NM-TX-OK ROUTE 66 ADVENTURE
"High Plains Drifters." "Welcome to Texas."
Day 10
From Shelley Brother Cycling Adventures Facebook Page:
So...last night, just before heading off to dreamland, Kent discovered his front tire was flat. Fortunately, Brandon had brought us a pump earlier. Flat Score: Kent-2, Mark-2.
Tried to get off a bit earlier this morning, since today was the longest riding day of the trip (65 miles/105 km). The weather finally decided to cooperate: very slight tailwind, warmer temps (up to the mid 80s), and no threat of thunderstorms! The riding wasn't all that difficult--only two 'small' mesas to get over, and gentle rollers. All in all, a pretty pleasant riding day.
From Tucumcari, we headed west to San Jon, population 219, where we had lunch at Chisam Station, a convenience store/fueling stop on steroids. There were no other towns until our destination, but one of the highlights of the day was Russell's Travel Center--truck stop + restaurant + awesome free car museum (see photos), just before the Texas state line.
After pedaling 42 miles (68 km) today, and a total of 465 miles (753 km) in the Land of Enchantment, we finally rolled out of New Mexico and into the Lone Star State. New Mexico has more Route 66 miles than any other state.
Today's destination--Adrian, Texas--is the exact midpoint of Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles. There's even a line on the pavement that marks the exact spot: 1,139 miles (1,845 km) each direction.
This is the third summer that the owners of the Fabulous 40 Motel have experienced in attempting to revive the ONLY motel in Adrian. It's their "retirement project." They are very bicycle friendly and have done a great job.
Tomorrow we head for Amarillo, the largest city in our path since Santa Fe.
After 10 days, we've cycled 488 miles (791 km) on Route 66. One week to go before we reach Oklahoma City, our final destination.
Pedalling out of Tucumcari, we are treated to some very creative Route 66 expressions.
This is truly an amazing work of art.
"Ya'll just bring Old Paint in here with ya, and that'll be great."
I think being a road surveyor in the region might get a little tedious.
Notice our Route 66 "Service Road" is rather snug with Interstate 40.
Red water. Red dirt. Lots of it around here.
Another "Once Upon A Time" Route 66 business.
The right time of the season, and just the right amount of rain, and we are treated to miles and miles (kilometers and kilometers) of waist high yellow flowers.
No doubt a sign that Texas is drawing near. (I recall something about a yellow rose of Texas.)
These small buildings were once overnight rooms for weary travellers.
A vintage building that held on as long as it could against the cash flow diversion created by Interstate 40.
Another business bites the dust.
If you love vintage cars and related memorabilia, Russell's Truck and Travel Center at Glenrio on Interstate 40 is worth your time and stop.
You get to use Elvis' restroom, or Marilyn's restroom.
Well, look who is in the building!
These are called vintage cars.
Yikes! I saw these driving up and down the street everyday as a child.
What does that make me??
This vehicle surprised me.
In 1971, I owned the 1944 version of this Willy's Jeep.
My first car.
Was red, too.
It has been a real pleasure.
(Our parents are both from Texas, so we got some Texas blood and DNA.)
We reach our day's destination.
This is one of the best "cyclist friendly motels" we have experienced.
The owners really seem to "get" the unique travel needs of those who pedal far.
Bumper sticker on the truck in the previous photo.
I'm almost believing it is true.
Our home for the night.
Very nice, clean rooms, with room for all our gear.
Nellie Bell here belongs to the motel owners.
A most unique family pet, eh?
Yep. That's Clark Kent transforming into You Know Who.
Parked in front of the restaurant next to our motel.
Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed for the evening.
True art.
You are seeing the exact midpoint on Route 66 between Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California.
You are seeing it again.
While this might not look like much of a meal to some folks, it is a feast for a cyclist who has pedalled 65 miles (105 km) while surviving off power bars and Power-Aid sports drink for most of the day.
To obtain these meals we walked about a half mile (1,000 m) over the Interstate bridge to a delightful gas station with an equally delightful snack bar.
There are not too many places that afford such a unique view.
But if you look closely at the window pane you will notice something very unique.........
I don't have a PhD in criminology and forensics, but I do believe those are genuine Texas bullet holes.
I'm guessing .38 or .44 caliber.
And I discern that they were shot from the outside with the intent to penetrate into our dining area.
I'm not sure the motive behind such an act, but I guarantee this -- The food wasn't that bad!
Red dirt. Red water. Red sky.
Back at the motel, we enjoyed an early bed time and soft beds.
Bring on tomorrow's adventure when we awake!
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