109 Stable Home

Nov 28th Friday,  We were pretty excited about today.  We had been on the road for a week arrived
in Arizona and perhaps hours from a resting place.  We had placed the call to Craigslist Gary to check on lodging. The price seemed reasonable and he sounds on the up and up.   It is a fifth wheel trailer home at a stable in Wickenburg.  Checking the weather there it seems like we will like it.  He said he was going to be at a roping event giving us the address for both the event and the trailer location. 

Probably the last group leaving phoenix.

The happy couple in Arizona sunshine.

     Always a crapshoot about dealings on the internet we were anxious to check out Wickenburg and the trailer.  Leaving Flagstaff  traveling going south on #17 we knew we would be dropping several thousand feet on the way with hopefully a warming trend.  It wasn't long before we seen a sign warning us to check our brakes due to a 18 mile downgrade at 5% or greater, it seemed to warm up  a degree or two every 1000 feet of elevation.  The views from the road were spectacular.   Pictures just can not due the panoramic view justice.  Several times we commented we were happy we were headed the way we were as the north bound  side of the highway was very crowded.  After a while it became jammed with traffic crawling up the mountain.  We thought there must not be anyone left in Phoenix and very happy we did not have to find lodging in Flagstaff tonight.  We were feeling pretty good, there is something comforting about the sun warming your body, I think we are going to like Arizona, on our last two winter rides it had taken us weeks before we felt this warm.  At a scenic pull off  a couple from Palm Springs CA said to check it out and took our picture.  I should point out our (as Bandana's says) snazzy matching jackets.  We have to give credit to Ruthies sister Donna and Curt, our trike riding relatives for finding these on sale at Trimbles in Austin.  For some time we have wanted new jackets and I especially was looking for a mesh one to protect from the sun while allowing air to flow thru, in addition these had a zip out thermal and rain liner.  An added bonus if we are separated in a crowd "I know exactly who your looking for!"   Reaching the valley floor we cut west on #74 hoping we could catch Gary at the roping event.  Unfortunately we were down on gas and had already tapped into our reserve gas tank and not knowing how civilized an area we were headed for we decided we should fill with gas before heading up Wickenburg way.  It took us out of the way and a phone call from Gary told us he was finished at our intended meeting point and was going on to a friends for roping practice.   "go ahead to the trailer and I will meet you there later."  He mentioned he had set out a couple of lawn chairs for us, seemed friendly enough I thought.  When we arrived in Wickenburg we found we could have made it on gas, it is a town of approximately 3000 people, many more in the winter months.   We had already made a bad impression in Amarillo pulling in with dirt and grime from six states on our little rig.  Now with two more states added to it we didn't want to do that again.   As luck would have it we pulled into a gas station at the very center of town to inquiry about a hand operated car wash.  (Ruthie gets pretty cranky if I ask her to pull it through a automatic car wash.)  I just got off to inquire inside about the

Map and notes, must be planning a trip.

car wash when we met Jack, evidently the Wickenburg greeter.  He asked about the trike and camper, told us where to find the car wash, bragged about Wickenburg and how we were going to love it here.  While he was extorting the virtues of this wonderful oasis we were lucky enough to land in I noticed what looked like a homeless man sitting under a tree behind Jack, not wanting to make eye contact I diverted by eyes but in that instant it looked like some people were over by him.  None of my business, we will get back to this later but it seemed to contradict Jacks description of this little town.   Jack continued, he lived six months in Wickenburg and six months in his home in Michigan.  He asked what our plans were and how long we would be in town.   We told him we were heading to Wickenburg stables to check out a place to live.  "Well if you stay you should come to the Swiss steak feed my church is having on Dec 6th."  We told him it sounded interesting thinking it would be a way to meet more people and learn about the area.   Exchanging cards we promised to contact him if we stayed and wanted tickets.  What a promoter of Wickenburg, and all from a chance meeting, wonder if we will see him again?  

