Day 7 of Route 66 2015 from Springfield MO to Miami Ok

Well a busy day I had on Saterday. A long drive too. But I met nice people every were I came.

Let us start with a visit to de PFI boot shop were you can buy real cowboy boots but many more. My daughter Sanne would love to shop here. Think it would be hard to get her going away. From boots to clothing everything she needs. I bought two shawls to have a fresh one because it every  over 90F so hot and I sweat a lot. Drink a lot of water and sprite too.

Thereafter I did the sightseeing of Springfield and I know were to sleep next time. My favorite hotel Best Western Route 66. Nice in Route 66 style and the signing around the building and de cars and gas station is a must see for visitors. And of course I saw the mural of Buds tires and wheels. Very nice too.

Then I went on the Route 66 to Kansas. First thing to see was the White Hall Mercantile were you can buy old stuff. The I drove to Gary Station with pain in my hart. I knew already from facebook how it would look like. I made the pictures and with this blog a picture form 2013 to compare. 

Gary was special for me. I came in 2013 at his station he talked with me and he said during the talk “So you are driving your dream Route 66”. I will never forget that. Because it says exactly what my emotion about route 66 is. I really hope it will be restored and thief’s will return the stolen items.

After the visit I drover further to Red Oak II. I was not there in 2013 but it look like I came into American History. Lots of picture made and now shared. 

When I asked a builder who was working there he told me a men went to Paris made a lot of money there can back an restored his home town. And more I see too. This is a small site trip on 66 but a must see for all 66 lovers.red.

Off course I was on the Oak Street Bridge, visited the Bonnie and Clyde Hideout and then came in Kansas. At cars on the Route were I met Melba. We had a good talk about why visit Route 66 and that Gelana did a lot to restore things. The ghost house is as an example for it. It was closed but on the outside I could already see a lot of work was done. I had to say hello to Willem and Monique for her.

 
I did that of course via the check in function of Facebook. Made some nice pictures here too also from Willems work.

Then I continued to the Galena Mining and Historical Museum and the Rainbow Arch Bridge were I made the picture of the bike in front. The museum was already closed. That happens on Saterday and Sundays they close early.  Saw in Baxter Springs the Angels on the Route and did not stay on the same hotel as in 2013. Decided to drive further to Miami  and to see the Service Station and Allens Filling Station and Diary King Ice Salon. All closed already but the outsite is a nice visit too. 

Had to make some picture there too. Put it on facebook as a check in knowing Willem would put is model pictures at it and he did. Willem nice work you did there in the model!

Entering Miami I already knew where to eat later in the evening. On the route 66 highlight called KuKu drive-in restaurant. It was so nice to see inside and outside this building and good service too. I met a guy who told me he own the cars on the route. Nice couple to talk with. He is in chemicals like Diesel Exhaustgas Fluid. Had a good talk with them about Route 66 and that is one of the common things to talk over.

Well what to do today on Sunday. I know a lot of highlight will be closed. My route 66 museum  Vintage Iron Motorcycle will open at noon. But I already saw a lot changed. The Evel Knievel stuff is gone. I still have the sticker from 2013 inside my wallet. Saw that every day. I will look at it and rember it how it was. I think I can make it to Oklahoma today. Cees, Ken Turmel and I cannot meet. His has another appointment in Joplin.

Day 6 of Route 66 2015 from Rolla to Springfield MO.

Day 6 of Route 66 2015 from Rolla to Springfield MO.

Well I had a real Honda day today. Why I will explain later. But I have seen 3 dealers  in total.

What did I seen today. Starting in Rolla around 9 I went on the route 66 on my way to  Vernell's Motel. On old motel on a byway of Route 66.

Then I drove to Devils Elbow café and bridge. In 2013 the bridge was just op for me thereafter the bridge was repaired ans restored. I was too early at Devils Elbow they were still closed and would open at 11.00. Because it was already hot (around 90F) I decided to go on. But only the road to drive to this place makes it word to take this byway.

