You may remember the story of Michelle Thompson, the woman who bicycled Route 66 to raise awareness of oral cancer and raise funds for her ill brother, John Thompson. She pedaled to her brother’s house in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Christmas Day, shortly after finishing her trek on the Mother Road.

Today, I received word that John, 48, died on Saturday.

John’s cancer had returned, and he underwent a successful 14-hour surgery in late April. But an unexpected complication developed Saturday afternoon, and he died. More information is on her blog:

John spent the last few hours of his life with his wife, whom he deeply loved, as it should have been. Tracy had the chance to share with him the news that Christina (his stepdaughter) had been accepted into the University of California Berkley. He was elated, extremely proud.

The shock and grief is beyond words for our parents, siblings, aunt, cousins, and friends, but his inspiration and life will live on in all of us. He has endured unimaginable challenges for the past 2 years, always with a smile, extraordinary courage and faith. In his honor, we will try to walk through this difficult time by his example.

Many of you have asked for information regarding the memorial service. My family would be honored to have you join us if you are in the area and wish to do so. John loved life. We hope to make the next 2 days a celebration of my beautiful brother.

The public viewing is this afternoon. The funeral Mass is at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 1015 Baker St. in Costa Mesa (map here).

If you can’t make it, surf over to Michelle’s blog and express your condolences. I’m sure she’d appreciate it.

This isn’t a Sunday drive in a Model A. This is a video from a helmet cam by a racer at Route 66 Karting in Albuquerque. It is on Route 66, so it’s another way to get your kicks.

The driver makes an overaggressive move about the three-minute mark and wipes out. No blood, no foul, though.

The Route 66 town of Cuba, Mo., rapidly becoming known as Mural City, unveiled its newest creation on Monday, according to the Cuba Free Press:

The city’s newest mural celebrates the life and service of entrepreneur Bill Wallis to the Cuba community. It also honors the Missouri Highway Patrol, now celebrating their 75th year as an organization; the Wagon Wheel Motel and the close relationship between the city and Route 66; and the corner Phillips 66 gas station that the Wallis family purchased 1968.

You can see a GIF image of the newspaper’s front page here. You should be able to enlarge it to get a good look at the mural.

UPDATE: For a look at Cuba’s other murals, go here.