.   A quick trike wash and we headed west about two miles and turned right on Vulture mine road.  Within a mile we seen Wickenburg Stables on the right, a few acres of round pens, exercise arenas and spacious box stalls made with 5 to 6 feet high welded pipe enclosures.  The stalls had shade structures to give the animals shelter from the sun, there was some smaller buildings that I figured must be for tack, a house, two fifth wheel trailer homes and several horse trailers parked as if for storage.  On a raised area there was a fifth wheel that looked occupied and down by the exercise arena with two lawn chairs (as Gary promised) and a carpet pad set up in front was what we figured was the one we were supposed to look at.  It looked inviting enough, the door was open so we went in to take a look.  We were greeted with a roomy kitchen, dining and living room area ( who needs separating walls) a slide out kept the seating area out of the way.  Nice, we could live here while we checked out the area.  I think we sat in the chairs enjoying the sunshine for a few minutes rather but rather  than wait we moved our things in.  Even today I can't remember if Gary had told us to check it out or make ourselves to home.  Maybe we are squatters?  None the less my resume now states I come from a stable home!  Well now to get a good nights sleep, tomorrow we meet Gary. 



Ruthie, ready for company

108 Give Thanks!

Had to put this in for Michelle's  friend Buck (Mr Aroo to me)

    It was Thanksgiving day 2014 and we had much to be thankful for.   We are reasonably healthy, a great family, friends and friends we haven't met yet.  We were flying down the road alternately between interstate 40 and historic route 66.  The trike is running well today, no warning lights for a while and I have learned to shift with my toe to avoid the second gear problems,  evidently something is amiss with the shifting linkage, by bypassing the heel toe shifter and driving it directly into gear with the shaft it seems to be doing well.  We don't know what are dinner will be today be it breakfast bars eaten while we ride or a small café at an exit.  It is going to be another great ride and we are "thankful".  

$23 better check the room.

     This morning our hotel clerk said it was 29 degrees, we are in no hurry, work on the blog some, pack slow and let the sun do its work.  We were told the weather might be nippy until we cross the continental divide, so there that's the goal today somewhere the other side of Grants NM.  When we pulled out it was up to 46.   Today we had no scheduled stops except perhaps a photo stop by the continental divide.   It climbed quickly though,  and was really quite comfortable thru the day. 

Historic property for sale.

     Not to long after noon Ruthie spotted a sign for an Iron Skillet.  We had eaten them on previous trips and knowing they cater to the truck drivers we would not have to settle for a sandwich today.   We did not split our meal today, real turkey (none of this canned stuff) dressing jellied cranberries, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy.   Wonderful, we were relaxing enjoying being warm and comfortable and our waitress stopped by and asked if we were ready for our pie.  Pumpkin pie for desert, maybe they have a room to rent and I will just take a nap.  Just teasing, suit up and back on the trike.
     Darn it!  We missed it.   Bill and Betty had showed us their pictures of their speedometer and the surrounding area when their Gold Wing passed the 100,000 mile mark.  Kind of cool!  We wanted to do the same, doing some calculations we must have hit the magic mark somewhere between Laguna and Grants New Mexico.   We must have stopped for dinner to celebrate, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  "mental note to be more aware when we go over 200,000"  

One small step for mankind?

