*official* 09/2009 = Cruising LH/Route 66, IL-CA
 

*SECTION #1*

This is the OFFICIAL thread of the 2009 Cruising LH/Route 66, from Illinois to California! Specific details and some aspects need to be finalized, so watch for updates....


The information is spread over 2 SECTIONS:

#1...
...Background
...Routes/Traveling
...PBS Specials
...Possible Book Offer
...Fundraisers
...Sponsorships
...The People
...Planning Assistants

#2...
...Dates
...Proposed Schedule


If you need to contact me about this event at any time, my __Cell Ph#__ is noted in my signature at the end of the details (Post #2).




**** BACKGROUND ****

None of my yearly road trips have taken me all the way to California or welcomed people to join me for part or all of the DRIVING portions of the trip; this one will do BOTH...and follow the path of "The Mother Road".... I am planning a cruise along Route 66 ... with stops at icons and places along the way to explore Route 66 and, of course, meet people. This is an invitation to ALL to join this "convoy" from Illinois to California ... or any place along the way you are able to meet.

This event developed from a suggestion by ChevyTalk's Bobs53PU...and, because of my own interest in Route 66, I ran with the idea. I'm curious about Route 66 because I enjoy older cars and roads. The song "Route 66" has had a part in my interest, and a special on PBS about a mother/daughter duo who took the Route 66 trip also peaked my interest. BUT...what deepened my curiosity about Route 66 was the movie "Cars". Strange, yes, but "Cars" featured a lot of scenes from Route 66 ... and was based on actual people and places along Route 66. It also featured history of the road, and illustrated the effect of interstates, such as I-40, on life along Route 66.

Since the movie "Cars", I've made a mental note that "one day" I'd travel the basic path of Route 66, of which I personally have not driven much. I was along it somewhat during my October 2004 road trip...
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/0410/0410.html

...and again a bit in Oklahoma City and through IL during my October 2006 trip:
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1106/1106.html


IMHO, this is a chance of a lifetime; I hope others agree...and join this "convoy"....


Route 66 map:
http://www.nps.gov/history/rt66/map/map.htm

Route 66 info:
http://www.historic66.com/




**** OTHER ROUTES & TRAVELING ****

In researching Route 66, I've discovered other "old routes".


One is the LINCOLN HIGHWAY, with which I'm somewhat familiar, given the historic marker signs along IL RT 38 through Geneva IL towards Elburn IL and points farther west. I've also driven much of the LH, including the path in IL as well as along I-80 in Wyoming during my aforementioned October 2004 road trip and during my trips back and forth to PA via RT 30. Unlike Route 66, the LH covers the United States, coast to coast. Maybe someday I'll find/have time to travel that ENTIRE route and, if I do, it'll be a planned event, similar to this one.

LH map:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/info/

LH info:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/



Another is US ROUTE 20:
http://www.usroute20.com/

...which goes directly through my hometown of Elgin IL! So, I drive along it a lot each week ... as well as when I use RT 20 to go to Rockford, Freeport and Galena IL....



Another is US ROUTE 2:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_2



And, of course, THE DIXIE HIGHWAY:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Highway




**** PBS SPECIALS ****

A program about Route 66 was broadcast on PBS a few times last year. It featured a mother and daughter traveling Route 66 in a rented Mustang convertible and highlighted several sites along Route 66, including the Wigwam motel (featured in the movie "Cars").

While preparing this cruise along Route 66, I watched the PBS special about the LINCOLN HIGHWAY...and my interest and enthusiasm for the LH increased. "A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway", an exploration of the nation's first coast-to-coast highway (NYC to San Francisco, spanning 14 states), was broadcast on Chicago's WTTW, Channel 11, Wednesday, October 29, 8p-9p.




**** POSSIBLE BOOK OFFER ****

ChevyTalk.org's hinckley wrote _Route 66 Backroads_:
http://www.voyageurpress.com/Store/P...ails_40566.ncm

He kindly had a copy mailed to me. I have reviewed it (and plan to read it completely soon); it is an AWESOME book. I hope that, for those planning to join us on this "convoy", Jim Hinckley's book may be purchased at a discounted price. I am in the process of ironing out those details. Once that is complete, I will advise further...so watch for updates!




**** FUNDRAISERS ****

These will be for non-profit organizations; details to be arranged.


The Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project...
http://www.illinoisroute66.com/
...is the beneficiary while we meet at the Cozy Dog (Springfield IL) and The Ariston Cafe (Litchfield IL).


The Adult Congenital Heart Association...
http://www.achaheart.org
...is the beneficiary while we meet at the Cafe on the Route (Baxter Springs KS), the Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo TX), the Wigwam Motel (Holbrook AZ); travel the longest uninterrupted stretch of RT 66 (Ash Fork AZ - Topock AZ); and visit (by arrangement) the Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum (Barstow CA).




**** SPONSORSHIPS ****

Yes, this trip is expensive. I hope to secure companies or groups as "sponsors" of portions of the trip (meals, hotels/motels, attractions, the "Cars" movie, gas stops, etc.) to assist with the costs and encourage more people to participate and more to donate to the worthy causes.


