The subject of this jumble of words, observations and photographs: Route 66. In making, taking and traveling The Road, I’ve come to notice that the majority of riders I come across are Europeans, primarily Germans, who wish to do what they cannot do anywhere else on earth, ride what remains of US Highway 66.

If you’re lucky enough to be riding to Laughlin, Nevada, from the East Side of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a good part of the ride can be on the remaining sections of historic US Route 66 — The Mother Road — just like the Okies did during the Dust Bowl Migration when they headed to the Golden State of California in the 1930’s to work in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley. Think Henry Fonda in The Grapes of Wrath. Back then and up until The Road was bypassed by the Interstates the term “Highway robbery” was used to describe the tactics used by service stations to increase their gross; yeah, real service stations, not self-serve/convenience stores. Gas stations were legendary in their rip-off techniques like short sticking you to sell you a quart of oil, slicing a radiator hose, or telling you that a faulty radiator cap would cause your car to overheat driving across the desert. Cars didn’t have air-conditioning back then and the trip was perilous.

If you start on the East Side of Albuquerque at the home of the my favorite green chili stew (cheap and great) at the Frontier Restaurant opposite the main entrance to the University of New Mexico on Central Ave (US 66) and head West toward downtown, you’ll pass the old motels and travel out of town up 9 Mile Hill and eventually onto I- 40 West. You can get a quick gas up at the truck stop/casino owned by the Acoma Pueblo of Sky City. At Gallup get off the super-slab at the east side of town and follow US 66 through town to pick up the interstate again crossing into Arizona. The interstate passes by Winslow, Arizona, where you can say, “Well I’m standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, such a fine sight to see…” just as the Eagles did in their 1972 hit. Then on to Flagstaff,Arizona, getting off at the Butler Ave. exit and following the Route 66 signs to downtown. Park near the railroad station where there are lots of shops and food on both sides of 66.