Shaun Rides His Bike

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Day 20: Miami, OK to Vinita, OK

Today was a short day (just 31 planned miles!) because the forecast was for very strong winds directly from the south. Let’s just say the forecast was extremely accurate. According to my favorite wind application (windy.app), the wind speed was hovering around 25-30 MPH, with occasional gusts above that.

My route had two legs that took me directly into this headwind, and I was struggling to maintain 6 or 7 MPH – on flat ground. It was grueling.

But it was warm and dry, and I just listened to podcasts, and let my mind wander a little bit. For the most part, the roads were wide, with generous shoulders. There were a few sections of road with no shoulders, but drivers were careful to give me plenty of room.

I didn’t encounter much Route 66-related scenery, and all the scenery I did encounter was abandoned.

A section of original road, built in 1922. It's not doing very well, obviously.
A section of original road, built in 1922. It’s not doing very well, obviously.
An abandoned garage a few miles south of Miami, Oklahoma.
An abandoned garage a few miles south of Miami, Oklahoma.
Mike Dennis, riding Route 66 west to east, passed me today, and we chatted on the side of the road for 15 minutes, sharing notes. I've been following his progress here: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=24089
Mike Dennis, riding Route 66 west to east, passed me today, and we chatted on the side of the road for 15 minutes, sharing notes. I’ve been following his progress here: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=24089
Avon Motel ruins, just outside Afton, Oklahoma.
Avon Motel ruins, just outside Afton, Oklahoma.
Little Cabin Creek Bridge, built in 1934-35, and is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it is not open to traffic.
Little Cabin Creek Bridge, built in 1934-35, and is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it is not open to traffic.
Awesome vintage postcard mural of Wilson Street in Vinita. A perfect backdrop for a picture of my bicycle!
Awesome vintage postcard mural of Wilson Street in Vinita. A perfect backdrop for a picture of my bicycle!
Old gas station in Vinita. Notice the (broken) pay phone!
Old gas station in Vinita. Notice the (broken) pay phone!

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