KUDOS to one such sponsor ... the FIRST GENERATION MONTE CARLO CLUB! Dues paying FGMCC members who participate in this event for more than 100 miles will each receive a $25 gas card. In addition, the FGMCC will sponsor food for everyone at one stop in IL, up to $100.



If you have suggestions of a company(s) or group(s) that might consider such a contribution to this event, please advise me.




**** THE PEOPLE ****

This is for ALL ages and levels of interest in Route 66. The FOCUS is OLDER cars, but newer cars are welcome, too! If you'd like to participate and want to ride with someone, please advise. We'll see what we can do to assist in making such arrangements.

I'm posting this to various groups/clubs:
ValveReplacement
ACHAheart.org
IL Monte Carlo Owners Group
MI MC Group
NY MC Club
MC Mailing List
El Camino ML
GM Inside News
Cheers and Gears
1st Gen MC Club
2nd Gen MC Yahoo Group
3rd Gen MCs
4th Gen MC SS
MyMonte, 5th gen
2000montecarlo.net, 6th gen
National MC Owners Association
Monte Millennium Generations
MC Forum
WickedMontes
ChevyTalk.org
TriplePlate
CarNuts.us
RaceFansGarage
FullThrottleV6


Please invite others of which you are a member...but, please advise me if anyone in your group decides to join us.




**** PLANNING ASSISTANTS ****

To ensure this is a success, I need some help planning. I'd like to have at least 1 volunteer in every state along the way to help arrange events, tours, shows, etc. Please contact me via Email (faithcubsmc2691 @ aol . com) if you are willing to help....

Missouri ... ?

Kansas ... ?

Oklahoma ... ChevyTalk's Dee Gee and Bobs53PU

Texas ... ?

New Mexico ... ?

Arizona ... ChevyTalk's hinckley (western AZ)

California ... 2000montecarlo.net's juliochango

RE: *official* 09/2009 = Cruising LH/Route 66, IL-CA
 

*SECTION #2*



**** DATES ****

MARK your calendar ... NOW!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Yes, the first weekend is Labor Day Weekend, a busy/eventful weekend. It isn't "perfect" for me either (I usually wash/wax my car for the last time before winter), but this would, for most, be a 3-day weekend, good for 1 less vacation day from work used for the trip....




**** PROPOSED SCHEDULE ****


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2009

8a-10a ... breakfast/kick-off gathering, IHOP _or_ Steak'n'Shake, Randall Rd, Elgin IL ... just south of US RT 20 (TBD)

10a-12:30p ... travel Elgin IL - Dixon IL, via IL RT 31 - IL RT 38 (LINCOLN HIGHWAY), ~75 miles ... passing the LH Association Headquarters, Franklin Grove IL:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksgardenbee/2921023053/
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/i...n_grove-RF.jpg

12:30p-2p ... lunch, Dixon IL:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/i...on_arch-LH.jpg

2p-6p ... travel Dixon IL - Springfield IL, ~180 miles

6p ... gathering, Cozy Dog, Springfield IL:
http://www.cozydogdrivein.com/



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2009

7a ... breakfast

8a-10a ... sites, Springfield IL

10a-11a ... travel Springfield IL - Litchfield IL, ~45 miles

11:30a-1p ... lunch, The Ariston Cafe:
http://www.ariston-cafe.com/
...dessert at JoBetts, Litchfield IL

1p-2:30p ... travel Litchfield IL - St Louis MO, ~60 miles

2:30p-5:30p ... St Louis MO sites, including dinner (PLACE TBD) and visit Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Chippewa Ave:
http://www.teddrewes.com/Drewes.asp

5:30p-7:30p ... travel St Louis MO - Stanton MO, ~65 miles

7:30p ... stay at Meramec Caverns, a Route 66 icon:
http://www.americascave.com/



MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009

8a ... breakfast

9:30a-1p ... travel Stanton MO - Springfield MO, ~160 miles

1p-2:30p ... lunch

2:30p-5p ... Wilson Creek National Battlefield and/or the Gray/Campbell Farmstead:
http://www.nps.gov/wicr/
http://www.graycampbellfarmstead.org/

5p-7p ... travel Springfield MO - Joplin MO, ~75 miles



TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

7:30a-8a ... travel Joplin MO - Baxter Springs KS, ~18 miles

8a-9:30a ... breakfast, Cafe on the Route, Baxter Springs KS:
http://www.cafeontheroute.com/

9:30a-3p ... travel Baxter Springs KS - Oklahoma City OK, ~210 miles ... including lunch and brief stops at POPS and the Round Barn, Arcadia OK:
http://www.pops66.com/
http://www.arcadiaroundbarn.org/

3p-5p ... Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City OK:
http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/

5:15p-6p ... travel Oklahoma City OK - Guthrie OK, ~30 miles

6p-8:30p ... dinner and movie "Cars", drive-in movie theater

8:30p-9:30p ... travel Guthrie OK - Oklahoma City OK, ~30 miles



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

7a ... breakfast

8a-11a ... travel Oklahoma City OK - Elk City OK, ~115 miles

11a-12:30p ... lunch, Elk City OK

12:30p-2:30p ... visit, National RT 66 Museum, Elk City OK:
http://www.nationalroute66.com/

