 |
| A Fourth of July gathering of automotive enthusiasts at Ramada Kingman. |
About six or seven weeks ago I noted that a podcast and self published guidebook to Kingman were under development. In fact, I prematurely indicated that both projects were nearing completion. That was Life Lesson number 1,437; wait until a project is finished before making an announcement.
An illness in May that left me with a hoarse, squeaky voice that faded in and out for several weeks was the first delay. Patiently Gary Cron of Baby Boomer Radio who had offered editorial assistance waited.
 |
| Author Jim Hinckley sits for an interview by William Shatner at Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner in Kingman. (Judy Hinckley) |
Frustration mounted as an array of opportunities for fascinating interviews came and went. Then the project was placed on hold resultant of a pressing deadline. In turn, this was followed by a delay masked as opportunity.
Before working to develop the podcast an attempt had been made to revive an old idea and market an actual radio program entitled Jim Hinckley’s America. That endeavor hit a block wall until a couple of weeks ago when not one but two radio stations, with Internet streaming programming, decided to discuss development in earnest.
Next is the hammering out of a details and the search for sponsors. A corporate sponsor would be ideal but any business owner who wants some international exposure, and who is willing to take a gamble, please drop me a note.
So, the guidebook will be available soon. A radio program and/or podcast is looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile I continue to donate time as a developmental consultant for the Route 66 Association of Kingman, and work with the owners of the Ramada Kingman to develop area tour and promotional packages.
Last year I entered into a limited partnership with Open Road Productions for developmental assistance of customized tours of Route 66 or in the southwest. Professor Nick Gerlich is also a part of this team.
 |
| An Open Road Productions tour for Route 66 enthusiasts from China. |
Well, in June that arrangement took an interesting turn. The owners of the company are now evaluating development of an exclusive, limited participation Route 66 tour in 2016 with yours truly as the guide. This too is an old idea that has been given a new lease on life.
If ideas and projects were pennies, I could give Mr. Gates a run for his money.
While all of this is swirling about, a few writing projects are also underway. First, I have been assisting Joe Sonderman who is working on a most fascinating new book. My dearest friend and I, as well as Jeroen and Maggie Boersma, are also supplying photographs for illustrations.
Also vying for my time is the long overdue revised edition of Backroads of Arizona that has an August deadline. Pending approval is another project, one that I am quite excited about, Jim Hinckley’s Route 66.
As envisioned this would be one part travel guide and two parts travelogue. The focus would be the people and places that give Route 66 an infectious sense of vibrancy and excitement.
These diverse endeavors may appear as though I am attempting to juggle chainsaws and wildcats. In actuality it is little more than a valiant effort to find ways to share the Route 66 experience while continuing to eat on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, somewhere on Route 66 …
