Preservation note Tom’s original wording and sequence are retained. Higher-quality family copies are used only where their relationship has been verified.

One of the many guide books, this one is for cars.

One of the many guide books, this one is for bicycles.

I have broken this tour down state by state. Once we reached Chicago and the end of Route 66, we than rode across Wisconsin to Minneapolis, where David lives.

We will ride west to east. My heart wanted to ride the other direction, since that was the main reason for this road. To bring people to the west coast. But after fighting headwinds going from east to west this pasted summer, when we rode acrossed British Columbia, Canada we decided to go from the west. This means that we will do the ride in the Spring. Probably starting sometime in late March.

My riding partner (David) is thinking about riding his Mountain Bike. I am still not sure if I will take my Mt. Bike or my Cannondale T-1000 touring bike and put on 700X38 tires. I have decided to take my Cannondale T-100 with 700X32 tires. Also David will be taking his road bike. We had no problems riding our touring bikes with 700X32 tires.

I left Disneyland, by bike, on 3-27, where we have been since 3-24 and headed for Santa Monica, to meet up with David. With us, my wife and I, at Disneyland was, Samantha, Charlie, Matthew, and Jason (grandkids) and Patty (daughter). On Saturday 3-29 David and TOB will leave Santa Monica and head east for Chicago on Route 66.

David flew into San Diego from Minneapolis and rode his way up to Santa Monica taking about 10 days. This helped him get in shape. I also was not in my normal touring shape having ridden only 993 miles so far this year. I would normally have some where in the 3,000 mile range before I would go on tour. Also my longest training ride was only 53 miles.

General Comments

Unlike other tours were the beauty of the terrain or the adventure of reaching the East coast was the object, Route 66 was different. It was not just the goal of reaching a destination, but rather to enjoy the journey itself. Throughout the eight states there were many "Route 66" signs guiding us along the route, as well they seemed to be cheering me on.

We had almost all possible weather conditions, sun, rain, snow, wind, warm, cold, humidity and we even dodge tornados. Actual we stayed put when there was “severe weather” warning. I learned two new weather terms, "the dry line" and "straight line winds."

We carried camping equipment with us but did not use it ones. This was due to cold and rainy weather. Also there were not a lot of nice places to camp. Most camping places were setup for Rv’s and not very nice for tent camping. When it came to deciding where to stay for the night, I always voted for a motel/hostel over camping. I have done a lot of camping and still do on Cycle Oregon, but there is nothing better than a good bed, a hot shower and a bathroom in your room. Also packing up in the morning is much better inside a dry room.

I did find a cion each day with a total amount of $23.31.

Pennies found = 286
Nickels found = 42
Dimes found = 66
Quarters found = 39
Dollars (paper) found = 2

How great was it to ride Route 66 when one is 66 years old. Sure it was hard work but also very fulfilling and a lot of fun. Have I said “Life is good”.

Route. 66 - actual destination and actual miles.
Below are the towns where we spent the night and miles ridden for the day (all miles for the day are included, even sightseeing).

3-29-2003 San Bernardino, California, 81.50 miles
3-30 Victorville, 52.42
3-31 Ludlow, 94.30
4-1 Amboy, 61
4-2 Needles, 90.54
4-3 Kingman, Arizona, 62.21
4-4 Peach Springs, 67.02
4-5 Williams, 74.43
4-6 Flagstaff, 44.00
4-7 Winslow, 81.10
4-8 Holbrook, 47.02
4-9 Chambers, 71.41
4-10 Gallup, New Mexico, 60.10
4-11 Grants, 75.08
4-12 Grants, 0
4-13 Albuquerque, 84.01
4-14 Santa Fe, 63.21
4-15 Santa Fe, 0
4-16 Las Vegas, 72.31
4-17 Santa Rosa, 71.01
4-18 Tucumcari, 78.01
4-19 Adrian, Texas, 71.68
4-20 Amarillo, 75.01
4-21 McLean, 74.52
4-22 Erick, Oklahoma, 52.74
4-23 Erick, 10.0
4-24 Weatherford, 90.10
4-25 Oklahoma City, 87.41
4-26 Sapulpa, 100.20
4-27 Vinita, 82.10
4-28 Joplin, Missouri. 71.10
4-29 Springfield, 80.70
4-30 Lebanon, 61.07
5-1 Rolla, 58.11
5-2 Gray Summit, 82.39
5-3 Black Jack (N of Saint Louis), 59.50
5-4 Staunton, Illinois, 44.38
5-5 Springfield, CG, 88.10
5-6 Normal, 71.43
5-7 Braidwood, 74.49
5-8 Lemont, 40.10
5-9 Chicago, 46.38

We are heading for my riding partners house in Minneapolis.

5-10 Palatine (N of Chicago) 30.95
5-11 Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 47.56
5-12 Edgerton, 48.19
5-13 Madison, 61.69
5-14 Sauk City, 39.06
5-15 Elroy, 72.30
5-16 New Amsterdam, 70.20
5-17 Red Wing, Minnesota, 102.10
5-18 Minneapolis, 68.02

Route 66 - 2003

General Comments

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