2:30p-4p ... travel Elk City OK - Shamrock TX, ~55 miles

4p-4:30p ... visit, U Drop Inn, Shamrock TX:
http://oldgas.com/info/towerconoco.html

4:30p-5:15p ... travel Shamrock TX - McClean TX, ~20 miles

5:15p-6p ... visit, Phillips 66 Service Station, McClean TX

6p-8p ... travel McClean TX - Amarillo TX, ~75 miles

8p-9:30p ... dinner at Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo TX:
http://www.bigtexan.com/



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

7a ... breakfast

8a-noon ... travel Amarillo TX - Santa Rosa NM, ~175 miles

noon-1p ... lunch (TBD)

1p-3p ... visit, Route 66 Auto Museum

3p-5p ... travel Santa Rosa NM - Moriarty NM, ~80 miles

5p-6:15p ... dinner, Rip Griffin Truck Stop, Moriarty NM

6:15p-7:15p ... travel Moriarty NM - Albuquerque NM, ~41 miles

7:15p-8p ... visit, Sandia Peak Tramway:
http://www.sandiapeak.com/

8p-? ... visit, Old Town, Albuquerque NM:
http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/



FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

7a ... breakfast

8a-9:30a ... travel Albuquerque NM - Acomita NM, ~60 miles

9:30a-10a ... visit, Acomita NM, the oldest continuously inhabited community in America

10a-12:30p ... travel Acomita NM - Gallup NM, ~85 miles ... including a stop at the Continental Divide

12:30p-2:30p ... lunch and sites, Gallup NM

2:30p-4:30p ... travel Gallup NM - Petrified Forest/Painted Desert Visitor Center AZ, ~70 miles

4:30p-6:30p ... visit, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/ari...onal_park.html

6:30p-7:15p ... travel Petrified Forest/Painted Desert AZ - Holbrook AZ, ~30 miles

7:30p-9p ... dinner, Holbrook AZ

9p ... stay at Wigwam Motel:
http://www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam/



SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

8a ... breakfast

9:30a-10:30a ... travel Holbrook AZ - Winslow AZ, ~35 miles

10:30a-noon ... visit, Cowboy "Standing On The Corner":
http://www.standinonthecorner.com/
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12603

noon-1:30p ... lunch, LaPosada Hotel:
http://www.laposada.org/

1:30p-3:30p ... travel Winslow AZ to Flagstaff AZ, ~60 miles ... including stop at Meteor Crater Visitor Center

3:30p-4:15p ... travel Flagstaff AZ - Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Overlook AZ, ~20 miles

4:15p-5:30p ... visit, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Overlook

5:30p-6:15p ... travel Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Overlook AZ - Flagstaff AZ, ~20 miles

6:30p-8p ... dinner, Flagstaff AZ (TBD)



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

7a-8a ... travel Flagstaff AZ - Williams AZ, ~35 miles

8a-9:30a ... breakfast, Pine Country Restaurant, Williams AZ

9:30a-10:15a ... travel Williams AZ - Ash Fork AZ, ~20 miles

10:15a ... at Crookton Rd exit in/near Ash Fork AZ start longest uninterrupted stretch of RT 66 that goes to Topock AZ:
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/AZ-AshforkSeligman.html

10:15a-11a ... travel Ash Fork AZ - Seligman AZ, ~25 miles

11a-1p ... visit and eat lunch, Snow Cap:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/101
http://www.route66giftshop.com/angel.html

1p-1:45p ... travel Seligman AZ - Grand Canyon Caverns AZ, ~25 miles

1:45p-4p ... visit Grand Canyon Caverns:
http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/feb/s...gccaverns.html

4p-4:30p ... travel Grand Canyon Caverns AZ - Peach Springs AZ, ~15 miles

4:30p-6:30p ... dinner, Hualapai Lodge, Peach Springs AZ:
http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/lodge.html

6:30p-8p ... travel Peach Springs AZ - Kingman AZ, ~55 miles

8p-? ... visit, Hualapai Mountains, Kingman AZ



MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

8a ... breakfast

9:30a-11a ... travel Kingman AZ - Topock AZ, ~50 miles ... through the Black Mountains, a very scenic portion of RT 66:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/ari...k_kingman.html

11a-12:30p ... lunch, Topock AZ

12:30p-2p ... travel Topock AZ - Goffs CA, ~45 miles ... with gas stop in Needles CA?

