2024 WB Day 9 - People & Places

It’s about people, not just places and our ninth day heading west highlighted just that.

Jerry McClanahan optimizes that. The author, artist and total fanatic of the Mother Road holes up in a small studio in Chandler, Oklahoma.

He’s always willing to share his story about the influence Route 66 has had on his life.

At Warwick there’s another Jerry, who came in early to open up for our group.

We got to see his collection of motorbikes and curios at Seaba Motorcycle Museum.

The dilapidated outhouse, out back is also worth a visit!

A short original concrete alignment between Luther and Arcadia has an interesting twist.

It’s where Beatle Paul McCartney got lost and pulled over to ask directions.

Manny found voice at the Round Barn in Arcadia, checking out the wonderful acoustics in the barn that once housed hay.

…and somehow we chose a drink or two from the hundreds on offer at the Soda Pop 66.

We fast tracked our rides past Oklahoma City and on to El Reno for lunch.

Sid’s Diner, our venue of choice for a burger reminiscent of those you once got back home.

The thick shakes were… well thick!

We experienced the mile long Pony Bridge at Bridgeport, recently restored and cleverly incorporating new strength with old components to provide the real deal experience.

Lucille’s gas pumps haven’t been doing business for many years but makes a great picture…

…perched alongside the old road overlooking the interstate.

In Clinton there is the ultimate story of America’s Main Street…

…divided neatly into decades…

…with a film to top it off.

Imagine cruising Route 66 in an early Corvette, once depicted weekly in the TV series of the same name.

More dioramas in Elk City…

Then back on the highway for a second run at 75mph (legally)… this time seeing the old road from a position of speed!

Then an even older section of road, barely distinguishable from the undergrowth.

We found the Texas border late in the afternoon…

…at Texola, a small town with a big main street and probably an even bigger story or two behind the clapped out buildings and pick-up trucks.

It’s murals, not just neon that’s brightening up Shamrock.

Hazel was our host, we’re almost locals at at Rusty’s Restaurant…

Trisha, Mark, Tonia, all our firm friends, as is Deputy Sheriff Geoff who dropped in to say hi.

Hazel grabs the phone for a photo she says is always missing. “I neva see ya in the photos Parl”.

There’s a better photo next door as the light fades to black on a very big day, a day experiencing Americans at work and play.