The Victorville (Calif.) Daily Press has a story about how the rising price of gasoline is having a negative impact on business along Interstate 15, which replaced Route 66 through much of Southern California as a major artery.
However:
The California Route 66 Museum on D Street has not seen a change in visitorship, said volunteer Bill Cadenhead.
“We’re still getting people from all over the world visiting,” he said. “The real fact of the matter is they’re real happy to pay $3.50 a gallon for gas.”
I'd be foolish to ever suggest that the rising price of fuel wouldn't have at least somewhat of an impact on Route 66 travel. But not only do you burn less fuel by driving at a lower speed on the old Mother Road, but the motels and restaurants generally are cheaper than what you find near the interstate.
The point is this: Route 66 is a travel bargain.