2p ... At Goffs CA, start the earliest alignment of Route 66, which swings under I-40 and follows part of the National Trails Highway:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...Trails_Highway

2p-6p ... travel Goffs CA - Essex CA - Amboy CA - Ludlow CA - Barstow CA, ~150 miles ... with some stops along the way, perhaps:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/goffs.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex,_California
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amboy,_California
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barstow,_California

6p-7:30p ... dinner, Barstow CA



TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

8:30a ... breakfast

10a-noon ... visit, Barstow Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum ... would have to be an arranged visit:
http://www.route66museum.org/

noon-1:30p ... lunch, Barstow CA

1:30p-2:30p ... travel Barstow CA - Victorville CA, ~35 miles

2:30p-4p ... visit, Victorville CA ... will miss the Route 66 Museum because it is only open Thursday-Monday:
http://califrt66museum.org/

4p-5:30p ... dinner, Victorville CA

5:30p-7:30p ... travel Victorville CA - Burbank CA, ~90 miles



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

8a ... breakfast

9:30a-11a ... visit Auto-Aero Books, Burbank CA

11a-12:30p ... lunch, Burbank CA

12:30p-1:30p ... travel Burbank CA - Santa Monica CA, ~20 miles, end Route 66:
http://www.cart66pf.org/Map/66west.htm

2:30p-3:30p ... travel Santa Monica CA - El Segundo CA, ~20 miles ... to visit the ADM by appointment only:
http://www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org/

5p-6p ... travel El Segundo CA - Santa Monica CA, ~20 miles

6p-8p ... ending dinner, Santa Monica CA



So ... will YOU join us?




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"Take my way, it's the highway, that's the best" ... John Mayer ... 'Route 66'

RE: *official* 09/2009 = Cruising LH/Route 66, IL-CA
 

**** 8 QUICK NOTES ****


1 ... Are you interested in the BOOK OFFER? Please advise me ASAP; I'd like to get this arranged so the books can be sent late 2008 or early 2009, well before this event.


2 ... I will start contacting groups / businesses next week for possible SPONSORSHIPS. If you know of a group or business that might be interested in participating in this way (similar to the FGMCC SPONSORSHIP already highlighted), please advise me.


3 ... Relative to SPONSORSHIPS, I have some ideas for TRIVIA CONTESTS to give away gift certificates, etc. More on this, should this develop further.


4 ... Please know that ALL ARE WELCOME ... REGARDLESS of transportation mode AND/OR how long you can join us. If you can only meet up for a morning breakfast, a daily stop, or an evening dinner, that is perfectly OK and ENCOURAGED!


5 ... Anyone willing to help plan in your home state? I'm still looking for some PLANNING ASSISTANTS!


6 ... KUDOS to ChevyTalk.org's Dee Dee for creating this banner:
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/203904/


7 ... Please keep in mind that the schedule is a PROPOSED timeline. As the plans for this are ironed out/finalized, times and places MAY change. For instance ... we will have an extra hour to drive from Amarillo TX to the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa NM ... because of the time zone change. Likewise, we will have an extra hour to drive from Gallup NM to the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert in AZ ... because of the time zone change.


8 ... I know the information is LONG and DETAILED. Please take some time to review it ... all the pertinent info needed for now is there.... However, I know some of the schedule may be changing...more to come.




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...Chitown #2 = 07/25/09
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"The world rolls by a million miles away" ... James Taylor ... 'Our Town'

RE: *official* 09/2009 = Cruising LH/Route 66, IL-CA
 

**** THIS...IS...THE...YEAR! ****

This is an OFFICIAL UPDATE for the 2009 Cruising LH/Route 66, from Illinois to California! Specific details and some aspects need to be finalized, so watch for updates.... We are ~9 MONTHS AWAY! Word IS getting out about this!


If you need to contact me about this event at any time, my __Cell Ph#__ is noted in my signature below.




**** DATES ****

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Yes, the first weekend is Labor Day Weekend, a busy/eventful weekend. It isn't "perfect" for me either (I usually wash/wax my car for the last time before winter), but this would, for most, be a 3-day weekend, good for 1 less vacation day from work used for the trip....

Still ... IMHO, this is a chance of a lifetime; I hope others agree and join this "convoy"....

I have previously posted a PROPOSED SCHEDULE, which I know will look different than the ACTUAL SCHEDULE. Some places we will miss; others have been added. And, due to the time changes, we will have an extra hour to drive from Amarillo TX to Santa Rosa NM and an extra hour to drive from Gallup NM to the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert in AZ. Watch for more details of a REVISED SCHEDULE....




**** BACKGROUND ****

This event developed from a suggestion by ChevyTalk's Bobs53PU...and, because of my own interest in Route 66, I ran with the idea. Since the movie "Cars", I've made a mental note that "one day" I'd travel the basic path of Route 66, of which I personally have not driven much. I was along it somewhat during my October 2004 road trip...
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/0410/0410.html

...and again a bit in Oklahoma City and through IL during my October 2006 trip:
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1106/1106.html


Route 66 map:
http://www.nps.gov/history/rt66/map/map.htm

Route 66 info:
http://www.historic66.com/



In researching Route 66, I've discovered other "old routes", including the LINCOLN HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 20, US ROUTE 2, and THE DIXIE HIGHWAY. Maybe someday I'll have time to plan and actually travel the length of each of these, too....

LH map:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/info/

LH info:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/


US RT 20:
http://www.usroute20.com/
...which goes directly through my hometown of Elgin IL! So, I drive along it a lot each week ... as well as when I use RT 20 to go to Rockford, Freeport and Galena IL....


US RT 2:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_2


THE DH:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_Highway




**** FUNDRAISERS ****

These will be for non-profit organizations; details to be arranged.


The Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project...
http://www.illinoisroute66.com/
...is the beneficiary while we meet at the Cozy Dog (Springfield IL) and The Ariston Cafe (Litchfield IL).


The Adult Congenital Heart Association...
http://www.achaheart.org
...is the beneficiary while we meet at the Cafe on the Route (Baxter Springs KS), the Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo TX), the Wigwam Motel (Holbrook AZ); travel the longest uninterrupted stretch of RT 66 (Ash Fork AZ - Topock AZ); and visit (by arrangement) the Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum (Barstow CA).




**** SPONSORSHIPS ****

This trip is expensive. I hope to secure companies or groups as "sponsors" of portions of the trip (meals, hotels/motels, attractions, the "Cars" movie, gas stops, etc.) to assist with the costs and encourage more people to participate and more to donate to the worthy causes.


KUDOS to the FIRST SPONSOR ... FIRST GENERATION MONTE CARLO CLUB! Dues paying FGMCC members who participate in this event for more than 100 miles will each receive a $25 gas card. In addition, the FGMCC will sponsor food for everyone at one stop in IL, up to $100.

KUDOS also to ChevyTalk.org's Dee Dee for creating this banner:
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/203904/


If you have suggestions of a company(s) or group(s) that might consider such a contribution to this event, please advise me. I have started contacting groups and businesses regarding sponsorships and assistance in the form of PRIZES for TRIVIA CONTESTS; I am awaiting replies....




**** THE PEOPLE ****

None of my yearly road trips have taken me all the way to California or welcomed people to join me for part or all of the DRIVING portions of the trip; this one will do BOTH...and follow the path of "The Mother Road".

This is for ALL ages and levels of interest in Route 66 to join this "convoy" from Illinois to California, for the entire trip ... or at any place along the way you are able and want to meet (for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or at an attraction we visit). The FOCUS is OLDER cars, but ALL modes of transportation are welcome! If you'd like to participate and want to ride with someone, please advise. We'll see what we can do to assist in making such arrangements.

I've posted invitations to these groups/clubs:
ValveReplacement
ACHAheart.org
IL Monte Carlo Owners Group
MI MC Group
NY MC Club
MC Mailing List
El Camino ML
GM Inside News
Cheers and Gears
1st Gen MC Club
2nd Gen MC Yahoo Group
3rd Gen MCs
4th Gen MC SS
MyMonte, 5th gen
2000montecarlo.net, 6th gen
National MC Owners Association
Monte Millennium Generations
MC Forum
MC City Revival
WickedMontes
ChevyTalk.org
TriplePlate
CarNuts.us
RaceFansGarage
FullThrottleV6


Please invite others of which you are a member...but, please advise me if anyone in your group decides to participate.


WILL YOU JOIN US? Please advise NOW, even if you are only THINKING about attending. I NEED AN IDEA OF HOW MANY PEOPLE MAY ATTEND THIS SO I CAN PLAN TIMES AND PLACES AND EVENTS ACCORDINGLY.... The next update may include the first edition of the attendance list....





**** PLANNING ASSISTANTS ****

To ensure this is a success, I need some help planning. I'd like to have at least 1 volunteer in every state along the way to help arrange events, tours, shows, etc. Please contact me via Email (faithcubsmc2691 @ aol . com) if you are willing to help....

Missouri ... ?

Kansas ... ?

Oklahoma ... ChevyTalk's Dee Gee and Bobs53PU

Texas ... ?

New Mexico ... ?

Arizona ... ChevyTalk's hinckley, who will help in various aspects of the planning....

California ... 2000montecarlo.net's juliochango




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...Chitown #2 = 07/25/09
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"Windows open on the rest of the world" ... Suzy Bogguss ... 'Drive South'

**** UPDATE! ****

The NEWLY-REVISED SCHEDULE is below ... please review it.


Will YOU join us? Even if you are just THINKING about driving the entire trip or meeting us at one spot along the way or traveling with us part of the way, please let me know ASAP. I need to know so I can plan accordingly with attractions along the way, restaurants, places to stay, etc.




**** REVISED SCHEDULE ****

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2009

8a-9a ... breakfast/kick-off gathering, IHOP _or_ Steak'n'Shake, Randall Rd, Elgin IL ... just south of US RT 20 (TBD)

9a-11:30a ... travel Elgin IL - Dixon IL, via IL RT 31 - IL RT 38 (LINCOLN HIGHWAY), ~75 miles ... passing the LH Association Headquarters, Franklin Grove IL:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksgardenbee/2921023053/
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/i...n_grove-RF.jpg

11:30a-1:30p ... lunch, Dixon IL:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/i...on_arch-LH.jpg

1:30p-6:30p ... travel Dixon IL - Springfield IL, ~180 miles

6:30p-9p ... dinner/gathering, Cozy Dog, Springfield IL:
http://www.cozydogdrivein.com/



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2009

7a-9a ... breakfast

9a-10a ... travel Springfield IL - Auburn IL (Becky's Barn), ~20 miles

10a-11a ... visit, Becky's Barn

11a-12:30p ... travel Auburn IL - Litchfield IL, ~40 miles

12:30p-2:30p ... lunch, The Ariston Cafe:
http://www.ariston-cafe.com/
...dessert at JoBetts, Litchfield IL...?

