If you ever find yourself asked the question — “What are the top stops on Route 66?” — you’ll probably find it very difficult to compile a short list because the number is so vast.
Or you’ll find yourself making a different list depending on the day, simply because of random memory variations in the brain.
I get asked this question occasionally from media outlets and am often stumped, though I’ve knocked around my noggin for years.
So this is where you come in. I’ve set up a poll, asking readers to vote for their top 10 icons of the Mother Road. Nominated icons are listed from east to west. The poll is set up so you can vote once every 24 hours. It will run through Dec. 31, and we’ll announce those 10 icons after the New Year.
Here are the criteria that I set up for the list:
— A nominated icon must be a specific place. So specific, in fact, you can track it down via one set of GPS coordinates. So overly broad nominees, such the 90-mile stretch of old 66 in western Arizona, are ineligible.
— They must be on or relatively close to Route 66. Popular side trips that need only a short drive time — such as Totem Pole Park in Oklahoma — are eligible. However, hour-plus jaunts such as the Grand Canyon National Park or Las Vegas are far too afield.
— It must be easily accessible. That leaves off places such as the Painted Desert Trading Post, which is on private property and tough to visit without four-wheel drive. Unfortunately, that also leaves off Bill Shea’s Gas Station Museum, which is fenced off and its future in limbo. Perhaps Shea’s will make the list on a future poll.
— It must have a decent chance to win. I’m sure a few folks will be irked I left off a few of their favorites. I have a few I left off the list because I know they have no chance to garner enough votes. But if there is an obvious contender I overlooked, you can add it to the list. Be advised I can cut it if it doesn’t meet the above criteria.
Share this poll with your friends. Again, you can vote up until midnight on New Year’s Eve. But be warned — you’ll very likely find it very tough to choose just 10.
(Image of the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago by BB and HH via Flickr)
I had driven north from Tucson heading to Winslow. My purpose to get a picture of my standing on the corner. Arrived and started setting up my ’06 electra glyde classic for a few pictures. An elderly couple from Mississippi was arguing about who was going to stand where, who was to take the picture of who. Started to get nasty so I stepped in, “How about I take your pictures?” Smiles, but started arguing, so I put them in specific places, gave them my camera and all was well.
As they left, two pretty young ladies walked over to me speaking French. In broken English they requested I take their pictures, They then asked to sit on my lap on my bike one at a time. Of course, I said. They took their turns, making off color comments in French and laughing. They thanked me and walked away making other comments. I returned their comments in French as well (I do speak French.) The ran off squeeling and laughing. Last two were two elderly ladies. No bones about it and let me know. Wanted to take pictures of themselves with a REAL BIKER so they could show their lady friends and tell stories. Had difficulty getting the last lady off of my lap.
Enough, time to move on. Along comes two more couples. Hold it, I told them. I don’t work here. Started up, kicked it in gear and headed East towards Durango. Must admit, was a good time.
Great story, Roy. Thank you for sharing.