[knightfan26917]

In starting to plan the September 2009 Route 66 tour (formal announcement coming soon), I realize that Route 66 isn't the only old, nostalgic route available to travel. The Lincoln Highway is another one...which, unlike Route 66, spans across the entire United States, from coast to coast. Maybe someday I'll have time to do that route. In the meantime, while I'm familiar with some sections of the old Lincoln Highway (notably through Geneva IL, towards Elburn IL, and points farther west) due to historic marker signs along IL RT 38, US Route 66 is the one old highway that really interests/intrigues me.

I've always been curious about Route 66 ... because I enjoy older cars and roads ... and I wonder what life was like "back then". The song "Route 66" has had a part in my interest in Route 66, but a special on PBS about a mother/daughter duo who took the Route 66 trip also peaked my interest. BUT...what really sparked and deepened my curiosity about Route 66 was the recent 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.

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

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

Lincoln Highway map:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/info/

Lincoln Highway info:
http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/


So ... what about you? What "old routes" (Route 66, Lincoln Highway, or OTHERS?) intrigue/interest you?



Cort | 35swm | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"You can't see what those shades of gray keep covered" ... Jamey Johnson ... 'In Color'

 

[nailhead425]

I lived in the midwest for 20 years and never put the "Lincoln Highway" together.

Next trip back, we'll pick it up outside Salt Lake and run back through Iowa. Sounds fun!

 

[vcs2600]

Prior to using numbered routes, highways in the US had names, like "Lincoln Highway", "Yellowstone Trail" and so on.

There's a list here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Auto_Trail

But I don't think the list is complete because US 395 in California has a sign identifying it as the "Grand Army of the Republic Highway". I find old maps and highway history interesting, so it's always fun to discover this stuff.

US 66/I-40 in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona is a great drive. I did it many years ago and wonder how much of the old roadside kitch is left.

 

[supermoto]

Interesting that your map shows the original route in NM and the newer route that was opened in 1937.

I drive on a section of Route 66 every day and have, in the distant past, been from St Louis to Kingman.

 

[FAB454]

Traveled part of route 66 in AZ, was interesting seeing the old power line poles running along side the current highway about 200 yards off (this was part where the old 66 was combined with the modern highway)Of course we had to stop in Winslow. It's definitely a trip that I wish I had time to take.

 

[lio45]

I once did St. Louis to Los Angeles on-and-off Rte 66 (mostly using interstates, but did a few select segments)... as I told you in the other thread already

St. Louis to Amarillo TX won't really be interesting to me as I've done that road about six times in the last ~6 years... well, the interstate one, but the scenery is pretty similar anyways.

I love driving and I'll be glad to go to the Southwest again, so I'll do my best to join you guys. I'm very likely to be able to take time off to do that trip.

I'm totally voting for Rte 66, not any other road, and looking forward to your "official" thread (containing specifics).

 

[69Chevy]

That route would be a lot easier for me vs. Route 66. Salt Lake is only 3 hours away, never knew about Lincoln Highway even though it was so close.

 

[prowlerjc]

Pre-interstate routes? US 1 on the east coast is pretty much intact. There's usually a road paralleling present interstates that USED to be the main route. I keep telling myself that one day I'll hit the ones in SC. I have driven 76 from Columbia to Holly Hill a few times.

 

[knightfan26917]

Prior to using numbered routes, highways in the US had names, like "Lincoln Highway", "Yellowstone Trail" and so on.

There's a list here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Auto_Trail

Holy crimeny! I'm glad and sad that I looked at that link . Glad ... because ... wow ... what a COOL list. Sad ... because I doubt I'll ever have time to explore all of those....dangumit! he he

I once did St. Louis to Los Angeles on-and-off Rte 66 (mostly using interstates, but did a few select segments)... as I told you in the other thread already

Yes, you did!

I love driving and I'll be glad to go to the Southwest again, so I'll do my best to join you guys. I'm very likely to be able to take time off to do that trip.