     It seems that a lot of the real feel of the old road is portrayed in the many single story Mom and Pop motels in the  small towns we pass through.  Many are vacant and abandoned, with names like Palomino, the Sands, Sahara while others have been made into apartments,  some are still used for their intended purpose in varying degrees of quality.  The multilevel chain motels available at interstate 40's exit has taken its toll.
     Passing Grant we stayed on the alert for the continental divide, it was further than we anticipated, don't want to miss the exit as its always a long ways back.   We kind of expected the photo stop to be more significant, perhaps a rest area or a big brass plague making the spot.  I guess this faded old sign is all we get today.  Wonder if the water statement is true?    For some reason the freight trains out here seem to intrigue us.  They seem to stretch out for miles, many of them double Decker or with semi trailers on them.  Its hard to imagine the semi traffic we would be sharing this roadway with if they were not on the tracks.
     It was 63 degrees pulling into motel just before Gallup NM.  We should be in Flagstaff tomorrow even with our wandering ways.  Our future lodging had been on my mind for several days and now with an idea of arrival time in Arizona it was time to get serious about it.  Hotel costs would mean a pretty short trip if continued.   This evening I spent some time on Craigslist posting my "Will train horses in exchange for lodging ad" in several areas in Arizona and Southern California.  (my smart Alec sister-in-law suggested I just wear a sandwich board and stand on the street corner. Update: Ruthie reminded me that this could fit seven people, so I will narrow it down.  It was Donna! )  While I was on the computer I checked for lodging using trailers and mobile homes as a filter.  An interesting one showed up in Wickenburg Arizona, RV site on horse property and a fifth wheel to rent at a stables.  Sent off an inquiry with a few questions. 
     The next morning was a little brisk and knowing we were headed up to flagstaff we dressed a little warmer today, no sense being chilly when we have the extra clothes along.   It was going to be an easy day, no museums or side trips.  Just get to Arizona and find a place to live, we had chose Flagstaff as the point to drop off of Route 66 figuring we could pick it up in the spring sometime.  Assuming (I'm sure you've heard what that fateful word can do to you.) evening lodging would not be a problem in Flagstaff we pulled into a casino resort on the way.  Our thoughts were warmth, food, fun and maybe lodging.  First chore was to get the hotel to store our bulky coats and helmets so quests wouldn't think us from outer space.   Due to the timing the café only had a few customers.  I don't know who made eye contact first, I am going to say Ruthie.  The couple setting at the net table suggested we order quickly as they had been waiting for sometime.  And whatever you do don't order the French fries.   Pointing to the warmer at the kitchen entrance they mentioned that the fries sitting there had been under the heat lamp since they arrived.   Visiting with our table neighbors Rick and Jane we found out they were celebrating her birthday.  After they found out our agenda they told us they lived by Cave Creek AZ and said we could drop in and set up our camper beside there garage for a couple of days if we wanted to.   Nice people everywhere you go.  We exchanged information and promised to keep in touch.  Wonder if we will see them again or if they will remember this encounter.
Yup, had do check as we left the café, there they were, I wonder how long you can keep fries warm?  We split the chicken pot pie in a pastry, I would recommend that but whatever you do, "don't order the fries".   The hotel here was a little spendy so Flagstaff it will be.  Checking several motels we found they were booked for the evening, seems there was a polar express and Christmas light shows  going on bringing droves of people to stay for the weekend.   We finally found one room on the South edge of town.   There was a message from the horse property camper with a phone number, things are looking up.   Tomorrow we will call Gary.   
       Here is our path to Flagstaff.          Click to display Map

107 Texas and New Mexico

     The next morning we had  a wonderful breakfast with Bill and Betty, some pictures,  a little travel advice and we were on our way. 
     Not wanting to jinx our stay I waited to tell about the last time we tried to get to Amarillo.  It was two years ago on our motorcycle trip.  We had reached Post Texas stopped for lunch and a well meaning couple asked where we were heading "Amarillo" Mike and Cynthia pulled out their smart phone and told us to turn back south as fast as you can, Great advice Amarillo got hit with one of the worst storms in history, 19 inches of snow, highways and airports closed, no travel.  We think of them often.  Well this time we made it.  Its off to explore and then continue our westward journey. 
     In facebook conversation with Mike I told him of our planned try at the city again asking for help with his influence on Texas weather.  He said he didn't have much control over the weather but mentioned a steak house we should visit.  It was the Big Texan on route 66 of course. They have a 72 oz steak challenge, if you eat it with all the trimmings, then its free.   I told him up home we call it a roast and invite company.  We took a picture of the site and did some research.  He was right, in 1962 the contest was born, one cowboy ate 4 & 1/2 pounds of steak, (which is 72 oz’s) baked potato, shrimp cocktail, salad & a bread roll.  By the way you have to eat it in an hour.  Had to add this.  May of this year, Molly a 125 pound mother of four ate two of the steaks in less than 15 minutes, by the way she is a professional eater.   Well, Betty had

made sure we had plenty to eat on our short visit to the city so a picture is all we took.  Maybe next time.
     I apologize for the pictures today, the dial on our camera got moved to fisheye so like me there are some curves where there shouldn't be.   Back tracking a little we dropped into Palo Duro canyon, the second largest canyon in the US.   I believe Bill said it meant hard wood.   There was a 10% grade on the road going into the Canyon and the sharp curves encouraged us to drive with some caution.    Well worth the extra miles we rode from one end to the other, great scenery.  We were happy it hadn't rained as there were a few water crossings, just enough to keep it interesting.

