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 … Continue reading Sad news
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
Missouri town unveils newest mural
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 … Continue reading Missouri town unveils newest mural
Fun Run breaks record
So much for the high cost of gasoline. According to the Kingman Daily Miner, the Arizona Route 66 Association's annual Fun Run boasted 815 entrants, beating last year's record of 800. That's a lot of classic cars in one place. 🙂
Behind the wheel
Members of the Joliet Region Model A Restorers' Club participated in the Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor weekend from Joliet to Pontiac. The one who shot this video was driving a 1931 Ford Model A pickup. Great-looking vehicle, but, as you'll see in the footage, the payload isn't much.
Mother Road notebook
A few brief news items from Route 66: Reviews of Grand Canyon Skywalk have become so bad, its operators have hired a lawyer to send letters that threaten legal action against critics, reports East Valley Living. A prominent First Amendment attorney has scoffed at Skywalk's alleged intimidation efforts. Money quote from a nearby landowner: "We … Continue reading Mother Road notebook
Miami’s historic Marathon station
Here's a photo of the 1929 Marathon service station in Miami, Okla., that I mentioned a couple days ago. The City of Miami wants to restore it. Amanda Davis at the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau was kind enough to e-mail a photo of it. Apparently a Marathon station this old is very rare. It's … Continue reading Miami’s historic Marathon station
Dwight gas station becomes a welcome center
A few days ago, we noted a dedication ceremony for the completed restoration of the historic Ambler's Texaco Station on Route 66 in Dwight, Ill. Now, as the Bloomington Pantagraph reports, the Ambler's station no longer pumps gas, but has settled into a new role as a welcome center for Route 66 travelers and other … Continue reading Dwight gas station becomes a welcome center
Historic gas station will reopen as a B&B
Terri Ryburn's parents drove Route 66 from Bloomington, Ill., to California when she was 5 years old. She never forgot that exciting experience. She since has driven the length of the road several times. Her history doctorate focused on Route 66 tourism efforts. She's written several books about the Mother Road. Now she's the owner … Continue reading Historic gas station will reopen as a B&B
Red Carpet weekend pronounced a success
Local officials say that the first Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor weekend, scattered 90 miles over a dozen towns, was a success, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. "I think it was a very successful run," said Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy, who drove the entire corridor, with his son on Saturday and his wife on … Continue reading Red Carpet weekend pronounced a success