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I am interested in making a trip along as much of the old Route 66 as possible between Chicago and Santa Monica (in my C1). Does anyone know of any organization or group that is planning to make the trip either in 2007 or 2008? Any connection would be helpful.
Thanks,
Brad
Back in '99 my wife and I did the whole thing from L.A. to Chicago (I seem to do everything the hard way). In researching the trip I found several European Route 66 clubs. We ran across a German group going from East to West (the right way). I suggest that you do an internet search.
I would be glad to pass on what I know. Also, I would appreciate knowing when you are planning to make the trip. With luck, I could get away and tag along in the '93.
I told my wife about my response, and she wanted me to be sure to tell you to spend some time researching Route 66 before you go. Over time a lot of things have dispeared. The books make the trip a much richer experience.
I live 2 blocks from old route 66. There is not much left. Most of it has changed names & numbers. The section by my house is being torn up and made into 4 lanes. I live in Glen Carbon Il. The old bridges that crossed the Mississippi into St Louis are still here. one is closed but you can walk or bike across it.I drove my FI 62 about 12 hours helping make a 1/2 hour tv show for WLS a Chicago tv station in the early 90s.It was July 4th weekend and about 95 degrees. The Corvette did fine the film truck blew a hose.There are still a few old motels, signs & railroad crossings. There is a route 66 museum in Staunton Il. I belive an old Corvette owner named Rich Henery is the owner?....good luck ..Bill
Of course, I did it by motorcycle and the whole website is slanted towards that.
I've been on several sections since by car and updated some.
A few things to know:
1. It is longer than you think. If you are in a hurry, then you really need to stay on the interstate. But if you want to do it right, plan twice the amount of time you would take on the interstate.
2. Plan to turn around and look at things a lot.
3. Have lots of maps, both old and new.
4. There are some good books out there and if you want to see all there is, read them a few times before going. Take them for reference.
5. You can have just as much fun discovering America on your own. Drive slow, keep your eyes open.
6. Gas stops can be far and few, however, you get a bit further to the tank in a Corvette than on a bike. I hope you do anyway. If not, don't let it get below 1/4 tank. Watch the map and as you leave a big town, fill up if the tank is around a 1/4 or below. Don't think "there will be another station in a few miles."
7. Take a camera. Take LOTS of film. Or if digital, definitely take a notebook to download all the pictures.
8. Be prepared to answer the same questions at each place you stop.
9. The motorcycle stuff may apply more to an old Vette than you think.
Did it back in 73 in a 58 270HP Vette. (My H.S. car) Was at college at C.U. at the time. Plus long hair, Easy Rider days. Stories me and my boys could tell. Always wondered how much has changed in 30 odd yrs. Recommend you do it soon. Probably not much left. By the way changed the dual quads to a 2 barrel rochester, got 18-20mpg. Course gas was 30 cents. Car's now in Conn. So to Paul L. of Newington, more stories of your 58 Duntov Car.
The issue I just received of "On Solid Ground", the publication of SACC Solid Axle Corvette Club", had an article on a group that made the same trip you are considering. You could check the web site www.solidaxle.org to see if you can get a copy of the magazine or to contact the author. I don't have the article with me now so I can't provide the name.
The SACC article was a shortened version of the one written up in the latest newsletter by the Northwest Solid Axle Corvette Club. http://www.nwsacc.org/ Color pictures too. Very interesting and long trip they took, from Seattle, to Chicago, to Santa Monica, and back home.
I think if you email Vicki at rick.e.johnson@comcast.net you can probably get a copy.
Many thanks to each of you who responded! This trip is a lifelong dream of mine ever since I purchased my '59 C1 in 1969 (Frost Blue with Red interior) when the car was 10 years old. I've driven the car over 150 K miles and raised 3 children with it. My family seemed to always be priority #1, so I was never able to make the trip. I completed a body-off resto last summer and I'm planning to take it on the NCRS circuit this year to see how well I can do there. Then in 2007, I plan to DRIVE the car (like it was MEANT to be!)
Thanks, so much, for the website references to other trips.
I've collected a bookcase full of Route 66 memorabilia, maps, books, tapes etc. I am seriously wanting to do this trip in 2007, so that's why I'm beginning to plan now. I originally wanted to make the trip on my own but eventually discarded that idea primarily because of security reasons. But mainly because it would be more FUN to go with other people that carry the same dream.
Please.....stay in touch with me, either through this forum or through e-mail bkasten001@charter.net as you hear of any clubs or individuals that are planning to make the run.
I found that if you type "Route 66", or "The Mother Road" into yahoo search, there are thousands of excellent websites on the subject. Many hours of good reading and pic's. Sounds like a lot of fun. In the mid 70's, we always drove much of old 66 from Chicago to the Bloomington Corvette event.
The Route 66 tour by the Solid Axle group was in September of last year. I would recommend that time frame because it is usually significantly cooler than high summer, but still not bad/cold weather.
The tour was organized by Jerry Little, president of the SACC NW Chapter.
I joined the tour in Rolla, Mo and drove with them to Oklahoma City; it was great.
I would also like to do the full Route 66 tour in my 57 so keep us posted.
As an Oklahoma tax payer, I feel compelled to mention that 2007 will be the Centennial of Oklahoma, and I imagine there will be several tours across the State related to the celebration. I think Oklahoma boasts the more miles of the orignal road than the other states. Anyway, I have found a series of maps and a book by Jim Ross & the Ghost Town Press to be helpful in driving Route 66. Info can be found here: http://www.66maps.com
His book on Oklahoma Route 66 details the history of the road as well as all of the various routes that it took through the years. Lots of photos and maps.
Doug
I originally wanted to make the trip on my own but eventually discarded that idea primarily because of security reasons. But mainly because it would be more FUN to go with other people that carry the same dream.
The security issue isn't an issue with few exceptions.
1. where you stay in Chicago
2. where you stay in St. Louis
3. where you stay in Springfield
4. where you stay in Tulsa or Oklahoma City
5. where you stay in Amarillo
6. etc.
See a pattern? Take the same precautions you'd take with your car anywhere and you should be fine.
Now going with a group or friends can change the trip.
Solo, you can stay anyplace you'd like to experience, stop longer where you want, and travel how you want. You might even find friends or other Corvette people to stop and stay with for the experience. You can stop for the night at anythign that looks interesting, just like many of us did 30 and 40 years ago.
In a group, you need to find accomodations for the whole group, which may bypass some of the nostalgic motels. You have to travel on a schedule that fits everyone, so you won't spend an extra hour checking out some old gas station or sidetracking to the Grand Canyon or whatever if it isn't in the plan. You won't be knocking on most people's door to spend the evening when you have 20 others with you. You proablaby need to make reservations and actually get there for them.
Solo, you are on your own in the event of problems - flat, gas, mechanical, etc. A group is handy here.
Possibly, the best of both worlds is to have a couple of friends going along, with maybe one or two other Corvettes or special cars. This way, you have the built-in buddy in case of problems but you don't have the inflexibility of a big group.
Remember, the journey is the experience. Enjoy it.
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