Draft of Illinois Route 66 bike trail developed

The Pontiac Daily Leader has a story about the proposed trail. But to view the whole map, go here for a nine-page Acrobat file. Looking over the maps, it looks like there are long stretches that hop around Route 66 and don't go on it, especially north. I'm sure it's for safety reasons it goes … Continue reading Draft of Illinois Route 66 bike trail developed

Indian crafts — fake or genuine?

Here's a good idea: The New Mexico Legislature is considering a certification stamp for arts and crafts made by American Indians in New Mexico, according to an AP story. A similar setup exists in Alaska. The stamp, it is hoped, would create a stronger market for the real stuff and devalue the fakes coming from … Continue reading Indian crafts — fake or genuine?

Pain Walker featured in Tucumcari newspaper

The Quay County Sun of Tucumcari, N.M., has a story about Dennis Kinch, the man who's walking Route 66 to raise awareness for the National Pain Foundation. There's this interesting excerpt about his recent trek from Amarillo to Tucumcari: ... Kinch said one enlightened moment happened just last week, when he realized he was at … Continue reading Pain Walker featured in Tucumcari newspaper

Route 66 featured in Trains magazine

Elrond Lawrence was kind enough to let the Route 66 yahoogroup know that the March issue of Trains magazine is featuring Route 66 as its cover story. He says the article features early Route 66 crusader Angel Delgadillo; the town of Seligman, Ariz.; the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz.; the Jackrabbit Trading Post; Cajon Pass … Continue reading Route 66 featured in Trains magazine

Sweet incentive

As we reported here a few days ago, Shellee Graham will make a presentation at the opening of her exhibit, "Return to Route 66: Photographs from the Mother Road" from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis. There are other incentives to go, according to the St. … Continue reading Sweet incentive

Duarte’s Route 66 parade in jeopardy

The Whittier Daily News reports that the annual Route 66 Parade in Duarte, Calif., is in danger of being canceled because of a lack of volunteers. At a Wednesday meeting to fill 18 parade committee chairmanships, only 10 people signed up, including for the two top posts of parade chairman and treasurer. ... Jim Kirchner, … Continue reading Duarte’s Route 66 parade in jeopardy

He’s gone to look for America

Andrew Gilstrap of Pop Matters is traveling to the Southwest with what he hopes is a bunch of appropriate music (Calexico, Giant Sand, Frank Sinatra). In an age when America seems to be becoming increasingly homogenized, he's looking for "genuineness." In Arizona and New Mexico, he's optimistic he'll find it: I've selected my music based … Continue reading He’s gone to look for America

Try, try again

I have to give the folks in Waynesville, Mo., a lot of credit. Last year, they applied for a grant to install historic lighting over the Roubidoux Creek Bridge, which is part of Route 66. The grant application was rejected. So did Wayneville officials give up? No, they look the lessons learned from their failed … Continue reading Try, try again

Pixar “Cars” toys starting to rev up

Mattel today unveiled a line of toys inspired by the upcoming Pixar movie, "Cars," the Route 66 movie that will be in theaters June 9. The toys will be on display at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, according to this news release. Cheech Marin, the voice of Ramone in "Cars," will … Continue reading Pixar “Cars” toys starting to rev up

Route 66 driving team gives check to charity

The British team that drove two 1972 Mk1 Ford Escorts across America, including Route 66, in as a fund-raiser in September presented a check for their efforts -- 6450 pounds ($11,231 U.S.) to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, according to The Comet, a British newspaper. After shipping their cars to the US, the intrepid trio … Continue reading Route 66 driving team gives check to charity