A Vespa on 66 … and other notebook items

Eric Swanger is planning on driving the length of Route 66 in a few days. What makes his trip special is he's doing it entirely on a Vespa scooter. He starts from Chicago on May 6. He e-mailed: I am keeping a blog and posting a ton of pics. For the Route 66 segment, I'm … Continue reading A Vespa on 66 … and other notebook items

Route 66: Where it’s been, where it’s going

Using a bunch of upcoming Route 66 festivals in Southern California as a news hook, Carol Bidwell of the Long Beach Press-Telegram writes a good article about the Mother Road's history and where it stands at the present day. It includes talk about what happens after the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program ends in 2009. … Continue reading Route 66: Where it’s been, where it’s going

‘A little bit of everything’

Dave Bakke of the Springfield (Ill.) Journal-Register has a great feature about The Old Station in the Route 66 town of Williamsville, Ill. The owner is Frank Kohlrus, and it sounds like he's quite a character: He sells Route 66 memorabilia at his unique Williamsville shop, The Old Station. He also drove a tow truck … Continue reading ‘A little bit of everything’

What to do about electronic billboards?

Here in Tulsa, there's been considerable discussion by the city council on what to do about digital billboards. Some officials want to restrict them, some want new spacing rules for them, and a few undoubtedly want to ban them (although that option is unlikely). But it appears the Route 66 town of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., … Continue reading What to do about electronic billboards?

Fun Run preview

This coming weekend's Fun Run, directed by the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, is the subject of a preview in the Kingman Daily Miner, including an extensive schedule for the event. The Fun Run, which anticipates more than 800 entrants, is a car/motorcycle cruise that winds on Route 66 from Seligman to the Topock/Golden … Continue reading Fun Run preview

“Route 66” DVDs pushed back to resolve customer complaints

TVShowsonDVD.com has interesting news about the upcoming DVD re-releases of the original "Route 66" television series of 1960-64. Apparently dates for upcoming releases, including a complete Season 1 and a half-season of Season 2, had been canceled. But those dates apparently will be rescheduled: Along the course of putting out the first DVD packages, Infinity … Continue reading “Route 66” DVDs pushed back to resolve customer complaints

Atlanta buying decorative lampposts

The beautification of Route 66 through Atlanta, Ill., continues. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that the town has bought at least six decorative lampposts and may buy up to 10 if enough locals sponsor them. The lampposts will be installed on the alignment of Arch Street, aka Route 66, through downtown. Sponsorships to help the town … Continue reading Atlanta buying decorative lampposts

Anything but random

The Random Players play a rocked-up medley of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" and Alan Jackson's "Mercury Blues" during a gig in Germany. I approve.

State of the road in Illinois

Using the upcoming Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Weekend as a jumping-off point, the Bloomington Pantagraph takes a look at the current state of the Mother Road in the Land of Lincoln. And despite current problems like a faltering economy and high fuel prices, the future of Route 66 looks bright. "International travelers come from … Continue reading State of the road in Illinois

‘American Idol’ contestant to perform at Berdoo Bikes fest

Amanda Overmyer, a recently deposed contestant on this season's "American Idol," will perform a show during the inaugural Berdoo Bikes & Blues Festival in San Bernardino, Calif., according to a news release today. Opening ceremonies will include her version of the Star Spangled Banner on Friday, May 2, on the Time Warner "D" Street stage … Continue reading ‘American Idol’ contestant to perform at Berdoo Bikes fest