This morning we left Waynesville, MO and headed further west. It was a longer day with more rolling hills and the beginning of the day was already giving us challenges. Almost as soon as we got out on the road there was construction. We had to go around it taking us off the planned route my husband and I spent hours creating. We found a route that would get us where we needed to go but it was all gravel, in some places the stones were so loose and sharp none of my bikes could make it through. The road was only about a vehicle and a half wide so we spent the entire time worried someone would come from the other direction or speed up behind us. The dust was difficult to even see through, but we made it to the other side and nearly kissed the ground when there was pavement again.
It was like that on and off to the first stop which was a convenience store along the way. I took a quick picture but it wasn't anything super exciting. As we continued on we came across a library and museum where they stamp the Route 66 Passport my mom has so we ran in to get a stamp and free gift, a 4" x 4" window cling. From there we made our way to Redmond's Candy Factory and a building that claims to be the World's Largest Gift Store. Being from Las Vegas and seeing the Bonanza World's Largest Gift Shop all the time I joked that I was ready to throw down on behalf of my home. It was a neat place to check out though.
From then on it was mostly the rolling hills and greenery we have enjoyed until about a half mile from a spot called Gary Gay Parita. There we found ourselves stuck because the road was closed again and when we tried to go around on the next street it was also closed. It took Google, some guessing and luck, to get us around to the spot it turns out we could have gone straight to. The signs are up to keep heavy trucks from crossing a low weight bridge. At Gary's we met a wonderful, fun, and funny man who sold us a few souvenirs and told us about yet more construction on our route and the best way to get past. We thanked him and headed to the last two stops, a bar that was closed and the hotel we are staying at tonight. This is the first one that hasn't been a Holiday Inn Express or Candlewood Suites because my day job company, The Venetian Resort, has a partnership with IHG, the parent company to both of those chains. We are enjoying a different style motel tonight though and being able to park in front of the door, be on ground level, unload, and walk right in was priceless.
It is now time to get some sleep so we are ready to get back at it tomorrow. We will be in three different states tomorrow, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. You can follow along on the Facebook page Ride 22 On 66 or check out my website www.writingforces.com to learn more about the ride, the charities, and how you can help support the fundraising efforts for them.
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