Upcoming Event: Road Runner's Retreat cleanup

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Sorry about the lack of posts lately; it's been a busy few weeks that hasn't left much time for writing! But The Blue Spirit will be out on Route 66 this weekend, as we participate in a cleanup at the Road Runner's Retreat, a restaurant/truck stop that needs some loving care.


The iconic sign of the Road Runner's Retreat

Located about 10 miles east of Amboy, California on Route 66, the Road Runner's Retreat has been closed for decades. It was once a popular stop for gas and food along 66, but after I-40 bypassed this section of Route 66, the flow of passing travelers dried up and the business eventually closed. In the years since, the owning family has tried to keep up the property with periodic cleanup visits. Recently, the call has gone out for volunteers to come help. Last year's cleanup was one of the earliest weekend adventures of The Blue Spirit into an area that was devoid of major charging infrastructure. We are happy to help support Route 66 preservation by visiting again this year!

The Blue Spirit representing at the Road Runner


This year's cleanup will be October 18-20. Starting Friday afternoon, running all day Saturday, and Sunday until midday, anyone who can help is invited to the Road Runner to clean up debris, cover graffiti, etc. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. The Facebook event page is here with some details. If you can't come out to help in person, you can still contribute to the GoFundMe campaign, which goes to pay for supplies such as security equipment, fencing and paint.

The closest place to stay overnight is the Ludlow Motel, about 38 miles west on Route 66. Another great place is Fender's River Road Resort in Needles, but it's further away, about 78 miles to the east. Unfortunately, a portion of Route 66 east of the Road Runner is closed due to bridge damage, so the drive to Needles is further than it otherwise could be. It might also be possible to camp at the Road Runner's Retreat, though there are no amenities. Contact Ryan Anderson via Facebook to inquire.

If you come out to help, you will need to approach from the west due to the closed bridges. The Road Runner's Retreat is located east of Kelbaker Road on Route 66. Be aware that there are barricades in the road at the intersection of Route 66 and Kelbaker Road; it is ok to drive past these barricades to access the Road Runner. We hope to see many volunteers, friends new and old, with all the elbow grease they can muster, this weekend!

No loitering, let's get to work! (OK, I guess you can loiter a little bit.)


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