President Donald Trump's proposed budget for the 2018 fiscal year contains no federal money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit -- news that caused anxiety with some city officials and ART supporters. Mayor Richard Berry remains confident the $119 million ART project to convert nine miles of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) into dedicated bus lanes will receive its $69 … Continue reading Trump budget contains no money for Albuquerque Rapid Transit — for now
Category: Vehicles
Wayward driver damages Enchanted Trails RV Park
An alleged drunken driver drove off Interstate 40, careened through the Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post in west Albuquerque and ended up in the complex's swimming pool Wednesday morning. KOB-TV in Albuquerque reported: "In another month I will have been here for 30 years and this is definitely one for our record books," … Continue reading Wayward driver damages Enchanted Trails RV Park
More details revealed about “Cars 3”
In recent days, more details have emerged about the Disney-Pixar animated film, "Cars 3," slated for a mid-June release in theaters. The big reveal was an extended trailer for the film, released by Disney: https://youtu.be/U1eQYk74R1g Scenes indicate "Cars 3" at least briefly returning to the desert Southwest and the Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. … Continue reading More details revealed about “Cars 3”
Two-part French program features Route 66
A reader across the pond alerted me to this two-part, French automotive program about Route 66. The special production is by France-based Turbo magazine. The production's focuses mainly on classic cars and hot rods, but you'll find plenty of history and roadie lore, including Muffler Men. As you'll find, it is in French. But the … Continue reading Two-part French program features Route 66
Illinois Route 66 motorcycle license plate goes on sale
The state of Illinois now is selling a Route 66 license plate made specially for motorcycles. Revenues from the new plate go to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways fund, which helps preserve and promote the old road in the Land of Lincoln. Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation for the plate during an August ceremony … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 motorcycle license plate goes on sale
Arizona unveils Route 66 license plate
Starting tomorrow, the state of Arizona will begin selling an Arizona Route 66 license plate. Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division on Monday will take orders for the plates at this website. Specialty plates typically cost $25 a year, or $50 for a personalized one. Of that, $17 goes to the benefiting organization, which will … Continue reading Arizona unveils Route 66 license plate
Book review: “Route 66 Barn Find Road Trip”
It's a book I'm a bit surprised hasn't been done before -- a few chums travel down Route 66 searching for "barn finds" of classic cars. In case you're not familiar with the term, "barn find" is a long-neglected classic car or motorcycle discovered stored in outbuildings or barns. Many of these vehicles are rare or … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66 Barn Find Road Trip”
Construction of Barstow Route 66 signs to begin next month
Construction of eight classic-car-themed Route 66 signs will begin within the next two weeks in Barstow, California. The Desert Dispatch newspaper reported the signs will place vehicles popular on Route 66 during the 1950s through the 1970s on a masonry base. The seven-foot-tall signs will light at night, using solar energy. The newspaper reported: "We are hoping that this … Continue reading Construction of Barstow Route 66 signs to begin next month
Book review: “Route 66: A Trail of Tears”
This isn't a Route 66 nostalgia book. "Route 66: A Trail of Tears" (514 pages, soft cover, self-published) offers vivid evidence why some people regarded the highway with anguish and dread during its heyday. Historian Barry Duncan compiled hundreds of black-and-white photographs of accidents along a stretch of the Mother Road in southwest Missouri from the 1950s to the 1970s. The … Continue reading Book review: “Route 66: A Trail of Tears”
The early history of Cadillac Ranch
The Artsy website posted a well-researched article of how the Cadillac Ranch art installation in Amarillo, Texas, came to be, including vintage photos of it being built. Cadillac Ranch turned into a roadside icon -- including for Route 66 travelers -- in the four decades since local tycoon Stanley Marsh 3 commissioned it from the Ant Farm … Continue reading The early history of Cadillac Ranch