‘Well, I’m a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona and such a fine sight to see It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowing’ down to take a look at me…’
—The Eagles

Winslow, Arizona, a high desert town recognized mostly for the Eagles song, “Take It Easy,” recently hosted the second annual PT’s Rockn’ [Route] 66 Rally. This small, northern Arizona community off I-40, about three hours northeast of Phoenix, was once a booming railroad town. It is now a piece of Americana, a surviving remnant of historic Route 66 that still values community and welcomes guests.

Train ghost towns are more rare than mining boomtowns gone bust, but they’re out there, crumpling buildings and dust where there was once a thriving community. When the U.S. rail industry nearly collapsed, Winslow almost went with it. But the popularity of Route 66 buoyed the town, at least until the interstate system made the Mother Road obsolete by the early 1960s.

Population dwindled since Interstate 40 bypassed the town, leaving Route 66 to a short stretch of Main Street and relegated to novelty status. Some years, a hit song, and a couple of new highway exits later, Winslow is mounting a comeback. “There’s been a lot of renewed interest in Winslow,” said Bob Hall, executive director of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce “the town is going through a renaissance, and attracting new business.”

‘Well, I’m running down the road trying’ to loosen my load I’ve got seven Women on my mind…take it easy, take it easy.’

Winslow also attracts bikers, evidenced by the 200 or so who rolled out some striking iron for the Rockn’ 66 Rally. According to personable organizer Tom McCauley, owner of the spacious event epicenter, PT’s Nightclub, the rally was a big success, especially since it had no corporate sponsors. The rally will reconvene next August, dates to be determined.

The well-organized event featured hard rocking music, Texas and Mexican barbecues, multi-category bike show, bike games, vendors, tattoo contest, bikini and pole dancing competitions, tricycle races, poker tournament, an outstanding “Standing on the Corner” bike parade to downtown Winslow, which didn’t just breeze through but stopped for about 30 minutes for a “shop, poker stop and photo op.”

The Rockn’ Rally saw not only a large number of beautifully customized motorcycles, but hot rods, classic cars and dragsters, as well. That friendly, small town feel, a full calendar of activities, a nicely scenic and diverse poker run, and a crazy number of impressive machines make this well-run event a good candidate to put on your must-ride list.

‘Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy come on baby, don’t say maybe I gotta know if your sweet love is gonna save me, oh oh oh…we ought take it easy.’

Winslow, at an elevation of 4,800 ft., is up to 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. It’s a hub to a broad range of scenic attractions, national parks, historic areas and natural wonders, such as the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Canyon de Chelly, the Grand Canyon, and the Navajo and Hopi reservations, among others. Some are well off the tourist trail and easily accessible by bike.

The town has that American Main Street vibe, including some buildings dating back to the 19th Century. It’s still a railroad town, but is focused on developing tourism. We sampled some of the area’s properties and restaurants.

Falcon Restaurant served up heaps of hearty biker feed in their Breakfast Sampler, including eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, potatoes, and pancakes ($7.95) a very good value. The locals praise the Mexican and American fare, and we found the servers exuding that small town charm, as one would expect (1113 E. Third St.; 928/289-2628).

With a tavern feel, Bojo’s is a hit with the Winslow villagers and tourists. Burgers, steaks, sandwiches, Mexican food, appetizers, and light offerings are available for those who think our leathers mysteriously shrink now and then. The Chipper Burger ($8.95) is a carnivore’s treat (113 W. 2nd St.; 928/289.0616

Steeped in family tradition and the community, the amiable Ribera clan serves up hot and delicious Mexican cuisine at their Casa Blanca Café. Attention to detail is lavished on all the components and modes of preparation. Try the chimichanga with both red and green sauces, it may be the best you ever had. The offerings are amply portioned and reasonably priced (1201 E. Second St.; 928/289.4191).

Garnering accolades from travel magazines and online sites, the La Posada Hotel and Gardens certainly lives up to its reputation. Every nook of this historical treasure offers charming details of architecture, artwork, and décor. It gives a generous nod to the railway industry, and the back lawn is an ideal spot for train watching. Designated motorcycle parking is right out front (303 E. 2nd St.; 928/289.4366; www.laposada.org).

For a comfortable and convenient stay a couple of minutes from PT’s rally grounds, the Best Western Plus Winslow Inn is a biker oasis. Beautifully appointed rooms, complementary hot breakfasts, heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center and a sundries store make this property a welcome sight to the road weary traveler (816 Transcon Ln.; 877/227.1519, 928/289.2960; www.bestwesternwinslowinn.com).

For more information, contact PT’s Rock’n 66 Rally organizers at 928-289-0707; visit www.ptsbarwinslow.com; on Facebook, “PT’s Bar.” For Winslow visitor information, www.winslowarizona.org; 928-289-2434.