The Wagon Wheel Motel is the longest, continuously operated motel along Route 66.  Route 66 Podcast host Anthony talks with Connie Echols, owner of The Wagon Wheel Motel.  Connie purchased the hotel at an age when most people prepare for retirement, and Connie has been busy ever since.

Website: The Wagon Wheel Motel

Website: Wagon Wheel Facebook Page

Connie Echols, owner Wagon Wheel Motel

Show highlights:

• Connie’s other profession before purchasing The Wagon Wheel Motel
• Early history of The Wagon Wheel Motel
• Most popular items sold at The Wagon Wheel Gift Shop
• Why the original motel garages were removed from adjoining rooms
• The original Wagon Wheel Neon sign and why there’s only one sign facing east, and no sign facing travelers as they travel west
• Keeping in touch with other historic Route 66 Motels
• Latest projects at The Wagon Wheel that Connie is working on
• Local area attractions for Cuba, MO
• Annual events in the area
• Famous guests who stayed at The Wagon Wheel Motel

Mark Linder is bicycling Route 66 to honor his son, Kevin, who passed away from pediatric cancer at the age of 6.  Please support Mark by donating just $10 to aid two organizations, DC Strong and CureSearch.  Mark joins the show to tell about his first two days on the route, including mechanical issues that were unexpected.

Mark’s Website with daily updates: Ride 2 End Pediatric Cancer

News Coverage of Mark’s Route 66 Bike Ride:

Website: Texas Welomes the World

One of the biggest Route 66 festivals will be taking place this summer in Shamrock, Texas.  Dora Meroney, President of the Old  Route 66 Association of Texas,  joins the show to tell all about this popular festival that is expecting over 5,000 people.  The Road Crew will be one of the many highlights.