I'm totally voting for Rte 66, not any other road, and looking forward to your "official" thread (containing specifics).

Cool! I'll be posting that either later this week or sometime next week. Ironing out a couple more details before I do the OFFICIAL thread . Not ALL details will be finalized, but I want a few more done. Glad you are planning to join us for part of it, at least!!!!

 

[rhvfd10]

Prior to using numbered routes, highways in the US had names, like "Lincoln Highway", "Yellowstone Trail" and so on.

There's a list here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Auto_Trail

But I don't think the list is complete because US 395 in California has a sign identifying it as the "Grand Army of the Republic Highway". I find old maps and highway history interesting, so it's always fun to discover this stuff.

US 66/I-40 in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona is a great drive. I did it many years ago and wonder how much of the old roadside kitch is left.

Another name for US 395 is the Tri Nations Highway because it literally ran from Canada to Mexico. It still does if you take it down and pick up the I-5 at LA

 

[vcs2600]

Another name for US 395 is the Tri Nations Highway because it literally ran from Canada to Mexico. It still does if you take it down and pick up the I-5 at LA

Interesting. Also I got it wrong, the "Grand Army of the Republic" highway is actually US 6 (which intersects US 395 somewhere near death valley).

 

[knightfan26917]

*** PROGRAM NOTE ***

As I mentioned in my original post, PBS broadcast a special on Route 66. If I remember correctly, that show was broadcast a few times last year. It featured a mother and daughter traveling Route 66 in a rented Mustang convertible and highlighted several of the sites along Route 66, including the Wigwam motel (featured in the movie "Cars").


NOW ... PBS will broadcast a special about ... the Lincoln Highway:
"A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway", 8p-9p CT, Wednesday, October 29, Chicago's WTTW, Channel 11
...An exploration of the historic Lincoln Highway, the nation's first coast-to-coast highway, which runs from New York City to San Francisco and spans 14 states. Included: A Lincoln Highway Association National Conference in Evanston, WY; an Abraham Lincoln statue in WY; an independent gas station in NE; a Mexican restaurant in NJ. Motorcyclists on a cross-country journey.



*** TRAVELING ***

I have not driven much of RT 66, though 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


BUT ... I may've actually driven more of the Lincoln Highway...

...mostly in IL, along IL RT 38 through Geneva IL

...somewhat during my aforementioned October 2004 road trip when I traveled from Denver CO to Salt Lake City UT via I-80 in Wyoming.

...and quite a bit traveling back and forth to PA, especially when I take RT 30 through Indiana and Ohio ... and then travel RT 30 in PA and into NJ...

 

[cemaxc]

I'd love to see the history about Texas SH 114, the main artery between Lubbock, TX and the Metroplex. I would specifically like to see the reasons why the road was constructed and why it hasn't been expanded to 4 lanes divided by now (most of the 300 miles is 2 lane with no divider). Its one of the most dangerous roads in the country, combining semi-truck traffic and college student traffic is deadly.

 

[knightfan26917]

That'd be interesting to find out, cemaxc. I know around here we have a number of 2-lane roads that should've been expanded YEARS ago due to new construction.

Course, when I was in GA and FL in November 2007, I traveled along some 4-lane roads ... where I was the only car on the road. It was as if I'd entered a twilight zone.... I didn't see any buildings that would seem to necessitate a 4-lane road. BUT ... I suspect they're just planning ahead....

 

[knightfan26917]

Anyone else see the special on the Lincoln Highway this week?

Just like the special PBS had last year about Route 66, the Lincoln Highway special increased my interest and enthusiasm for traveling the length of it one day. As I mentioned, I've traveled more of the Lincoln Highway than Route 66, by virtue of traveling in this area, specially IL RT 38 from Geneva IL west to Elburn IL and a bit beyond there ... as well as through Indiana, Ohio and PA along Route 30, which follows the Lincoln Highway more or less....

*sighs*

If only I had more vacation time.....