Come August, those who are cruising or living along the Mother Road are in for an unusual sight, courtesy of the 2010 Route 66 Microcar Rally. When we're talking about microcars, we're not kidding. Here are some of the types of cars you'll see during the cruise from Santa Monica, Calif., to Chicago: Most of … Continue reading A big cruise in small cars
Ah, young grasshopper
Some truly bizarre episodes of "Route 66: A Road Trip through the Bible" have been posted. The latest, which focuses on the Book of Joel, may take the championship trophy for the weirdest. And the guy who portrays the man-grasshopper should be informed that Academy Award nominations aren't given to YouTube performances.
Bootleg Stones
Here's a live-in-concert, bootleg recording in 1977 of the Rolling Stones performing "Route 66." Mick Jagger's slight change in a lyric might offend a few Oklahoma City residents (and make a few Tulsans snicker). The recording came from El Mocambo Club in Toronto, Canada. The gig became rather infamous, and not for the music, as … Continue reading Bootleg Stones
A Humbler fumble
As the Super Bowl fast approaches, here's a fascinating Super Bowl ad from 1970, for the Pontiac GTO Humbler built by General Motors. Longtime roadie Mark Potter, who's done a lot of impeccable research about Route 66 and classic cars, said the ad aired only one time. He explained why in a comment on his … Continue reading A Humbler fumble
Top this
One of the dreams of many motorists is to drive Route 66 in a convertible with the top down. David Loveall of Kansas City, Mo., certainly did -- more than 555 hours' worth on the Mother Road and other highways across the country, reported Automobile Magazine. Loveall drives a Mini Cooper convertible equipped with a … Continue reading Top this
More Route 66 in miniature
Here is Willem Bor's latest Route 66 miniature creation -- the Little Juarez diner in the ghost town of Glenrio, Texas. It is in 1/25 scale. You can read more about Bor's creations here.
Notes from the road
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Route 66 city of St. Louis as one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, it was announced this week. Such destinations "offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment … Continue reading Notes from the road
Kicks with King of the Jukebox
Here's a sizzling version of "Route 66" by jump blues artist Louis "King of the Jukebox" Jordan in 1958. Singing is Dorothy Smith, who does some swell improvisation with the lyrics. https://www.louisjordan.com/
Prime Prima
Here's a jaunty version of "Route 66" by jazz legend Louis Prima.
A story with long legs
Many, many people have traveled Route 66 in a number of ways -- walking, running, driving and more. However, this one has to be a first. French native Manu Cuadra is beginning his journey this spring on the Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica ... on stilts. He plans on covering 70 kilometers (43 … Continue reading A story with long legs