After Devil Elbow I drove to the Honda dealer in Waynesfile. They had a nice showroom but could not help me with a new rear tire.  A pity because they would fit is for free.  But they gave me the adres of the Honda dealer in Lebanon. There I met Rany DeWit. Yes,

 he has Dutch parents but did not speak it anymore. He knew some words from his grand mother.  Like ” benauwd en bezopen”.  We had a great time together. The workshop changed the engine oil and cardan oil and the parts guy called to Springfield and they had the tire in stock.

So I continued my travel to Route 66 to see the closed Gasconade Bridge Rally, Hazelgreen, MO. I bougt the shirt in January to support the Route 66 groups to keep this bridge open en restore it. Now After the bridge I had to travel the I-44 to the next exit. Missouri has very good road signing for  Route 66. A great help to stay on 66. So I was not fund of this part on the interstate called Route 66.

Then I passed the big sign of the Munger Moss Motel. This is a wonderful place to stay a night. But it was only two. Had a long talk with Ramona and bought a gift for myself to remember this place. Not a T-shirt but a plate with the sign on it. Made some nice picure there also from the art hanging there and saw Ken Turmel the Landrunner his work hanging here too.

Then on the road to Spring Field. Pasted the largest gift shop but did not stop. Had to be on time to let my tire changed. And the dealer there had the tire and during the waiting time I made some pictures of the showroom. They are selling to bike like the Honda CTX700 for very low prices. I do not know if this model is en the EU also. But it’s a nice bike to see.

Well start today with a short drive, because my hotel is near to it, to the PFI western cowboy boots shop. Will pass also  Gary’s Gay Parita, gas station but it will not be the same as in 2013 were I had a nice talk with Gary. He passed away and thief are stealing now the icon of Gary dream.

Day 5 of Route 66 2015 from St. Louis to Rolla

Looking back to a day where I was very lucky. Why you will read in the end. But I know there are still honest people in this world

 

So what did I do, I was planning to see again the Arch inside. But that was nearly impossible or I had to let my bike stand somewhere outside. The streets were broken up and the parking at the arch could not be reached and other parking did not let me in. So I let it go with some nice picture form the outside.

Then I continued to Ted Drewes frozen custard. They were close unit 11.00 but the older lady let me in gave me an ice and a big coke and the menu and a nice sticker too. So happy that people see me and are willing to help. This is the advantage from being alone and looking European in my motorcycle cloth

ing.

I used today the GPS from River Pilot next to my TomTom files. Well let’s say they are different. I left St. Louis after the visit to Ted via the Interstate. Something I normally never do. Drove 40 km interstate and then came on the byway of Route 66. When you are in a hurry to do the trip I understand this. But why not respect the user setting keep off highway. I will try Rivers Files sometime more. But now continue with my files. Yes, the River Pilot Files brings you to the highlights of the Jesse James Museum too. But not to the Caverns near there and that is also a must see with the Jesse James hide out.  I was in 2013 also here. The Jesse James museum was closed now and the also. The toy and truck museum was now even empty. A pity for future visitors I hope the museum will be reopened soon.

So I continued the journey at the byway of route 66 to the Wagon Wheel Motel. A nice place to stay but it was too early to stop. I bought my T-shirt of this Route 66 symbol and continued to the big rocker chair in Fanning . Here I met two German ladies’ that toke my picture of the chair and I did the same favor for them. They were heading to Springfield MO so a long drive to go. I told them that I would be a late arrival. Planning in front in nice but when the route 66 is to be seen I plan in the evening with booking.com. For me it is much easier to travel. 

Last nice thing to see was the Totem Pole Trading Post after I visited a large truck stop were I take some picture and spoke with some drivers. Did not feel like working although it is related.

This truck was at the truck and repair shop before the cavern. I stopped the in 2013 to. The truck is total loss not older then a year. A pity I think.

And after the visit of the Totem Pole I wanted to book my hotel. And then shit happened. I found out I lost my Iphone4 I use with a US sim.  Well what to do then is calling the number see if somebody found it. And yes I got a police woman on the phone. I told her it’s my phone drove to the police station and had it back. 

  I am so glad that there are honest people in this world that bring things to lost and found.   The cop that gave me back my phone asked one question to be sure it’s my phone. What is on the background of the opening screen? Off course I know that is my route 66 symbol sire. So lucky me.

