Study Overseas

The last chapter of Studying in America's Mother Road adventure saw a nostalgic trip through the rolling hills of Oklahoma. Now we're picking up the pace and donning a pair of chaps ready for the next leg of our journey into the vast plains of the Texas Panhandle. With more than 150 miles of the original historic highway to cover and hundreds of vintage landmarks awaiting us, we're raring to go so lets fill up the Harley and set off.

U-Drop-Inn, Shamrock

Starting at Texola near the State border and passing through Benonine and Fuller, we're now entering Shamrock following 12th St. At the intersection with Main St. the beautiful art deco tower of the former U-Drop-In beckons us to pull over and investigate. In its hey day, the U-Drop-Inn welcomed numerous weary Route 66 travellers. The U-Drop-Inn owed its name to a local schoolboy who won $50 in a competition to name the restaurant. After closing in the 90s, the building has since been restored to its former grandeur and is now a tourist office.

After looking around Shamrock and the old motel district, we hit the road and pass through Lela to McLean for a quick stop off at the Texas Route 66 Association and Devil's Rope Museum. A few photos later and we're back on the Harley in search of the Jericho Gap just west of Alanreed.

Jericho Gap

The Jericho Gap was famous for trapping numerous travellers in its 18-mile strip of muddy black soil. Rumours began to circulate that the locals watered the road because they benefited from the business travellers brought to the town. However, we're not getting stuck in the mud today as the original stretch is now missing bits and parts of it are on private property.

Continuing westwards, it's time to push on non-stop all the way to Amarillo for a taste of the Old West and vintage Route 66 icons.

Amarillo

As the 16st and oldest town on Texas 66, Amarillo is a major destination for Route 66 enthusiasts from all over the world. We're choosing one of two alignments through the city that will take us to vintage cafes and other signs of the Mother Road on 6th and 9th Streets. Popular 6th Street is full of Route 66 memorabilia and much of this area has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Nat, Amarillo

Located at 6th and Georgia on Old Route 66 is a place steeped in history and rumoured to be haunted! Originally an indoor swimming pool, The Nat became famous as a dance palace in the roaring 20s. Boasting on the of the finest dance floors in the southwest, The Nat entertained guests for decades attracting the likes of Louis Armstrong, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, the Crickets and Buddy Holly.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

We've covered a fair distance on the Harley and built up a monster appetite, so it's time to stop off at classic Route 66 roadside restaurant, the Big Texan Steak Ranch. Established in 1960 on East Amarillo Boulevard, this iconic eatery is famous for its "Free 72 oz Steak Dinner". Since the restaurant was opened, the owner has set the challenge for his customers to eat this huge hunk of beef in under an hour, and if they can, they don't have to pay. Better loosen those chaps then!

The Cadillac Ranch

Leaving Amarillo behind following Old Route 66 south of Interstate 44, we're looking out for the Cadillac Ranch between exits 60 and 62. No, your eyes are not deceiving you; there are 10 Cadillacs buried nose down alongside the old highway. Texas millionaire, Stanley Marsh commissioned the piece which is purported to represent the "Golden Age" of American automobiles.

On our way to the State border, we enter Adrian where officially half of our epic journey across America is completed. Don't stop now...watch this space for travels through New Mexico.