“Mad” Mike Hughes, whose quest in November to launch a self-made, steam-powered rocket over Amboy, California, was halted because he lacked a permit, set a new date for blastoff — 3 p.m. Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, upon learning of Hughes’ bid less than a week before launch, denied the attempt because it was too close to federal land.
According to the Philly Voice:
Now that he’s found some private land in the “ghost town” of Amboy, California – complete with a brand-spanking-new road that’ll enable him to get his motor home and rocket gear to the site – the risky endeavor is a go.
“It’ll be a vertical launch, me strapped into the rocket with 6,000 pounds of thrust, going up about three-eighths of a mile,” he said, noting it’s a prologue to a major launch this Fourth of July weekend. “It’s the ultimate Wile E. Coyote move.” […]
“I should get more viewers than the Super Bowl,” said Hughes, adding the launch will be aired on Noize TV. “The Super Bowl halftime show is nothing but bulls***. You think I care what Tom Brady does? It doesn’t matter. He throws a football.
“People in Finland and Hungary don’t care about the game, but they’ll care about this launch. Of course I’m nervous. Who wouldn’t be? But some people think I’m the man who will change the world and, who knows, maybe they’re right.”
Hughes also said he believes the Earth is flat, and he will file papers to run for California governor after the launch.
This isn’t the first time Hughes has blasted himself into the skies. His last attempt in Arizona in 2014 went more than 1,300 feet. He needed three days to recover physically because of the effect of the G-forces.
Hughes built his new rocket in Apple Valley, California, another Route 66 town in the high desert.
Amboy owner Albert Okura gave permission for the first rocket launch. Okura, who owns the Juan Pollo restaurant chain of Southern California, also is sponsoring the launch. He bought Amboy — most famous for its historic Roy’s restaurant, gas station and motel — in 2005. Roy’s motel remains closed, but the gas station reopened, and the restaurant serves as a convenience store.
Just spoke to the owner of Amboy, Albert Okura who is sponsoring Mad Mike. He tells me that the Associated Press has picked up the story and that he was just contacted by an Australian news agency. I told Albert that I was about to come to San Bernardino to take Albert’s temperature as I was was worried about the safety and sanity of this launch. Albert laughed and told me that he is looking forward to the world discovering Amboy and perhaps calling it “Rocket Town” and Mad Mike taking the nickname of “Rocket Man” out of North Korea. Gotta love the enthusiasm of Albert Okura and all be brings to Route 66!