Day 4 of Route 66 2015 from Springfield IL to St. Louis MI

Still not complete adapted to the US time zone I write my blog early in the morning instead of in the evening. Fall asleep at 22.00 to wake up at 5.

Well how did 66 go today? I saw Becky’s Barn. The owner I say to just leaving for a trip.

So it was closed but still a good place to visit. Made some pictures and had a nice chat with a Canadian couple on a Harley. When I drove a way there I had an problem with my boots. The sole came lose like in Budapest last year so I had to look out for a replacement or repair. But that comes later.

First what did I do and see more. Well drove the brick section of 66 after Becky.

Was surprised about the good road condition.  Saw also the Skyview Drive-In Cinema. For younger European people a what’s that question. Well go by car to the bios in open air and watch the movie in your car with your friends.

Made a visit to Country Classic Cars were they had over 500 classic in big barns ready to drive.

Even saw a Ford Mustang. But the price is for me to high. My Ford Focus will stay.

After that I saw the semi big rocker shortly before Henry’s Rabbit Rach. Yes he had rabbits to. But his fame come from the VW Rabbits who are planted in the ground like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas ( EU people the VW Golf is called here Rabbit) Henry was just planning to leave be he toke same time for me.

Nice to be back there.

And then I drove to the Antique Moll were the Muffler Man,  Pink Elephant and a classis Ice saloon is. The hall was filled with stuff I remember that my brothers and sisters and I trow away when cleaning the house of our past away parents. But the ice was great. The lady rembered Cees Vendel, who bought the present for his wife from Betty Boop here.

And they have two GIANTS. One boy with an ice cream and a Harley men. And I thought only drunk people see then but I saw it two a pink elephant.

It is a real must see this place I added to route 66 GPX files after my visit in 2013.

And then to the Chain of the Rock bridge were in 2013 it took me 3 hours to see both sides because the entrance to the interstate was close. Now I saw no bikers or other people. The a men on a bicycle came from the other side.

I asked him can I pass the opening on the other side with my bike and he sad yes. So I did what my dream tolled  me to do, I drove the bridge on the bike and it felt like a dream and thereafter I felt like a naughty boy who did what was not to be done. Drove the view point to the bridge to make some more picture of the beauty before leaving.

Then I visited World's Largest Catsup Bottle a site tour for me that I did not do in 2013 but it’s a must see to. And it is for sale now according the sign. I hope the new owner to be will let the bottle stay.

Then I called it a day and look for a place to stay. No wifi needed because I bought a pre-paid card from T-mobile that allows me to share the data with my other iPhone so booking.com works even on the street side. I am now for the second time in a Americans Best Values Inn next to Denny where I had my first real American T-bone steak with a real American salad with ranch dressing.  So a good meal for less.

Next place to visit is the Gateway Arch were I want to go up to see St. Louis from above.

Now how did I solve the boot problem I had. Well I was lucky when driving true Litchfield. The on 66 I saw a Honda and Yamaha dealer with a big shop. I bought there a new pair. But I was very glad I stopped there. 

Saw the Honda CTX 1300 with the same engine as the Honda ST1300 for the first time live. I did not see this bike in the EU. And yes they had classic bikes place high above. And there it was standing another dream bike a Honda CX650 turbo

in brand new condition. The sales man had no idea what he had standing there and why I was so excited to see it.

I had a Honda CX500turbo for 6 years. Just for having fun and having it. Technically it is a dream bike introduced in the year the a did my internship at Honda Netherlands. And that was the only bike I was not allowed to drive from the boss that time. And that makes it special for me to have and see this bike.

Day 3 on Route 66 2015 from Urbana back to Route 66 Springfield

Well after a 100 km I was back on Route 66. Interstate 74 brought me back from my visit to Josh and his future wife Shanon. At 12.00 and that was time for a lunch break that I did a truck stop with a Loves gas station were they had Biodiesel to. As a test engineer I look at the amount. Between 5 and 20%. So Either EN590 with 7% max or B20 according EN14214.  He, that work Klaas so go eat and shop.

 Signing in Illinois is very good. But live is making choices. Route 66 asked the same. Go the byway or the city way form 1930 to 1940

 The big wagon from Lincon. A beauty on Route 66 near a Best Western Hotel. I missed this one in 2013. Now I have seen it too.