2:30p-5p ... travel Litchfield IL - St Louis MO, ~60 miles, including a stop at Henrys Ra66it Ranch, Staunton IL

5p-7p ... Dinner/visit Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Chippewa Ave:
http://www.teddrewes.com/Drewes.asp

7p-9:15p ... travel St Louis MO - Stanton MO, ~65 miles

9:30p ... stay at Meramec Caverns, a Route 66 icon:
http://www.americascave.com/



MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009

8a-10a ... breakfast

10a-5p ... travel Stanton MO - Springfield MO, ~160 miles [stop for lunch along the way]

5p-7p ... dinner, Springfield MO

7p-9:30p ... travel Springfield MO - Joplin MO, ~75 miles



TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

7:15a-8a ... travel Joplin MO - Baxter Springs KS, ~18 miles

8a-10a ... breakfast, Cafe on the Route, Baxter Springs KS:
http://www.cafeontheroute.com/

10a-6p ... travel Baxter Springs KS - Oklahoma City OK, ~210 miles ... including lunch/brief stops at Foyil OK (stretch of Portland Cement concrete paving); Afton station, Afton OK:
http://postcardsfromtheroad.net/afton.shtml

...and POPS and the Round Barn, Arcadia OK:
http://www.pops66.com/
http://www.arcadiaroundbarn.org/

6p-7p ... travel Oklahoma City OK - Guthrie OK, ~30 miles

7p-9p ... dinner and movie "Cars", drive-in movie theater

9p-10p ... travel Guthrie OK - Oklahoma City OK, ~30 miles



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

6a-8a ... breakfast

8a-noon ... travel Oklahoma City OK - Elk City OK, ~115 miles

noon-3p ... lunch/stop at the National RT 66 Museum, Elk City OK:
http://www.nationalroute66.com/

3p-5p ... travel Elk City OK - Shamrock TX, ~55 miles ... including a stop at Sandhills Curiosity Shop, Erick OK

5p-5:30p ... visit, U Drop Inn, Shamrock TX:
http://oldgas.com/info/towerconoco.html

5:30p-6:30p ... travel Shamrock TX - McClean TX, ~20 miles

6:30p-7p ... visit, Phillips 66 Service Station, McClean TX

7p-9:30p ... travel McClean TX - Amarillo TX, ~75 miles

9:30p-10:30p ... dinner, Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo TX:
http://www.bigtexan.com/



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

7a-9a ... breakfast

9a-3p ... travel Amarillo TX - Santa Rosa NM, ~175 miles ... including lunch stop [time change]

3p-5p ... visit, Route 66 Auto Museum

5p-7:30p ... travel Santa Rosa NM - Moriarty NM, ~80 miles

7:30p-9:30p ... dinner, Rip Griffin Truck Stop, Moriarty NM



FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

7a-9a ... breakfast

9a-10:30a ... travel Moriarty NM - Albuquerque NM, ~41 miles

10:30a-11:30a ... visit, Sandia Peak Tramway:
http://www.sandiapeak.com/

11:30a-1:30p ... lunch

1:30p-3:30p ... travel Albuquerque NM - Acomita NM, ~60 miles

3:30p-4p ... visit, Acomita NM, the oldest continuously-inhabited community in America

4p-7p ... travel Acomita NM - Gallup NM, ~85 miles ... including a stop at the Continental Divide

7:30p-9p ... dinner, Gallup NM



SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

7a-9a ... breakfast

9a-10:30a ... travel Gallup NM - Petrified Forest/Painted Desert Visitor Center AZ, ~70 miles [time change]

10:30a-3:30p ... lunch/visit, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/ari...onal_park.html

3:30p-4:30p ... travel Petrified Forest/Painted Desert AZ - Holbrook AZ, ~30 miles

4:30p-6:30p ... dinner, Holbrook AZ

7p ... stay at Wigwam Motel:
http://www.galerie-kokopelli.com/wigwam/



SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

7a-9a ... breakfast

9a-10:15a ... travel Holbrook AZ - Winslow AZ, ~35 miles

10:30a-1p ... visit, Cowboy "Standing On The Corner":
http://www.standinonthecorner.com/
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12603

1p-3p ... lunch, LaPosada Hotel:
http://www.laposada.org/

3p-7p ... travel Winslow AZ to Flagstaff AZ, ~60 miles ... including stop at Meteor Crater Visitor Center

7p-9p ... dinner, Flagstaff AZ



MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

7a-8:15a ... travel Flagstaff AZ - Williams AZ, ~35 miles

8:30a-10:30a ... breakfast, Pine Country Restaurant, Williams AZ

10:30a-11:30a ... travel Williams AZ - Ash Fork AZ, ~20 miles

11:30a ... at Crookton Rd exit in/near Ash Fork AZ start longest uninterrupted stretch of RT 66 that goes to Topock AZ:
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/AZ-AshforkSeligman.html

11:30a-12:30p ... travel Ash Fork AZ - Seligman AZ, ~25 miles

12:30p-3:30p ... visit and eat lunch, Snow Cap:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/101
http://www.route66giftshop.com/angel.html

3:30p - 5p ... travel Seligman AZ - Peach Springs AZ, ~40 miles

5p-7p ... dinner, Hualapai Lodge, Peach Springs AZ:
http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/lodge.html

7p-9p ... travel Peach Springs AZ - Kingman AZ, ~55 miles



TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

7a-9a ... breakfast

9a-11a ... travel Kingman AZ - Topock AZ, ~50 miles ... through the Black Mountains, a very scenic portion of RT 66:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/ari...k_kingman.html

11a-1p ... lunch, Topock AZ

1p-3p ... travel Topock AZ - Goffs CA, ~45 miles ... with gas stop in Needles CA?

