Day 30: Erick, OK to McLean, TX

When I look back at this tour in a few months, if someone asks me to describe it in one word, that word will have to be “WIND!”

Today was another day of grueling headwinds, but it was warm, and the roads were quiet. My legs were completely “done” at the end of the ride!

Video of a windmill spinning fast in the wind: https://www.tiktok.com/@a.shaun.ivory/video/7093263094255865131

I had a few notable stops today. First I stopped at the Conoco Tower Station in Shamrock, and met some wonderful ladies! I talked to Theresa and Hazel for a half-hour or so. We talked about the wind, and I mentioned that I was going to unfriend anyone on Facebook who told me I was going the wrong way. Hazel said she had Facebook, but didn’t know how to add people, and she asked me if I would add myself, so I did! When I asked Theresa and Hazel for a picture, they hugged each other. When I said goodbye and offered a handshake, Hazel said she doesn’t shake hands and went in for a hug. So sweet!!!

When I was leaving Shamrock, TX, I heard some dogs barking and saw a couple big dogs chained up across the street. Since they were chained up, I looked away, but then I saw some movement, and realized a whole pack of little dogs were headed my way. They were brave, fearsome and… hilarious!

Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@a.shaun.ivory/video/7093267692861328683

While I was battling the headwinds up a hill, I looked down a dirt road and saw a bunch of tagged goats in the road, and no cattle guard between them and the freeway. I was concerned they’d broken through a fence, so I went over to investigate. When I made goat sounds at them, one of them responded repeatedly, and THIS TIME, I got it on video! After I talked to them for a while, they climbed under the fence, which apparently does nothing to keep them in.

Video: https://www.tiktok.com/@a.shaun.ivory/video/7093262170489900334

Next I stopped at the Route 66 and Devil’s Rope Museum on the west end of McLean – my stop for the night. I was so hot from battling the wind and rolling hills that I just wanted a cold soda. I was so grateful to find Diet Coke in the cooler that I would have paid $5 for one! As I drank it, I chatted with the museum’s hostess, Anita. Anita is a native of McLean, and her parents were also from the area. She was also really sweet, and told me all about the area. Sadly, I forgot to get a picture.

Then I went to check into my motel, the Cactus Inn, on the other end of town. There was nobody there, but checkin time was 3:00, so I figured I’d go find something to eat and come back. There’s only one restaurant open on Mondays: The Chuckwagon. But when I got there, it was 2:38, and they had to close early, at 3:00. I hurriedly ordered and ate, and then she sent me home with a box of free pastries, because they’re closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Along the way, I saw some dilapidated Route 66 relics, and took a few pictures, but the highlights of the day were definitely the people, the goats and the crazy little dogs!