Day 3 - Ride for The Relay

We left Rolla, MO this morning around 8:20 AM after a blessing and the day's ride dedications.  It was very hot and humid.  We saw some thermometers reading 97 F.

As we rode we enjoyed several nice curves and pretty views on old Route 66.

As we got close to Springfield, MO we received a Police Escort from the County Sheriff - several patrol cars and police motorcycles took us through the heart of the City with lights flashing, stopping traffic at every intersection so we could pass through.  This was REALLY neat!

After Springfield, we drove to Gay Parita to the old Sinclair station to see Gary Turner.

Gary and his family treated us to a wonderful lunch and some of the sweetest home-grown watermelon we have ever had.

That's Gary on the right, serving ice cream for root beer floats.  He wouldn't let us pay - but we were allowed to leave a donation.  Note the sign for Fruitport, Michigan at the front of his store!

The ride from there to the Hilton Garden Inn in Joplin, MO was pretty easy - got in around 4 PM so Melinda and I could both take showers, put on fresh clothes and do some wash.

The family that owns the Hilton Garden Inn in Joplin treated us to a nice BBQ pork dinner this evening.

We enjoyed the meal and fellowship and will call it an early evening.  Tomorrow we pass through Galena Kansas, and then into Oklahoma.  Several of us will leave Route 66 and head into Tulsa to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America there for a tour and a lunch, then on to Edmondson OK.

Shine On!

God is good, all the time!

Love,

Stephen & Melinda