Route 66 is more than a highway that connects two of America’s largest cities. For nearly a century this has been the road of dreams, the American story made manifest, and a destination. Today it is also a blending of museums, time capsules, cultures, roadside kitsch, and limitless opportunity for the ambitious entrepreneur.

All of these things have worked well for the marketing of Route 66. Perhaps that explains why in the year of the highways centennial, Route 66 is the focal point of so many news stories, podcasts, blogs, Instagram selfies, and YouTube videos.

Drawn to that spotlight are a diverse array of people that dream big. These folks are banking on the popularity of Route 66 to inspire people through their attempts to set world records, the development of innovative historic preservation initiatives, and the setting of examples through community building projects.

Joe Barr

Joe Barr is nn ultra-endurance award winning cyclist from Ireland. In June he will be attempting to set a World Record by cycling Route 66 end-to-end. The record setting ride will require averaging more than 300 miles per day. Joe’s plan is to complete the test of endurance in Chicago on June 13, his 66th birthday.

A documentary team will follow Joe’s trek across the country and chronicle the challenges encountered day and night. To flesh out the inspirational story they will be talking with some of the people who infuse Route 66 with infectious enthusiasm.

To set this record, during the ride he cannot be assisted by escorts or road closures. All along the way local cyclists will be encouraged to ride along provided they do not cause interference.

In a recent email with organizers, this information was shared with me.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeBarrRoute66FilmProject

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joebarrroute66filmproject/

“The accounts are brand new so we haven’t started posting yet, it’s forthcoming in the next couple of weeks, so be sure to follow our channel now so you can be among the first to see the videos as they launch.”

One Good Thing

“One Good Thing Can Change Everything.” At Jim Hinckley’s America we receive a surprising numer of emails requesting assistance with Route 66 travel planning, for promotion or endorsement of projects, or for historical research. We make a valiant effort to at least reply to each one.

Every once and awhile a project is called to our attention that piques our interest. More often than not, there is a Route 66 connection. The One Good Thing non-profit is an excellent example.

We sorely need inspiring, community building projects such as this today. And we need inspirational people like Ryan and Janine Mix of One Good Thing.

In their own words, “After years of travel, life experiences, and witnessing both the beauty and the need in the world, they created One Good Thing to bridge generosity with storytelling using modern media and technology to not only meet real needs, but to inspire millions by showing what’s possible when ordinary people choose to do good in extraordinary ways.”

One Good Thing on Route 66

A recent press release noted that “100 Miles of Kindness: A Route 66 Adventure” is an uplifting storytelling
project celebrating the people and communities along historic U.S. Route 66…” I was intrigued to learn that One Good Thing has been recognized as an Official Route 66 Centennial Project. And then I had a conversation with Janine Mix.

Tapping into the centennial fueled media focus on Route 66, Janine and Ryan will soon be taking to the road in a vintage Ford. During their trip along Route 66 they will be performing meaningful acts of kindness every 100 miles along the way.

Their journey will be filmed and acts of kindness benefiting residents, small businesses, travelers, and community heroes along the “Mother Road” will be highlighted. These will be shared as a three-part episodic mini-series on YouTube and social media.

I look forward to seeing this endeavor unfold. And I hope that it will inspire others to emulate Janine and Ryan. If you can’t wait and need a dose of inspiration now, or would like to lend them a hand, check out their website.

Route 66: More Than A Highway

You will find pockets of what makes Route 66 special on US 2, US 50, and US 12 and countless other two lane highways. But those highways are not the Main Street of America. And they definitely aren’t referenced by the media as America’s longest small town.

For the 2025 Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference, I shared the darkly comedic story of my 66 year association with Route 66. Added to the Jim Hinckley’s America YouTube channel that presentation has sparked some very interesting conversations.

Some of those conversations and inspiring projects such as Joe Barr’s attempt to set a world record, and One Good Thing, have me looking at Route 66 through a different lens. The popularity of Route 66 makes it an ideal stage for showcasing the best of America. But this is the Main Street of America.

So, is there a community building project or a person along Route 66 that has inspired you? Is there a project or person that you think we should know more about? Do you have an idea for a project? Drops us a note. We would like to learn more.