Day 4 - Rolla, Missouri to Tulsa, Oklahoma, 281 miles

Well it is kind of at this point that we begin to realise that 12/13 hours of driving every day is the norm, that lunchtime is generally at 15.00 in the afternoon and that we usually arrive at the hotel at about 19.30.  Not quite sure where the relax and swim or exercise at each hotel happens. 

Day 4 is our longest day, and the one with the most furious driving.  Wendy takes up a seat in the support vehicle to allow John to drive at pace to keep up with the team and not worry about having her as pillion on the "beast".

We leave Rolla at 08.30 in the morning, the weather is clear and blue skies with rising temperatures.  Most of this day is spent on the actual Route 66 (1930 - 1950). Travelling through the towns of Lebanon and Conway, all with remnants of the colourful signage which is significant on the route. We get to visit a very informative museum at Carthage.  John was rather amused by several of the old notices in the museum.

We then continue down through to Joplin which was devasted by the tornado last year.  Very poignant seeing a straight line of devastation through the centre of town.  We all wonder whether travelling through Joplin at this time is right.

Lunch (at about 2.30 in the afternoon) was held at Baxter Springs (also known as Radiator Springs for those Cars film fans)  We discovered that our host was Crazy Legs who did the most amazing things with his legs.

Baxter Springs - all the bikes in a row

Restuarant in Baxter Springs with a brass ceiling.  This has previously been a bank which Jesse James had robbed.

One of the group with "Crazy Legs"

The temperature soars and we have to stop for a break on this our longest day as we pass through into Oklahoma.  Another Wendy is now suffering with very swollen legs so at a refreshment break when we re-stock with ice we try to reduce the swelling on the roadside.  John gets to try out his chilling bandana.

John and his bandana

Wendy with ice on her swollen legs

We continue down the road on the 1926 route taking a route through Chelsea which allows us to cross one of the pony cross metal bridges.  An amazing structure.  Sadly we didn't stop for photos.  We continue on in the afternoon till sunset and pull into Tulsa just as the sun is setting.  The hotel is wonderful with special biker packs (including cloths to clean the bikes with and cable ties!!)  We are beginning to realise that riding the route as a group you become as much a part of the icon as the route itself.

Sunset coming into Tulsa