ROUTE 66 SUNDAY APRIL 27TH

Beautiful day out and a good day to try to make it into Santa Monica just fighting Sunday traffic.
Made it in to Santa Monica and apparently everyone else in the area decided it would be a nice day to go the pier and beach also.

Quickly found the two points considered to be the western end of route 66, the plaque designating route 66 the Will Rogers Highway and the sign over the pier "Santa Monica Pier".
Leaving the bikes in shifts we took plenty of pictures of both.

Headed inland stopping at a Harley dealership, our first one, to get me a new gas cap, apparently somewhere yesterday on the endless day I failed to put it back after gassing.

While eating lunch a guy walked in with a t-shirt that said "THE JOURNEY NOT THE DESTINATION MATTERS", I have heard that quote before but today it is so appropriate.

It was a little sad to reach the end, yes we are going back tomorrow to finish the Arizona portion, but our goal is still over.

Jumped on the old road once out of the LA area and rode back into Barstow stopping to get shots of the CA Route 66 signs. After Barstow decided that we would like to get to Needles so once more on I-40 making some time driving across the desert after dark, not much traffic, good road, cool weather, lots of stars, just a nice ride.

Checked in at Needles and went next door to eat, most of us had a beer and we all raised a glass to our last night on the road. Before the conversation could get melancholy it quickly turned to good natured ribbing, I took the brunt for missing an exit and Needles only has like three. The next thing you know the discussion started for next years trip and the areas left to ride tomorrow.

Last night, last motel, it will be good to be home. It will only last a few days then it is off to ride with JB back to Gladstone, MO, I'm sure he could make it alone but it will be fun to go with and it extends the trip a little bit longer, that can be a good thing.