Tucumcari edges ahead in race for Route 66 museum

It appears Tucumcari, N.M., is edging ahead of Santa Rosa, N.M., in the race to land a new Route 66 museum, according to a story in the current print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator, based in Santa Rosa. Johnnie Meier, former president of the New Mexico Route 66 Association and owner of the Classical … Continue reading Tucumcari edges ahead in race for Route 66 museum

Cotton to this

Here's a blues-based version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" by Billy Branch and one of the greatest blues harmonica players in history, James Cotton.

Stagecoach stop

I've been hearing good things in the past year or so about the new owners of the Stagecoach Motel on the east end of Seligman, Ariz., near the historic alignment of Route 66. In addition to the motel, it contains a pizza place. But this video shows more charm and detail than any advertising can … Continue reading Stagecoach stop

Rocking the Route

A few weeks ago, Red Bull sponsored a Route 66 tour for two unsigned rock bands who competed for the chance of getting professional recording studio time in Los Angeles. Here's a video that summarizes the tour and contest: Shows by both bands were in Chicago, St. Louis, Tulsa, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles. Journals and … Continue reading Rocking the Route

Joplin sues marathon organizer

This certainly explains why the city of Joplin, Mo., announced so quickly in November that the organizer's contract for the Mother Road Marathon wouldn't be renewed. Joplin filed a federal suit for an injunction against Reinke Sports Group, alleging the Florida-based organizer infringed on the Mother Road Marathon trademark, according to an article Friday in … Continue reading Joplin sues marathon organizer

DVD review: “Route 66: Ten Years After”

The documentary "Route 66: Ten Years After" was meant as a travelogue. But, unexpectedly, this flawed but fascinating 52-minute film winds up also as an emotional journey. In 1999, veteran writer Tim Steil and young photographer Jim Luning traveled together from Chicago to Santa Monica to gather material for a new Motorbooks International publication. The … Continue reading DVD review: “Route 66: Ten Years After”

Eisler Bros. Store in limbo

The historic Eisler Bros. Old Riverton Store on old Route 66 in Riverton, Kan., closed last week amid a possible ownership change, according to the store's longtime manager, Scott Nelson. The store, which has operated continuously since 1925, closed at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and will remain shuttered indefinitely. "It has nothing to do … Continue reading Eisler Bros. Store in limbo

An advance review of “Cars 2” — sort of

Nanna Torhild of CC2K claims she saw a "super secret" advance screening of the Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars 2," which won't hit theaters until summer 2011. Torhild said "Cars 2" was "good, but never feels Pixar good." But before you set your expectations lower, this caveat sticks out like a proverbial sore thumb: Since it’s … Continue reading An advance review of “Cars 2” — sort of

Galena bridge reopens to traffic

A few days ago, Melba Rigg at 4 Women on the Route in Galena, Kan., passed along good news -- the historic Front Street Bridge that was closed to traffic for repairs has reopened. The bridge, which actually is a 216-foot-long railroad viaduct, was built in the early 1920s, and incorporated as Route 66 when … Continue reading Galena bridge reopens to traffic

Outlook for Mojave Trails Monument dims

It now seems less likely the lame-duck Congress will vote on a lands bill that includes legislation to establish a Mojave Trails National Monument along the Route 66 corridor in Southern California, reported Kurt Repanshek today for National Parks Traveler. Repanshek explains: Conservation groups last month urged Congress to sweep these and dozens of other pending bills up … Continue reading Outlook for Mojave Trails Monument dims