C.C. Pyle's First Annual International Transcontinental Foot Race, better known as the Bunion Derby, was a plodding, disorganized event that taxed the health and sanity of the runners and was largely greeted with indifference by the American public. Fortunately, a new book about the race fares much better. Geoff Williams' "C.C. Pyle's Amazing Foot Race" … Continue reading Book review: “C.C. Pyle’s Amazing Foot Race”
Category: Sports
Company revives Burma Shave jingles for apparel
Here's an interesting press release that should intrigue roadies: WHITTIER, Calif. -- Eagle II Motorsports Nostalgia Drag Racing Team announced today that they have been granted special permission from the holder of the Burma Shave registered trademark, to use the name and roadside jingles of the once famous shaving products line, for use in their … Continue reading Company revives Burma Shave jingles for apparel
Behind the wheel, Part 2
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, … Continue reading Behind the wheel, Part 2
More money for The Mick
A recent banquet in Commerce, Okla., to raise money for a statue and other attractions paying tribute to native son and Baseball Hall-of-Famer Mickey Mantle cleared about $12,000 in profit, reported the Miami (Okla.) News-Record. More than 350 people attended the event. I'm certain the appearance of Hall of Fame pitcher Ferguson Jenkins drew a … Continue reading More money for The Mick
Details emerge on Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest
According to the Rolla (Mo.) Daily News, the town's Route 66 Summerfest is "getting bigger every year." This year's version is from May 31 to June 2. A special tabloid newspaper detailing the event, with a distribution of more than 20,000 copies, will hit the streets in early May outlining the festival. With the slogan, … Continue reading Details emerge on Rolla’s Route 66 Summerfest
Here are details on Missouri 66 tour
This e-mail today from Kip Welborn of the Route 66 Association of Missouri gives additional details about the group's annual motor tour on Sept. 7-9: The Tour will commence in Miami, OK, and end in Sullivan, MO. This year's theme is "Take Me Out To Our Highway." The tour will celebrate not only Route 66, … Continue reading Here are details on Missouri 66 tour
Construction begins on Avery Plaza
A couple of news items today from the Tulsa World have relevance to Route 66: Construction has begun on the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza, which is at Southwest Boulevard and Riverside Drive in Tulsa. It eventually will be part of a Route 66 museum complex. Organizers of the Route 66 Marathon probably will tweak the … Continue reading Construction begins on Avery Plaza
Carl who?
Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Carl Hubbell was born in the Route 66 town of Carthage, Mo. He's the guy most famous for striking out Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin consecutively in the 1934 All-Star Game. He also was the league MVP twice. If you've driven through Carthage and … Continue reading Carl who?
Tucumcari applies for racetrack, casino permit
The Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., has applied for the state's last remaining permit for a horse-racing track and casino that would be on the Mother Road, reports the Quay County Sun. The ownership would be a joint effort between the county, Tucumcari and the nearby towns of House, San Jon and Logan. The … Continue reading Tucumcari applies for racetrack, casino permit
Albuquerque’s unusual museums
This story from the Rocky Mount Telegram in North Carolina focuses on a few of the more unusual museums that are in the Duke City, including the Turquoise Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum, the Explora children's science museum, and the Unser Racing Museum (Al Unser is a native of Albuquerque).