     The other attraction was located right next to interstate 40, some more speed tourism perhaps.  It is called Cadillac ranch and they call it "art"?  We could see it from the interstate, Ruthie snapped a picture as we sped by.  With the extra curves provided by our camera, and our speed the picture wasn't worth sharing.  It looks like 10 older Cadillac half buried nose first to expose their tail fins.  Bill said visitors are in encouraged to paint and draw on them.  Another "66" oddity I'm just as happy we didn't take the time to cross over for a closer look.  We want to get further South west before winter moves into this area.
     We reached the midway point between Chicago and Los Angeles around 12:30 November  26, looks like we discovered and corrected the camera

New Mexico

settings.  One thousand one hundred and thirty nine miles in either direction.  A little town called Adrian Texas was the benefactor, a small café across the street has benefited from the lucky location.  But not today as they were closed and we were hungry.  A quick fill with gas and we moved on.     A half hour later and we were in New Mexico.  The terrain reminded me a little of South Dakota, flat with some buttes and roads that stretched straight to the horizon

I believe I counted 17 billboards in this picture.

     You know at first you are just a little hungry and it would be nice to stop but then as time and miles roll on it gets to a point, okay the next place we are stopping.  Out here the bill boards announce the treasures that await you at the next big tourist stop.  Moccasins, beaded belts, cold drinks, hot food, Indian pottery, breakfast, Indian artifacts, car museum, 50's diner anything to get you to pull off at the next exit.  We had seen many where the miles of huge billboards cost more than what was at the next exit, we didn't want to make that mistake.  However we needed fuel also so at exit 369 Glen Rio, New Mexico we pulled in.   We hit the jackpot.  A Route 66 diner, a western store, complete convenience store Russell Truck and travel Center is the real deal.  They had advertised a car museum however I didn't expect much.  Wrong again, it was a very extensive collection of 50's memorabilia, Marilyn, Elvis, coke, cars, a very old corvette with less than I believe 150 miles on it caught my eye.  The free display has a good will offering which they donate to feed the needy, very nice. 
     A couple pulled in to the parking lot on motorcycles and from their actions we could tell they were very chilled.  Made us thankful for the gear we were wearing on this trip.
  

Named after Henry and Clara's son!

 Back on the road I had a stop in mind suggested by Dale and Leigh Ann, our photographer friends from Rochester MN.   Earlier this spring they had stopped at a car salvage yard in Tucumcari New Mexico,  They said the people were very friendly and the old classic cars were fun to see.  We pulled over and started our search.  We found it, unfortunately the same welcoming people were not here today.  They must have known we didn't process the same photographic skills as our friends.  Just to prove we were there I took a picture of the same Edsel Dale had captured and some of the unique cars at there entrance. 
     One of the brochures Crazy legs had given us was of the "Blue Hole" not knowing what it was we stopped for the night in Santa Rosa New Mexico, who would have thought here in the high desert lay the scuba diving capital of the world.   An amazing huge sink hole with clear blue water flowing out of it.  The caves below it have lured divers for years.   Two divers died in 1976 when they entered the cave system below the 80 foot depth.  As a result a grate and boulders have been placed at the entrance to prevent explorers from venturing further.  They believe the second major cavern reaches a depth of over 225 feet.
     Tomorrow we hope to get past the continental divide as we had been told it would start getting warmer. 

106 Amarillo by morning

 Nov 24 Monday morning we sent few emails back and forth with the motorcycle couple in Amarillo

telling we should be there in a couple of days.  Ruthie got nervous thinking we would be there the evening before thanksgiving and didn't want to be an imposition.  A little later she figured out it would be Tuesday evening and decided that would be okay.   With that settled we started packing up to leave Vinita.  Just for fun we spread out all the information Dean Crazy legs had given us.
     Due to poor signage we missed the first turn in Foyil to see the Totem pole park.  However it was fortunate, it brought us directly in front of a marble monument honoring Andrew Payne.  He entered a footrace held in 1926, 3,423 miles from los Angeles to New York city much of it on the then new route 66 highway.  His goal was to win the $25,000 prize to pay off the mortgage on his parents farm and marry his sweetheart.  After 573 hours of running he did both.
      A good example of the oddities that drew families to vacation the famous road Totem pole park is an example of folk art created by Ed Galloway during eleven retirement years to celebrate native Americans.  Over 28 tons of cement and 90 feet tall the artwork is very detailed.   At one time he had handmade fiddles, furniture and portraits of US presidents until they were stolen in 1970 and never recovered.  I hate thieves, hope darkness followed them all their life.  (just venting).     On a brighter note Ruthie commented how the trees seem to retain their leaves after turning down here.
     Fittingly 66 goes thru Claremont Oklahoma near where Will Rodgers was born, sometimes called the "Will Rodgers Highway" he was one of my boyhood hero's.  It was probably his horse riding and trick roping prowess that originally gained my attention.  Then somewhere along the line I came to recognize his wisdom, spontaneous wit and his ability to use it to put politicians and people on the wealth podium in their place.  It would be great to have someone with his common sense in politics today.  A Cherokee lad his trick roping act took him to a  vaudeville routine, with the encouragement of his wife he started chatting and wisecracking with the audience.   The rest is history, humorist, radio and political commentator, newspaper columnist, 71 movies, he was loved by Americans and one of the best known people in the 20's.   Over 52 rope tricks some of which they claim have never been duplicated.  Do your self a favor and look up some of his roping skills on YouTube.    I've got to stop, I guess like my father admired Carl Sandburg and Abraham Lincoln this is my guy.   A couple of his quotes before I move on.  "There is nothing as stupid as an educated man if you get him off the thing he was educated in."  Or live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip and on the base of his statue "I never met a man I didn't like."  Oklahoma had paid homage to their native son with a building and complex impressive enough to be a Church or college campus but it was time to move on.

