✨ From Rancho Cucamonga: a bell, a mural, and two unforgettable smiles — our day with Gilbert & Ron.
Sometimes the people you meet along Route 66 are just as unforgettable as the places themselves. That was certainly the case when we stopped at the Cucamonga Service Station in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and met two extraordinary volunteers: Gilbert and Ron.
From the very first moment, their humor and energy made us feel at home. They weren’t just caretakers of the station — they were storytellers, guardians of its history, and entertainers who made the past come alive with every laugh and every anecdote.
They invited us to ring the service station bell, activated by a foot pedal — a quirky ritual that instantly transported us back to the days when cars pulled in for gas and service. Then, with big smiles, they led us to their desk in front of the gigantic mural of Route 66 crossing America, insisting we sit there for a special souvenir photo. That picture, with Gilbert and Ron by our side, is now one of our favorite memories from the journey.
Of course, we also took a few selfies together, because how could we not? Their friendliness, availability, and sense of fun made the stop unique.
For us, Gilbert and Ron embody the true spirit of Route 66: passion, warmth, and a genuine love for keeping the Mother Road alive. Without them, our visit would have been interesting; with them, it became unforgettable.
