Route 66, Day 16 by Bryan Patterson June 29, 2015
- So bikes needing repairs this was a good opportunity to take a hard
earned break, and we decided to stay at this Oklahoma City East KOA. It
was a well hidden camp in amongst the trees with shade and some
friendly folks. I don’t think that any of them recognized Lil’ Missy,
Big Bad Jerry, Whiskey Mark, posh boy Sidd and myself, so we were safe.
Day 16 was a really sad day as driver James was leaving our wagon train.
But as usual he was up early and making breakfast. Eggs, and bacon
sarrny (sorry Sidd) and coffee, a nice touch before he left.
James leaving would mean that we were one short but we had
another driver/rider meeting us at Tulsa in a few days. It was whiskey
Mark’s other half, Grace, who would be riding and driving for the team.
James was headed back to the big smoke, New York City, before moving on
to London, lill’ old England, with his betrothed.
I think he was visiting relatives there, or maybe the law was getting
too close for comfort! We were all still sad to see him go. Bon voyage
James! We drove him to the airport and literally pushed him out and
shouted our goodbyes, as we didn’t want anyone to recognize the gang
who had come to see him off!
Next stop was the bike shop to get some pedals replaced, with the other
bike’s back wheel slightly bent which would mean that it was dangerous
to ride. So this had to be repaired. We found Schliegal’s Bike shop
which was close to the center of Oklahoma City. Getting there we drove
past the Thunder Arena, which is very impressive and looks a cool
venue. They just need a better team! Along many of the walls of the
buildings were murals depicting Okalhoma life. On a number of them were
painted herds of Buffalo, which I’m sure would have been the case many
years ago.
The mechanics looked at the bikes and were happy to replace the pedals,
but did say that the back wheel of Lill Missy’s bike would be tough to
fix, but if anyone could do it big Louis, the owner of THE Bike Shop,
would be able to repair it. Course his shop was on the other side of
town, so another big journey to see him. He was a huge man, long beard,
sandals and a wonderful smile. He took one look at the back wheel and
yes it was definitely fixable and would be fine to get the rider to
Chicago, no problem. He did say that it would take a day to repair, so
we left the bike and would come back tomorrow.
Now it was rest time so back to the Ranch, so to speak!
There was a pool and some AC in some of the buildings. Lill’ Miss did
some laundry and the cowboys hung out with her there because – IT HAD
AC!! Once al the chores were done it was time for food. Mark had made a
wonderful organic vegetable pasta broth which was very tasty and
devoured very quickly!
Just before tent time we received a text from James saying that he had
left his cell phone at the Will Rogers World Airport – that’s Oklahoma
City Airport actually – and could we please go and get it back for him
tomorrow! This coming from our partner who was so organized and with
it, that we found it funny that he would leave his cell at the airport,
charger and all!
Sleep!