     I still had the round barn in Arcadia on my list.  At one time one of the most photographed landmarks on route 66 I had an infatuation with round barns.  Having visited some in Vernon county in nearby Wisconsin I was interested in the architecture.   Wisconsin farmers were supposedly taught the skill by a slave from the underground railway.  Either we just missed the closing time or a sign asking for help with support for the barn might mean it did not open at all today.  Interstate 40 has hurt a lot of attractions along the route. We also missed the largest soda bottle in the world.
    It was almost dusk so we spent the evening in Edmond Oklahoma.  A few emails back and forth and we were all set for tomorrow evening at Bill and Betty's in Amarillo.   They said to let them know and they would open the garage door so we could drive in.  How accommodating.  One more from Betty asking about dietary restrictions we have.  I apologize I don't even know these people but here is the reply.   I don't care for those salty little fish.   My  4 year old grandson doesn't like couscous and my 2 year old granddaughter doesn't like John Wayne although I think we've got her convinced that he's Okay,  Ruthie isn't fond of Hush Puppies.  Why do I do that?



Beutler's "Commotion" ten straight trips to the National finals rodeo!

     Tuesday Nov 25th we left Edmond Ok with the intent of getting to Bill and Bettys a little after 4pm, we dressed warmer today as last night at 48 degrees the ride had been a little cool.  Today was not suppose to climb past 53.   Heated liner, heavy gloves we were on our way.
    Betty had suggested we stop at the National route 66 museum in Elk City OK.  Since it was billed as the National museum I figured we better not pass this one up.  Betty was right, we spent over two hours here.  A great representation of life as it was in the heyday of 66.  The old town section also had local history weaved in with the road history.  As a bonus the second floor was devoted to the Beutler brothers.  They were local rodeo stock producers just north of town.  With national prominence the entire family was devoted to the rodeo industry.  To many things to see we stayed to long, not wanting to make a bad impression

Our Amarillo hosts.

on our hosts we jumped on interstate 40 that follows pretty closely the path of the mother road across Oklahoma and Texas.  Deciding that we would rather be prompt then see the leaning tower, the largest cross or even  the rattlesnake sign we pushed the trike a little harder.  Picking up the pace we were pushing 85 miles per hour now.  .  The road seemed to rise as we traveled with views of the horizon that stretched for miles.  Ruthie took a few pictures but it is hard for the camera to capture the panoramic feel of the sights we saw.  As we crossed into Texas the speed limit rose to 75 and with the allowance for speedometer error in our favor put us right close to the 80 mph mark  We were making tracks, literally, when I called Betty as I had promised to give them an hour warning.  She had been tracking us on her computer, spaghetti was warming and they would have the garage door open so we could park beside their white Gold Wing.  I had warned them that our rig was pretty long.   Luck was with us as we flew by Groom Texas, our sites were close to the freeway and Ruthie snapped shots of the water tower and the tallest cross as we flew by,  It might be called speed tourism.  We will slow down tomorrow.