3p ... At Goffs CA, start the earliest alignment of Route 66, which swings under I-40 and follows part of the National Trails Highway:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...Trails_Highway

3p-9p ... travel Goffs CA - Essex CA - Amboy CA - Ludlow CA - Barstow CA, ~150 miles ... with some stops along the way, including dinner:
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/goffs.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essex,_California
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amboy,_California
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barstow,_California



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

8a-10a ... breakfast

10a-3p ... visit (lunch, too), Barstow Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum ... HAS to be an ARRANGED VISIT:
http://www.route66museum.org/

3p-4:15p ... travel Barstow CA - Victorville CA, ~35 miles

4:30p-7:30p ... ending dinner, Victorville CA



Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...MidW Event = 04/04/09
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I hope life will treat you kind" ... Dolly Parton ... 'I Will Always Love You'

that sounds like a lot of fun, and i wish i could be there. unfortunately my work schedule wouldn't allow it. i've always wanted to do the cross-country road trip deal. someday....!!

apparently foothill blvd. in rancho cucamonga/fontana CA is part of rt. 66. there is a very cool set of route 66 signs that i see on the way from the hotel to the track. i took a picture my first time out there that came out pretty neat, complete with a handful of gorgeous california palm trees.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2969962...7612875265013/

i also photoshopped it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/2969962...7612877414877/

have a safe, fun trip, sounds like it'll be a blast!! :D

My fiance is dying to go on a Route 66 trip - at least to Arizona. I do not do so well with road trips. I think if I were to go I can go as far a St. Louis.

Sweet shot, ChevySSGirl! Thanks for sharing that. And, yep, I hope it is a blast.


And, Amy ... you know you can join us for as long or as short a time as you want ;).



**** AFTER THE DRIVE ****

If any of you thinking about joining this are wondering how you'll get your vehicle back home, I may have a solution.

A cousin of mine works for All Wheels Recovery ... and has told me that he can haul cars back from California in September. If you are interested in this, please let me know ASAP....




**** RADIO STATIONS ****

I've been thinking it might be cool to tell classic rock and classic country radio stations along the way about this ... to see if they'd want to come out when we are in their area.... I just need to find out and contact stations along the way....




**** PLACES TO BE CONTACTED ****

This is why I need you to let me know you are thinking about joining this, even if you aren't sure at this point if you will or not. In planning this, the following places (as well as hotels/motels for places to stay and restaurants for meals along the way) will need to be contacted.....

IHOP or Steak'n'Shake, Elgin IL

LH Association Headquarters, Dixon IL

Cozy Dog, Springfield IL

Becky's Barn, south of Springfield

Ariston Cafe and JoBetts, Litchfield IL

Henrys Ra66it Ranch

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St Louis MO

Meramec Caverns MO

Cafe on the Route, Baxter Springs KS

Foyil OK, Portland Cement concrete paving

Afton OK Station

POPS and the Round Barn, Arcadia OK

Drive-in theater, Guthrie OK, "Cars" movie

National Rt 66 Museum, Elk City OK

Sandhills Curiosity Shop, Erick OK

U Drop Inn, Shamrock TX

Phillips 66 Station, McClean TX

Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo TX

Route 66 Auto Museum, Santa Rosa NM

Rip Griffin Truck stop, Moriarty NM

Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque NM

Petrified Forest/Painted Desert AZ

Wigwam Motel, place to stay

LaPosada Hotel

Meteor Crater Visitor Center

Pine Country Restaurant, Williams AZ

Snow Cap, Seligman AZ

Hualapai Lodge, Peach Springs AZ

Barstow Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum, visit 10a-3p with break for lunch, HAVE to call to arrange a visit

**UPDATE**

My MAJOR 2009 road trip is ~4 MONTHS away!


REMEMBER ... I need to know if you are even thinking of joining us, so I can plan accordingly. Please post here...

...or Email me:
faithcubsmc2691
@
aol.com

...or call:
my __CELL PH#__ is in my signature below....




KUDOS...TO NEW SPONSORS!

... BECKY'S BARN (IL) will sponsor a giveaway. Details later. Check out her website:
http://www.beckysbarn.com/

... the NATIONAL MONTE CARLO OWNERS ASSOCIATION, whose MC Nationals will be in Collinsville IL (STL area), June 26-28, 2009. Participating dues-paying NMCOA members will receive a gift certificate or gift card. The NMOCA pledges up to $150!




ITINERARY/DETAILS...IN THE "IRONING OUT" STAGE!

