I only took the slab so I could make time coming home. As soon as I crossed into AL I got on 80 and took that all the way to Macon. Didn't see I-20 again until I got to Augusta. On my way to Eureka Springs I considered taking 55 to 63 and going along the top of the state but the welcome center where I stopped to get my map was already past the exit and after considering the time and distance I figured I better stay on the route I already planned out (I-40 to 65). Yes, I'm still using paper maps and pre-planning on Googlemaps/Mapquest without using a GPS. It certainly makes things more "interesting" if my papers get wet or I take a wrong turn and haven't been able to pick up a state map on the way. The LA welcome center exit was closed off completely and the AL one was closed for the night, never saw one on my route through MO, KS, OK, and TX.
I'm definitely going to check my tire tread during cleanup. Even on the way home the rear felt like it "floated" once or twice on a dry road while I made a left turn from a stop light. I think it had a lot to do with the weight distribution created by the top box. I'm sure I could have avoided the low-side if I had waited at the stop sign a little longer and waited for the cars to pass by. I think I leaned a little too aggressively for the road surface because the rear wheel just slid out from under me.