     Arriving at Bill and Betty's in Amarillo we found they were as warm and friendly as their correspondence had suggested. Willing to keep their car outside and leave our trike in the garage we moved in for the evening.  The club only suggests a place to stay and breakfast in the morning.  They had went beyond and prepared a wonderful dinner for us.  ( my grandson 12 year old Spencer would be proud, I called the evening meal "dinner, not supper.". While we are on Spencer I should document a little jab he poked at me this summer.  I heard he liked to write so I mentioned that I right a blog of our trike travels, his response. "a blog, isn't that one of those things people read so they can sleep?  )  We felt like royalty, the dining room adorned with beautiful antique furnishings, carnival glass dinnerware spaghetti hot casserole fresh baked crescent rolls and fresh fruit.  After dinner we moved into the living room, somehow (probably Ruthie) Betty found out I like to read directions and

Sometimes its hard to get the shot going this fast.

Bill & Betty

learn new things,  Out came her new multifaceted cannon camera with lenses and a remote.  While we are at it lets see if her old camera would take a picture with a timer.  She had been told it wouldn't and that's the reason she purchased the new camera,  Okay I said that wrong,  Bill had bought the new expensive camera for her except he didn't know it.  We found this verbiage several times in the conversation.  Bill is a wonderful purchaser of nice things for Betty, except he doesn't know it.  Sure enough soon we were taking timed shots with the old pocket camera and with the new cannon using a remote, nice feature.  Bill retired, had taught at Eastwood Elementary School his entire career and said it was gratifying to now meet some of his former students in business situations.  Bill had rode a

Honda Silver wing motorcycle to teach at school for 16 years.  Meeting later in life after losing their spouses they soon purchased a 1994 gold wing and a passion was created.  They are active in the local Gold Wing club, Betty is the keeper of the scrapbook for their group.  Their cycle tires have touched all the continental US states.   On a 12 day trip as they returned to their home Bill jokingly remarked that they should continue on to Albuquerque,  Betty was all for it, they went home.  (sounds like somebody I ride with.). Some hints on a couple of sites to see and we were on our way,  If we stop here again I'm going to make sure my trike doesn't carry the dust, dirt and road grime form 5 states into their garage.  Wonderful people, we will think of them often.  Betty even snapped a picture of us as we pulled away. 

105. Heading West on 66

November 23, 2014    In no particular hurry since we knew we were already very close to our designated road to the West.  We rested well and enjoyed the warm breakfast provided by the hotel staff while taking the time to visit with a couple that had hung around to talk with us.  A nice couple we had made their acquaintance the evening before when we rode in.  It seems they live three hours up the road in Missouri and were on their way to Dallas to see a new Great grandchild.   Gold Wing riders he had mentioned riding and she felt it was to far and to cold.  After seeing our license plate last night they wanted to find out more about us.  (maybe with the thought of an intervention or commitment?)   Heading outside it was already in the low sixty's and our trike was waiting under the covered entryway thanks to the kindness of the hotel staff.  A quick walk around our little rig to check tires and connections and we were on our way.  A few blocks North and we seen the intersection for 66 (I knew I had felt something on the ride in last night, it must have been beckoning us.)  It wasn't long until we checked off the fourth city in the lyrics Joplin was behind us.  We wouldn't be in Kansas very long (sometimes you can be so wrong.) as 66 only crosses 14 miles across the Southeast corner and is the only traveled state that doesn't have a city named int the song.   Evidently Bobby had a problem rhyming Baxter Springs.   Originally part of the Cherokee neutral land, Missouri had a quarantine against Texas cattle and the cattle drives found a welcome sign in Baxter springs, following the civil war it turned into one of the first wild west cattle towns. Every third business was either for gambling or drinking.   Today it was just a quiet little town and we were already on the wrong road.  The markings on the historic road leave something to be desired, where had we gone wrong.   Wandering around town we seen a well restored Phillips 66 marked as an information source.   Was that ever an understatement.   Inside we found a wealth of information and a gentleman that seemed to know everything about the famous road.   When we rode the Alaskan roadways we had a book called the Milepost, it listed every mile and what was associated with that point.    This gentleman was indeed that "milepost" he seemed to know everything and everyone from this point west   Starting when he was very young his parents made an annual trip out to California because of his respiratory problems.   He started grabbing brochures off the rack telling us what to see, do, and who to visit with.   At one point he asked if we wanted to meet the person that "Sir Tow Mater" in the film "Car's" was based on?  We didn't want to put him out and had already spent quite a bit of time here.  He said "I can have him here very quickly."  as he turned his one leg facing completely the opposite direction.  He went onto explain he was why "Mater" drives backwards in the movie.  Dean "crazy legs" an ambassador for Route 66 can twist his feet around and walk backwards. (taking moon walking to a new level).   He said he has been able to do it since he was four years old.   After the film he received quite a bit of notoriety including one of his fondest memories was a trip to California to appear with Jay Leno on the tonight show.   
      Armed with brochures, maps and information we backtracked a few miles to catch a glimpse of the Rainbow curve bridge.   Named a Marsh arch bridge after its Wisconsin inventor this is the only one left on route 66.  Even though small by todays standards it was quite an engineering feat in the early 1900's.  Dean told us that their were tracks imbedded in the arches used to haul the materials to build the bridge and as they finished construction they were covered and became part of the bridge. 
     We continued on our way this 14 mile stretch had taken us longer than expected.  Who am I kidding, we don't expect anything anymore.  We just ride and wait for something to happen. We entered Oklahoma noting that the state bird was the  scissor - tailor fly catcher.  I'm sure that will impress bird lovers.  Having wandered on and off the original route we found quickly that we aren't purist.  There were just to many supposedly significant things to see along the route.  We had a travel

