HARLEY DAVIDSON, ROUTE 66, AND A CUBAN PERSPECTIVE

by jimhinckleysamerica | Jun 24, 2009 | Uncategorized

Well, from what I could tell on Monday it would seem Williams, Arizona, fared well. The Rumble on Route 66 motorcycle event left many merchants with a smile and the town is still intact.

Now its Oklahoma City’s turn. This upcoming weekend is the scheduled date for the national H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) event. If the number of motorcycles I have seen heading eastward is any indication this will be a major happening on Route 66.

Here is a link for more information. http://www.harley-davidson.com/ex/hog/template.asp?fnc=evcal&loc=mevent/evcal&locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US#

While we are on the subject of Harley Davidson I should add the recent issue of Cars & Parts had a feature that noted vintage motorcycles are fast becoming accepted participants at some of the most prestigious automotive events. I would say its about time.

I am not a big motorcycle enthusiast but Harley Davidson, Indian, and some of the less well know manufacturers played a very key role in the development of the evolution of the American car crazed culture. I remember how fondly my step father talked of riding his ’29 Harley to California from Iowa in 1938.

I have often noted how much enjoyment is derived from visitors to my office/museum as they travel Route 66. This iconic highway is not the only source for my visitors.

Kingman has a reputation for being a place where folks break down. As the Chrysler dealer is the parent company for our rental agency I meet a lot of great folks through unfortunate circumstances.

This morning I was privileged to meet a well read gentleman with a fascinating perspective on the state of the nation, the fascination with Route 66, and life in general. He came from Cuba to the United States during the mid sixties as a teenager.

His is not a rags to riches story as he is still working on the riches. Still, he has managed to rise from lowly bell boy that could afford to eat but once every other day to owner of his own small transport company.

I am afraid that as a whole we are quite spoiled here in this wonderful nation. Tragically this often leads to a myopic condition where we allow self motivated individuals to sell us on the idea that the problems we face are best addressed by mailing them money or casting our vote for them.

The second tragedy associated with seeing the blessings bestowed upon us as something we are owed and as something that we can have without responsibility is that we tend to see the glass as half full. In short we often have a tendency to whine allot, are unhappy, and allow minor setbacks or irritants to become our scapegoat for (fill in the blanks).

Seeing the nation through his eyes was most inspirational and encouraging.

Enough of the soap box. Its summer. Lets get out there and enjoy what we have. Lets get to know our neighbors with a little lemonade and porch time, lets take to the highway and rediscover what a great nation this is. Lets take just a moment from our day to be thankful for what we do have and not lament about what we don’t have.

ROUTE 66, FLAGSTAFF, AND NEW ADVENTURES

by jimhinckleysamerica | Jun 24, 2009 | Uncategorized

*all photos copyright Hinckley Photo Service

First, new business. Arrangements are complete and the printing and matting is underway.

Our ghost town series of limited edition, numbered, matted, and signed 11X14 inch prints will be officially launched on July 1. The first in the series will be this old miners cabin in Chloride, Arizona.

The tangible links to the past in our ghost towns is fast vanishing. In visiting some of these places I was amazed by how many buildings had collapsed in just a couple of years. These prints will forever preserve these scarce remnants as well as enhance a den or office.

It may seem a bit vain but I also feel they will be an investment. As the series progress through the ghost towns of Route 66 the earlier prints are sure to increase in value. Since these will be limited in number to 100 it might be best to order now as well as place your name on our list for notification when the next print in the series will be released. Please contact us for further details.
The prints were the reason for our latest Route 66 adventure, a cruise east to Flagstaff. After careful research and evaluation of references we decided to entrust the production of the prints to Tom Alexander Photography in Flagstaff.
I am not a big Flagstaff fan. The traffic is the primary deterrent. So, on the majority of our visits we seek out a different restaurant for a fresh dining experience, hit Bookman’s to restock the library, and cruise through.

This trip was a bit different. Mr. Alexander’s photography studios is in old Flagstaff so we got to experience Route 66 as it was during the glory days with traffic thick and heavy.

Parking in the old part of Flagstaff is always a challenge but on this trip it was even more so with a great deal of street repair underway. We were quite fortunate to find at the circa 1926 railroad station that was dead center to our two primary stops, the photography studio and Brix’s, a restaurant my wife discovered on line.
The photography shop was four blocks south and the restaurant was four blocks north. As the weather was near perfect, about 80 degrees, this made for a delightful opportunity to explore the architectural jewel box that is the Flagstaff historic district.

As I am heavily involved in relighting vintage signs in Kingman the staggering number that remain in Flagstaff really grabbed my attention. The next time your cruising Route 66 in Flagstaff I strongly suggest parking, at the visitor center/train station if possible, and walk four blocks south on San Francisco Street and then four blocks north on the same street.

The wide array of vintage architecture, fascinating shops and galleries, and numerous side walk cafes will reward your efforts. As to Brix’s, I give it a high recommendation.

The prices are are at the upper end of the mid range but the food is superb and dining on the outdoor patio is so relaxing. The restaurant is located in the four hundred block of North San Francisco Street.