Recently, Professor of Rock took a deep dive behind the genesis of "Take It Easy," the 1972 song co-written by Jackson Browne that became a key hit single for the Eagles and their first. The host touches on obscure facts behind the tune, then wraps it up in a poignant way with memories about his … Continue reading The backstory of the Eagles’ seminal hit “Take It Easy”
Category: Road trips
“Magic and history”: Participant recounts her experience in the Route 66 UltraRun
One of the participants of last month's 140-mile Route 66 UltraRun in western Arizona wrote about her experiences in Ultra Running Magazine. Jodi Weiss, who has competed in almost three dozen ultramarathons, said "Guardian Angel of Route 66" Angel Delgadillo, 95, waved the starting flag for the Route 66 Ultrarun in Seligman. Temperatures were about … Continue reading “Magic and history”: Participant recounts her experience in the Route 66 UltraRun
Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow
A section of old Route 66 between Barstow, California, and Amboy, California, that was closed for several years due to bridge washouts is open again. The Facebook accounts of the California Historic Route 66 Association and Roy's Motel & Cafe this week both reported the road being reopened by San Bernardino County, which holds jurisdiction. … Continue reading Old Route 66 now is open between Barstow and Ludlow
Recent example of Uranus Missouri shows why Route 66 sites shouldn’t ignore tour buses
The Uranus Missouri complex near St. Robert, Missouri, recently hosted 17 tour buses in 12 days -- another sign that Route 66 sites should ignore that tourism sector at its own risk. A news release earlier this month contained a smidge of Uranus owner Louie Keen's usual and unapologetic juvenile humor: The industry has been … Continue reading Recent example of Uranus Missouri shows why Route 66 sites shouldn’t ignore tour buses
New Mexico PBS puts its archive online, including “¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico”
New Mexico PBS stations recently completed digitization of their archives since 1963, including a one-hour special about Route 66 in that state. "¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico" aired in August 2001. I recommend you spend time with it during the Thanksgiving holiday. You'll probably see vintage photos and footage you've never seen before. The … Continue reading New Mexico PBS puts its archive online, including “¡Colores! Route 66 in New Mexico”
Book review: “Eating Up Route 66”
Fill your gas tank and bring your appetite. T. Lindsay Baker's new book, "Eating Up Route 66" (Amazon link), takes readers on a culinary and historic adventure down the Mother Road. It's safe to say the 448-page volume -- subtitled "Foodways on America's Mother Road" -- instantly is a definitive work about Route 66 restaurants. … Continue reading Book review: “Eating Up Route 66”
Cycle 66 event in Edmond draws more than 800 riders
The second annual Cycle 66 event on Sunday in Edmond, Oklahoma, saw a sizable jump in participation. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state's tourism department, told News on 6 that the number of cyclists rose from 500 during Cycle 66's inaugural event to more than 800 this year. Cycle 66 offered three planned … Continue reading Cycle 66 event in Edmond draws more than 800 riders
Texas version of American Truck Simulator videogame includes sections of Route 66
The developers of the Texas DLC of American Truck Simulator videogame will include old Route 66 in Texas and a small part of eastern New Mexico in a forthcoming update. SCS Software reports the game will include the 15 miles of gravel-road Route 66 from San Jon to Glenrio in New Mexico. In the Lone … Continue reading Texas version of American Truck Simulator videogame includes sections of Route 66
Hear Orson Welles perform in “The Hitchhiker” radio drama from 1942
Here's a fun 30 minutes or so for the Halloween season. It's Orson Welles using his terrific voice for "The Hitchhiker" radio drama for CBS Radio about 80 years ago. Route 66 content: A good portion of the story takes place on the Mother Road. The first line of the suspenseful tale is “I’m in … Continue reading Hear Orson Welles perform in “The Hitchhiker” radio drama from 1942
Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years
The landmark Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, will be closed to traffic for at least two years next Monday as it undergoes extensive improvements that will preserve it distinctive trusses. Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin announced the imminent closure in an email Friday: We have known this day is coming for a long … Continue reading Pony Bridge in western Oklahoma to close on Oct. 31 for at least two years