Should go over 100k if we don't stop so often! 

meeting and decided as long as we can stay close to the original route with stops to see highlights that appeal to both of us we would be happy.    We passed up some like the rope and barb wire museum, it seemed that every town had a museum.   I still had the leaning water tower on my list and Will Rodgers of course.   We did travel an original part of the paved section between Miami Oklahoma and Afton.  They say route 66 wasn't completely paved until 1938.  The paved section was 9 feet wide makes you wonder how wide cars were in the 20's.   Somebody has to pull over when we meet.  We were pretty happy, on route 66 listening to the 60's on xm, temperature was 66 degrees how fitting.  If the road had been better I would have got it up to 66 to complete the magic however the road left a lot to be desired and one of the potholes made me concerned about damage to the front forks.  No sense chancing it.  We already had the engine stall, the F1 warning light and now that we are doing stop and go driving it has popped out of second gear occasionally. 
     It was a pleasure to get back on a better maintained road.   There had been a little mist in the afternoon and the sky and radio were warning of a storm, no since pushing our luck.  We found a motel across form the rodeo

grounds in Vinita Oklahoma.  Sixty six would still be there tomorrow.  Lets review our progress for today.  A little over 4 hours and we had traveled 53 miles. (not counting the ones we backtracked.  This trip was going to take awhile.
     That evening I made an email inquiry about lodging with a motorcycle club member later in the week. 


Cars, how cute!

    

 

104 Get our kicks on route 66

      Nov 21, 2014
     With trike repairs, Ruthies cataract surgeries and last minute details we got on the road around 1 pm.   A swing down by the Pioneer club for our traditional picture before our ride.   There won't be many pictures until we get in temperatures around fifty degrees or greater.  My co-rider frowns on taking her gloves off to operate the camera.   This year we have a little more of a plan for our winter ride instead of just a general direction.   Our goals, Route 66, Julian pie company and Ruthies relatives in Sacramento California.    The idea to ride Route 66 had been fostered by Willie and Bev on last years winter ride (see post 71 thumper Biscuits.)  They like "ride for the relay" an organized ride on route 66 to raised money  to cure cancer.

Ruthie, what a trooper!

    The song was recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946.   Bob Troop wrote the song and was married to Julie London, besides song writing he appeared in many TV roles.

So below you see our travel guide.  The lyrics lay out the towns you pass thru from your starting point in Chicago on your trip to the West coast.

  If you ever plan to motor west,

  Travel my way, take the highway that is best.

Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

It winds from Chicago to LA,
More than two thousand miles all the way.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Now you go through Saint Looey
Joplin, Missouri,
And Oklahoma City is mighty pretty.
You see Amarillo,
Gallup, New Mexico,
Flagstaff, Arizona.
Don't forget Winona,
Kingman, Barstow, San Bernandino.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

Won't you get hip to this timely tip:
When you make that California trip
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.
Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.