Loves is a wunderfull shop. Had something to drink and took some with me. Did not see Wallmart yet to buy more in one time and I do not have the space this time to carry 10 bottles with me. Mise the topcase now that the BMW had.

 

Then to the Route 66. Off course I needed to see Funk and Groove. But the was road work so a de tour to come there. But pitty for me closed. 

So continued to Dixie truck stop on route 66. A big nice sign at the parking lot and a lot of route 66 stuff for sale. And free toilets something where we Europeans could learn from. 

We always need topay. I had a quick bite from a sandwich there that was very good. A good place to do lunch.

And then I came in Atlanta were the big giant was waiting for me. The owner looked at me and said were are you from because I have seen you before.

Had a nice chat with the men and bought me a Giant shirt to remember the place and keep the shop open. Off course he made the picture for me with the Giant like in 2013.

The the city Lincoln was next. Lovely murals to see and the Mill Restaurant still in restauration. Every time I see a picture of it I think typical Dutch a mill. But I walked around the building a saw the progress.

After that I drove further on Route 66 to Springfield were I stayed the night.  On the way to Springfield I saw a Harley dealership. 

I never visited them so I did now. Had a lovely talk with one of the sales reps who had coffee and water with me. He was ex-marine and understood very well why I drive my dream. And in the dealership on the rood I saw some nice Harley Honda Suzuki mixed bikes made by Harley.

Of course visited the Abraham Lincoln home and grave saw the big buildings. Eat in the Cozy Dog Drive In. And had a picture of me and the sign inside made by two Japanese guys

who were wondering what I was doing in my orange jacket with the big sign of Route 66 on it.

So todays first visit will be Becky's Barn looking forward to it. Now it is 6.30. Time to have breakfast and pack the bike for the next ride.  

Day 2 Chicago to Normal with a site trip Urbana

Well day two finished in Urbana were my nephew Josh and his future wife study. And the am I now and it is raining Cees. But I had very good wetter on my trip. Hot up to 92F so good to drive.

Started at the BMW dealer in Countryside were I rented the bike in 2013. Nice to be back. They had no time for oil change of the driveline so continue the trip.

Came at the with fence restaurant and unlucky me this was closed. Made some picture out site and continued.

And yes finaly I could see the blues brothers again. Had an ice cream and talked with the owner about route 66 and that I was happy that now Joliet is open for me. Everything was closed in 2013. Then went to the museum to see the things there. Also had a nice men working at the museum who made a picture of me and the blues brother.

And then to the gift shop to buy me a Joliet t-shirt. Surprised for me my face book friend Elaine left a message to the men what to give me for on the road to read.  Good to feel that people take care for me. Thanks Elaine!

The off to the race circuit of Joliet. The drag race strip I would like to see but could not come close. But made nice picture and talke witht the security. He never hearded off the big spender from Henk Vink with a triple Kawasaki engine who won many races when I was young. He is looking it up I am sure of that.

Drove to the  Gemini Giant at the Launch Pad Inn. Still closed but looking good.

Hope to eat there some day. Met 4 guys form Spain on a rented Harley who mad the picture for me. Always nice to have help from other Route 66 travelers.

The I came at the Polk A Dot Drive

in I missed this one in 2013. And met the same couple from Texas I saw in Joliet Museum. And of course they mad a picure of me and Elvis. The couple did Route 66 now buy car and where very fond of my ST1300.

Because it

was very hot I made a stop at the  Old Log Cabin Inn Restaurant to drink a coffee and water. Had a good talk with the lady there who is also on face book. Showed her my blog and she liked it very much. People are always surprised and very helpful when they see I travel alone.

Then to Pontiac where I came just for closing time. The lady let me in for some picure and sign the guest book. Here I met a German couple on a Harley doing Route 66.

I made them some pictures and the did me.  Because I needed to be on time before dark in Urbana I skipped some murals but not all. So beautiful to see that it a must come back for me.

And off course I now saw the two cell jail I missed in 2013 en the restaurant wagon there. Giving a good impression from the past on Route 66.

Then I started my trip to Josh and Shanon who I promised to come to. And yes real student home Meiny. And a nice girl Shanon is and a good match for Josh. We come to the marriage next year.