... The CURRENT ITINERARY is the one posted (above) in early March. However, given the "fine tuning" of details, changes WILL be made. I'll post a "final" itinerary closer to September, but for those thinking/planning to join OR meet us somewhere along the way, it will not be far from what it is now.... Course, I expect the "spontaneous experiences" along the road will alter the itinerary as we drive....


... I've started contacting Route 66 businesses and Associations to discuss possibilities/details and have received wonderful responses. I look forward to further replies and information. "Highlights" and websites related to these conversations include:

http://www.ratfinkgarage.com/

http://www.henrysroute66.com/

http://www.il66authority.com/

http://www.missouri66.org/

http://www.meteorcrater.com/index.php

Lodging/meal options along the way (details later)

Visits to places already on the itinerary, including...
...Lincoln Highway HQ/Lincolnway Cafe (IL)
...Becky's Barn (IL)
...Henry's Ra66it Ranch (IL)
...Cafe on the Route (KS)
...Afton Station (OK)
...POPS (OK)
...Phillips 66 Station (TX)
...Wigwam Motel, overnight stay (AZ)

Visits to places to be put on the itinerary, including...
...the Blue Swallow Motel, Tucumcari NM
http://blueswallowmotel.com/

...and a tour of the California Route 66 Museum (Victorville), right before the ending dinner (which will push the dinner back to about 5:30p or 6p, instead of starting at the current itinerary time of 4:30p)....
http://www.califrt66museum.org/



So...will YOU join or meet up with us somewhere along the Route?




__847___Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker ...Chitown #2 = 07/25/09
__337___WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
__9897__"What if that road is a beautiful slow drive?" ... Melissa Lawson ... 'What If It All Goes Right?'

*** ITINERARY/DETAILS UPDATE ***

Changes to the CURRENT ITINERARY (posted in early March) are taking place.

In the NEXT UPDATE (a month or so from now), I will post a REVISED ITINERARY which will incorporate the links and list of places to visit I have noted in the last update and below in this update. I also hope to have a few more details ironed out/in process.



In the meantime, more notes....

1 ... Even if you are just THINKING about joining us for any part of this, PLEASE ADVISE ME...NOW! I am hoping to secure more sponsors and, perhaps, some blocks of rooms and restaurant reservations along the way.


2 ... I've continued to contact Route 66 businesses and associations to discuss possibilities/details and have received welcoming replies thus far. I look forward to more feedback and plans being made as I continue to make contacts in the next month or so....


3 ... To continue the list of visits to places, etc., that I started in the last update, "highlights" for additional contacts I've made thus far since that last update include:

http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/i...n_grove-RF.jpg

http://www.ariston-cafe.com/

http://www.americascave.com/lodging.php

http://www.pinecountryrestaurant.com/

http://www.sandiapeak.com/index.php?page=tramway

http://www.johnnyrebs.com/victorville_map.htm

...Lincolnway Cafe (IL)
...Route 66 Museum (Elk City OK)
...Sand Hills Curiosity Shop (OK)
...Hualapai Lodge/Diamond Creek Restaurant (AZ)


4 ... I still have many plans to finalize. This includes the Saturday, September 5, stop in Springfield IL; COZY DOG will NOT be open that evening. I am currently attempting to find a new location to meet, perhaps Homestyle Cafe....


Other parts of the trip and visits to be reviewed/scheduled/finalized include....

...Ted Drewes (MO)

...Guthrie/Beacon Drive-In Theater (OK)

...Route 66 Museum (Santa Rosa NM)
http://www.route66automuseum.com/

...Snow Cap (Seligman AZ)

...BREAKFAST places along the way:
Sun, Sep 6/Springfield IL;
Mon, Sep 7/Stanton MO;
Wed, Sep 9/Oklahoma City OK;
Thu, Sep 10/Amarillo TX;
Fri, Sep 11/Moriarty NM;
Sat, Sep 12/Gallup NM;
Sun, Sep 13/Holbrook AZ;
Tue, Sep 15/Kingman AZ;
Wed, Sep 16/Barstow CA

...LUNCH places along the way:
Mon, Sep 7;
Tue, Sep 8;
Wed, Sep 9/Elk City OK;
Thu, Sep 10;
Fri, Sep 11/Albuquerque NM;
Sat, Sep 12;
Tue, Sep 15/Topock AZ;
Wed, Sep 16/Barstow CA

...DINNER places along the way:
Sun, Sep 6/St Louis MO;
Mon, Sep 7/Springfield MO;
Fri, Sep 11/Gallup NM;
Sat, Sep 12/Holbrook AZ;
Sun, Sep 13/Flagstaff AZ;
Tue, Sep 15

...LODGING along the way:
Sat, Sep 5/Springfield IL;
Mon, Sep 7/Joplin MO;
Tue, Sep 8/Oklahoma City OK;
Wed, Sep 9/Amarillo TX;
Thu, Sep 10/Moriarty NM;
Fri, Sep 11/Gallup NM;
Sun, Sep 13/Flagstaff AZ;
Mon, Sep 14/Kingman AZ;
Tue, Sep 15/Barstow CA;
Wed, Sep 16/Victorville CA