That yellow boom truck from last week is still being washed! Brad and I saddle up, wave to the maintenance man washing the yellow truck, and ride out of the campground on our iron horses. Ha! I can be creative.
The Route 66 Biker Rally campground sign says it is in Milfay, Oklahoma. The rally gear says Depew, Oklahoma. The venue is between Milfay and Depew. The Historic Route 66 Highway runs between the two towns. Along the road, you can see the remains of the original Route 66 with grass growing in the cracks and remains of old buildings. The visual is exciting knowing we are laying our eyes on the historic “Mother Road.” It is also a little eerie to see the decaying structures. Route 66 connected rural areas with larger cities post-World War II. Route 66 was referred to as “Main Street America.” Brad and I are excited to see some of the lesser-known small towns along the route.
We find the Town of Depew. We park across from the post office and walk Main Street. Not much going on and not many businesses. I did take a few fantastic photos of our motorcycles with the old main street buildings and a water tower.
Route 66 lives up to its name, leading us to “Main Street” in Bristow. As we follow the left turn from a traffic light, I am admiring the busier main street with colorful business signs and activity. Brad roars up beside me to get my attention. He read a sign that said “Half Price Hamburgers Every Monday” and “All you can eat Famous Fish Fridays”. Today is Monday, so we turn the bikes around. Parking is parallel along the street and full. We park and take a short walk to the Boomarang Diner. The diner has a ‘50s style and feel. It is very appropriately decorated in connection to the historic Route 66 era. Brad and I enjoy diners like this. The diner has a black and white checkered floor. Old-style sturdy tables and chairs. Antique display items and vintage photos. I think there may have been some pies on display behind an old-style thick glass display case. The atmosphere, food, and service were fantastic. Brad and I dined at the Boomarang a couple of times during our stay. On Friday, Brad enjoyed the fish fry and I went for a root beer float!
With our bellies satisfied, Brad and I walked back to our motorcycles. The street was busy with mid-day traffic. As we approached our motorcycles, we noticed something on the seats of both bikes. It was a business card with an arrowhead attached to it. We noticed that we were parked close to a gun store, Shooters Shop, which is what the card indicated. So we went inside. We opened the door and were greeted by this happy dog with long, bright white, fluffy hair. Brad and the dog immediately connected as Brad stopped in his tracks to give the friendly dog some attention. Inside the store and beyond the dog was a trike-style motorcycle and a wheeled Gatling gun. What a combination! Paul, an Air Force Vietnam Veteran and owner of Shooter Shop, told us about the Gatling gun and that he didn’t ride his motorcycle often anymore. Amanda, his bride, offered us some popcorn. The dog followed Brad around the shop. We talked with Paul about firearms a bit. Very capable gunsmith, shop owner, and patriot. As I write this, I discover that Paul passed away in 2024. I imagine Paul is back on his motorcycle enjoying his final ride.
