James Cracknell, the British Olympic gold-medalist who was attempting to traverse the United States by bicycle and running in a mere 18 days, suffered a fractured skull Tuesday on Route 66 when he was hit by a truck in Arizona, reports The Independent of London. The 38-year-old was filming for the Discovery Channel on a … Continue reading Endurance athlete suffers serious injury on Route 66
Sweet addition to the Pier
Soda Jerks, an old-time soda fountain, opened less than two weeks ago on the historic Santa Monica Pier, according to L.A. Weekly. Because setting up a real soda fountain -- the kind with historically accurate egg creams; 18 flavors of ice cream from Fosselman's, the Alhambra ice cream shop where McCaffrey held his first job; 14 … Continue reading Sweet addition to the Pier
Notes from the road
It wasn't a pleasant afternoon or evening in the St. Louis region for Route 66 travelers -- or for any travelers, for that matter. Two to four inches of rain fell in a short time Wednesday afternoon, causing flash flooding in low-lying areas, according to various media reports. That included several feet of water at … Continue reading Notes from the road
La Posada will redevelop east grounds
A new project is being planned for the east grounds of the already-impressive La Posada hotel on Route 66 in Winslow, Ariz. According to an entry today on the hotel's Facebook page: For the last few months Allan Affeldt and his staff have been working on the development of a project that will transform the … Continue reading La Posada will redevelop east grounds
Several Route 66 sites make Arizona magazine’s “best of” list
Several Route 66 establishments made the final cut in Arizona Highways magazine's annual "Best of Arizona" feature, which is in the August issue that's out now. Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman was mentioned in the Kingman Daily Miner for having the "Best Beer without a Buzz," a reference to the restaurant's acclaimed root beer. … Continue reading Several Route 66 sites make Arizona magazine’s “best of” list
More kicks with Leon
Leon Rausch, a longtime singer for Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys, has collaborated with Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel on a new album, "It's a Good Day," that's out tomorrow. And since Asleep at the Wheel's favorite song is "Route 66," you'd think that the band would persuade Rausch to perform it … Continue reading More kicks with Leon
Man to drive classic car for asthma nonprofit
If you see a Marine blue 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe sedan on Route 66 in the coming days, chances are good it's Scott Christenson behind the wheel. Christenson, 56, of Champaign, Ill., plans to drive from Chicago to Los Angeles, starting later this week, in remembrance of his niece, Erin Dennington, who died at age … Continue reading Man to drive classic car for asthma nonprofit
RFD-TV buys Roy Rogers’ horse, dog at auction
Cable television channel RFD-TV gave thought about purchasing all of the memorabilia from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans museum when its contents were put on the auction block a few days ago. Instead, it bought the next-best thing. RFD-TV president Patrick Gottsch purchased the movie cowboy's beloved horse, Trigger, for $266,500. After Trigger died … Continue reading RFD-TV buys Roy Rogers’ horse, dog at auction
Secluded Newberry Springs ranch used as movie set
I didn't know a ranch in the Route 66 town of Newberry Springs, Calif., has been often used as a movie set. I'll bet you didn't, either. But, according to the Victorville Daily Press, Spike Lynch’s hidden Roughout Ranch (between Interstate 15 and I-40) has been used as a film-shoot location in each of the … Continue reading Secluded Newberry Springs ranch used as movie set
Fair-food restaurant to open in historic Springfield eatery
Remember the Sonrise Donuts building and its distinctive neon sign on its roof on Route 66 in Springfield, Ill.? The long-closed business now will be the home Monday of a Gibby's Orbits restaurant, reported the Springfield State Journal-Register. Jack Gibbons had served mini-doughnuts, corn dogs, lemon shake-ups and other favorites at area county fairs since … Continue reading Fair-food restaurant to open in historic Springfield eatery