Manure and bicycles. An argument could easily be made that these are the foundation for the American auto industry. We could take that a bit further and make the case that manure and bicycles as the foundation for establishment of the US highway system, including Route 66.

To prove my point I created a program for the Lake Elsinore Historical Society. After sharing the smile inducing story about the role of manure and bicycles I moved on to Route 66. I then chronicled the evolution of this storied old highway. To close I presented that highway as the quintessential American road trip.

Even though I have been doing this for decades I am always amazed that folks turn out to see me beat my gums. It is even more amazing when there is an overflow crowd and organizers scramble for additional seats. Then there is the audience response. Until the closing act I get as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

Road Trip

I have a love/hate relationship with southern California west of the Mojave Desert. Communities like Lake Elsinore are a delight. But the crush of traffic that clogs every road and transforms a short drive into a demolition derby that has but two speeds – breakneck or turtle crawl- taints the adventure.

For this 300 mile drive I pulled out of Kingman shortly after sunrise. I grabbed a couple tacos at La Casita Azul in Yucca Valley. It was 15:00 when I rolled into the motel parking lot. Delays due to road construction and a few detours near Amboy. However, they paled in comparison to those caused by a seemingly endless string of stoplights and bumper to bumper traffic from Beaumont, through Hemet and into Lake Elsinore.

There are several attributes that transform a road trip, even one with a crush of frustrating traffic, into a voyage of discovery. First is curiosity. Immunity to the curse of myopia is the second. If you are so narrow minded that you can look down a beer bottle with both eyes, a road trip want bring happiness.

Everything discovered will be compared to what you have at home. And with the narrow focus of myopia you will only see the myths, not the realities, both good and bad.

Land of Surprises

Lake Elsinore was the land of surprises. I had little time for exploration as my schedule called for a return to Kingman the following day, but the historic business district was impressive.

Even though most everything was closed when I finished the presentation, and the Q & A session, there was a palpable sense of community. Every detail, facade and window front reflected enthusiasm as well as pride. The people sitting on benches and visiting with friends were smiling and friendly.

That sense of community was on full display at the presentation. The mayor pro tem, business owners, Main Street members, historical society members and directors, and residents displayed a tangible sense of camaraderie. It was obvious that arts, community, and historic preservation were valued.

The house was packed. Chairs were rounded up for the overflow. And the audience was engaged as well as curious and knowledgeable.

My visit to Lake Elsinore was short but it was full of surprises.

Desert Meditation

The long drive home across the Mojave Desert on miles of occasionally empty highways was ideally suited for a bit of meditation. I fueled this time alone with my thoughts in short walks into the desert at sites such as the WWII airfield in Rice, California.

Why do some communities thrive while others wither? I talked with minimart attendants, restaurant workers, and a motel desk clerk. Each and every one of these people were happy to be living in Lake Elsinore. Why?

When it comes to historic preservation and economic development through tourism, communities along the Route 66 corridor have a leg up on towns and cities on any other highway. The infectious enthusiasm, the tangible sense of community in Lake Elsinore reminded me of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Pontiac, Illinois. Why isn’t this happening in every Route 66 community?

Communities such as my adopted hometown of Kingman, Arizona flirt with capitalizing on tourism as a catalyst for economic development. And deeply rooted grassroots organizations are manifestations of a strong sense of community. So, what is missing? Why what prevents Kingman from becoming a destination city?

Manure and Bicycles

The manure crisis of the late 19th century in major cities fueled development of the auto industry. By the late 1890s electric taxis and busses were filling New Yor City’s congested streets.

Bicycle mania during this period transformed personal transporation. It also provided women with unprecedented freedoms. And it sparked a movement that gave rise to the Good Roads associations.

Times change. But some concepts and attributes are timeless. And that is where my thoughts were when I rolled into Kingman.

Stay tuned. In the meantime join and share the adventure that is Jim Hinckley’s America.

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