The Seattle Post-Intelligencer today published an excellent story about Ed Gardner, one of the runners in the 3,400-mile transcontinental footrace, famously called the Bunion Derby, that took place on Route 66. As many Route 66ers know, Oklahoma native Andy Payne won the race and its $25,000 prize. But few know of Gardner, who was one … Continue reading An obscure figure of the Bunion Derby
Category: Sports
First-timer wins Route 66 Marathon
A first-time marathon runner captured the overall title and a 50-year-old won the women's division in the second annual Route 66 Marathon on Sunday in Tulsa, Okla., reported the Tulsa World. Scott Downard, 24, of Norman, Okla., was a cross-country runner in high school and the University of Oklahoma. Sunday was his first marathon, and … Continue reading First-timer wins Route 66 Marathon
Running marathons on all eight Route 66 states
I recently received a message from Yves Barbreau of France, who plans to take an ultra-marathon team to America in September 2008 so it can run one marathon a day in eight days, on each of the eight Route 66 states. It is called Team Globules, boasting a two-time French marathon champion and a winner … Continue reading Running marathons on all eight Route 66 states
Don’t try this at home, kids
Pole-vault aficionados B.J. and Becca try their luck vaulting onto the tops of the planted cars that are part of the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas. At least they didn't try to vault over the cars, where no landing pad awaited them.
From Pops to POPS
To help restore a vintage Route 66 neon sign, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association is hosting a poker run on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event begins at the site of the defunct Pop Hicks restaurant at North Third and Gary Boulevard in Clinton, Okla., and goes east on Route 66 to POPS in Arcadia, Okla. … Continue reading From Pops to POPS
Book review: “C.C. Pyle’s Amazing Foot Race”
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”
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