After completing her 2,390-mile trek on Route 66 on Sunday in Santa Monica, Michelle Thompson cycled south on Pacific Coast Highway and arrived at her brother’s home in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Christmas Day afternoon, like she had hoped.
KABC-TV in Los Angeles was there to see her ride through a congratulatory banner. There is a two-minute video with the above link if you want to see her brother, wearing a Route 66 T-shirt, welcoming her. It was an emotional moment for everyone.
Thompson promises to update her site later with photos from the trip.
UPDATE: The Daily Pilot in Costa Mesa has a story today about Thompson being with her brother on Christmas Day and her Route 66 trek.
Along the route, which has taken her through eight states, she has been collecting various bric-a-brac and sending it off to John. Her brother is now the proud owner of an obscenely large cowboy hat, a string of lights representing each state along Route 66, and hillbilly chopsticks — essentially an oversized clothespin.
Besides getting random tidbits of Route 66’s extensive history, Michelle’s favorite aspect of the journey was the helpful people she met at gas stations, motels and elsewhere. These “road angels” shared food, shelter and support along the way, many calling in or e-mailing to check on her progress, or offering advice.
“People I didn’t know anything about nine weeks ago have become lifelong friends,” Michelle said. “They have definitely stayed with me.”
Congratulations, roadies. You’ve made new friend of the road, simply by being your usual gracious selves.