The Coates Cyclery bicycle shop in Pomona, California, will close at the end of February after a staggering 83 years in business. The shop, at 760 E. Foothill Blvd. (Route 66), features a distinctive freestanding neon sign that was erected in the 1950s or '60s. Corey McCroskey, who bought the shop 15 years ago, told the Inland … Continue reading Coates Cyclery in Pomona to close after 83 years
Category: Bicycling
Woman cycles Route 66 in 23 days
A Pennsylvania native recently cycled the entire 2,451-mile length of Route 66 in 23 days, averaging more than 100 miles a day in the process. Danielle Girdano reputedly is a world record for cycling Route 66, but I've found nothing in any sort of reputable record book, including Guinness, about it. The old record reportedly was … Continue reading Woman cycles Route 66 in 23 days
Survey indicates how bicycle tourism may affect Route 66
The Adventure Cycling Association -- which produced a fine map series on how to cycle on the Route 66 -- recently released some findings of a biennial survey. With some light editing, I decided to highlight data that's most relevant to the Mother Road. My comments are in italics. 1. Boom in “adventure” and touring … Continue reading Survey indicates how bicycle tourism may affect Route 66
Illinois Route 66 gets $2.16 million for trails
The Illinois Department of Transportation on Wednesday awarded $2.16 million in grants for bicycle and walking trails along Route 66 in Williamsville and McLean County. The two projects were part of 33 statewide that received grants from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, slated for "biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work and other projects designed … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 gets $2.16 million for trails
Illinois county seeks another expansion of Route 66 bicycle trail
McLean County, Illinois, is seeking a federal grant to help add seven miles to a Route 66 bicycle trail outside of the Bloomington-Normal metro area. According to WJBC radio: The McLean County Board is expected to apply for federal funds to add a 4-mile stretch of the trail between Lexington and Towanda and a 3.25-mile … Continue reading Illinois county seeks another expansion of Route 66 bicycle trail
Route 66 hostel opens in Joplin
Joplin 66 Hostel, which is catering to travelers along the Mother Road, opened a few weeks ago in Duenweg, Missouri, an eastern suburb of Joplin. The hostel is located at 6863 Newman Road (map here), a short distance north of Business 44. It opened April 1. It's the first hostel in the Joplin area. Rates … Continue reading Route 66 hostel opens in Joplin
Book review: “Bicycling Guide to Route 66”
At first glance, Bob Robinson's "Bicycling Guide to Route 66" appears to be a budget-priced version of the Adventure Cycling Association's "Bicycle Route 66" map series, as the book uses the ACA's route. But the "Bicycling Guide to Route 66" (200 pages, Spirits Creek, paperback, illustrations and photos, $19.95) should be considered as a companion to the ACA … Continue reading Book review: “Bicycling Guide to Route 66”
Cycling groups plans trip on length of Route 66
The Adventure Cycling Association, which last spring published at set of Route 66 maps for those wanting to travel the Mother Road by bicycle, is planning a nearly two-month ride on more than 2,500 miles of Route 66 starting in April. The association's inaugural Route 66 tour begins April 18 on the Santa Monica Pier and … Continue reading Cycling groups plans trip on length of Route 66
Route 66 boasts the World’s Smallest Bike Shop
A lot of Route 66 businesses need a gimmick to draw customers. The Fanning 66 Outpost in Missouri once boasted the World's Largest Rocker. Pops in Arcadia, Oklahoma, boasts the world's largest soda bottle. The Velo in Claremont, California, goes the other direction, claiming its other nickname as the World's Smallest Bike Shop. At just … Continue reading Route 66 boasts the World’s Smallest Bike Shop
Normal plans to improve Route 66 Bike Trail
Normal, Illinois, plans to spend $260,000 for a multi-use trail connecting the Route 66 Bike Trail at Towanda Avenue and Shelbourne Drive to Old Route 66, according to the Bloomington Pantagraph. The project, part of a bigger project to connect an old Route 66 bicycle trail in nearby Towanda, Illinois, is part of Normal's community investment plan. It's … Continue reading Normal plans to improve Route 66 Bike Trail