June 15 — Claremore OK to Joplin MO (103 Miles)

Greetings from Joplin, which is in the southwest corner of MO.  We arrived here after riding through 3-4 hours of rain and the 10 mile segment of Route 66 that also passes through Kansas.  One of the highlights of the day was having lunch at Clantons in Vinita, OK.  I noticed a photo of former Illinois governor Jim Edgar hanging on the wall.  Turns out he was born and raised in Vinita and his cousins Dennis & Melissa Clanton-Patrick are the fourth generation owners of Clantons.

Another highlight was talking live with Joel & Victoria Osteen on their SiriusXM Radio program.  His positive faith filled sermons have been a source of inspiration while training and now on the Dads Honor Ride.

We have covered 1,699 miles in the first 15 days of the Dads Honor Ride.  We’re still on schedule to arrive in Chicago on Sunday, June 21st at noon at  US Cellular Field before the Chicago White Sox baseball game.

Special thanks to all who have participated or donated.  For those who have yet to do so, please go to: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/DavidHirsch/2015-dads-honor-ride

Only 6 more days to go 🙂

A grandmother who wanted to learn more about and make a donation to the Dads Honor Ride.

Melissa and Dennis Clanton-Patrick, fourth generation owners of Cantons Restaurant in Vinita, OK with photo of her cousin and former IL governor, Jim Edgar.

Taking a break from the rain and doing a live call in to the Joel & Victoria Osteen Sirius Radio program

Relaxing at the local Outback Steakhouse and watching the Blackhawks wrap up their third Stanley Cup in six years. Great way to end the day.

Presentning some Great Dad Coins to some dads over breakfast.

Lincoln getting the bikes tuned up before hitting the road.

Did I mention it was raining?

Not today.

The sun has returned as we entered the 10 mile Route 66 segment that goes through Kansas.

As we were rolling into Joplin.