     It was 26 degrees as we pulled away from our little prairie home.  Cutting across #42 we joined interstate 90 just south of Eyota Minnesota. It will be interstates until we hit warmer weather not only will we be able to travel faster the separation from oncoming traffic gives us a little safety cushion with the potential of ice and snow covered roads.  We had a very strong wind coming from the South and even with a face mask the cold was uncomfortable.  Reaching interstate 35 by Albert lea we headed South, this would be our general direction for some time.  There was a TA travel stop a mile down the road and we were ready to warm up and get some food in our belly's. While I filled both tanks Ruthie went inside to get the chill out of her body and get her order in.  Unlikely as it seemed (that's sarcasm) she seemed like her and the waitress were old friends.  Donna was almost insistent on calling her husband to bring Ruthie her electric gloves.  Ruthie chose the all you can eat clam chowder.  I on the other hand seen the hot roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, I used my chill as an excuse to chow down  Delicious, I consumed every morsel.   Donna was unable to reach her husband but tried one more time.  Evidently she had rode in cold weather and was determined to protect us from the bitter winter that lay outside.  "If you get down the road and you get cold turn around, come back and stay with us.  I mean it." Concerned souls seem to find our path and we are thankful for them.  The Gold Wing quit twice at this stop and it was a little disconcerting.  Back on the road we rode as far as Williams Iowa, by the time we stopped the temperature had climbed to 34 degrees, maybe we were on the right path.

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An older but well kept motel they offered a matching free drink in their lounge.  Couldn't pass it up, they had a fire place and a warming drink.  Only two people in the lounge, the truck driver asked if we were the ones on the trike.  He figured as much (what! Is it written on our foreheads?). He was on the phone with a trucker buddy when we pulled by.  "You will never believe what I just seen as he sent him a picture of us."  Visiting for a while we had something in common. He had lived in Florida where we discovered the "Freezer". and the wonderful shrimp and seafood they serve there.     It was overcast in the morning as we visited the breakfast area.  Someone had done their best to make it seem like home.  Ruthie and I both seen wall decorations from our childhood.   Since it's to cold to take pictures outside we will use our film up in the motel.  The chicken crate drew my attention, a wooden slated crate used to transport chickens, hope they had done a through cleaning first.  Ruthies was the wall phone replica, Not qute authentic this one had a dial pad.  The one on her farm home wall had a crank on the side, one turn of the crank and she said it summed Mrs Holms from St Charles.  You told her who you were calling, then she would place the phone cord into the correct hole.  the phone would then ring at the appropriate home.  Since it was a party line with usually 4 to 6 homes on the same connection you were given a ring code.  Our families was two long and one short, Ruthie believes hers was two longs and two shorts.  This party line was the original face book, everyone got their news by listening in on their neighbors calls. 
     Thirty nine degrees when we climbed on the trike, with our layered clothing and electrical connections we were going to be all right.  Shortly after we crossed into Missouri the F1 flashed on the dash, similar to a check engine light with the stall yesterday and now this a little uneasiness returned.  The engine seemed to be running okay and after filling with gas the warning light did not come back on. 
     We arrived in Joplin Missouri that evening and even thought it had climbed to sixty and we were feeling pretty good about  the temperature change the cold had already taken its toll.  (did you feel that?  Somewhere going across Joplin looking for a place to stay we crossed the "Mother road"  Looking forward to tomorrow, we start our interaction with the legendary highway.  We did not waste time trying to save a few dollars.  Their was a Drury's motel on the corner and we headed for it.  We had stayed in one before and knew we would be warm and well taken care of.   It was better than we remembered.  Complimentary evening snacks from 5-7 saved us going out for dinner.  It was more than snacks, hot food, hot dogs, mac and cheese, couple with complimentary drinks we were all set.  Hot breakfast in the morning, we could live like this.


Did you feel that?

     Today we take highways and interstates for granted, however it wasn't always like this.  Local trails (yes trails, a part of it was for use by camels, yup sometimes are politicians are down right humorous.)  and later roads were organized first by the states and private organizations.  Later the federal government drew up legislation for a public highway system.  In 1926 Route 66 was one of the first to link modern cities with rural towns and villages.  Even the number of it was controversial, I think they got it right, just think of it, I got my kicks on route 94, I don't think so, we might never have heard of Bobby Troop.  People that study numerology also liked it because it meant material pleasure and success.  Initially gravel and graded dirt who could have predicted the history that would be associated with this roadway.   Songs, books, movies and yes even a TV series.  Although I have found that is a generational thing, ask younger people about the TV show and they never heard about it.  Due to the song being recorded by current artists thru history, even the Rolling Stones, they seem to have heard of the song.  Well lets see if two people traveling on a Trike can have as many adventures as Tod and Bus in their corvette.  Tomorrow we start from Joplin heading West of course.  Warm weather here we come!