Judging by the content on this website and the near endless stream of Harley Davidson’s on Route 66 during the months of summer it would seem someone found a way to profit from linking these two internationally recognized icons. The American ability to market everything from pet rocks to bypassed highways never ceases to amaze me.
http://www.hctravel.com/html/route_66_deluxe.html
In part the popularity of the Harley Davidson is tied to its association with rebellion, with cutting loose from the constraints and pressures of everyday life. The flip side is that as a result the invasive noise that has come to symbolize the iconic motorcycle brand has forced more than a few folks to become myopic on the topic and lump all who ride in the same pot.
This puts Harley Davidson in an unusual position, a balancing act between fostering responsible ownership and nurturing their image as a manufacturer of transportation that allows for unbridled freedom. It seems that the company is quite adept at juggling.
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/newsandupdates/harley_davidson_motorcycle_noise/index.html
From the “And Now For Something Different” file we have this item. This morning the Silver Spoon restaurant, the original Denny’s in Kingman, on Roue 66 had an unwelcome and unusual visitor – a black bear. This story does not end well for the bear as the Kingman police were forced to put it down.
Now, here is an update on the Ghost Towns of Route 66. This is also a request for assistance and ideas.
In a previous post I supplied a partial listing of the towns being considered for inclusion and the reasons they were being considered. With final approval now granted and assistance from Ron Warnick, Route 66 News, the focus is being sharpened but I could still use some input to ensure the book has the balance envisioned.
What I hope to accomplish is to write a new chapter in the history of this legendary highway. I am also hoping to give the veteran roadie, the novice, and the armchair traveler added incentive for exploration. Adding to the fun is the fact this will need to be accomplished within strict editorial guidelines.
So, I will have to carefully select what towns will be included. Places like Oatman in Arizona, Glenrio in Texas, and Cuervo in New Mexico, have to be featured. Cotton Hill and DeCamp Junction in Illinois have fascinating histories but is this enough to warrant inclusion, especially in light of the fact this will be a heavily illustrated book.
If you have ideas or suggestions I would appreciate hearing them. I would also be interested in leads pertaining to photos and post cards, preferably ones never before published.
In the meantime research will continue and plans will be laid for another trip along the old double six. At this point it looks as though that will be a late summer or early fall adventure. Here too I am open for suggestions.
The primary photographer, Kerrick James, has also been leaning toward an early fall trip. Mr. James is best known for his work with Arizona Highways and several joint projects with me, most notably Backroads of Arizona, Route 66 Backroads, and our forthcoming Ghost Towns of the Southwest.
I look forward to your creative input. Thank you in advance for helping preserve the history of legendary Route 66.

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