Kicks on

U.S. Route 66 is such an icon, having its own unique identity and character, that it is deserving of its own biography.  It isn’t just the thread of asphalt that wends its way from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica; its all about the individuals who sought and created opportunities over the horizon or around the next bend.  The 66 is about the actual people who loaded up their jalopies with multi-generations of family, and leaving behind their roots, family plots, real estate, worldly belongings, and their more obstinate family members.

The Mother Road was about the New Deal; the Promised Land, faith in oneself and higher powers, about hope and optimism.  The crux of it all was the belief that what lay ahead, just out of sight, across the river, beyond the trees, past the hills and just the other side of the great desert was a life better than what was left behind.  Route 66 was the artery of America that brought a fresh flow of lifeblood westward towards an irrever-sible destiny.  For most who were so anxious to pursue their destiny, their dreams, it paid off.

The post-World War II economic boom provided for American

unity and an unwavering confidence in ourselves and our country.  This was reflected in a new lifestyle that could be described as “full steam ahead.”   Faster cars took us down the highways at higher speeds.  Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Hank Williams, Bill Haley and Elvis picked up the pace for us even more as we tuned in our radios to the new sounds that emanated from broadcasting towers coast-to-coast.  Wolfman Jack brought it all home and to our cherished cars, the signs of our prosperity, as we cruised and got our kicks on the 66.  And life was oh, so sweet.

For many dyed-in-the-wool Americans who live, work, and play on the 66, and despite the crushing blows dealt by the interstate highway system, the Mother Road still provides opportunities and a good life.

 

There are no boundaries to the 66 community.   Our friends and neighbors stretch all the way from Europe and Asia to somewhere well beyond the West Coast.  To Australia, I expect.  Its an international community now made up of people who understand that Route 66 is not so much that patched piece of asphalt beneath your tires, but is and has always been about You, me, and the People who follow the

stripes, looking for the meaning and truth in the American way of life.  It’s about our history; who we are; where we’ve been and where we’re going.  It’s all about moving forward with optimism and confidence.

 

Life’s a relatively short journey.  Make it a good one for all we may meet along the way.  When in Needles, stop in at our Chamber of Commerce and tell us about your journey.  Or email me at rodneym@frontiernet.net and I’ll try to post a bit of your story.  We look forward to sharing the journey with you . . . .

Rte 66, Needles c. 1938

Needles, 1970-ish

Events and Places to Visit . . . Google these !

The annual Route 66 Rendezvous is held the weekend starting the second weekend in September.  This is the biggie for Hot Rod enthusiasts as the event only allows the first 2,448 classic cars and Hot Rod entries to show and cruise the boulevards in San Bernardino, California.  Last year, the weekend crowd was estimated at over 600,000 people with a similar interest.  Mark it on your calendar and make your reservations at least 3 or 4 months ahead of time.

The Route 66 Fun Run, (or “How to increase the population of a town by 10-fold”).  Hold Angel responsible for this one.  This event starts in Seligman, Arizona on Friday May 3, 2007.   Then to Kingman the following day, and then through Oatman to Topock on Sunday.  Awesome cars, awesome food, awesome music, and even more awesome  people.  An excellent event to make new friends and catch up with old ones.  Shake, Rattle and Roll On . . .

On Nov 9, 2007, County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt (left) presented NDBA Director Rodney Mouton with 2 large brushed steel Route 66 stencils. The City of Needles had recently re-surfaced its roads but the old stencils could not be found.  It was important to the community to recognize their Route 66 heritage so the County stepped in and helped out.  The City of Needles has since taken this important icon back to the streets.