so I can open up my horizons a little bit more instead of just focusing on staying warm and finding a place to sleep,” Barnes said.
As the days slowly grow longer, Barnes said he’s looking forward to tackling volunteer work, something he’s been trying to do whenever possible throughout his trip.
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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” tour. He believes in giving back.
Next stop: Pelican State
“I’m an urban dweller,” Barnes, who is single, also revealed. “I’d rather ride a bike in New York City than out in the country.”
He added, “But, you mix it up. You get scenery in the country. In the city, you get action.”
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Although he has enjoyed Arkansas, Barnes said he is ready for what still lies ahead.
Bob Barnes, in front of the Arkansas State Capitol Building. He is cycling to all 50 US state capitals this year. “One capital at a time,” he said. (Courtesy of Bob Barnes)
Still — and despite the desire for change — Barnes said he’s not looking too far ahead.
“One capital at a time,” he said of his plan.
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“That’s it. So now, I’m focusing on Baton Rouge [Louisiana] – and nothing before.”
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 taking a ferry from Canada.
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He will also cycle to Honolulu, Hawaii – after flying to the island with his bike.
