2026 Western Route 66 - Day 20

 Amarillo Texas

Our last day started at the Hickory Cafe. With a short day on tap, we had a relaxed breakfast and start at 8:45.

We rolled out as one large group and with little traffic on the frontage road and a strong tailwind it was easy to fall into a double pace line. The guys up front set a comfortable pace and felt more like a relaxed club ride than a cross-country journey.

Our first objective of the day is the Cadillac Ranch 25 miles into the ride. To say there is not much to see in this part of the Texas Panhandle would be an understatement. At the 24 mile mark we slowed for a right turn and I saw this specialty motel! I dropped off the group to grab this photo, then headed to the Cadillac Ranch.

These Cadillacs were originally planted on ranch land some distance from Route 66. In the early 1970’s they were moved to this location along the I-40.

Admission is free, and spray painting is encouraged. There is a vendor trailer that sells refreshments and spray paint.

Don’t touch the Caddy's, much of the paint is still wet!

Excess paint finds its way to the roadway and jersey barriers.

The 2nd Ammendment Cowboy is not a muffler man, but he is huge. Located at the Cadillac Ranch RV Park and gift shop.

Our route took us off a busy commercial section of Route 66 that was not bike worthy and into a nice neighborhood. It was nearly lunchtime, and we decided to stop at Youngbloods Cafe. Our luggage and bike boxes would not be available until 1pm so we took our time.

One more stop, The Bug Ranch was only 1.5 miles from our hotel. Still not quite 1 pm, we stopped here and checked it out. Brant had purchased some paint and tagged one of the cars in honor of our tour.

Now you see it…

…now you don’t

We rolled into The Big Texan Hotel and Restaurant a few minutes after 1pm and our luggage and bike boxes were available. I found mine and a shady spot in the parking to pack up the bike. We cleaned up and got ready for our final group dinner.

No one took up the offer of a free 72 ounce steak dinner if you could finish it in an hour. When we walked in one customer was making the attempt, but he didn’t make it. If you don’t finish, the tab is $72.

I had a 10 ounce cut for my dinner and was stuffed. I can’t imagine eating 72 ounces!

This tour ended where the Eastern Route 66 I completed 2 years ago started. The west felt much more remote, and with much bigger views. The impact of realignments and the eventual interstate bypasses seemed much more brutal in the west. It was especially satisfying completing the ride of the Mother Road.

It was a great tour on the Western Route 66. I hope you enjoyed riding along.

Steve

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Click here if you’d like to read about my 2024 Eastern Route 66